As I completed day one of my Yoga Challenge, I was reminded of a workout that I shared a couple years ago. It is not strictly yoga, but it incorporates a variety of yoga moves that will challenge you.
While this isn’t a yoga workout, for the purposes of a 30 day challenge, it counts. Yes it does.
The workout incorporates some of my favorite yoga moves, done in a circuit style. The only equipment that you need is a yoga mat.
I am not a yoga instructor. In fact, I am a fair weather yogi at best, trying hard to be consistent with my practice. I am, however, a personal trainer and group exercise instructor, I understand body mechanics and good form. Most of all, I know what works.
I know that when I am consistent with my yoga practice and make it to class (or at home with YogaDownload.com) regularly, my arms look awesome, my legs are strong, my back problems recede, and I have more balance (both literally and figuratively).
There is no counting reps in this workout. Instead, do each move as many times as you can with good form. The term “good form” is key. If you feel your body start to slip or sag, that is the time to stop. Each exercise should be performed slowly and held in each position for a few seconds. Work within your own limitations (I’ll show a couple variations in the video).
I should note that I did not do this workout for day one of #SpringintoYoga. I slept poorly (thanks Coco), and felt more like curling up for a nap than doing yoga. Instead, I did 15 minutes of Sun Salutations, which got my blood flowing, and made me feel better than I had all day. I stood in a ray of sunshine coming in through my bedroom window and it was lovely.
Do you have any favorite yoga moves that you use for strength?
Disclosure: There are affiliate links in this post.
I am NO YOGI because I find it to be too slow, HOWEVER – Your moves look crazy intense and challenging!!!!
My favorite instructor owns a studio here in La Quinta and her Vinyasa classes are not slow in any way. They MOVE!!!
Yoga is definitely a strength workout in my opinion. Hello body weight!
LOVE LOVE this and I’m finally doing it—not just admiring yogis from afar.
yoga can definitely work your muscles! great workout!
Darn it I forgot that the yoga challenge started yesterday! I am absolutely going to participate! I’m a super beginner, but I really want to take it seriously and use yoga to become stronger and more balanced!
Yoga is such a great workout! I need to do more!
Love these combinations! Definitely pinning!
I heart yoga. It makes me feel so strong.
This looks great! I love yoga and man, it can be quite the workout. The strength I build in my shoulders, back and core is wonderful – and supports my running in a big way.
I think yoga is a great complement to running – love this flow you put together!
Hot yoga has been on my mind as of late. I have a feeling I’ll be going in for a class soon!
I’m not a big yoga person but I do like all the moves you showed – that is my kind of yoga. It is the bendy, upside down/side-ways ones that freak me out!
LOVE Debbie!!! Thank you for the video – really helps!!!!! I so need to do this – keep saying but never seem to get there. At least I stretch a lot! 🙂
Yay Debbie! I am also learning to incorporate yoga into my training. I can only handle light sessions as my training really hits me hard, but I am finding I feel better on my runs the days after I do practice yoga. Glad it is helping you, and nice to see another person doing the yoga challenge, I am living it through you….but now is my peak racing season so have to be safe!
An awesome way for exercise. Relax the body and mind.