Power Yoga, through its practice of a series of rigorous asanas, is more about strengthening the body – than chanting, and meditating. The Power Yoga practitioner is rewarded with many physical benefits to his bones, his muscles, and his joints. The goals of power Yoga are to increase flexibility, improve concentration, and build and tone the muscles. The achievement of these goals makes the practitioner’s body stronger and healthier.
The workout, experienced during Power Yoga, is intense and utilizes the entire body. To hold the series of poses in this type of Yoga session, the practitioner has to use muscles in his arms, shoulders, back, legs, feet, and abdomen, which tone and strengthen these muscles. This workout also burns a lot of calories, so a practitioner can benefit by losing excess weight, while at the same time, build lean muscle tissue.
Due to the fact that an integral part of practicing Power Yoga is stretching and breathing exercises, the practitioner increases overall flexibility. The joints, tendons, and muscles all become more flexible. This can be particularly beneficial to practitioners, who suffer from arthritic conditions, since the increased flexibility helps to alleviate the pain and stiffness associated with these conditions.
A Power Yoga practitioner also enjoys increased stamina. Following the series of poses, in this practice, means the practitioner is in constant motion from holding each of the challenging poses and quickly moving into the next pose. This is an energetic cardiovascular workout that strengthens the core muscles, as well. An added benefit, resulting from the workout experienced through Power Yoga, is improved blood circulation and heart health.
Power Yoga practitioners also enjoy better posture, as a result of their toned muscles, particularly the core muscles, which also provide added balance. Better posture helps practitioners who are suffering from back pain, because correct posture maintains the spine aligned, eliminating any negative pressure, resulting from any misalignment.
Another physical benefit of Power Yoga is the reduction of stress and tension. While the powerful workout, experienced through Power Yoga, increases strength, flexibility, and stamina – in order to achieve these, the practitioner learns to release stress, and relax the body, in order to perfect each of the challenging poses.
Finally, a major physical benefit of Power Yoga is improved general health. Power Yoga practitioners boost their immune systems and become more in tune with the body overall. Since the workout involves challenging moves, toxins are also eliminated from the body through sweat.
By Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500
© Copyright 2011 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division
No comments:
Post a Comment