Power Yoga

The term power yoga has entered the mainstream to mean an aerobic or gym-like approach to yoga. While this has become the generic term for this type of power yoga, an original version of power yoga comes from a style known as Ashtanga yoga popularized by K. Pattabhi Jois. K. Pattabhi Jois developed the original set of postures which are conducted in a specific series, in a heated room, and concentrate on swiftly moving from one pose to another while maintaining focus on the breath.

The other styles of power yoga that have branched off from the original, maintain the same practices as Ashtanga yoga, but in no specific order. These other brands of power yoga may also vary in their approach and actual poses that they use.

While the original Ashtanga yoga, and the later versions dubbed 'power yoga,' are both valuable sources of yoga, you'll need to seek out the one that suites you best. Just be aware of schools or instructors who claim to teach power yoga, when in fact their system is just modified aerobics cloaked in the yoga name.