Power yoga is basically Vinyasa yoga with more of a fitness approach, for the vigorous tempo. Most power yoga is closely based on the Ashtanga yoga style of practice.

The term ‘power yoga’ began being commonly used during the 1990s when several yoga instructors were searching for a way to make Ashtanga yoga more attractive and accessible to Westerners.

That said, power yoga does not follow a specific set of yoga poses. For this reason one power yoga class may vary greatly from another, as far as which positions were used or even the general style.

What Do Power Yoga Classes Have in Common?

Power yoga classes all have one thing in common, they focus on increasing flexibility and strength. Power yoga began being seen as a mode of exercise as gyms introduced this yoga style to people in the West.