Power Yoga: When You Want a Challenge Without the Weights

Today we continue our series where we explore different types of classes that you'll find here at HealthGirl.

So far, we've looked at Back Care Yoga, FUNctional Fitness, and Yin Yoga, and this week we will discover the benefits of Power Yoga at HealthGirl.

What is Power Yoga?

Power yoga is a broad term for a more difficult style of yoga - more active than a general Hatha yoga class, and can incorporate many different styles and lineages. The aim will often include postures with modifications to add a challenge, holding certain postures to build strength, and creating flows or vinyasas to build mobility and flexibility alongside strength. Many will incorporate a "peak" posture or "fun" posture that may be more advanced, and usually breathwork, or pranayama, is encouraged throughout the practice to go deeper into the flow.

At HealthGirl, we love our Power Yoga classes! We love creating a "holistic" style class incorporating many different aspects - breathwork, mantra, intentions, and of course postures that will challenge you while giving modifications to add or reduce the difficulty so that everyone has a good time. It truly is like a fun gym workout minus the weightlifting!

With motivating themes, encouragement and lighthearted instruction, we help you build strength, mobility and flexibility over time so that you can hold poses for longer, go deeper into ones that you enjoy, and feel like you've had a fun workout without the weights. You'll learn to be mindful of your body, breath and thoughts while deepening your practice within your comfortable limits.

While we try to give modifications to allow as many people as possible to participate, we generally recommend that students have at least a solid understanding of basic postures and have some experience in general Hatha yoga classes so that they can safely move through the postures.

This is a fantastic class for intermediate beginners and beyond!

For in-person classes, we recommend students bring their mats, water and any other props they may prefer, and we always have props on hand - blocks, blankets, bolsters, straps and extra mats as well, just in case.

When using our online platform, a mat, blocks and a strap are usually very useful, and having a blanket is always a nice option as well.

This class is not meant to diagnose or treat any injury or illness, and we always recommend talking to your doctor before beginning a new program. Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions at [email protected] 

Currently, we have recorded Power yoga videos of different lengths, styles and difficulties on our AnyTime Studio, and you can get a 7-day risk-free trial by going to www.HealthGirl.ca/join

If in-person is more your style, we currently offer in-person classes on Tuesday evenings at 6:30 PM ET at North Dundas District High School, Room 130, and drop-ins are welcome. Find more info and register here: www.healthgirl.ca/lmalliance2024jan We strongly recommend that you contact us before coming, as we have seasonal changes in our in-person schedule. Email us at [email protected] for info.

We can't wait to see you on your mat!

Cheers to your good health,

Meghann