Here is what keeps me doing Wednesday Workouts (and in fact keeps me in the fitness business): I was walking out of Fresh and Easy the other evening, and I bumped into a friend/acquaintance that I hadn’t seen in a few months. She was with someone, so we just had a short chat. She told me, “I love your workouts! I keep them on my computer and do them a couple times a week!”
Her comment made feel so good that I drove all the way home with a smile on my face and told my husband first thing when I walked in the door. I’m not saying this to brag. There is just something about hearing that someone uses my posts in the real world that kind of blows me away. It happens only occasionally, but, honestly, I’ve been glowing ever since. So, Kathy, this workout is for you.
For today’s Wednesday Workout, I decided to steal borrow some of my most hated effective yoga moves and put them together in a short circuit-style workout.
Now, I am not a yoga instructor. In fact, I am a fair weather yogi at best, though I’m trying hard in my latest return. 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) consistently, my arms look awesome, my legs are strong, my back problems recede, and I have more balance (both literally and figuratively).
We will do no counting 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).
Do you have any favorite (or hated) yoga moves that you use for strength?
Great one! I’m really slack on the yoga front, but it’s great for you, an I’ve loved that you’ve turned this into more of a circuit workout.
Debbie – I’m so glad I found your blog
Kate recently posted..Stalling in Sydney
I’ll tell you the truth. I’ve been strength training for many years. Since I started consistently practicing yoga in January, my whole body, especially my arms, is more toned than it has been for a long time.
Kate, I love reading your blog too. I really love (ooh, double love) that we are almost on opposite sides of the world (both physically and by our ages
), but we still have this fitness communication thing in common (eloquent ad always).
Debbie recently posted..Wednesday Workout: Yoga Moves to Make You Stronger
I LOVE how STRONG yoga makes me feel. It is such a different strength than weight lifting but strong nonetheless. Love all the moves you picked out!
Madeline @ Food Fitness and Family recently posted..Non-Dairy Alternatives: Silk Soy Milk Review
Thanks! I think yoga makes you strong and supple, in a very user-friendly way, if that makes sense. It makes your body strong for life. It was like the original functional exercise.
Debbie recently posted..Wednesday Workout: Yoga Moves to Make You Stronger
Thanks for sharing your favorite moves…I love look of that yoga studio/workout space. So lovely and calming!
Katie @wishandwhimsy recently posted..La Shroom de La Shroom {Recipe}
Thank you. That is the room we converted at my fitness center into a Pilates studio. It’s pretty nice.
Debbie recently posted..Wednesday Workout: Yoga Moves to Make You Stronger
great post and makes me miss yoga. i have got to incorporate into my fitness schedule.
Glenneth recently posted..10 Things I Like About Spinning
Thank you. I love yoga and I still have a hard time keeping it in my life.
Debbie recently posted..Wednesday Workout: Yoga Moves to Make You Stronger
Fair weather yogi or not, this was AWESOME! Thanks!
Ahh, that’s so sweet. Thank you.
Debbie recently posted..Wednesday Workout: Yoga Moves to Make You Stronger
You’re looking fabulous, momma! Keep it up!! I really should get on the yoga train! Have a super day!! Xo
Thank you, you are too kind. Yes, yoga is wonderful for your fitness.
Debbie recently posted..Wednesday Workout: Yoga Moves to Make You Stronger
Love this idea to mix things up! I have been a yoga slacker all summer w/ the kids home, so this would be a great way to get back in the swing of things!
misszippy recently posted..What I’m loving right now
Well, there you go. Enjoy!
Debbie recently posted..Wednesday Workout: Yoga Moves to Make You Stronger
Nice yoga pics! I just posted about Yoga today as well
. Love it!
Ali recently posted..How I fell in Love with Yoga
Thanks (I actually clipped them out of the video
). Heading over to read your post now.
Debbie recently posted..Wednesday Workout: Yoga Moves to Make You Stronger
I’m with you; I’m no yogi, but I do love good form and technique. And your workout is perfect for people like me, as I want to do some yoga, but not be intense about it. Thanks!
AlexandraFunFit recently posted..End of Summer Trip to Rancho la Puerta
Thanks. The moves I chose are good for non-yogis. They are challenging to your muscles, but very doable, even for a tight old runner like me.
Debbie recently posted..Wednesday Workout: Yoga Moves to Make You Stronger
I do love the plank pose & I definitely agree- yoga DOES make you stronger!
Jen recently posted..Plank if you’re a winner
How appropriate that your post is Plank if you’re a winner!
Debbie recently posted..Wednesday Workout: Yoga Moves to Make You Stronger
Isn’t it amazing when you get some positive feedback and know that you’ve touched one person? I am really loving yoga right now and I love this idea of mixing it up into a circuit. Yoga totally makes me feel stronger, especially in my core. I have to say, I love all the planks to chaturangas and how they make me feel.
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