Power Yoga- Yoga for New Generation

A new form of yoga that focuses on a more fitness-based approached has been developed. It is called Power Yoga, a method closely modelled after the Ashtanga style of practice. The term Power Yoga became widely used in the mid-'90s when many yoga teachers tried new ways to make Ashtanga Yoga more accessible to the western audience. Both Power and Ashtanga Yoga focuses on strength and flexibility. The only difference between the traditional method and Power Yoga is that the latter does not require the performance of a series of poses. It took the basics of yoga and gave it a dose of aerobics to tone the muscles, sharpen focus, and strengthen the heart.

Power Yoga is a very accessible exercise. To practice this new yoga method, all that is needed is a flat floor surface, a mat or towel, and enough overhead space to extend the arms. It can be performed by individuals of different ages and level of physical condition. However, not all poses should be attempted by everyone. Proper posture and alignment should always be maintained during stretch or posture to avoid injuries. These activities should be stopped when there is fatigue, pain, or dizziness. In addition, the mental component of yoga is as important as its physical activities. Concentration and meditation should not be taken for granted. Yoga should be done with an open and gentle mind when one performs yoga positions and posture. Impatience, self-criticism, and comparing oneself with others may hamper the improvement of one's physical and mental health.

Who Invented Power Yoga?

Two American yoga teachers are most often credited with the near simultaneous invention of power yoga: Beryl Bender Birch, based in New York, and Bryan Kest, based in Los Angeles.

Not coincidentally, both these teachers had studied with Ashtanga master Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. Using the term power yoga differentiated the intense, flowing style of yoga they were teaching from the gentle stretching and meditation that many Americans associated with yoga. Another name often associated with power yoga is Baron Baptiste. Baptiste has his own method, which is only taught by teachers he certifies.

Power yoga involves bit of Surya Namaskar

Basically, power yoga involves the moves of the traditional yogic Surya Namaskar (or Sun salutation) mixed with flexibility training and strength training. The Surya Namaskar consists of 12 exercises with specific breathing patterns done in a continuous graceful sequence.

They counteract the effects of the previous exercise. They also expand and contract the muscles of the ribcage and waist. Practising the Surya Namaskar daily will make the spine flexible and trim inches off the waist.

The advantages of power yoga

1. It increases lean muscle tissue, which means improved calorie burning, reduction in your body's fat percentage and increased BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate).
2. This makes for a stronger you, leaving you with strength for your everyday life.
3. It works your stomach and back muscles constantly, increasing your core strength.
4. This increases the heartbeat harmoniously.
5. Power yoga, like the traditional yoga, helps reduce stress and relax your body.
6. It also helps improve concentration, which is particularly good for students.

Summary:

Traditional Yoga combines meditation and deep-breathing along with stationary poses, but Power Yoga is being promoted as aerobics with meditation – the new way to burn up calories, mold your butt, sweat away the tires around your waist, and attain spiritual enlightenment all at the same time! Power Yoga is a continuous series of vigorous non-stop exercises, accompanied by deep-breathing. Most Power Yoga’s are closely modeled on the Ashtanga style of practice but unlike Ashtanga, Power Yoga does not follow a set series of poses. So Power Yoga routines can vary from guru to guru. But they all emphasize strength and flexibility.

Tantra Yoga- Another way of Reaching Spirituality!!!

Tantra yoga is a holistic approach to the study of the universe from the point of view of the individual and it is one of several different types of yoga. It is designed to promote rapid growth towards enlightenment as a living system.

Tantra literally means expansion and it is a form of yoga that concentrates on expanding an individual’s level of consciousness in order to unveil and realize the full supreme reality of their being. Tantra yoga is often considered a true pathway in life and is not overly concerned with sexuality, but instead the creative force and the transmuting of energy into higher channels Yoga for Beginners.

Tantra Yoga includes many sciences including astronomy, astrology, numerology, physiognomy, physics, chemistry, alchemy, Ayurveda, psychology, mathematics, geometry and more. Providing for a more practical means of realizing the highest ideals of philosophy in your daily life is the primary purpose of Tantra yoga.

Characteristics of Tantra Yoga

1. Tantra Yoga offers an alternative and practical individual road to salvation, called a SADHANA, (Spiritual discipline and practice). It is important to remark here that the true Tantric SADHANA is accessible to people of any caste, social status, age, women as well as men, householders as well as ascetics.

2. The TANTRA-s are presented as the most fit form of teaching for the men of KALI YUGA, that is for the people of the "dark age", in which we live today. Therefore, nowadays, when the spirituality is declining while man is desperately trying to reintegrate himself in a spiritual reality, it is stated that Tantra is the last and best way of salvation.

3. Tantra Yoga has a rigorous metaphysical basis, of a very non-dualist nature. However, according to its opinion an intellectual knowledge is not enough, but there is need of direct, personal experience, which becomes possible only through the agency of SHAKTI, the power, the intense energy. The concept of SHAKTI, the feminine energy is the specific color of the entire Tantric system.

4. Tantra Yoga aim is to transform the adept in a kind of super-man, who not only has liberated himself of the Universe, reaching Enlightment, but also - alike the Supreme Lord Himself - is able to rule over it, and control its secret forces. This involves that Tantric methods are applicable for various sorts of practical accomplishments, including astrology, medicine, parapsychology, alchemy, and magic.

5. Tantra teaches the practice of a special variety of YOGA, destined to transform the animal instincts and functions, by creating an upward movement in the body, along the energy- channels, NADI-s, and through the centre-s of force, CHAKRA-s. The process is most commonly expressed as "raising the KUNDALINI".

Tantra Yoga Goals

The main aim of Tantra yoga in general is to expand awareness in all states of consciousness, whether it is waking, dreaming or sleeping. In order to accomplish this, yogis are instructed in methods of reprogramming their minds to a manner of life that is viewed as healthier. Tantra yoga teaches us to identify factors that influence the way we think and feel so that we may change them as necessary to transcend these obstacles that hinder us. By altering our habits and thought processes we can then learn to foster feelings of peace, contentment and order within ourselves instead of clinging to self-destructive thoughts based on ignorance, intolerance and selfishness.
Tantra yoga offers comprehensive tools to aide you in redirecting your thoughts towards healthier processes by guiding one towards breathing exercises, physical and spiritual cleansing of the self, visualization, and mantra repetitions (or chanting). These practices and more can help unfold our divine nature, as taught by gurus of this branch of yoga.

Summary:

You sit calmly and purify your mind and heart of any wayward thoughts and feelings as the basics of Tantra yoga and then slowly being to sense the life force that is within your being. It is then that you should direct this love and all the devotion you can towards your dynamic body of light which represents your soul. You should feel an amazing renewal and acceleration of spiritual awakening through the practice of this form of yoga.

Yoga Equipments- Buy the Right One to Ensure Comfort!!!

Yoga Equipment, Tools, and Props may not be required when practicing Yoga but they have always been useful aids to practitioners. Take note that it is essential to feel relaxed and comfortable when doing the poses. Basic yoga equipment comprises of equipment like mats, blankets and eye bags. Then the second type of yoga equipment that includes supportive tools like belts, blocks and bolsters and even specialized tools that provide support for the designs they were designed for.

Types of Yoga equipments:

When you start practicing yoga, you may be tempted to run out and spend hundreds of dollars on all the "right" equipment. Pause a moment, and think about what you really need for a meaningful practice.

1. Yoga mat: Buy a good quality sticky mat. This will be the staple of your practice, and you should ensure that the mat is nonslip, is sufficiently thick for your personal comfort level, and is long enough for you to stretch out on without too much head or foot overhang in corpse pose.

2. Bags: You may also want to invest in a yoga bag. These are bags specifically designed to accommodate a rolled-up sticky mat and other accoutrements to and from class. Look for one that has a comfortable shoulder strap and extra room for keys, wallet, towel, and water bottle.

3. Balls: Yoga done using a stability ball helps you improve balance and flexibility. The size of the ball is important. Choose the size you are comfortable with.

4. Bolsters: If you find it difficult to reach the ground during some floor poses, bolsters could be useful. They offer support to your back. Bolsters are helpful additions to reclining and sitting poses. By alleviating the pressure on the back, they help increase the practitioner's sense of relaxation and ease the physical stress on the body. Bolsters should be tested for the appropriate level of thickness and dimensions for your body type.

5. Blocks: Blocks are solid foam or wood pieces that are helpful for beginners, especially, to achieve standing asanas by helping relieve the pressure that comes from placing the hand (or head) squarely on the floor. By raising that surface a few inches, you can relieve the pressure on the working muscle group and get more out of the pose. Look for solid construction in blocks, and make sure their planes are straight and even, to prevent wobbles and subsequent falls.

6. Straps: Straps are typically one inch wide (some are slightly wider, others more narrow) and several feet in length. They help with reclining and stretching poses where the hands can't quite meet, or where the foot is just out of reach. Using a strap can help you get the benefit of the pose without risking a strain injury. Make sure your strap is long enough to be useful, and is one long piece, rather than a stitched or linked-together piece that might rip after repetitive use.

7. Inversion slings: An inversion sling helps stretch the muscles of your lower back and provides a pulling force that gradually stretches your spine. You may also use it to stretch your muscles in the shoulder, chest and groin.

8. Yoga ropes: If you are a serious yogi, you may want to invest in wall-mounted yoga ropes. You can use them to strengthen yourself and be flexible. You can use it to enhance traditional and modified yoga postures.

9. Yoga blankets: can be used in a number of ways--as a wrap in meditation, as a covering for warmth in corpse pose, as added stability for seated poses. Look for a colorful blanket in a pattern or texture that's aesthetically pleasing to you, and a material that isn't scratchy or uncomfortable. Also, make sure the blanket you select is washable, especially if you'll be using it in group classes.

10. Meditation cushions: are helpful in achieving a comfortable seated posture for minutes on end, which is necessary for a meaningful meditation practice. There are many varieties and types. As with bolsters, make sure the cushion you select fits your body type and is comfortable and well-made. Here, too, you may want to inquire about a removable, washable cover for the cushion.

Summary:

When deciding to purchase yoga equipment in an online store or shop it usually wise to have a look at the gear they are selling and check price points. There are a number of kits that you can buy for yoga. With yoga growing more popular the amount of equipment that can be got is greatly increasing. Now that it is recognized as a great way to improve health and fitness more people are willing to part with their money to buy the right kit.

The use of Yoga equipments also lessen out the stress and strain from doing your yoga positions. There is a yoga accessory out there that will support your muscles and refrain you from any muscle injury.

Tantric Yoga- The Path of Self Transcendence through Ritual Means

It is a well-known fact that Yoga, as a generalized art, is the practice of perfecting some aspect of an individual’s existence. This could comprise the physical well being, spiritual formation, or mental ability or mental perfection. The distinction between forms of yoga, though each one is practiced in a different manner, is not so much as the format that you utilize but the source, which you seek to alter or perfect. Some Yoga techniques are for mental reasons, some for physical, and some for spiritual. However, some techniques actually are meant for more than one of these aspects, some for three. The variety of Yoga techniques is truly endless. Nevertheless, there is one form that is likely sought after more than the rest. Though prized and desirable, this technique is also the most difficult to learn and master. This particular format is known as Tantric Yoga.

Some self-styled “gurus” or teachers have presented Tantra to the unknowing world as just some sort of sacred sex, and that has led to the misunderstanding of this spiritual concept. Tantra, in fact, is more than that. It is a way of life. While sexual Tantra is concerned with the union between an individual and a partner, the purest form of Tantra is concerned with unifying the male and female essences within a person.
The origin of the pure Tantra dates as early as the Indus Valley civilization. Its main aim is to harmonize the male and female aspects within an individual in order to achieve creative wisdom and most importantly, spiritual regeneration. One way to reach that goal is through Tantric Yoga.

“Tantra” means expansion, while “Yoga” means concentration. Hence, Tantric Yoga pertains to concentrating on expanding one’s energy in order to achieve the goals of Tantra.

A true perception of Tantric Yoga:

Tantric Yoga is not just exercise. It is more like a philosophy of life. It may be based on different beliefs, which include Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and the New Age movement. Tantric Yoga acknowledges that the whole universe is an expression of either the Spirit, the Cosmic Mother known as Shakti, or the divine life force, depending on what belief it is based on. It is difficult to master because one cannot just learn it from the books. A Tantric yogi must be devoted to one’s guru in order to master it.

Tantric Yoga Involves Meditation:

A Tantric Yoga meditation session typically goes like this. A guru sits calmly, his mind freed of impure thoughts and desires. Using imagination and feeling, the student then gathers his or her own life force. This is moved up from the tailbone to the neck through the spine, and continues to rise until it reaches the forehead. The collected life force is then directed out of the forehead to form a body of light and energy that will expand until it is as large as a human being.

This imaginary body of light and energy actually represents the Tantric yogi’s soul and essence. Tantric Yoga directs love towards it before moving it back to the forehead, then all the way back down to the base of the spine. When the light has returned inside, the Tantric yogi feels enlightened and spiritually awakened.

A good Tantric yoga student must have faith, purity, courage, and devotion to his or her guru. Tantric Yoga beliefs can be so imbued within a devoted student that this type of Yoga can also be a way to overcome negative habits such as smoking, drinking, and overeating. It is certainly a good way to maintain physical, mental, and spiritual health.

Summary:

Tantric Yoga deals with expanding all levels of consciousness, whether waking, dreaming or sleep states, in order to unveil and realize the Supreme Reality. The practice of Tantric Yoga involves breathing exercises (pranayama), contemplation, visualization and the repetition of mantras. Through these practices, one can learn to identify the factors which influence thoughts and feelings and to transcend obstacles to evolution resulting from intolerance, ignorance, selfishness and an attachment to our animal nature. Thoughts and feelings are refined while peace, harmony and order are restored within one's self.

Yoga Certification- A prerequisite for Yoga Trainers

Who would have thought, Yoga, a simple, ancient Indian approach to holistic life would make everyone else in the world stand up on his or her heads, twist their torso, stretch limbs and breathe easy without any side effects? Today Yoga is a universal holistic approach for the mind, body and soul continues to fascinate humanity. However, how many of us are ready to accept that it works only if performed in its original state? Obviously one needs to have the proper methods of training oneself towards it. Thousands of years ago it was done perfectly. However, some of its techniques were twisted down the years. A few practitioners are aware of the correct methods and have Yoga schools for teachers. This now comes with proper Yoga Certification. It is necessary; as there are cases where doing wrong asana (exercises) have landed people in hospitals! Therefore, if you are a teacher aspirant you could train and get proper Yoga

Certification in the select places

Since Yoga has become so popular today, there are many short-term courses, workshops for learning yoga. Some choose programs, which they can use in combination with doing other exercise forms. For such people Yoga Instructor Certification is a good idea. Yoga is more effective when combined with other exercise. For such teachers courses can be taken any where in the world. In India, too such workshops are open and provide yoga instructor certification. Most of these courses are done in camps where everyone gets to meet and stay together and workout together. This is a good way of learning as one can learn 24 x 7.

Benefits of Yoga Certification:

Yoga certification enables one to teach the right method of doing asana, working out diet, and specific exercises for specific ailments. The government of India also recognizes some of the Yoga institutes where one can learn under experts are trained and obtain official qualification to spread the knowledge. As Yoga is getting popular in rest of the world, a proper teacher can get students who can benefit.

Only that person can teach who is aware of training the mind, body and soul in alignment before imparting it to others. There are four types of yoga- karma, bhakti, jnana and raji. Besides these, there are others, which focus on personal development.

By doing a specific yoga teacher certification one can specialize in a particular technique.

The advantages of doing a proper course (for at least 2 years) include an all rounded training program, theory, practical, learning medicines, combining with other exercises, meditation etc. Further than these are advanced courses which include Ayurveda, leaning from sutras, pranayam, cleansing techniques also. Learning process also includes a research project. Today learned teachers are paid good salaries too.

How to Find a Yoga Certification Program:

If you practice only Bikram Yoga, your choice of a training program will be clear-cut. However, you practice vinyasa or hatha yoga, you will have a lot more choices. The most obvious place to start looking is at your favorite yoga center. Many yoga studios offer teacher-training programs, but take a good look at the curriculum before you sign on. With trainees paying thousands of dollars in tuition, yoga teacher training has become a moneymaking operation. So make sure any program you consider is Yoga Alliance certified. This will guarantee that your certificate will be of value when you are finished, and also that you will spend a specified number of hours studying asana, teaching technique, anatomy, and philosophy.

You should also talk to your favorite yoga teachers about where they received their training. If you live in an area with no teacher-training programs, consider doing an intensive program at a yoga institute or ashram elsewhere. The Yoga Alliance website spells out their standards for certification and can help you identify Registered Yoga Schools in your area.

Summary:

If you have gotten hooked on yoga and have been practicing regularly for a few years, you may feel that you'd like to complete a teacher certification course. Even if you do not plan on teaching, a good training program will deepen your practice and increase your knowledge of anatomy, philosophy, sequencing, and alignment.