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NextAs a collective, yoga, pilates and barre can help prevent injury and keep muscles in tip-top condition while raising our heart rate, burning fat and getting our blood pumping.
The good news is getting the right balance between these three methods of movement, and the different styles and techniques that underpin them, isn’t too tricky. However, for those in need of inspiration, here are a few ways to get started:
Strive for consistency
Performing the same type of barre, yoga and pilates class each day of the week, and repeating sequences, can help us target our exercise regime and monitor results. Changing it up every so often is good – plateauing and getting stuck in a rut is to be avoided – but having a formula is essential. It will also ensure the combination of three different yet related ways of working out is repeatable and therefore effective.
Explore different types of yoga and pilates to keep up the cardio
There are many ways of practicing yoga, pilates and barre, and all have more dynamic versions and styles which are aerobic and make us sweat more. Anything with a lot of reps, higher energy, fewer breaks, and movements where we lift our limbs above our heads will increase the intensity of the class or practice we’re doing, ultimately adding a cardio element to our workout plan. There are loads of cardio options available on Classpass, on Youtube or via the studio’s website. We love Cardiobarre, Popsugar, Barrecore, 1Rebel, Barry’s or Ten.
Set goals and focus on areas of weakness
It’s still possible to meet our fitness goals with this three-way exercise approach. The key is to think about what we want to achieve and then match the type of yoga, pilates and barre to this. A lot can be gained through looking at the way we’re doing the three forms of exercise and how often we do them. Heartcore, for example, offer excellent classes for shaping and creating abs and the Louisa Drake Method is excellent for getting at those stubborn areas in a low-impact way. We recommend a pick’n’mix of classes and methods for optimum outcomes.
Feeling the burn is a good thing
Including balance poses, alternating between holding, flexing and pulsing in positions held for longer, as well as opting for lengthening moves and positions, will up the ‘burn’ factor. Equally, notching it up a little with balances and pulses can provide the strength and conditioning we all need to avoid pain, injury and make a pilates, barre and yoga-orientated exercise approach as comprehensive as possible. Adding weights can really improve performance too and compliment cardio-focused workouts.
Get the gear
Ankle and wrist weights, small dumbbells, a decent yoga mat, resistance bands and blocks can help take our yoga, pilates or barre classes to the next level. Barre in particularly requires bands for sculpting and control, so don’t forget to kit out the home studio and ensure that right equipment is within reach. Of course, equipment isn’t essential, but one way of taking it to the next level.
Please note M Life does not provide health and fitness advice and you should consult a professional before doing anything we’ve mentioned. We’re just expressing an opinion and sharing what works for us.
Personalise your yoga and activewear shopping experience and discover your perfect size with the M Life Fit Finder.
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