Power Yoga is a well-balanced, scientific, synergetic
method of movement comprising of postures for the entire body, which
are linked together with breath and movement.
Origin
Power Yoga or Ashanga Yoga is believed to be the original set of postures
designed by the sage, Patanjali, over 3000 years ago.
A unique form of movement
Power
Yoga is a combination of dynamic breathing and strong, flowing
movement, which creates a high-heat, high-energy workout. This form of
yoga is a choreographed sequence of postures that flow into one
another, building strength, releasing tension from tight joints, and
loosening muscles.
A Yoga with a difference
The
method of connecting postures with flowing movement and breathing
creates a high-heat, high-energy workout. This is what sets this
practice apart from every other form of yoga.
Have you ever watched a yoga expert practice power yoga?
It
is like viewing a synchronized form of gymnastics. The body glistens
with sweat, which is poured off continuously throughout the
challenging, non-stop series of postures.
Even the iron will bend if you heat it.
The
primary ingredient of the Power Yoga- is heat. Think of what a
glassblower can do with a piece of glass tubing when it is heated. He
can remold it into the desired form. So also, when the body's
connective tissues become warm, they are pliable for reshaping and
realignment. This not only improves realignment, but also works to
detoxify and revitalize the entire system.
Working up a sweat
One
of the essential principles of Ashtanga yoga is tapas, or heat. Studios
are generally kept warm, and the non-stop flow of the demanding
postures ensures profuse perspiration. The heat releases tension and
stiffness from the muscles, making them more pliable.
Mastery of the breath
Power
yoga works on synchronizing the breath with a set sequence of postures.
Practice of conscious breathing invigorates the body and relaxes the
mind.
Benefits at a glance
• Improved flexibility, strength and stamina
• Weight loss
• Improved blood circulation
• Mind-body awareness
Power yoga: the series
Power
yoga begins with the sun salutations as the warm-up. Followed by a
primary series of asanas and a finishing sequence. Over 60 postures are
practiced in the classical Ashtanga routine.
Power yoga asanas
The
structure of Power Yoga makes you repeatedly go through an entire
spectrum of postures, which are quite challenging. The series work like
a combination lock. If you do the right poses in the right order, the
mind and body are cleansed of toxins and the channels of energy unlock.
Every series end with a sequence of finishing poses, which include
shoulder stand, Head stand, Lotus pose and Savasana or the Corpse pose.
Standing postures
The
standing postures stretch the entire body by flexing, extending,
laterally stretching and twisting the spine. The develop alignment and
improve balance.
The lord of dance
Stand
tall with hands in the namaste position.. Inhale, extend your left arm
in front of you, parallel to the floor. Exhale and look at your
fingertips. Inhale and lift your right leg off the floor. Exhale, arch
your back and move your torso forward while raising the right leg
behind you. Create a smooth arch through the right side of your body,
balancing on the left leg. Hold for 5 breaths. Inhale, and exhale while
you gently ease out of the posture. Repeat with the other leg.
Seated postures
The combination of backbends and forward bends free the hips, lower back, hip
flexors and groin of stiffness and tension.
The boat pose
Sit
upright with feet together. Inhale, and then exhale as you lift your
legs, chest arms off the floor creating a "V" shape with the body. Hold
for 5 breaths. Inhale, and then exhale as you slowly, return to
starting position.
Finishing postures
The
inverted postures rejuvenate body and mind; restore energy by
refreshing the internal organs and brain with oxygenated blood. It is
because of this reason the shoulder stand is called the queen of all
asana. The relaxation practice in the end cleanses and distresses the
body and mind.
Shoulder stand
Lie
down and take 5 breaths. Then exhale into the shoulder stand pose. Hold
for another 5 breaths. Inhale, prepare to change position to plough
posture.
The plough
Exhale,
while you go into the plough pose. While you hold this position fix
your gaze on the heart chakra or the center of your chest. Take 5
breaths. Inhale, prepare to change position to the Fish pose.
The fish
Exhale,
place arms down on the floor by your side. Then slowly roll down out of
the posture. Inhale, move into fish pose. Exhale, and fix your gaze
between eyebrow centre. Take 5 breaths. Inhale, prepare to change
position to the corpse.
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