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~ POWER YOGA ~ A Dynamic Workout for Body, Mind, and Spirit! [ What is it? A vigorous yoga workout in a HEATED room, to build strength and flexibility. The Power Yoga posture sequence is a shortened Ashtanga Vinyasa, including elements from Bikram’s, Iyengar, and Kripalu Yoga.
What is the difference between "Power Yoga" and other styles? Power Yoga is mostly based on the Ashtanga Yoga Primary Series. The Primary Series seems inaccessible to many beginners, because of the number of poses that are in lotus or half lotus position (it takes time to develop the necessary flexibility in the hips so you don't sacrifice your knees for lotus pose, and many students feel frustrated modifying the poses). We hold some poses longer than the proscribed 5 breaths for Ashtanga. Lastly, the Primary Series can also take 2 to 2 1/2 hours to complete for beginners. Many students do not have the desire to devote that large a block of time to their yoga classes. Power Yoga is series of postures linked on the backbone of the sun salutation, riding the breath to flow from one movement to the next. The postures are based on the Ashtanga Primary Series (modified and shortened). Power Yoga is its own form, but may draw from the heritage of Bikram's Yoga (basic yoga poses that can provide a vigorous work-out and challenge but are accessible to most students - see bottom of this page for more info) and Iyengar (with an eye on good alignment and form and longer holdings of poses in order to maximize health benefits). A spiritual component is essential, teaching students to "train the brain" - focus, clarity, concentration and equanimity are stressed.
Why call it Power Yoga? First, most Power Yoga instructors have these certain similarities in Power Yoga Classes, so it seems to be shaping into its own unique style. Second, emphasis and focus are placed on connecting with your inner core of Power, recognizing the Power within, on several levels. There is Physical Power - developing strength and health for the body, releasing physical tension and energy blocks. There is a Power beyond the physical that holds us in challenging postures and sustains us in long holdings. There is Mental Power - the WILL to draw our mind away from scattered thoughts and focus, concentrate on our practice. Then there is Spiritual Power - which, I believe, is the true essence - the true Power behind the Physical and Mental Power - it is all one. I try to work on all the 5 bodies (koshas - based on vedic cosmology) in my classes.
What to Bring? Water bottle, a Towel & an open mind!
What is it like? Physical fitness is recommended. THIS IS NOT A GENTLE YOGA CLASS - it is a physical and mental challenge, to help you connect to your inner Power! The Class moves at a brisk pace. Beginners should be familiar with the Sun Salutation, know how to listen to their bodies and take breaks as needed and STAY OUT OF THE EGO. Familiarity with basic yoga postures is helpful, but all students are encouraged to work at their own pace.
You don’t need to be Gumby to do this style of yoga. You will develop strength and flexibility in increments, and see dramatic results as you continue to practice Power Yoga regularly.
Power Yoga offers tremendous health benefits. This sequence lengthens and stretches the muscles at the same time it builds strength, stamina and lean muscle mass. It can reshape your body and mind!
Power Yoga increases internal body heat (killing off bacteria), and creates a heightened state of awareness of the workings of your body. Focus is on the coordination of the breath with movement, connecting your body, mind, and spirit and their deepest levels!
Great benefits for athletes (skiing, surfing, running, martial arts, cycling/spinning, and team sports).
Who does it? The fitness regimen used by Pro Athletes : the Philadelphia Eagles, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Randal Cunningham (#1Rated NFL Quarterback) and many celebrities: Sting, Madonna, Woody Harrelson, Willem DaFoe. (they practice Ashtanga, but this is a shortened form of Ashtanga).
Why do they do it? Because it WORKS!
Questions? Please feel free to contact us! Contact Us: NOSPAMelena@focalpointyoga.com (remove the words NO SPAM from the email address please!)
I honor the Bikram's Style of Yoga, which is, in my opinion, one of THE BEST of the physically challenging styles of yoga. Bikram's Yoga has some of the greatest strength and health building abilities of yoga, reportedly allowing some Diabetics to go off insulin, healing back injuries, and performing miraculous works for many people. Bikram's classes are heated from 95 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit, one goes through 26 "infamous" postures TWICE in 90 minutes, and the verbal instruction is phrased in a strong manner - the instructor is like an athletic coach encouraging you to do your best - but the health benefits are remarkable. If you like Power Yoga, try a Bikram's Class. It is remarkable! For Bikram Classes in this area, call Diane Ducharme at Yoga for You at 1864 Centre Street West Roxbury - (617) 325-3244.
I also Honor the Ashtanga Yoga Vinyasa, which I generally follow for my own personal practice. It is a magnificent sequence of Asanas, flowing with the smiling ujjayii breath. If you are familiar with the sequence, you can complete it in 75 to 90 minutes. If you are interested in Ashtanga, feel free to email me with questions.
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