Power Yoga and Yoga Flow
Power Yoga and Yoga Flow
Origins: Power Yoga is a general term used to describe a vigorous, fitness-based approach to Vinyasa yoga. Most Power Yoga is closely modelled on the Ashtanga style of practice. 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 Western students. Yoga Flow, on the other hand, is a combination of Hatha yoga poses, paying strong attention to the alignment of the body, while linking it with the breath component of Vinyasa, where each asana flows into the other.
Teachings: Unlike Ashtanga, Power Yoga does not follow a set series of poses. Therefore, any Power Yoga class can vary widely from the next. Yoga Flow (Hatha Vinyasa) is regarded as an amalgamation of Ashtanga and Iyengar, taking the Vinyasa (flowing element) from Ashtanga, but slowing it down and paying a lot more attention on the alignment, as with Iyengar. It also varies in that each class is different and doesn’t follow a set series.
Who can practice? Anyone who enjoys devoting time to evolving themselves through developing strength and flexibility and being present in the moment.
Class focus: Power Yoga brought yoga into the gyms and is more suited for sports-orientated people. The classes are based around building core strength in the bones and joints. The aim is to build a harmonious balance of strength and flexibility, Yin and Yang, in every part of the body.
Teacher training: Teacher training requires a Yoga Alliance Certification, of which the requirement is a minimum of 200 hours of training. While the essence of the training is the same no matter where it is done, the length of the courses can vary from taking place over an intensive one month, to over a period of nine months. At Yoga Warrior, Johannesburg, the teacher training takes place over a period of nine months. Visit www.yogawarrior.co.za for more information on their teachers’ training courses and other courses available nationwide.
Philosophy: “Yoga is a moving meditation towards freedom and a liberation from the stresses of every day life” – Clara Woodburn
Contact details: Africa Yoga – Tel (042) 294 0904 or 084 725 3510; Yoga Warrior – Tel 082 840 4349, or visit www.ytf.co.za for more teachers nationwide.
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I have been training in power yoga for a couple of years. I really like the vigorous yoga session.
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