How to build strength with Yoga

Are you looking to get stronger, build muscle and strong bones with your yoga practice?

There seems to be a common misperception that yoga asana (the physical practice of yoga) is all about stretching and finding your calm. However, many different styles of yoga and poses can help you build strength, too.

Many of the postures in yoga qualify as isometric exercises, in that you’re holding a muscle contraction in a fixed position for a period of time without changing the length of the muscle.

Using your own body weight in yoga will safely help develop more muscle tone, decrease fat storage and create more balance in your physical body.

5 Yoga Poses to Build Strength

1. Utkatasana (Chair Pose)

2. Navasana (Boat Pose)

3. Malasana (Garland Pose/Yogi Squat)

4. Phalakasana (Plank Pose)

5. Bakasana (Crow Pose)

What classes should you take at Twist Yoga to build more strength?

• Power Vinyasa Yoga: these classes will challenge you, build muscle tone, and help you link your breath and movement.

• Sculpt Yoga: these classes add in hand weights, resistance bands and felt to build strength under force while still prioritizing the breath and alignment of yoga.

• Yoga + Pilates: these classes use the pricipals of pilates to create long, lean muscles.

• Yoga for Strength & Mobility: moving the joints and muscles in their full range of motion creates strong muscles in a safe and methodical way.