Yoga has a common misconception surrounding it that those who practice it do not really “exercise.” Power yoga, however, really does raise one’s heart rate, and adds a bit of boot camp flavor to the traditional yoga class.
What is power yoga?
For centuries, the term Ashtanga yoga has been used to refer to the eight-fold system developed by the sage Patanjali. Power yoga takes a more vigorous approach to the posture and breathing components of Ashtanga. Technically defined, it is a series of six progressively linked postures, each requiring 90 minutes to three hours to complete.
The Series
The series is said to work like a combination lock, and when done in the right order, it will unlock the mind and body. Each series is supposed to open up a different part of the mind and body. The primary series is called yoga chikitsa, or yoga therapy, and realigns and detoxifies the physical body, with particular emphasis on the spine. It is designed to build physical strength and balance out those who are overly flexible. The intermediate series is called nadi shodana, or cleansing of the river; it purifies the nervous system and the energy channels. The four advanced series are collectively known as sthira bhaga, or divine stability. These four series are supposed to take the flexibility, strength and energy from the first two levels to new heights.
Breathing
Ujjayi breathing (the victorious breath) is a technique where the breath passes across the back of the throat in a hiss. It is used to keep the breath steady and controlled throughout the yoga session and draw the mind inward to focus on meditation. Ujjayi breathing, mula bandha (which means root lock, and is an energy-raising technique) and uddiyana bandha (which means upward lock, and is a side effect of mula bandha that helps to increase lung capacity) are supposed to be practiced throughout the entire yoga session. These three practices, combined with the other six series, are exercises themselves in concentration, but as one yoga master said, “Ashtanga yoga is 99 percent practice, one percent theory”.
Sun Salutations
Sun Salutations are done to warm up the body. Studios where power yoga is practiced are kept very hot, so students can sweat toxins out of their bodies. The heat also loosens up the muscles, making it easier to change postures without muscle stiffness and injury. The physical heat is also intended to intensify one’s inner spiritual fire and consume the ego in its flames. Once the standing poses (the Sun Salutations) are completed, the students move onto the sequences of poses within each series. The series’ comprise a balanced workout, but each has a different focus. Finishing poses return the metabolism to normal, allowing the body to balance itself out.
A word of caution
One of the dangers of this type of yoga is that exercisers try to outdo themselves or their instructors and get hurt in the process. The exercises and poses are demanding and are designed to be done in a series, under the guidance of an instructor. Ultimately, however, it is not about the mastery of the body, but mastery of the mind.
By Virginia Zignego