Mixing sweat and serenity

If you are one of those who considers yoga as a soft option as far as exercise goes think again. Power yoga has come to town.
Referred to in the New York Times as 'Yoga that mixes sweat with serenity', power yoga is the most recent development of an ancient discipline. Based on astanga, an off-shoot of hatha yoga, power yoga has been described by one practitioner as "astanga which has been further modified for Americans". In effect this means that power yoga combines dynamic breathing with a strong fast flowing sequence of postures to create high body heat in a high energy workout, similar to the principles of aerobics.

The lady who has brought this new technique to town is Kirsten Kindermann who will be teaching it at the Meridien and the Intercontinental Hotels.
"There are many benefits of power yoga," says Kindermann. "It tones muscle to give flexibility, strength and stamina, as well as improves circulation and respiration."

Kindermann's interest in yoga began at the age of four . However, she developed a more serious interest when, following a car accident, her chiropractor recommended some simple stretches to help a back injury. Since then she has studied the discipline extensively, spending a year in Hawaii to learn from noted astanga teacher Atma Ram Das and later, with Wendy Rudell.

A recent article on women's health suggested that if you are over 30 and have been skimping on your exercise you should start doing two full body strength workouts a week, especially if you want to avoid cardiac problems, loss of muscle tone and osteoporosis. Power yoga is the way to achieve this. Perhaps one of its most tempting bonus benefits is weight loss. However, although Kindermann agrees a reduction in appetite is often observed by those who take on power yoga, she points out that every branch of yoga encourages participants to practise moderation.