Difference between Power Yoga and Vinyasa Yoga

New concepts always perplex the individuals that give rise to a host of queries and ambiguity. The uncertainty about the veracity of the answer always puts individuals on the back foot from adopting and practicing a particular concept. Certain doubts rest on the minds of the individuals related to the age-old system of yoga. The different yoga styles, unfamiliar yoga terms and everything related to the science of yoga seem to confuse the mankind, especially the non-practitioners. To the individuals who do not dwell in the practice of yoga, every concept sounds similar. To them, yoga is just a workout and there exists no difference between the various styles.

Even to the practitioners there exists confusion related to some yoga terminology.In their minds, they juggle with a number of unanswered questions. They are in a pursuit of answers from different sources. The obscurity always results in more questions, confusion and lead towards a restless mind. The restless mind tends to believe whatever comes its way without any authentication. False information only does more harm. Therefore, legitimate information holds importance.

One such confusion exists in the minds of the individuals related to the differences between power yoga and vinyasa yoga. What are the possible differences that exist between both the styles of yoga. The following paragraphs discuss about the differences between the two styles of yoga – power and vinyasa.

The Vinyasa yoga style also originated from hatha yoga style. This yoga style allows you to move from one posture to another with the constant use of breath. This is known as movement linked with breath. The Vinyasa yoga style is often referred as a dynamic form of yoga as it transforms the static poses into a dynamic flow due to the alignment of breath and movement. Correct practices of the vinyasa yoga pose is essential to receive most out of the yoga practice. It helps in burning calories that, in turn, maintains your body weight. It is beneficial in calming down the soul that allows you to focus on your breath and movement.

Power Yoga takes cue from the Ashtanga yoga, popularised by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. It is an energized and intense yoga style that leaves you in sweat after the practice. There is no set sequence for power yoga but the group of power yoga poses gradually build up into a sequence that moves from basic to advanced level. It is believed that power yoga focuses on specific body parts and grants them with benefits. The constant practice of power yoga rewards the body with strong muscles, greater flexibility, and stability. It deviates the mind from the daily thoughts and, helps you to attain a state comparable to meditation.

The clarity about the meaning of power and vinyasa yoga helps gain a better understanding of the differences between the two. Without knowing the explanation about the two makes it difficult for the individual to learn about the differences.

We have categorized the differences under following heads for you:

The number of poses and the duration for which the pose is held: In power yoga, there are fewer poses that are held for a longer duration. On the contrast in the vinyasa yoga there are more poses and specific sequences in which the practitioner is required to move quickly.

Main Focus of the yoga: The power yoga is more body focus while vinyasa yoga is breath specific.

Benefits to the body: The power yoga builds strength, stamina and tones the core of the body whereas the vinyasa yoga decreases stress and anxiety that calms the mind, burn calories that help in weight loss and provides many other health benefits.

Both the styles differ from one another based on several grounds. Choose the style that suits you the best and get the most of the health.