\
Ashtanga & Power Vinyasa Yoga: Your Total Body Workout
In our busy society, many people do not have time to do separate workouts for strength, toning, endurance, flexibility, and cardio, though it is often recommended by health experts. Finding time to relax between all this is even more difficult. Ashtanga and Power Vinyasa yoga satisfies all of these needs in one class.
Ashtanga yoga is one of the older forms of yoga made popular in the last sixty years or so by teacher Sri K Patabhi Jois in Mysore, India. Power Vinyasa yoga was derived from Ashtanga yoga by practitioners in the West who wanted something a little more personalized. Therefore, the benefits of both are the same; it is the execution that is slightly different.
The rather fast pace of these yoga methods provide cardiovascular and endurance benefits. Like circuit training in a gym, the poses are all linked and flow effortlessly into each other with no breaks in between resulting in a raised heart rate. Many yoga students sweat profusely and experience rapid breathing akin to a brisk power walk outside.
The poses include repetitions of squatting, lounging, core work, and weight bearing elements that result in muscle growth, strength improvements and toning. Some of the best six packs I have ever seen have been a result of extensive yoga training.
Yoga is famous for providing flexibility and de-stressing benefits. The poses encourage you to stretch your entire body, which keeps your muscles supple and prevents the loss of range of motion that comes from old age, sitting hunched over in chairs, and a sedentary lifestyle. The combination of powerful breathing techniques, meditation, visualization, and ancient yogic teachings helps to lower stress in the body and initiate a relaxation response.
While there are subtle differences between Ashtanga and Power Yoga, there is one major factor that greatly affects which one a prospective student chooses: the sequencing of the poses. Ashtanga yoga consists of several different sequences. Each sequence has a set order and the poses do not change. Ashtanga is choreographed, all the way down to the breath patterns you take with each pose and transition. You must master one sequence before moving to another. There are many different benefits to sequencing this way. The static nature of the sequence is scientific, as it creates health benefits and relaxation responses in the body that have been documented by practitioners for almost a century. Another benefit is that you know what is coming next. This allows you to really focus and turn attention inward instead of having to stay focused on emulating the teacher.
Power Vinyasa yoga is sequenced by the individual teacher. The benefit of this is that it allows the teacher more flexibility to personalize the class according to the students present. It also allows for great creativity that keeps the students guessing. With Power Yoga, students usually get more freedom in breath patterns and body movements.
No matter which discipline you choose, the benefits will quickly present themselves and you will be a healthier person for having undertaken the exercise. You will feel stronger, healthier, and perhaps best of all: more relaxed. To find an Ashtanga or Power Vinyasa class near you, consult a reputable Yoga Directory online or your local phone directory.
Have A Great Story About Yoga?
Do you have a great story about yoga? Do you agree/disagree with the author? Just feel like ranting? We want to hear from you!
DISCLAIMER: The information provided on EnvyMyHealth.com and its affiliates is not intended nor recommended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care professional regarding any medical condition or treatment. Nothing contained on this site is intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment.
©EnvyMyHealth, Inc. 2008-2009. All Rights Reserved.