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

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Power Yoga

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Ashtanga Yoga

Average rating: 5 / 5
based on 18 customer reviews
Feel factor: 5


Better than I could have hoped for!

(Score 5/5)

This DVD was recommended to me by a friend who is an avid yogi, ashtanga in particular. I am not the typical yogi, and had my doubts, but this DVD makes learning a new yoga style easy, and exciting. I am still in the process, but I can see improvement and can't wait to take a live class. The lessons are very well done, and modified postures are perfect. Truly the best at home yoga I have seen, and for such a challenging practice.

Posted on: 2010-09-26
By TARA



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%

Power Yoga

Average rating: 4 / 5
based on 453 customer reviews
Feel factor: 2


Over and over

(Score 5/5)

I have piriformis syndrome so I a constantly trying to find DVDs that specialize in opening up the hips/piriformis. I find that I buy DVD after DVD but I keep returning to Bryan Kest's version. The practice makes me sweat AND loosens me up.

Posted on: 2010-09-23
By Lisa Duke



not worth it

(Score 1/5)

i usually put a lot of weight on the product review so i have to tell you its not worth ur money...its about 1:30 of routine and thats it...the guy wears jean?!!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!??!!??! and it just seems outdated i regret the purchase

Posted on: 2010-09-22
By sophia salazar-cs trainee



Strength after 40

(Score 5/5)

I am getting so much from these workouts! It did take me a few months to figure out how to get to the other two workouts on the DVD. I would like a downloadable audio version for MP3, or iPod so I can easily practice on the road, or on my deck outside! Your body will begin to reshape as early as 5 days into the program. I recommend you drink lots of water - 64oz or more, during the day to get the most benefit from the workouts.

Posted on: 2010-09-21
By Darina Pagac
Helpful index: 100%



Good workout, frustrating instruction

(Score 2/5)

Not for beginners. If you are the kind of person who needs a pleasant environment to do yoga, this video may be a bad choice. If you aren't easily distracted, it might be a good one.

The actual routines are challenging, diverse, and well-planned. There is a nice combination of flexibility training, balance poses, and strengthening. The instructor repeatedly cautions the viewer not to overextend and recommends modifications. All great.

There are a few weaknesses in the routine. There are poses where he needs to describe the position better and either demonstrate or describe the common errors. It's possible to hurt yourself doing this kind of vigorous yoga, and also to miss the benefit by doing it wrong. I'm a regular class-taker, not a practitioner, and I'm sure I made mistakes that another instructor could have helped me avoid. And you shouldn't have to watch the screen to see what to do next - no pose involves a craned neck.

The self-importance of the instructor, his obtrusive commentary, and spotty cuing act as a distraction and for some, may be a turn-off.

When I did the video for the first time, I began laughing at the introduction, which features an MTV-type montage of dramatic music and shots of Kest looking intense and sweeping through a door. I did the first segment, with my neck craned upward at times, and was really unsettled by the way he wrapped his hands around the student's bodies, especially the women. He talked, and talked, and talked, exhorting the viewer to engage, but made it hard to do so with all the noise. I completed the segment, sweating and feeling stretched, and thought that I would try to just ignore that stuff, because it was a good routine.

However, I never turn it on. It's sitting in in player, untouched, and I stream netflix workouts and use other DVDs. Intellectually, I think it's a good program, but aesthetically, it's so jarring that I never decide to use it.

Rodney Yee's power yoga routines are more accessible, with better cuing and demonstration.

Posted on: 2010-09-19
By JennInCT



Excellent Yoga instruction

(Score 5/5)

I jave wanted to get into yoga for a while for differnet resons--not just to get into shape but to help with my concentration & focus as well as assist with meditation. This has everything I was looking for! I know it was an older DVD and you folks not only had it--but for a great price. Thank you!

Posted on: 2010-09-18
By Jeff Oyler
Helpful index: 100%

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