Yoga is from the Sanskrit word “yuj” meaning to bind, to join, to attach and to yoke, to direct and concentrate one's attention on, to use and apply. It also means union or communion. Most yoga practiced in the West, including Vinyasa (Flow) & Power Yoga, is based on the type of yoga called Hatha Yoga. The root "ha" means "solar" and the root "tha" means "lunar". Hatha Yoga, then, is the balancing or yoking together of the solar and lunar aspects of the self.
Power Yoga is a vigorous, fitness based approach to Vinyasa (Flow) style yoga. Most Power Yoga is closely modeled on the Ashtanga style of practice. Ashtanga comes from the teachings of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois of Mysore India, who learned the method from his teacher Krishnamacharya. The practice consists of a sequence of postures and focused breathing technique that combines breath with the continuous flow of movement that is designed to intensify internal heat and detoxify and cleanse the body of all impurities. The term Power Yoga came into common usage in the mid 1990s, when several yoga teachers were looking for a way to make Ashtanga Yoga more accessible to a western audience. Unlike Ashtanga, Power Yoga does not follow a set series of poses. Therefore, classes can vary from one to the next. Power Yoga strings traditional (and non-traditional) yoga postures together to bring out the natural, innate power of movement in the human body.
Since Vinyasa (Flow) & Power Yoga is a unique style of yoga, classes can be tailored to fit a student’s level of ability. There are several different Flow classes to choose from, discover a Vinyasa (Flow) class for yourself.
Why heat is used sometimes in Vinyasa Yoga
In Vinyasa Yoga, the movement from the flowing sequence loosens the muscles for action and stimulates circulation. Not all Vinyasa Yoga is practiced in a heated environment, but when it is, the heat acts as a catalyst to enhance the process of relaxing the muscles as well as detoxifying the body and strengthening the heart. As muscles and joints warm, they loosen, decreasing resistance to movement. The Vinyasa (Flow) creates heat from the inside out; the heated room provides heat from the outside in, and so you move deeper into a pose with less chance of injury. Benefits of Vinyasa and Power Yoga:
Yoga lets you tune in, chill out, shape up -- all at the same time.
Improves muscle flexibility, strength and endurance for whole body fitness.
Corrects muscular imbalances in the body and helps to prevent injuries from recurring.
Creates a balance between energy and calm, reducing stress and tension.
Improves self esteem.
Improves concentration and creativity.
Lowers body fat and improves cardiovascular health.
technique that combines breath with the continuous flow of movement that is designed to intensify internal heat and detoxify and cleanse the body of all impurities. The term Power Yoga came into common usage in the mid 1990s, when several yoga teachers were looking for a way to make Ashtanga Yoga more accessible to a western audience. Unlike Ashtanga, Power Yoga does not follow a set series of poses. Therefore, classes can vary from one to the next. Power Yoga strings traditional (and non-traditional) yoga postures together to bring out the natural, innate power of movement in the human body.
