It’s the new year and time to try out fresh ways to live a better life. If you’re bored with your current workout where you endlessly walk on a treadmill to nowhere or hoist the same weights the same way every day, then PiYo might be a fun change of pace.
Never heard of PiYo? Most people haven’t. But chances are, you’ve heard of Pilates and yoga. Now the word PiYo – pronounced pie-yo – probably makes a little more sense. PiYo combines the mind and body practices of yoga and Pilates, as well as stretch, strength training and conditioning.
Pilates, which has its roots in gymnastics, focuses more on the body’s core muscles – legs, abdominals, arms, hips and back. Although yoga does build muscle and flexibility, it is serene and introspective. But if you’re like some, you may not enjoy the traditionally gentle tempo of yoga. If you’re looking for more action and activity in a workout, then this fusion of Pilates and yoga has it.
Each ‘lesson’ – as sessions are called in PiYo – integrates strength, flexibility and balance training. Certified instructors follow choreographed routines, including the music selections. And one of the best parts, that choreographed workout constantly changes, along with the upbeat contemporary music that accompanies each lesson.
As a hybrid activity, one second you’ll be doing a specific yoga pose, then morph into a Pilates pose, then do a few 3-point pushups and then on to more poses – in a non-stop fluid motion for an entire hour. If you’re having trouble visualizing it, think back to the yesteryear game of Twister, but on a yoga mat – all to exhilarating music.
So, if you’re searching for a fun way to burn calories, tone muscles and work out your entire body, look for a PiYo class at a fitness center in your area.
Sources
http://www.sideofsneakers.com/2010/08/23/piyo/
http://fitnessista.com/2011/06/focus-on-piyo/
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