exercise, Fitness, Health, wellness, Yoga

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.

Are you thinking about Power Yoga Teacher Training?

Please visit the following link to see our online Yoga teacher training courses.

https://aurawellnesscenter.com/store/

Are you interested in Meditation Teacher Training?

Click here to see our online Yoga Nidra teacher training course.

Are you an experienced teacher looking for YACEP credits, Yoga certification online, or continuing education?

Subscribe to Our Newsletter for Special Discounts and New Products

Related Resources

The YOGA MIND:

52 Essential Principles of Yoga Philosophy to Deepen your Practice

by Rina Jakubowicz.

RESTORATIVE YOGA FOR LIFE:

A Relaxing Way to De-stress, Re-energize, and Find Balance

by: Gail Boorstein Grossman.

YOGA: THE PATH TO HOLISTIC HEALTH

by B.K.S. Iyengar

TEACHING YOGA: Essential Foundations and Techniques

By Mark Stephens

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exercise, Fitness, Health, wellness, Yoga

What Should a Power Yoga Teacher Know?

Many thanks to: www.aurawellnesscenter.com.

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 be 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 a number of things before they embark on teaching this method. It is an intense physical exercise method and definitely isn’t for the person looking for enlightenment. Although it is quite close to the practice of Ashtanga, it is not Ashtanga. There are a number of differences that set it into its own distinct category. With that said, Power Yoga teachers should know the many differences between their style and Ashtanga.

First of all, 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. This is a major difference compared to Power classes that can have unlimited sequences. With teachers who have many different lineages, you will see many variations, asanas, class lesson plans, and sequences of movement. This does not mean one instructor is right, while another instructor is wrong, but it does mean teachers are allowed to create their own 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.

Power Yoga is generally taught to people who are already flexible and athletic. Usually, teachers are working with a younger crowd that may contain a mix of gymnasts, dancers, martial artists, and assorted athletes, who cross train and workout at a high fitness level. However, there will always be exceptions and some teachers really do accommodate beginners. It is not a physically gentle style in comparison to other physical forms of Yoga. Chanting, chakras, mudras, samadhi, relaxation, healing and meditation are not key aspects during 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 to build muscle strength and it also focuses on enhancing flexibility. Power Yoga teachers should be able to instruct students on how to get the most benefit from every pose and to be able to show them modifications on poses as well. Modifications could be using props or giving students a more challenging variation of a pose.

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 that have never tried Power Yoga as well as experienced students. The class should be tailored as 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. 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 that focuses primarily on Power Yoga is likely to have more levels and sport’s specific classes. One example is a class that focuses on runners, cyclists, and walkers. These activities are great cardio workouts, but they don’t help enthusiasts with flexibility and muscular strength. Therefore, Power classes are perfect for active people in health, golf, or community clubs. In fact, some classes are designed for an athletic family bonding time.

Keep in mind that there are people that may find the term “Power Yoga” to be slightly intimidating, especially if they are just getting into fitness or Yoga. A Power style teacher should know how to reassure students so they 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 to answer questions and provide insights on how to keep each person in the class engaged in the practice of Power Yoga, so hopefully they learn and grow through practice.

What should a Power Yoga teacher know? The most successful Power Yoga teachers are able to 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 in 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, amongst the many aspects of what teacher 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.

When considering: What should a Power Yoga teacher know? It would be prudent to take a course that guides you in creating your own lesson plans. This gives you the freedom to enhance your own powers of innovation. It would be helpful to be familiar with some of the traditional Ashtanga series and to 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 and that is the next level in teaching. A teacher who taps into his or her creativity will eventually become a master.

Are you thinking about Power Yoga Teacher Training?

To see our selection of Online Yoga teacher training courses, please visit the following link.

https://aurawellnesscenter.com/store/

Are you interested in Meditation Teacher Training?

Click here to see our online Yoga Nidra teacher training course.

Are you an experienced teacher looking for YACEP credits or continuing education?

Subscribe to Our Newsletter for Special Discounts and New Products

Related Resources

The YOGA MIND:

52 Essential Principles of Yoga Philosophy to Deepen your Practice

by Rina Jakubowicz.

RESTORATIVE YOGA FOR LIFE:

A Relaxing Way to De-stress, Re-energize, and Find Balance

by: Gail Boorstein Grossman.

YOGA: THE PATH TO HOLISTIC HEALTH

by B.K.S. Iyengar

TEACHING YOGA: Essential Foundations and Techniques

By Mark Stephens

Can Power Yoga be Practiced as Therapy?

More Contemporary Yoga Styles

Power Yoga for Heart Health

Fitness, Health, wellness, Yoga

Power Yoga for Athletic Cross Training

Many thanks to: www.aurawellnesscenter.com.

By Kimaya Singh

Why should a student who is into athletic cross training consider a power yoga class? Power yoga combines the traditional practices of Ashtanga, Vinyasa, and Tristhana. Ashtanga refers to performing a specific series of yoga poses, flowing from one to the next, in a specific order. Vinyasa involves using the breath to flow seamlessly from one pose to the next. Tristhana refers to maintaining focus on your posture, breathing, and a focal point.

Since coming to the West from India in the 1960s, Ashtanga morphed into something known as power yoga, and has been gaining popularity over the last several years as an intense workout with multiple benefits. Power classes have found a place in gyms and fitness centers around the world, with a following of fitness buffs, professional athletes, and others who just want to be healthy and strong. Power yoga is a positive addition to any athletic cross training program.

Power yoga helps an athletic cross training program train and tone the body in ways that enhance many different types of athletes to perform at their peak. Practicing power yoga will increase strength, stamina, and flexibility. The core muscles, in particular, become toned and strong, which improves posture and also keeps the rest of the body stable and strong. In order to succeed as an athlete, whether running, swimming, biking, diving, skating, or another sport, focus is crucial. The practice of power yoga helps athletes increase their focus, making it easier over time to achieve the necessary level of concentration and visualization required by successful athletes.

Adding yogic exercise to an athletic cross training program makes for a well-rounded routine, which can help fill in any gaps missing in a training regime. Power yoga is a rigorous workout providing a release for stress and toxins in the body, allowing athletes to cleanse themselves of negativity while simultaneously achieving a stronger body. Agility and flexibility are important in many sports including football, soccer, and basketball. Athletes in training for these sports will find that a power style class provides increased agility and flexibility through poses designed to lubricate the body’s joints.

When beginning an athletic cross training program that includes power style classes, it is important for athletes to find a trained power yoga instructor for guidance. If the athlete has never done yoga before, he or she will need to learn some basic poses and become fluent before beginning the more intense power style workouts. Power yoga instructors who are well-trained will be able to modify the workout to suit the athlete, and guide them as they advance into a true power style workout.

Related Resources:

Power Yoga: Strength, Sweat, and Spirit

By Leah Cullis

Power Yoga: The Total Strength and Flexibility Workout

By Beryl Bender Birch

The YOGA MIND:

52 Essential Principles of Yoga Philosophy to Deepen your Practice

by Rina Jakubowicz.

YOGA: THE PATH TO HOLISTIC HEALTH

by B.K.S. Iyengar

TEACHING YOGA: Essential Foundations and Techniques

By Mark Stephens

Are you deciding how to become a yoga instructor? See our selection of affordable meditation and 200 hour yoga instructor certification courses.

Fitness, Health, wellness, Yoga

What Should a Power Yoga Teacher Know?

Many thanks to: www.aurawellnesscenter.com.

By Jenny Park

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 be 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 a number of things before they embark on teaching this method. It is an intense physical method and definitely isn’t for the person looking for enlightenment. Although it is quite close to the practice of Ashtanga, there are a number of differences that set it into its own distinct category.

First of all, Power Yoga is generally taught to people who are already at a high fitness level. However, there will always be exceptions. It is not a physically gentle style in comparison to other physical forms of Yoga. Chanting, chakras, mudras, samadhi, relaxation, healing and meditation are not key aspects during 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 to build muscle strength. It also focuses flexibility. Power Yoga teachers should be able to instruct students on how to get the most benefit from every pose and to be able to show them modifications on poses as well.

Secondly, a good Power Yoga teacher should be able to push 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 that have never tried Power Yoga as well as experienced students. The class should be tailored as 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.

See our selection of online yoga teacher training courses.

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Can Power Yoga be Practiced as Therapy?

More Contemporary Yoga Styles

Power Yoga for Heart Health