Power Yoga and Bikram Yoga are different both in terms of the environment in which they are done and the way in which the yoga poses are taught and performed. Power Yoga is a vigorous and athletic style of yoga that simulates a full body workout and is physically demanding. Bikram Yoga involves a methodical series of poses that are performed in a room that is heated to 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Power Yoga
Power Yoga was made popular by Sri K. Pattobi Jois as a progressive and active series of postures that are synchronized with breathing techniques. The term "Power Yoga" was coined by yoga teacher Beryl Bendere Birch. In her book "Power Yoga" she describes "the spine as the structural core of all movement." The goals of power yoga are to realign the spine, increase strength and flexibility, improve circulation, detoxify the body, and create a calmness of mind. The sequence of postures begins with standing poses and advances to seated postures. The level of difficulty of the poses advances as you develop your skills. As you advance, more difficult balancing postures are introduced. Power Yoga is taught by a teacher, but you can learn the poses and practice on your own at your own pace.
Bikram Yoga
Bikram Yoga is named and copyrighted by Bikram Choudhury and can only be taught by certified Bikram instructors. You will do a series of 26 yoga poses in a room that is heated to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Typically, you will observe yourself in mirrors at your Bikram studio. Each pose is done twice and is held for a certain length of time. You will also start from standing poses and progress to back bend and twisting type of poses and then to sitting or lying poses. You will learn proper breathing techniques with each pose. Each Bikram session begins and ends with breathing exercises called pranayama. Heat assists your movements by warming your muscles, increasing sweat to help rid your body of toxins, and allowing you to move deeper into each pose. Goals of Bikram Yoga are to warm and stretch all your muscles, ligaments, tendons. This should lead to improved strength, endurance and posture. Bikram yoga uses the external heat of the room combined with the internal heat from your body to intensify the experience.
Hatha Yoga
Both Bikram Yoga and Power Yoga are based on the postures of Hatha Yoga, a branch of yoga with a focus on physical activity and well being to cultivate mind and body. Hatha Yoga incorporates breathing techniques as a way to achieve this optimal sense of well being. Your instructors may interpret their own training or have a focus on a particular aspect of their training; therefore, you may find that not all yoga classes will be the same.
Before you Begin Yoga
If you have any concerns about whether you should participate in either of these yoga styles, consult your yoga instructor or your healthcare professional for advice.
References
- Power Yoga; Birch, B.; 1995
- Hot Yoga; Barnett, M.; 2003
- Bikram's Beginning Yoga Class; Bikram, C.; 1999
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