The Incredible Bond Between Power Yoga And Weight Loss
Strengthen your core and build lean muscles with this fast-paced cardio workout.
Reviewed by Sri Yogi Anand, Registered Yoga Teacher
Written by Shirin Mehdi, BA
Edited by Arshiya Syeda, BA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma
Fact-checked by Himanshi Mahajan, BSc (Life Sciences), Certified Health & Nutrition Life Coach • Mar 8, 2024
Power yoga is different from the traditional yoga postures you usually come across or do at home. It is much like a cardio workout. So, is power yoga for weight loss an option worth trying? If yes, how does it help shed some pounds? And how do you plan your session for it to be weight loss-friendly? In this article, we answer all your questions and dig deeper into power yoga, its overall benefits apart from weight loss, and when not to practice it. So, let’s get started to get your body in shape!
What Is Power Yoga?
A Vinyasa practice, Power Yoga is a fitness-based workout that promotes wellness of both body and mind. It finds its roots in the Ashtanga branch of yoga and shares common qualities and benefits. Much like Ashtanga Yoga, when you practice Power Yoga, your body builds internal heat and increases your stamina and endurance, and promotes better breathing. With regular practice, you become strong, flexible, and stress-free.
Power Yoga is becoming increasingly popular around the world. It gives your whole body a good workout. It is, of course, strength building, and also includes the properties of a good aerobics or cardio session.
Power Yoga is a modern form of yoga that is a good fusion of the traditional values of yoga with the need of the hour – fitness and weight loss. Therefore, this is a very upbeat form of yoga, which makes it interesting and more sought after. Yoga of this kind suffices the need of those who feel that they have had a good workout only if they have profusely sweated.
The Benefits Of Power Yoga
Power Yoga has all the benefits of a usual yoga workout and more. These are some spectacular benefits of this kind of yoga.
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It helps burn out a fair amount of calories.
It builds strength, stamina, and flexibility and tones the core and the body.
Power Yoga gives your metabolism a boost.
You become more focused.
Stress and tension are considerably reduced. You become calm and relaxed.
Even the inactive muscles are toned, flexed, and strengthened.
Here are a few power yoga poses for you to begin with.
Power Yoga Poses For Beginners
1. Child’s Pose
How To Do
Kneel with your knees hip-width apart, feet together behind you, and your butt resting on your feet.
Inhale deeply, then exhale as you lower your upper body over your thighs.
Rest your forehead on the ground and extend your arms in front of you.
Maintain this position for at least five breaths.
2. Chair Pose
How To Do
Stand tall, feet a bit wider than hip-width apart, and arms hanging by your sides.
Raise your arms and extend your wrists and fingers.
Ensure your shoulders are relaxed and your back is straight.
Bend your knees and keep them parallel, leaning forward to form a right angle with your thighs.
Keep your head, neck, and arms aligned with your torso.
Maintain this position for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
While these poses are beneficial, there may be times you should not follow them.
Related: 12 Yoga Exercises For Slimming Your Face
When Not To Practice Power Yoga
The stream of yoga you choose to practice depends on what your aim is. If you want to get rid of pain and are looking for a healing practice, then no, this form of yoga is not for you.
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Also, it is best to avoid Power Yoga, or do it under supervision or with a doctor’s permission, if you are:
a. Pregnant
b. Suffer from serious injuries
c. Have had a recent surgery
d. Have a serious disease or disorder
Related: What Are The Differences Between Yoga And Aerobic Exercises?
Power Yoga Vs. Cardio
Let’s be honest. If you do an intense hour-long session of cardio, you will lose twice the number of calories as compared to how much you will lose with Power Yoga. However, Power Yoga feeds the muscles. It works on the core and streamlines your body, building the core muscles. Building lean muscles is effective for weight loss and increasing metabolism, which means burning a considerable amount of fat.
You do burn calories in a cardio session, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you burn fat. Also, excessive cardio can deplete the muscle reserve, and this is not ideal for a long-term weight loss plan.
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