(Src)

Comparing Yoga with Power Yoga

Power Yoga is an advanced form of “Ashtanga yoga”. The word “ashtanga” represents two words, the sun and the moon. Power yoga defines the union of these two energies.

Between power yoga and ‘ashtanga’ yoga, there is a slight difference. In Ashtanga yoga, you repeatedly do the same yoga moves, while in power yoga you will keep changing the postures.

What is Power Yoga

Power yoga is a combination of yoga and aerobic moves. In power yoga, you achieve different yogic postures and synchronize them with the rhythmic breathing patterns.

While practicing power yoga, the practitioners hardly stop between the poses. The series of power yoga poses generate intense heat. This causes you to sweat, and has the effect of detoxifying the body. It is a perfect combination of strength and cardio training.

The goal of power yoga is to provide body flexibility and agility. But unlike normal yoga, power yoga releases lots of energy from the body. Many practitioners practice power yoga to lose weight.

Difference between Yoga and Power Yoga

(Src)

Yoga	Power Yoga
Simple yoga is done in a set. It is focused on moving in and out of postures with simple breathing exercises	Power yoga is performed by repeatedly changing the posture without any break. It includes a mixture of stretch, asanas (body posture) and body movement with rigorous breathing exercise
It is done with a slow pace, and the same posture is often repeated	Postures in power yoga changes, every time a new posture is attained
In simple yoga, the focus is on breathing pattern and healing process	In power yoga, the focus is on moving various body parts to achieve muscle strength
Simple yoga improves your breathing pattern and helps in healing respiratory ailment	Power yoga sequence stimulates your metabolism and helps to reduce weight
It involves simple steps and does not require any trainer. Eg: Padmasana	It includes more complex steps, and you need a trainer to learn. Eg: SuryaNamaskar
Normal yoga is carried out with simple steps and relaxes body and mind	In power yoga, you hold poses much longer making your muscles workout more
Anyone can practice normal yoga despite their medical conditions	Power yoga may not be suitable for all individuals, especially pregnant women

Power Yoga Advantages

Health benefits of Yoga are immense, but there is very limited discussion over Power Yoga benefits. Here we will discuss some health benefits particular to Power Yoga.

(Src)

Let’s have a quick look at what power yoga offers

• Neutralizing toxins in the body
• Helps losing weight
• Helps to heal body from daily wear and tear
• Gives flexibility, internal strength, and stamina
• Improves blood circulation and boost immune system
• Improves concentration
• Improves BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate)

Beside these Power Yoga can be effective for various other conditions like

Power Yoga for Weight Loss

Power yoga can control body weight by enhancing the BMR and burning body fat. For best results, practice is recommended three times a week and about 45 minutes a day. Regular practice can improve core muscle strength. Studies have shown that a group of people on weight loss benefited from power yoga.

For Parkinson Disease Treatment
Scientific studies have proposed that practicing power yoga for a period of time have some positive result in Parkinson Disease patient.

Reduce Cardiometabolic Risk Factors
Yoga practice for a long time can improve the age-related degeneration like autonomic function and brain-derived neurotropic factor. It also reduces the cardiometabolic risk factors. Yoga practice is an effective way of managing an autoimmune disease like Multiple Sclerosis.

For Alzheimer Treatment
Yoga can be effective in improving memory performance. By including Yoga into the memory enhancement training program. It can be used to treat Alzheimer among older people.

(Src)

For Migrane Treatment
Yoga therapy can be beneficiary in reducing the intensity and frequency of the migraine pain.

For Blood Pressure
Yogic breathing can help reducing blood pressure. Recent studies have shown that ashtanga yoga or power yoga can decrease diastolic blood pressure and reduce stress level.
Improved Autonomic Function in Diabetics
Scientific reports suggest that yoga therapy can help improve the Autonomic function in type 2 Diabetics.
Improves muscle torque
Power yoga can improve muscle torque. Various power yoga poses have an ability to increase the maximal muscle torque. Power yoga is more popular among athletes and sports enthusiasts. Practicing power yoga is as effective as a cardio workout. It is observed that power yoga can enhance the cardiovascular response. Yoga strengthens your muscles and tones your body.

Because it is an exhaustive, intensive, and dynamic workout. Power yoga helps athletes to build stamina. Practicing power yoga for longer periods of time helps athletes to overcome their injuries quite effectively.

It is found that Yoga can be even helpful in decreasing fatigue and improving the quality of life among cancer patient.

Over time, Yoga has transformed from a normal exercise routine to a full-fledged fitness regime.

Caution

While practicing Power Yoga, few things have to be taken care of,

• Power yoga is a fast-paced workout. Some yoga moves are not recommended for arthritis, slipped disk, vertigo patient.
• While anyone can practice power yoga, it’s always a good idea to consult a doctor before practicing. Especially, pregnant ladies.
• Muscle strains or aggravation of old injuries can happen if not performed in a proper manner
• Practice Yoga with an empty stomach.
• Yoga is not recommended following surgery or injury.