Power Yoga is the Western form of the Indian Ashtanga Yoga. Unlike traditional yoga poses, which use a slow-paced approach, power yoga poses are a series of dynamic moves designed to accelerate your heart rate. Power yoga synchronizes fast-paced movements with controlled breathing (Vinyasa). This combination generates an intense total body workout, uniting the mind and the body.
Power yoga is a complete fitness regimen that can help Individuals stay fit physically and mentally, and become spiritually aware as well.
According to research conducted at the Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana, elderly people who practiced yoga on a regular basis took less time to fall asleep and slept soundly for a longer period of time.
Four Essential Power Yoga Poses
Power yoga has three levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Here are some power yoga poses that you can easily master.
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Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation)
This is a series of moves that are executed while facing the sun. It consists of sixteen sequential poses that stretch your entire body and activate all the muscle groups. All power yoga workouts start with the Surya Namaskar.
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The Tree Pose (Vrikshasana)
This is an excellent pose for aligning your hips, spine, and head. The pose involves balancing your weight on one leg, while the other knee is bent and its sole is placed flat on the inner thigh of the leg on which you’re standing. The toes of the bent foot must point downward and your hands must be clasped right above your head. By practicing this pose, you can improve your balance, posture, and concentration.
Vrikshasana is one of the core power yoga poses. It helps in improving your posture and concentration. -
The Half Moon Pose (Ardha Chandrasana)
This is also called the half moon pose. It involves balancing yourself on one hand and leg, while the other hand is up in the air and the other leg is perpendicular to the supporting leg. This pose benefits several areas of the body including the ankles, thighs, abdomen, knees, and calves.
The half moon pose is one of the power yoga asanas that bring relief from anxiety and fatigue. By practicing this pose on a regular basis, individuals experience relief from common ailments such as anxiety, menstrual pain, and fatigue.
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The Camel Pose (Ushtrasana)
Ushtrasana is a challenging position that involves a deep bending of the back while kneeling down. It targets your core muscles, including your your hip flexors and pectoral muscles.
The camel pose or Ushtrasana is one of the 26 postures of a power yoga workout. It targets core muscles like hip flexors.
A study examining the benefits of yoga on stress, conducted at the Vivekananda Kendra Yoga Research Foundation, found that individuals who participated in a two-day stress management program that included yoga sessions showed decreased breath and heart rates.
By practicing these four power yoga poses regularly, you can reap the benefits of a flexible and strong body combined with a relaxed and happy mind.