Power Yoga Exercises

Power Yoga was brought to the West by devotees of a Yogi named Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. He was also a renowned Sanskrit scholar who inspired Western Yogis with his Ashtanga Yoga style and philosophies. Little wonder why Power Yoga is regarded as the Western interpretation of the Indian Ashtanga Yoga. However, the term "Power Yoga," is the brainchild of Ashtanga Yoga teacher Beryl Bendere Birch. He is the author of the much acclaimed book "Power Yoga: the Practice."

Power Yoga calls for doing basic Yoga Poses – just like in Bikram Yoga. They assure the practitioner a brisk, vigorous workout and provide basic challenges which even beginners to Yoga can handle. Power Yoga also stresses upon the right form in doing Yoga asanas plus polishing them by retaining the asanas fir longer. In the bargain, you improve upon your endurance and flexibility.

Power Yoga is done through a sequence of Yoga Poses. At the same time you synchronize your breathing patterns to every move, or Vinyasa. This results in movements that have perfect unity and grace. From the viewpoint of one who does not practice Yoga, the proceedings could seem soft and free-flowing, similar to a trancelike dance. However in the eyes of a Power Yogi, the route is like a dynamic and energetic exercise. It consists of pushing and contorting each and every limb to the ultimate limit. At the same time you are maintaining a strong sense of inner peace and trying to pull off every move flawlessly and gracefully.

The poses done in Power Yoga are associated with the backbone of Surya Namaskar, Sun Salutation. So, anyone who would like to do the poses of the former Yoga exercise must at least have some knowledge of the latter. The rest comes with practice and lots of patience.