Like most things nowadays, core power yoga is a fusion term for yoga with just a hint of strength training for the spirit. The multi-disciplinary approach brings the heat and sweat to workout yoga classes in NYC, strengthening the body, soul, and mind from the inside out.
If you think the yoga lessons at FitEngine focus more on mental than physical power, think again. In today’s blog, we bring you a form of power yoga that helps you build on your inner power while also creating physical power to keep up with the workout routine.
If you’re interested in pursuing this form of yoga, read everything below before signing up for a class in New York City.
Origins in Ashtanga Yoga
Although the origins of core power yoga are unclear, some believe it’s inspired by the Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga practices of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, an Indian yoga guru. He developed this “flowing style” of yoga and spurred several followers.
One of these Ashtanga Vinyasa followers is Beryl Bender Birch, a workout yoga teacher, creator, and writer of Power Yoga. Because of Birch, we call this practice “core power yoga” and not its Sanskrit version.
In any case, the Indian guru’s followers might have brought a westernized version of Ashtanga Vinyasa to the US and started teaching it under “core power yoga.”
How Much Work is this Workout?
When you picture people practicing yoga, you don’t see people lifting weights in a studio. You probably see them in a downward-facing dog position or sitting Indian-style with their hands joined in a meditative pose.
Well, guess what: it’s simultaneously all and none of the above. Core power yoga goes hard on the “power” part. It was developed to make people sweat and reach and push their physical limits. That, more than anything, is why it’s one of the fastest ways to lose weight.
While the degree of work in this workout depends on the class you select, it generally leans on the strenuous side of the scale. However, the workout is anything but boring. It’s dynamic and satisfying because it manages to stick to the main purpose of yoga: meditation.
Core Power Yoga: A Deconstruction
As we mentioned before, core power yoga is a multi-disciplinary approach. We might speculate about its origins, but we can just as easily compare it with other western yoga styles.
We see the following forms in core power yoga. Together, they make the perfect flexibility mobility workout, complete with aerobics and strength training.
1. Power Yoga
Power yoga was introduced in the west for those looking to focus on the physical rather than spiritual benefits of yoga. It’s power yoga without much output for the core. Thus, it’s usually more fast-paced than other yoga styles and involves:
- Strength-building exercises
- Aerobics
- Vinyasa sequences
- Ashtanga postures
2. Core Yoga
Core yoga, not to be confused with core strength training, is a style centered on breathing to generate inner core strength. It’s described as a “gentle movement” perfect for starting one’s day with techniques such as:
- Downward-facing dog
- Child’s pose
- Side plank
- Boat pose
While strength training requires a period of rest after every technique, the gentle nature of core yoga means you have to go from one exercise to the next without resting. You can, however, reset if you lose focus on your breaths.
3. Hot Yoga
Some core power yoga lessons incorporate heat elements to minimize the risk of injury from the strength training aspect of the workout—that’s where hot yoga comes in. Not only that, but the inclusion of heat elements also:
- Promotes detoxification
- Improves balance
- Increase mobility and flexibility.
- Improve full-body strength.
For all its benefits, beginners should refrain from core power yoga lessons with heat elements. It would be best to start with a non-heated room for initial lessons, especially for those who chose core power yoga because they were incompatible with conventional strength training.
The Multiple Benefits of a Multi-Disciplinary Workout
Since core power yoga incorporates at least three yoga styles, you can assume it has the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of all three. The physical benefits might include endurance, mobility, strength, lung capacity, and flexibility.
Furthermore, core power yoga reduces stress and improves respiratory functions by focusing on breathing patterns. It also enhances inner strength and makes you a calmer person overall.
Check Out FitEngine for Affordable Yoga Classes in NYC
Stop looking up yoga for beginners on Google, and visit FitEngine to check out the ways to lose weight fast with exercise and dance workouts. See if you can do Pilates and yoga on the same day by signing up with LifeSpan Pilates for a private or group lesson.
Get in touch with FitEngine to know more about our affordable fitness classes in NYC.
