dynamic yoga

There is something about Americans when it comes to exercise. While you can find great athletes all over the world, there is perhaps no other society where pushing the limits is more prevalent than in the United States. Yes, I know that there are more fat people here than in any other country as well. But there are also quite a few type A personalities that somehow believe that pushing yourself to the outer limits is the only way to go. It as a result, the more aggressive forms of yoga such as dynamic yoga and power yoga have become very popular in the US.

When you're talking about dynamic yoga you are most likely referring to the practice of a style called Vinyasa.  Vinyasa yoga, although it has many sub sets, is one of the more vigorous styles. It is based on a series of asanas called the Sun salutations that combine poses, movement and deep breathing and end with some very intense stretches indeed. But while this style is more aggressive than many other forms of yoga, it isn't at the top of the list.

Ashtanga yoga is a very intense form of yoga often referred to as power yoga. The poses, of which there are more than 200 are always performed in the same order.  These sets of the poses are done more quickly than in the other styles with coordinated breathing and movement. The entire experience is more like a rigorous dance or other athletic pursuit, and more closely resembles the kinds of work outs Americans typically enjoy. But this style of yoga is definitely not for beginners. You will need a certain amount of experience and flexibility before you will be able to complete an entire series of Ashtanga poses in a set.

So when it comes to dynamic yoga styles you have several options to choose from. We recommend that you begin with the more common form of dynamic yoga by learning and becoming comfortable with Vinyasa before attempting to move into the most rigorous of all - Ashtanga.  Either style is sure to challenge even the most fit and athletic person, whether they happen to live in America or not.