Yoga is not an exercise, nor is it a religion, but it does include postures, breath, focus, and
movement which, if practiced with dedication and pure intention, will bring rewards of improved
health, flexibility, strength, clarity, and peace of mind. Power Yoga's origins come from Ashtanga
Yoga, the system made popular by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, who learned it from his teacher, Sri T.
Krishnamacharya in the early 1900's. What separates this type of yoga from other types is the
breath. With each movement in and out of a posture is a prescribed inhalation or exhalation.
Postures are arranged in a specific order to first heat the body and increase circulation, and then
purify the nervous system and sense organs while creating a more flexible and strong body. Dristhi
(points of gaze) are used to focus the mind and stabilize the body. Power Yoga differs from Ashtanga
Yoga in the arrangement of postures, though many of the same postures are practiced. Power Yoga
is considered by many to be a very athletic form of yoga, with postures that seem challenging and
vinyasas between the postures which can be fatiguing if you lack upper body or core strength.
Beginners are advised to start with basic yoga flow classes or private lessons to learn the proper
alignment in standing and seated asanas (postures), ujaii breathing, Surya Namaskara (sun
salutations), and how to make modifications to accommodate their body's limitations or injuries.