For most of us the word fitness means muscular strength or aerobic fitness. While both are important, this month I would like to explore Yoga, a fitness alternative that has its roots in thousands of years of reflection and practice. Yoga develops strength combined with flexibility and balance.

There are many different forms of yoga, Hatha yoga being the physical aspect of performing the postures. Astanga or power yoga, often referred to as the "athletic" yoga, was developed for athletes who were strong but not necessarily flexible. Sports specific athletes such as skiers, swimmers, triathletes, etc., need flexibility as well as strength to excel in their sport without the fear of injury.

Power yoga requires you to perform a series of "vinyasas." This means flowing from pose to pose without stopping, thus making it a work-out!

Each pose is designed to benefit certain muscle groups. Breathing awareness is essential when performing the vinyasas. You must learn a deep rhythmic breathing called "ujjayi" breathing.

This type of forceful breathing gives heat and energy to the body. Breath control also helps you focus your power of attention, allowing for more stretch than with other types of yoga. The stretching should be strenuous and calming, never stressful. In power yoga we learn to move with the breath. The breath leads you into the pose and the body follows.

The benefits of power yoga are many. It helps you build a strong supple body, sinewy as opposed to bulky. It also helps in preventing injury and with rehabilitation, relieves stress, enhances the ability to concentrate, and keeps athletic performance in high gear. Yoga gives us inner peace and strength. You will begin noticing the benefits of yoga immediately, but to experience the full range of benefits from yoga requires long term commitment and much practice.

Yoga teaches us to be "mindful." This not only can apply to our physical endeavors but to our every day lives as well.

I just completed eight weeks of power yoga. If you want to take your fitness level one step higher, I recommend this invigorating and physically challenging work-out.

Melissa Collins, a certified yoga instructor from the Himalayan Institute will begin fall classes in Power Yoga at the following locations: Lourdes Wellness Center, Generations Health and Fitness, and the Jewish Community Center. Melissa suggests a beginner or moderate Yoga class before starting the more strenuous power yoga.