Power yoga for weight loss
As the practice of yoga expands due to increasing popularity, one of the growing interests is performing power yoga for weight loss. Power yoga is a very strenuous exercise approach that combines a challenging set of yoga poses, typically Ashtanga, which is a very physical yoga method, with constant movement linking all poses together. The pace is almost aerobic in nature and was designed as a more active method of exercise than classic yoga routines. There is some controversy over power yoga, as traditionalists believe that the slower, classic approach provides equal (or better) health benefits, with a focus on mental and spiritual development. However, the highly physical nature of power yoga for weight loss cannot be dismissed as a legitimate exercise approach. With that being said, there are some basic things to keep in mind when engaging in intensive physical exercise like power yoga.
Choose the right school for you
Power yoga classes vary widely, as it is simply a term denoting a more physical style of yoga. There is no one way to do power yoga, and even instructors vary considerably in the way they teach it. However, the key to long-term, sustained weight loss is to find a program you love and stick with it. In terms of this style of yoga, your ability to sustain interest in this type of exercise really comes down to whether or not you like the approach of the school and the teachers providing instruction. Keep in mind that the main emphasis is on strength and flexibility, so doing power yoga for weight loss is an effective exercise method for losing unwanted pounds. However, it’s worth checking out a few local schools or studios and trying out a few classes to find the right one for your training goals.
It moves fast so go slow
Power yoga seeks to create a constant set of movements between poses to make it feel more like an exercise to Western practitioners. From a fitness perspective, it’s critical for first-timers, and even more experienced students do it slowly. Simply because of the intense physical nature of the practice your body will warm up quickly, and that is a positive. Just make sure you don’t overstretch to keep up with the rest of the class. If your body tells you that the routine or rhythm is too aggressive, listen and reduce your level of participation. You should work at a heavier, more intense pace over time. It’s definitely not important how you look compared to others you may be practicing with. It’s much more important to focus on how you and your body feel.
Finding a school and routine that you like, and starting small are the absolute key to success at power yoga for weight lossas this type of exercise regimen can be very effective if you keep these important points in mind.