How to Decrease Tension With Power Yoga

Power yoga, while often overlooked, is a simple form of exercise for all fitness levels and many age groups. <br><br>You can relax, with this form of yoga there are no awkward chants or difficult movements. Everything is done at your body's own pace. This also helps work on your deep breathing to improve overall health and reduce your stress level.<br><br>If you like variety and a little faster pace, then power yoga may be for you.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Yoga Mat
• <br>Water Bottle
• <br>Quiet Place to exercise
• <br>Class
• <br>DVD
• <br>Video Tape
• <br>TV
• <br>Loose-fitting clothing

1. If you are self-conscious and new to power yoga, you may want to start with a simple rubber yoga mat and DVD at home. If you do not have access to DVDs or videos, try video taping a power yoga program from the television. Pause the recording as needed.
2. If you feel you need the guidance of an instructor, or want to the feedback of a class setting, then check your local recreation department or fitness club for power yoga classes in your area. Often times, exercising with others keeps you motivated. And, being under the watchful eye of an instructor can help you avoid injury and perform the poses to optimize your health and well being.
3. Some specific poses that can help in reducing stress are twists, forward and back bends as well as long stretches. Child's pose, which is done by kneeling to the ground, crouching down and trying to reach your hands forward is a wonderful way to relieve back and neck tension.
4. Really any of the poses will work to reduce stress, as it is your breathing that will combat tension above all. If you do not have time, do some twists at your desk or stand up and stretch while you practice inhaling and exhaling slowly. See if you feel an immediately reduction in stress.
5. Prayer pose If you are working on balance, try lifting one leg and placing the foot below the leg on the other, similar to the photo at the top. When you are ready, either remain in prayer pose (hands at heart center) or reach for the sky. Your abilities and flexibility may vary from day to day, so be patient with yourself.
6. Try to aim for five to ten minutes of power yoga each day and work up to more if you can. You should see an increase in your ability to handle stress and focus as well as function in a fast paced environment.
7. There are also step-by-step instructions, websites, articles and videos with the click of a computer mouse. See links below for more ways to get started today.

Tips & Warnings

• These exercises can be done at any time of the day. However, wait an hour or two after meals, as you may become nauseated.
• <br>Drink water before and after yoga. If you must, sip small amounts of water during yoga, but try to do so sparingly.
• Yoga is for peace of mind. Never get competitive with yourself or others. Go only as far in movement as your body allows.