Power yoga is a general term used to describe a vigorous, fitness-based approach to vinyasa-style yoga. The term "power yoga" became popular in the mid 1990s. It is somewhat like Ashtanga yoga, but more accessible and geared towards western-style yogis. Power yoga does not follow a set series of poses so classes vary widely. Power yoga emphasizes strength and flexibility and is wonderful for toning and strengthening. Power yoga DVDs are available for beginner, intermediate and advanced yogis.
Beginners
"The Firm: Power Yoga" includes all the classics moves, such as the downward dog, warrior and cobra poses. It is 33 minutes in length and the emphasis is on stretching and toning your muscles, not on achieving a mind-body connection. It's a good introduction to the moves. "Crunch Yoga Body Sculpt" is a fluid, easy-to-follow set of toning-focused yoga poses. This DVD includes the familiar classics sequenced primarily to build flexibility and tone muscles, with an emphasis on lower body and core. "Baron's Power Yoga for Beginners" is a two-video set that offers four different power-yoga sequences. The instructor begins with an easier pose and then adds on more challenging options. It makes for an interesting and progressive workout.
Intermediate
"Rodney Yee's Power Yoga Total Body" is filled with smooth-flowing, rhythmic, classic yoga poses. It focuses on building stamina, strength and flexibility. "Yoga Zone's Power Yoga" is a 55-minute exercise video that offers a variety of fast-moving, flowing yoga poses. The instructor shows how to do a less-intense modified version of each pose. The scenery is relaxing and the instruction is thorough. "Baron Baptiste's Long and Lean Yoga" is all power yoga, but at a slightly slower pace. The moves flow easily from one to the next, and the cuing is straight-forward, easy to follow and detailed.
Advanced
"Bryan Kest's Power Yoga Series" is a fast-paced form of yoga for intermediate to advanced exercisers. This master yoga instructor leads you through energizing but relaxing 50-minute power yoga workouts that are tough from start to finish. There is aerobic benefit, but not enough to take the place of cardio. "Progressive Power Yoga: Foundation" is an 84-minute power yoga workout that features a wide variety of yoga poses in a scenic outdoor setting. The poses start fairly easy and become more challenging at a moderate pace. "BodySlim YogaWorks" is unique in that it offers an interval yoga workout, alternating slower strength poses with faster-paced poses that increase your respiration rate. It is challenging and maximizes variety.
References
- "National Academy of Sports Medicine Essentials of Personal Fitness Training," 3rd ed; Michael Clark, Scott Lucett and Rodney Corn; 2008
- Collage Video: Exercise Video Reviews
- Consumer Reports: Exercise Videos
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