New Workouts: Power Yoga and Kriya Yoga

Title: Power Yoga and Kriya Yoga (for Anti-Aging)

What’s the goal? Yogi Ashokananda states he has created a series of sequences rooted in authentic traditions yet adapted to suit 21st-century life. The sequences are designed to build strength, slow down the aging process, build physical stamina, unite mind and body, and release physical tension.

Who’s it for? The “Strengthening” and “Kriya Yoga” sections are appropriate for beginning to advanced yoga practitioners.

The third practice, “Power Within” is more advanced.

Format: There are three 20-minute yoga practices plus three 10-minute pranayama (breathing technique) sessions. The practice is filmed indoors in a white room with a curved pinktile section of wall making it look like the inside of a sterile bathhouse.

What’s to like?

Ashokananda has a strong and accomplished practice.

The “Strengthening” power yoga segment is designed to build inner and outer strength while cleansing and revitalizing the mind and body. This practice is a straightforward sun salutation vinyasa. It starts in forward fold, to chair, lunge, downdog, triangle, Warrior II, and side angle pose, then repeating on the other side. Anti-aging exercises are featured in the “Kriya Yoga” portion of the DVD. Pranayama is central to this section and simple arm swings and movements are coordinated with the breath.

The “Power Within” section helps build physical stamina. Breathing techniques are the introduction for this section and poses such as half-moon, pigeon, lunge, downdog, updog, bow, eagle and lateral splits are practiced.

Distractions? It is difficult to understand Ashokananda’s instructions due to his accent and the volume of the music.He also has very bowed legs.

Necessary gear? All you need is a yoga mat.

Yogi’s credentials: According to his website, Ashokananda has been teaching and practicing yoga since his boyhood in India, when his grandfather was his teacher. A registered senior yoga instructor with the Yoga Alliance UK, he teaches workshops and retreats in London and in Tiruvannamalai, India.

Price: $14.99

ActiveStyle, Pages 23 on 02/10/2014

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