Power Yoga – The new form of Yoga!

The world is gearing up to celebrate International Yoga Day on 21st June to spread the importance and awareness of yoga. Who doesn’t want a balanced mind and body in this chaotic life? Well, of course, everyone out there is struggling to maintain that balance in their lives.

21st June was specifically designated for celebrating International Yoga Day because this day is the longest day of the summer season, it is also the day when the sun moves from north to south. Yoga gurus believe that this transition period is a good time to practise yoga as this change is said to bring a significant impact on people.

Yoga originated around 5000 years ago in India. It is a spiritual, emotional and physical exercise that has helped human beings in maintaining better health and overall wellbeing. When it comes to yoga, there are wide varieties available out there. Among all of them, Power Yoga is the hottest one that most people are looking forward to.

Power Yoga is based on ‘Ashtanga Yoga. Power Yoga is brisk and resembles an aerobic workout, it is an intense variation of traditional yoga and is often called ‘gym yoga’. Power yoga is somehow a revamped version of ancient yoga that caters to the needs of the fast-paced new generation. It includes some cardiovascular exercises that promote weight loss by profound sweating and helps to strengthen the muscles and tones the body. It is pumping and stimulating but also relaxing at the same time. Power yoga is a combination of modern and conventional i.e. it has the effects of modern workout and benefits of yoga simultaneously.

Some of the best power yoga poses are listed below for you to try this International Yoga Day, but before that check out some exciting benefits of power yoga:

• Regular practice of power yoga boosts immunity because it stimulates the lymphatic system which is responsible for removing toxins from the body.
• It helps in regulating stress hormones which are affected by the stress and toxins present in the body.
• The intense power yoga workout makes the body stretch, stimulate and feel tired that improves the quality of sleep.
• Power yoga doesn’t involve weights but still, it helps to build muscles, as some poses require carrying the entire weight of the body.
• Power yoga helps in improving focus as it requires focus while changing postures and positions of the body and the same focus can then be applied in life as well.
• Power yoga helps in improving posture as yoga teaches proper alignment from head to toe, and gradually the alignment practice becomes a part of daily life.
• Lung problems like Asthma can be treated with breathing exercises that are practised during yoga. Yoga focuses on deep and long breathing techniques that improve the circulation of oxygen in all parts of the body.
• Power yoga helps in improving flexibility as it teaches ways to change positions and flowing from one position to the other.
• It helps in improving digestion, as when the body is twisted in multiple ways it gives a gentle massage to the internal organs and the intestines work better with regular yoga practice.
• Regular exercises like power yoga become essential when bone density tends to reduce after the age of thirty. Power yoga helps to strengthen bones and slows down their weakening.

Power yoga is quick and moves on to the next pose without any rest or gap. The effort comes out to be vigorous and forceful.

Try the following beginner level poses to get started and to know more about the power yoga style!

Salabhasana (Locust Pose)

Salabhasana is a backbend that looks like a grasshopper. It is best to practice this pose early in the morning on an empty stomach or in the evening after a gap of 4 to 6 hours after the last meal. Try to hold the pose for a minimum of 30 to 60 seconds.

Salabhasana strengthens the muscles of the upper and lower back. This pose relieves anxiety and calms the brain. It strengthens the arms and increases the endurance of the body.

Ardha Chandrasana (Half Moon Pose)

This pose is named after a half-moon and looks like so. It is put under the category of Hatha Yoga Asana at a beginners’ level. Ideally, it should be practised first thing in the morning with an empty stomach or 4 to 6 hours post a meal in the evening. You need to hold the pose for at least 10 to 30 seconds.
Ardha Chandra Asana strengthens the buttocks, legs and spine, it helps to build balance and coordination.

Utkatasana (Chair Pose)

A chair pose or Utkatasana is an asana where one has to sit on an imaginary chair this isn’t as easy as sitting on a real chair. It is advised to practise this asana on an empty stomach in the morning. This asana is put under the category of Vinyasa yoga asana at a beginners’ level. Try to hold the pose for 30 to 60 seconds.
Chair pose tones the knee muscles strengthens ankles, calves and hips. The pose also stretches the chest and stimulates the heart.

Ustrasana (Camel Pose)

Ustrasana is a backbend that is similar to the stance of a camel. This asana is best practised with an empty stomach and clean bowel in the morning. It comes under the category of Vinyasa yoga asana at a beginners’ level. One should practice holding the pose for at least 30 to 60 seconds.
This asana strengthens the back and shoulders, improves respiration, and posture. Camel pose relieves lower backache and strengthens the thighs. The asana is effective for your overall wellbeing.

Chaturanga Dandasana (Plank Pose)

Chaturanga asana is asana similar to a plank. Chaturanga means four-limbed as this asana requires the support of all four limbs. This asana is categorized under Vinyasa yoga asana at a beginners’ level. Maintain this pose for about 30 to 60 seconds.
This asana is said to increase the core stability of the body, and revitalize the mind and body. The pose also increases the strength of arms, legs and wrists as well as increases stamina.

Paripurna Navasana (Boat Pose)

The asana forms a ‘V’ shape that looks like a boat. This asana is put under the category of Ashtanga yoga asana at an intermediate level. Practice the pose by holding it for about 10 to 60 seconds.

This asana strengthens the abdomen and improves digestion. Paripurna Navasana stimulates the intestines and thyroid. This asana relieves stress and improves confidence.

Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose)

This pose resembles the stance of a dog when it bends forward. This asana is best practised on an empty stomach and clean bowel in the morning. This asana is put under the category of Ashtanga yoga asana at a beginners’ level. Try to hold the pose for a minimum of 1 to 3 minutes.
This asana increases lung capacity and relieves mild depression. The pose also strengthens the bones and prevent osteoporosis. It helps in energizing and rejuvenating the mind and body.
A misconception is often heard that a flexible body is a pre-requisite for practising yoga, but instead, yoga is practised to achieve a flexible body. Power yoga is gaining popularity around the globe as it enables a full-body workout that includes flexibility and toning, also it makes different muscle groups and the complete body strong. Power yoga is a go-to activity to feel worked out and sweat out with quick and forceful movements. Power yoga offers an integrated exercise experience.
With busy lives and hectic work schedules, people often find it difficult to take time for their health and fitness. Power yoga is an effective and quick way as compared to traditional yoga to stay fit, healthy and focussed in daily life. It improves overall wellbeing, rejuvenates the body and reduces stress. Just 15-20 minutes in a day and even the busiest people find it good to go! Moreover, if you find it tough to join a yoga centre to practice power yoga, you can hire a yoga trainer at home anywhere across the city with online aggregators.
So, all the fitness freaks and enthusiasts who want to burn some extra calories can try out these power yoga exercises and feel the difference! In case you are keen to pledge for a healthy life ahead on this Yoga Day, ServicePik might be of great help!
Leave in comments below how much these power yoga exercises were helpful. Stay in touch for more such content. Wish you a happy and healthy Yoga Day!