As the practice of yoga continues to grow in popularity, one of the growing interests is to do power yoga for weight loss. Power yoga is a very vigorous exercise approach that combines a challenging set of yoga poses, usually Ashtanga which is a very physical yoga method, with continuous movement that ties all the poses together. The motion is almost aerobic in nature and was designed to be a more active exercise method than classical yoga routines. There is some controversy over power yoga as traditionalists believe that the slower and more classic approach provides the same (or better) health benefits with a focus on mental and spiritual development. Still, the highly physical nature of power yoga cannot be discounted as a valid exercise approach for weight loss. That said, there are a few basics you need to consider when doing an intense physical exercise like power yoga.
choose the right school for you
Power yoga classes vary widely because it is simply a term that refers to a more physical style of yoga. There’s no one way to do power yoga and even instructors vary greatly in the way they teach it. However, the key to sustained, long-term weight loss is to find a program you love and stick with it. In terms of this style of yoga, your ability to be interested in this type of workout really depends on whether or not you like the school’s approach and the teachers who provide the instruction. Keep in mind that the primary emphasis is on strength and flexibility so doing power yoga for weight loss is an effective exercise method to shed unwanted pounds. However, it pays to check out some schools or studios that are local and try some classes that are a good fit for your workout goals.
it goes fast so go slow
Power yoga attempts to create a continuous set of movements between poses, so it appears more of a workout to Western practitioners. From a physical fitness point of view it is important for those trying it for the first time, and even more experienced students, to go slowly. Just the intense physical nature of the exercise will warm up your body quickly, and that’s a positive. Just make sure you don’t overstretch to keep pace with the rest of the class. If your body is telling you that the routine or pace is aggressive, listen and tone down your level of participation. You should work up to heavier and more intense tempos over time. It certainly doesn’t matter how you look to the others you’re practicing with. Paying attention to how you and your body feel is far more important.
Finding a school and routine you like, and starting slow is an absolute key to success power yoga for weight lossBecause this type of exercise regimen can be very effective if you keep these important points in mind.
Source by Heath Jackson
