Many forms of yoga combine static stretching with dynamic movement that build length and strength. Taking notice of the breath helps with mental health, reduces stress and releases of endorphins during and after a yoga class.
Many directly correlate yoga with stretching. This is a myth. Yoga has some elements of passive stretching but mainly it fosters strength along with length, depending on the type of yoga you do.
“Well, I have only ever heard of hatha yoga? What are other types that build strength?”
Hatha / slower-paced yoga types will have much more passive-stretch sequencing without much focus on building strength. What is the difference between active and passive stretching?
Passive stretching is relaxing all muscles as one folds into a stretch to lengthen a specific muscle group. For example, sitting in a pike position and reaching towards your toes with straight knees.
Active stretching is engaging the antagonistic muscle group that you are looking to lengthen. Fow example, if you’re looking to stretch the hamstrings, you’ll engage the quad (opposite side) muscle to fully release the hamstring.
What types of yoga build strength?
Based on medical review, Vinyasa / Power Yoga is the most athletic form of yoga there is. It is based of Ashtanga yoga. How does this build strength?
- Some believe the only way to build strength involves resistance bands and weights, or machines. However, you can also build strength from the combination of gravity and your body weight. This is why yoga makes you stronger.
- Power Yoga specifically loads the body in active stretching postures that requires stability at each range of motion. As you may come to discover, you can make the practice your own. This means you can find your point of challenge and build on it each time.
- You can compare the strength built in Power Yoga to the strength you gain from calisthenics (bodyweight movements with full control).
Reader Question: What type of yoga do you like and why? Comment below!
What’s next? Have you ever thought of taking a 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training to deepen your practice or teach? What’s the difference from online versus in-person classes you may wonder?
