Power yoga is the western counterpart of Ashtanga yoga. A general term used to describe a robust and fitness-centric perspective to yoga. Power yoga is often considered to be a part of “gym yoga”. It is a swift routine and somewhat bears a resemblance to practicing aerobics. 

Power yoga is based on Vinyasa yoga which is the transition from one pose to another. This requires utilizing your breath. Power yoga comprises the intense energy of Ashtanga. This involves performing poses in sequence. As this emphasizes resilience and strength, power yoga is a means of working out and doesn’t focus on mindfulness so much. It is a more physical, dynamic, and vigorous kind of practice. Power yoga is the culmination of traditional yoga like Bikram and Ashtanga style. The style incorporates breathing into the flow and motion of every pose.

There are innumerable benefits of practicing power yoga routinely. These include enhanced muscle strength, stability, and better posture. Power yoga focuses on the flow of postures rather than on a single pose. 

Testimonials from power yoga enthusiasts show increased flexibility, focus, and stamina. It can release tension by releasing toxins while sweating. Power yoga burns more calories than its corresponding traditional forms.

 

Benefits of Power Yoga 

Immunity Booster

Power yoga enables better functioning of your immunity system. Performing this regularly will help you achieve better immunity. Power yoga also stimulates the lymphatic system. This leads to removing all toxins from your system. It is further responsible for reducing your stress hormones. Combining all these results in a healthier immune system. 

Better Sleep 

Due to its intense nature, power yoga helps you to sleep better. Your entire body goes through strain during a workout session. At the end of a session, every part of your body will be activated. Sound sleep is the result of a stimulating session of power yoga. 

Strengthens Muscles

Some of the power yoga poses demands carrying your entire body weight. This results in building strong muscles. Also, you don’t need to use any external weights for this. 

Regulates Hormones 

Toxins and stress affect the hormones in our body. Regular practice of power yoga can resolve these issues. The pituitary gland, adrenal gland, and thyroid can function a lot better with power yoga. The result is a balanced regulation of hormones. 

Enhances Lung Capacity

Breathing exercises in yoga are great for those with lung problems and asthma. Most people have a habit of taking short and shallow breaths. Power yoga aims to change this habit. This helps in regulating oxygen throughout the body. 

Improves Posture 

Power yoga establishes body alignment right from the head to the toe. Good alignment during practice comes with significant experience and a good teacher. On attaining the same, you can regularize your activities. 

Develops Focus 

Taking the physical context into account, power yoga practice improves focus. Transitioning positions and poses of your body need focus. Apply this focus to meet your desired goals and objectives.

Better Flexibility 

Power yoga teaches you how to change postures and bend in definite ways. This tunes your joints. Also, it ensures smooth movements necessary to stay healthy and strong. 

Reduces High Blood Pressure

Stress and a rise in blood pressure are the results of a bad diet. Practicing power yoga regularly helps in treating such symptoms. Not only will it help you to relieve stress, but it will also calm your mind. These significantly help you to lower down the blood pressure. 

Refines Blood Circulation 

The rigorous movement of the body during power yoga enables proper blood circulation. These benefits are visible on your skin. Improved circulation of blood reaches the skin and other organs effectively. 

 

Cons of Power Yoga

There are a few limitations of power yoga as well. Some of the cons are:

Adjusting Time

Committing to power yoga classes become difficult for many. This is mainly because some of the sessions are as long as ninety minutes and you often need a shower after class. Taking time out of your hectic schedule may become a problem. 

Adapting with the Environment

Your yoga instructor can make a lot of difference. There are places where instructors are indecent – they will bark at you. They might impose poses on you without proper guidance or the pace is too fast. However, do not let a bad experience pull down your motivation to a promising journey. 

 

Power yoga undoubtedly offers several benefits. It helps you to improve your health and lifestyle. But, if performed incorrectly, power yoga deals more damage than benefits. You can inflict serious injuries upon yourself. Avoid power yoga if you are suffering from the following problems: 

• Shoulder dislocation

• Heart ailments 

• Pregnancy in Women

• Eye problems

• Hamstrings strain 

Remember, performing power yoga requires you to be moderately fit. When you are not in good shape, performing intensive poses invites more harm than welfare. 

Power yoga can increase your overall fitness level. On the other side, it can have major drawbacks and causes heavy damage when you enforce it upon yourself. Now that you are aware of both the benefits and drawbacks of power yoga, make sure to utilize it positively. Follow these simple tips to reap the maximum results of your hard work. 

 

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