Ashtanga Yoga
vs.
Power Yoga

Using the sliders, set the importance of each aspect.
Choozza will then find the best product for you.

Ashtanga Yoga

2
Fit for Beginners
2
Ok for Low Fitness
2
Safety
2
Short Duration
2
Spirituality
2
Strict Discipline
2
Western Popularity

Power Yoga

Ashtanga Yoga

Ashtanga Yoga is a rigid, schematic type of Yoga that combines asanas (positions) into a rapid, cardiovascular session. Ashtanga Yoga is sometimes called Power Yoga, but is actually something else.

Power Yoga

Power Yoga is a form of Yoga that focuses on exercise and cardiovascular activity. It helps participants develop stamina and power and does not bother much with the spiritual parts of traditional Yoga. It is largely based on Ashtanga Yoga, with a few differences.

Fit for Beginners

Ashtanga Yoga has separate classes for beginners. This is because the structure is quite rigid, and the entry level is relatively high. Beginners should start with those classes to achieve a level that will let them join the advanced participants.
In Power Yoga, there are no separate classes for beginners. Instead, they join the regular classes and work at their own pace. The guiding idea is that beginners are given the tools ans support to develop their style, stamina and power by taking part in a class the best they can. Being a non-rigid Yoga style, it is alright for participants in Power Yoga to deter a little from the rest of the class.

Ok for Low Fitness

Ashtanga Yoga does not require the beginner to already have any experience with Yoga or have any level of fitness. It accommodates all fitness levels, and lets participants advance in their own pace and learn the exercises and stanzas according to their individual level of fitness, expertise and confidence.
While Power Yoga is not rigid, and the classes are composed by the teachers themselves, it is normally more geared towards people who are already fit. That makes it less suitable for beginners. That said, you may find a class that only requires a low initial fitness level.

Safety

Ashtanga Yoga is not fit for beginners, and is very intensive. While fit, active persons are in less overall danger of injuries from Yoga, the Ashtanga participants are more prone to injuries and strains than the Power Yoga's.
Power yoga stresses long stretching and preparation time, with resting periods intertwined with the exercise. Added to the shorter duration of the class, this protects better against injuries and strains. duration.

Short Duration

Ashtanga Yoga usually lasts for an 1.5-2.5 hours. This isn't very short and is not a good fit for everyone.
Power Yoga classes usually only take about an hour.

Spirituality

Ashtanga Yoga teaches the rigorous workouts alongside meditation and chanting. This is a complete Yoga school that covers all principles. However, many participants comment that the session is very difficult, and some of the spirituality is lost when you exert so much energy.
Power Yoga uses the asanas of Ashtanga Yoga, but it does not focus on spirituality and is better described as a workout that looks like Yoga. Having said that, it is not completely devoid of all Yoga spirituality, meditation and inner focus. It is just that it is up to the teacher how much time the spiritual aspects of Yoga receive, and you can usually find Power Yoga classes that have just the right amount of spirituality you desire.

Strict Discipline

Ashtanga yoga has a rigid structure that dictates a series of yoga poses that are performed in a sequence. Those poses are always the same, regardless of where you take the class.
Power yoga is based on Ashtanga Yoga, but it isn't as rigid. Every teacher may develop their own workouts, and they may change from venue to venue, teacher to teacher and even from day to day. The principles are always the same, and always take motions from Ashtanga yoga. Power Yoga classes always contain a lot of stretching exercises and emphasise cardiovascular workout. Being more dynamic and fluid than Ashtanga Yoga doesn't mean that Power Yoga does not require discipline. The motions you need to work through are complex and therefore require attention, disciplne and precision. That said, it is not as rigidly disciplined as the Ashtanga.

Western Popularity

Ashtanga yoga is a very demanding type of Yoga that has been around for years and never gained much popularity in the Western world. It is regarded as very demanding, and does not sit well with the rush and noise that fill life as western world citizens know it. The sessions are long and the workout is difficult and requires a lot of discipline.
Power yoga was created specifically for western people. It is more fluid, it focuses more on the self and how the individual can manifest their abilities, rather than follow strict rules. It allows for variations and customization of classes to fit the teacher and the students liking, and it has a short duration that can even be squeezed to fit inside a normal lunch hour with time for shower and lunch.

Ashtanga Yoga

Power Yoga

Ashtanga Yoga

Average rating: 4.5 / 5
based on 17 customer reviews
Feel factor: 5


Good, but not great

(Score 4/5)

I purchased this DVD & Doug Swensens Ashtanga yoga short forms together & I think Doug Swenson's is MUCH better. I was generally pleased with the format, however the way they crop for the shorter sessions is a little 'jumpy' at points. I also thought she does not thoroughly explain poses or breathing as well as Doug Swenson. I have been casually practicing ashtanga for 3 years or so, so I am familiar with the routines, & this stays true to the ashtanga routine. Overall, I'm glad I have the DVD for variety, but it is not my favorite.

Posted on: 2010-01-10
By Kirstin Vlietstra



Excellent instructional & practice dvd

(Score 5/5)

After considering several dvd's online I selected this one for 3 reasons: 1) it offered variations in length for days i'm short on time or just feel like going easy, 2) it is based on a traditional ashtanga practice with instructional sessions for each component, and 3) it offers a choice of instructor voice tracks, with or without music!.

Now that I've received it, I am so pleased with it! The instructors are very down to earth and have put a lot of thought into the filming of the instructional tracks, showing angles that are very helpful in demonstrating proper technique and variations, without the gratuitous chest shots so many instruction videos seem to include. The ease of use is amazing as well, with immediate on screen icons during the practice sessions that allow you to jump to the correlating detailed instruction or switch audio tracks midstream.

I have been practicing yoga for about 7 years with local pracitioners or in studio classes a couple of days a week, but I've wanted to find a home video providing an intermediate level practice I can do more regularly. One of my resolutions for 2010 is to set up a yoga/meditation room in my home and begin a daily practice... or at least every other day ;) to supplement my studio instruction, which I anticipate will reduce risk for injury and allow me to grow my practice further. This dvd is just what I was looking for and I highly recommend for either a beginner or intermediate student.

Posted on: 2010-01-02
By L. LaRose
Helpful index: 100%



If I received the product I'd be happy to rev

(Score 1/5)

I have still not received the DVD although Amazon said I would by 10 December.... so maybe Amazon could focus on delivery before they move on to reviews?! I've tried using the tracking page to see what's going on and it just continues to say estimated delivery on 10 December although it's teh 25th today...

Posted on: 2009-12-25
By Anna Kiertzner
Helpful index: 0%



Best Ashtanga Yoga DVD I've come across so fa

(Score 4/5)

I've only used lessons up to and including Lesson 6 (Sun Salute A) on this DVD, but I really like it and am very glad I purchased it. I took some Ashtanga yoga classes years ago and wanted to try it again at home using a DVD.

I checked out various DVD previews on YouTube and was put off by the extreme flexibility of some teachers. They didn't seem to offer 'alternative' positions or options for people like me who are inflexible and haven't been practising yoga for years and years.

In this DVD, the teacher (Tania) talks through the techniques of each movement while two models demonstrate positions for beginners and more flexible/advanced students. As she says, "Use the variation that works for your body."

The voices used on some other DVDs also seem to drone and irritate, rather than relax and inform. Tania's voice in this DVD is calm, clear and non-judgemental. She delivers the right balance of explaining good technique for each series, without getting overly bogged down in detail.

I haven't touched on the other parts of the DVD which are pitched at longer term yoga practitioners, but if you've tried a few Ashtanga yoga classes and want a refresher (or you're wanting to try a new type of yoga), I'd recommend it.

Posted on: 2009-11-08
By Dame_from_Downunder
Helpful index: 100%



BEST ASTANGA YOGA DVD FOR BEGINNERS AND INTER

(Score 5/5)

I was a little skeptical at first given the price. When I got this dvd home boy is it the real thing. I have taken yoga for just under a year and needed to find something that would give me an intense home practice. Now with the economy the way it is this is the only yoga practice I can afford at the moment. And let me tell you! It is fantastic! I can burn well over 300 calories with this tape in less than 40 minutes. I love it and have noticed an improvement in my practice. I actually learned more with this tape than I did in class. Amazing. I love the instructors as well. Great dvd will not go wrong. If you are a beginner and have had some yoga classes but want to try it at home on your on GET THIS DVD TODAY! you will not waste your money!

Posted on: 2009-03-24
By Devonda L. Bailey
Helpful index: 100%

Power Yoga

Average rating: 4.0 / 5
based on 442 customer reviews
Feel factor: 8


Great power yoga DVD

(Score 5/5)

This is a great range of yoga practices from beginning to advanced, focusing on different outcomes, such as balance, tone, and sweat. Bryan uses no props so sometimes I bring in a block to help out with the position.

Posted on: 2010-07-17
By Jennifer Lillibridge



Bryan Kest Yoga

(Score 5/5)

Out of all the yoga dvds I own, this is, by far, my favorite one. I've only been doing yoga for a few months when I got this dvd, and it was very challenging at first. I could barely hold the poses, but Bryan was very encouraging and, overall, he is a great instructor. With time, I became better at it, but I still feel like I get a great work out when I do it, and still enjoy it a whole lot. Once I'm through, I can feel the energy in every part of my body. I LOVE the way this dvd is set up - starting with several Sun Salutation based exercises, and gradually going into more relaxed poses.

Like I said, I love this video and go back to it all the time.

Posted on: 2010-07-08
By Kasia



Glad I Found It

(Score 5/5)

Rather than focussing on the teacher doing the poses, Bryan actually moves around the class correcting postures and pointing out helpful tips. I like that. His explanations and corrections help me better understand what's going on and to see what I need to do to improve my own practice. They do show him doing the correct form so we see that as well. As a teacher myself (dance), I liked the way he was so physically comfortable with his students with a very hands on approach to his instruction. The class was a nice mix of men and women, which I liked. To my eye, there is a subtle difference between the way men and women do the postures, and so many of the videos I have seen out there are geared to women that it's refreshing to see a blend. As a guy, it was good to see other guys in the class. The students demonstrate different ability levels, which is nice when I'm still struggling with the moves. Most instructional videos are actually pretty useless in my opinion. You can't use them unless you already know the material. Bryan's video is actually teaching me more than I have learned in the yoga class I have been attending, which is quite a compliment.

Posted on: 2010-06-24
By Jack Mack



Excellent for all levels

(Score 5/5)

Bryan Kest has a gentle style and his approach to Power Yoga in this three-part DVD provides excellent guidance, even for beginners. Viewers will always feel healthier and stronger after performing to the DVD. Well-valued when you consider what going to a Yoga studio would cost.

I have used the DVD personally around 100 times, and it always seems to help me physically and mentally.

Posted on: 2010-06-24
By J. H. Schwam



Great workout

(Score 4/5)

I practice yoga about three times a week at a studio, and bought this dvd to add some additional vinyasa flow workouts to my routine at home. I'm very happy with the dvd - each of the three workouts feel like an actual studio class. I especially love the warm up and the final resting (savasana) pose, which other dvds tend to leave out.
However, my only "complaint" is that Mr Kest doesn't use sanskrit names for the poses. For someone like me, who is used to studio yoga, it's harder to anticipate a pose without knowing what exact pose I'm getting into.
Overall, a great supplement to my yoga practice.

Posted on: 2010-06-01
By Savvy Shopper

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