Power Yoga Power Yoga is any of several forms of energetic vinyasa-style yoga as exercise developed in America in the 1990s. These include forms derived from Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, namely those of Beryl Bender Birch, Bryan Kest, and Larry Schultz, and forms derived from Bikram Yoga, such as that of Baron Baptiste.
Power yoga is a dynamic, fitness-focused style of yoga that combines strength, flexibility, and cardio in a fast-paced flow. It emphasizes continuous movement linked with breath, building endurance and muscle tone. Unlike traditional yoga, it has no set sequence, making each class unique and adaptable. It’s great for weight loss, stress relief, and boosting overall fitness.
Poses
Plank Pose tones all of the core muscles of the body, including the abdomen, chest, and low back. It strengthens the arms, wrists, and shoulders, and is often used to prepare the body for more challenging arm balances. Plank also strengthens the muscles surrounding the spine, which improves posture.
In the pose, the body is balanced on the sitting bones, not leaning right back on to the tailbone. The spine is lengthened to broaden and lift the chest. Preparatory poses for Navasana include the standing poses Utkatasana and Uttanasana, and the seated pose Dandasana.
In this asana, the practitioner lies flat on the stomach and bends the knees. Then the arms reach back to grab the ankles. The back arches and the thighs lift off of the floor as the chest pushes forward, bending the body to resemble a bow. Dhanurasana is commonly referred to as bow pose in English.
Utkatasana, also known as chair pose, is a yoga pose that involves bending the knees and lowering the body as if sitting in an imaginary chair. Derived from the Sanskrit words “utkata” meaning “intense” or “fierce,” and “asana” meaning “pose,” Utkatasana is a dynamic pose that engages the entire body
Halasana is also known as the inverted circulation pose. In this pose, you lie on your back, placing your feet on the floor behind your head. It enhances flexibility, betters posture, and boosts digestion. This simple yet powerful pose also stimulates the thyroid gland and relieves stress.
Ardha Chandrasana is a great pose to improve your balance and focus as well as core stability. This will benefit you in a variety of other sports and in your daily activities, especially as you get older. It also strengthens the entire body, especially the thighs, ankles, and feet.