A new stretch on ordinary yoga

“I’ve done yoga before, but nothing like this,” said freshman Francis Appleton after taking her first session of Power Vinyasa Yoga at the rec center.

Participants are encouraged to let the mind go as their bodies warm up to the flowing rhythm of power vinyasa, a practice that entices the body to strengthen its endurance by breathing smoothly into each pose.

Vinyasa uses a flowing momentum that triggers tense areas in the body and allows the stress to release, creating a relaxed comfort within the mind and body. It’s a great class for whatever experience or stage of yoga you might be in, and is welcome to all Portland State students.

“Vinyasa gave me a whole new muscle workout,” Francis said. “I left with the same clear mind that I get from regular yoga, but also feeling like I had a workout that was beneficial for my cardio and muscle strength as well.”

Invented in the ’90s by two American yoga teachers, Beryl Bender Birch and Bryan Kes, this form of yoga takes the traditionally slow and gentle form and adds to it a whole new energized and somewhat challenging twist. Vinyasa is focused more toward the athletically built.

It is very popular with sports enthusiasts because of its ability to trigger a balance between different muscle groups and eventually lead to the prevention of many injuries and pains typically associated with playing sports. Because of the movements involved, vinyasa can be a challenging exercise that primarily calls for those who enjoy the benefits of a good workout.

Whether it is a cool-down after a long cardio workout or just a quick break in the day to bring your mind and body together as one, power vinyasa at the rec center makes for an easy and effective muscle relaxer. PSU makes taking the class convenient for students and maintains a set class schedule, Monday through Wednesday, with mats provided.

“Typically in vinyasa, it’s a more flowing class where poses are linked together through breath and movement to create strength, flexibility, endurance and balance” said Jenny Welnick, one of the two vinyasa instructors at the rec center.

Welnick has been doing yoga for over 10 years, primarily at health clubs and within the university. She is currently a professional staff member at the rec center and has attained a graduate degree from PSU.

“At PSU, the vinyasa classes are geared toward those who are familiar with yoga or have taken some classes,” she said. “But beginners are welcome as well.”

This detoxifying experience is one worth checking out. Offered as a Group-X class, Power Vinyasa Yoga is offered 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. Mondays, 4 to 5 p.m. Tuesdays and both noon to 1 p.m. and 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. Wednesdays.

More information can be found at www.pdx.edu/recreation or by visiting the rec center. ?