Madonna and Sting started the craze, followed closely by Gwyneth and Jen. Now even England team footballer David James is incorporating yoga into his regular fitness routine. For those of us looking for something that can help build long, lean muscles, but still want the feeling of a work out, then Power Yoga may be the thing for you.

Healthynomics spoke to Vicky Fox, a yoga instructor at The Power Yoga Company (www.thepoweryogaco.com) in Fulham to find out what puts the Power into Power Yoga.

power yoga

HN:  How did you discover yoga?

VF: I’ve been a regular gym go’er since I was 17, so I’ve always been interested in fitness. However I really got interested in yoga around 1995.  Don’t hold it against me, but it was seeing Madonna that actually inspired me.  I admired her strength and was impressed that yoga could produce such a strong, lean body.

HN:  What does a Power Yoga class involve?

VF: Power Yoga involves a series of challenging postures linked together with clever sequencing to improve strength, balance and flexibility. It can be a very physically demanding form of yoga, yet it is versatile enough for practitioners of all levels and ages to work at their own pace

Most power yoga is closely modelled on the Ashtanga style of practise, however power yoga does not follow a set series of postures so every class offers new challenges.  The varying sequences make it a good choice for people who get bored easily too.

HN:  What muscles does it tone?

VF: Not only does Power Yoga tone and define arms, shoulders and back, but it also builds strong core muscles to keep the whole body strong, balanced and healthy. It’s a great way to sculpt your body.

HN:  It seems as though Power Yoga can be integrated into other fitness regimens too.  In a Yoga Magazine article, England goalkeeper David James said regular sessions keep his muscles flexible, his body aligned and his mind free from the stresses of the match.

VF: Absolutely! Many professional athletes start doing yoga following an injury but then quickly see the benefits of a regular practice.  The stretching alone is great for runners who develop tight hamstrings and calf muscles.

forward bend power yoga

HN:  So in addition to the physical workout, there is a mental workout too?

VF: The emotional benefits can be just as rewarding and sometimes unexpected.   I’ve talked to a lot of people whose first experience with yoga was just a lot of breathing or OM’ing so it put them off.  You have to find the class that’s right for you. You may enter into Power Yoga simply for the physical workout but leave a class with an open, calm mind that will allow you to tackle life’s difficulties with more patience.  It might sound corny, but it’s true.

When you meet with resistance in life, it’s like meeting with resistance in a posture or sequence.  You breathe through it, stay calm and will yourself to do it. Maybe I can do it.   Can I make it better?  Can I get beyond it and be a better person?  You can translate things from life onto your yoga mat and vice versa.

HN:  For people who don’t have a lot of time, is Power Yoga still for them?

VF: All you need is 10 min out of your day.  I think if someone does the downward dog posture once a day and takes time to observe their breath, draw their attention inwards, soften their gaze, begin breathing evenly in and out, they will find themselves calming down and getting an energy boost.

HN:  What about if you travel?

VF: The great thing about yoga is that it goes with you. You don’t need all the kit and require only a small amount of space.

HN:  If you had to choose 1 or 2 key postures or yoga sequences, what would they be?

VF: That’s easy.  Downward Dog, which I talked about earlier, and the Sun Salutation sequence. Start there and before you know it you’ll be addicted and start adding things into it

Healthynomics checked out the classes at The Power Yoga Company in Fulham and are now regulars. Like Vicky Fox, we recommend you give it a go! Check it out at www.thepoweryogaco.com.