What to Expect in Class
Pace
Fast, continuous movement
Duration
60-90 minutes
Temperature
Often heated (90-95°F)
Intensity
Vigorous, challenging
Music
Usually upbeat playlists
Sanskrit
Minimal or none
The Founding Teachers
Bryan Kest
Studied with Pattabhi Jois. Created donation-based classes emphasizing accessibility. His Power Yoga is introspective despite the intensity.
Beryl Bender Birch
Author of "Power Yoga." Brought Ashtanga-based practice to athletes and runners. Emphasis on mental discipline alongside physical.
Baron Baptiste
Created "Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga." Built a branded system with teacher training. Often practiced in heated rooms.
Power Yoga vs. Related Styles
Power Yoga vs. Ashtanga
Ashtanga follows a fixed sequence with specific breath counts. Power Yoga uses similar poses but teachers sequence freely. Ashtanga is traditional; Power Yoga is its Western adaptation.
Power Yoga vs. Vinyasa
Power Yoga is essentially a more intense form of Vinyasa. Both link movement with breath and allow creative sequencing. Power Yoga emphasizes the athletic; Vinyasa can be gentler.
Power Yoga vs. Hot Yoga
Hot Yoga (like Bikram) uses heat with a fixed sequence. Power Yoga may or may not use heat, and sequences vary. The heat in Power classes is optional, not defining.
Power Yoga vs. Rocket
Rocket Yoga modifies the Ashtanga series with more accessible variations. Power Yoga is less structured—any teacher can call their vigorous class "Power Yoga."
Benefits of Power Yoga
- Builds significant muscular strength
- Improves cardiovascular fitness
- Burns substantial calories
- Increases flexibility under effort
- Develops mental focus and discipline
- Provides intense stress release
- Accessible to those unfamiliar with yoga philosophy
- Complements athletic training
Common Elements
While classes vary widely, Power Yoga typically includes:
- Sun Salutations — Usually multiple rounds to build heat
- Standing pose sequences — Warriors, triangles, balances—held and repeated
- Core work — Plank variations, boat pose, integrated abdominal work
- Chaturanga repetitions — Many, many Chaturangas
- Arm balances — Crow, side crow, other strength-intensive poses
- Brief cool-down — Often shorter than in traditional styles
- Savasana — Usually, though sometimes abbreviated
Who Power Yoga Is For
Power Yoga tends to attract:
- Athletes — Cross-training for sports, building functional strength
- Fitness enthusiasts — Looking for a serious workout
- Those intimidated by traditional yoga — No Sanskrit, no philosophy required
- Type-A personalities — The intensity matches their energy
- Anyone needing physical stress release — The effort can be cathartic
Who Might Try Something Else
Power Yoga may not be ideal for:
- Complete beginners — The pace leaves little time for instruction
- Those with injuries — The intensity can aggravate problems
- Anyone seeking stillness — The practice is more doing than being
- Those interested in yoga philosophy — It's usually not emphasized
- Pregnant practitioners — Prenatal Yoga is safer
The Criticism and the Response
Power Yoga has faced criticism from traditional practitioners who argue that it strips yoga of its spiritual essence, reducing a 5,000-year-old practice to gym culture. The counterargument: yoga has always evolved, and making it accessible to Western bodies and mindsets brings benefits to people who would never attend a traditional class.
The truth likely includes both perspectives. Power Yoga can be a gateway to deeper practice—many practitioners start with the physical workout and gradually discover the contemplative dimensions. But it can also become pure exercise that never deepens. The outcome depends on the teacher, the student, and what they're seeking.
Find Power Yoga Near You
Discover studios offering vigorous, fitness-focused classes in your area.