Yoga and Power Walking Are the Keys to My Fitness Routine

I will admit that over the years I have tried many different exercise and fitness routines. What works best for me is a combination of organized exercise classes and outdoor power walking or jogging. Like many, who have tried exercising at home, I have found that I lack the resolve to stick to a home exercise routine. Here is what I do to stay in shape and the results that I have had.

Power Yoga Classes at Pittsburgh's Amazing Yoga

For those who consider yoga to be just a form of stretching, you have never tried Baron Baptiste's method of Power Yoga. I drive 40 minutes three times a week to get to the nearest class. I absolutely love my Amazing Yoga power yoga class. Several elements make this form of yoga a great workout. The 75-minute power yoga class is done in a room heated to 90 degrees. You are also taken through the series of yoga sun salutations at a fast pace, which gets your heart rate up and provides a great cardiovascular workout.

If you are worried that yoga is not the best strength training, I can assure you that just about every muscle in your body will get a great workout. I have never had much upper body strength and after a month of going to Amazing Yoga three times a week, I was able to do "the wheel" pose and a headstand (something I had never been able to do before). I started doing this form of Power Yoga several years ago, and then stopped when I moved overseas and could not find a studio. I have recently started back up again and have found that after just a few weeks, my jeans are getting looser. For those who do not live in Pittsburgh, there are Baron Baptiste Power Yoga classes in many major US cities and even some international locations. I have been able to find Baron Baptiste Power yoga classes in Nicosia, Cyprus and in Paris, France.

Power Walking or Jogging - Easy and Affordable Fitness Solution

All you need to power walk or jog is a good pair of shoes, making this one of the easiest fitness routines. My goal is to power walk two to three miles a day on the four days a week that I do not make it to yoga class. My power walk routine includes several large hills (I am lucky to live in Pittsburgh where hills are plentiful). Including hills is one way to get your heart rate up, which is essential for a good cardiovascular workout.

After the birth of my third son two years ago, I had gained quite a bit of weight and had stopped exercising. I have found that by combining organized yoga classes with power walking that I am finally starting to lose the excess weight. Exercising also helps me sleep better and have more energy during the day.