Have I mentioned that I've gotten into yoga lately? Maybe?
It's true. I actually don't even know how this happened. One day I just needed to go to yoga. It was a Monday evening and I had just rejoined the gym. (ETA: 6+ weeks ago).
The time was approximately 5:41pm and there was a Vinyasa Yoga class with Sarah Ezerin starting in 4 minutes. It had been a day (you know the kind) and I just needed to zone out. But running wasn't appealing because, well, meh. So I walked into the yoga studio, grabbed a mat and a block (very important) and waited for class to begin.
60 minutes later I walked out feeling stronger, more present, and like the day had just completely melted away. I immediately needed more.
Then I ventured out of my Power Vinyasa Flow classes and returned to CorePower Yoga for a Sculpt class.
Class: YogaSculpt
Studio: CorePower Yoga Fremont Street
Teacher: Ingrid
Sweat Factor: 11/10 (serious)
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What is it?
When muscle meets yoga, Sculpt is born. Boost metabolism and build lean muscle mass as you move to upbeat tracks. You'll combine free weights with CorePower Yoga 2 (C2) sequencing and cardio to intensify each pose while mixing in strength-training moves like squats, lunges and bicep curls. It is recommended that you take at least one CorePower level 1 or 2 (C1 or C2) class before a Yoga Sculpt class.
It's hot, it's high-intensity, high-energy and unlike anything else.
It's essentially a CorePower Yoga class but with cardio bursts and hand weights. Think Chair Pose but with tricep presses. Or Warrior 2 with slightly bent arms and weights. It's aggressive.
I like it because it still incorporates yoga but also cardio and high-intensity interval training, and builds lean muscle with the weights.
What to expect?
To sweat, to work hard, and to be completely encouraged by the instructors. They do most of the workout with you, while teaching, and encourage you the entire time. It's hard, but it's not impossible.
What to bring?
- Water (but don't drink too much during class)
- Towel for your yoga mat
- {Extra} towel for you.
I like to take a Sculpt class in leggings and a sports bra (this one (pictured) and this one are great options with a high neckline and great coverage for yoga).
My experience?
CorePower's studio is like a spa-experience. There's bath products, showers, retail, water, yoga mats to rent, etc. They're spacious with multiple yoga studios and plenty of room. The lockers are also digitized so you don't have to worry about your work laptop (or wallet) getting yanked.
Ingrid was awesome - she was high-energy, had a great playlist and rolled with the punches (like the stereo getting a little testy). She was fun, encouraging and motivating and lead a great class.
I was just about to mentally curse her name and then I got the essential oil temple massage during Savasana and all was forgiven.
I attended a 5:45pm class and it was CROWDED. 60+ people crowded. So if that's not your thing (it's not really mine either) attempt a morning, afternoon or early/later evening class.
I went to bed exhausted, and the next morning I woke up sore in that hurts-so-good way. Sculpt isn't something I could do every day (I'd stick to C2 - their power flow class), but I loved the sweat factor and the variety the workout brought into my everyday routine.
Namaste.