What Should a Power Yoga Teacher Know?

By Jenny Park

What should a Power Yoga teacher know? What we know about a particular subject is a measurement of competence. When seeking to become a Yoga teacher, aspirants should consider the rewards of knowing the subject. A little knowledge can be dangerous, while there is never too much knowledge for a teacher to acquire. The practice of Yoga has grown and evolved greatly throughout the years of its existence. One of the latest incarnations is called Power Yoga. Power Yoga teachers should know several things before teaching this method. It is an intense physical exercise method and isn’t for the person looking for enlightenment. Although it is quite close to the practice of Ashtanga, it is not Ashtanga. Several differences set it into its distinct category. With that said, Power Yoga teachers should know the many differences between their style and Ashtanga.

Hybridization

First, Power Yoga teachers usually have diversified lineages from Ashtanga Vinyasa, Vinyasa, and/or Hatha Yoga. You will notice many Hatha sub-styles that have produced Power Yoga instructors since the 1990s, which means this is a contemporary fitness-based style with many approaches. Additionally, Ashtanga Vinyasa classes will run through a predetermined series of movements. For example, the Ashtanga Primary Series does not change.

Unlimited Sequences

This is a major difference compared to Power classes that can have unlimited sequences. You will see many variations, asanas, class lesson plans, and movement sequences with teachers with many different lineages. This does not mean one instructor is right while another is wrong, but teachers are allowed to create their sequences, and some classes will flow while others will not. There are Power teachers who guide students through a sequence that holds postures as much as any traditional Hatha Yoga class sequence.

Attract Athletes

Power Yoga is generally taught to people who are already flexible and athletic. Usually, teachers work with a younger crowd that may contain a mix of gymnasts, dancers, martial artists, and assorted athletes who cross-train and work out at a high fitness level. However, there will always be exceptions, and some teachers accommodate beginners. It is not a physically gentle style compared to other physical forms of Yoga.

Physical Aspect

Chanting, chakras, mudras, samadhi, relaxation, healing, and meditation are not key aspects of this type of workout. Instead, Power Yoga primarily focuses on enhancing the appearance and strength of the physical body. It provides a cardiovascular workout that helps build muscle strength and enhances flexibility. Power Yoga teachers should be able to instruct students on how to get the most benefit from every pose and be able to show them modifications on poses as well. Modifications could be using props or giving students a more challenging pose variation.

Variables

A good Power Yoga teacher should be able to guide the class in a positive yet firm direction on how to get the most out of every workout. Keep in mind that there might be people who have never tried Power Yoga and experienced students. The class should be tailored such that everyone gets the best workout possible. Since there is no set form or sequence to Power Yoga, modifications can be made during the workout without interrupting the flow.

Goals

Depending on the teacher and/or facility, there may be beginner, intermediate, advanced, and multi-level (mixed) classes. This is not common, but a facility or teacher focusing primarily on Power Yoga will likely have more levels and specific classes. One example is a class focusing on runners, cyclists, and walkers. These activities are great cardio workouts but don’t help enthusiasts with flexibility and muscular strength. Therefore, Power classes are perfect for active people in health, golf, or community clubs. Sometimes, classes are designed for athletic family bonding time.

Intensity

Keep in mind that some people may find the term “Power Yoga” slightly intimidating, especially if they are just getting into fitness or Yoga. A Power style teacher should know how to reassure students to feel comfortable as they begin the class. The intensity of the workout varies from person to person, so what may seem difficult to one student may seem easy to another. A good teacher can help answer questions and provide insights on how to keep each person in the class engaged in Power Yoga, so hopefully, they learn and grow through practice.

What is Success?

What should a Power Yoga teacher know? The most successful Power Yoga teachers can teach the widest audience of students. There are a variety of opinions about what makes the best teachers. In my opinion, keeping students safe is job number one. However, many teachers pride themselves on producing top-level athletes or having full classes. There is nothing wrong with any of these objectives, but we should never forget the health and safety of our students. So, among the many aspects of what teachers should know is we must watch our students. This is not our show or practice time. If we observe our students by standing up, looking around, and/or walking around, we can prevent injuries and develop healthy students.

Side Notes for Teachers

When considering: What should a Power Yoga teacher know? Taking a course that guides you in creating your lesson plans would be prudent. This gives you the freedom to enhance your powers of innovation. It would be helpful to familiarize yourself with some of the traditional Ashtanga series and see how other Vinyasa styles flow. To copy is one thing, but to create is another level in developing one’s teaching skills. At the very least, you will create new neural pathways within your mind and some of your students. A strong foundational training will prepare us to think for ourselves, which is the next level in teaching. A teacher who taps into creativity will eventually become a master.