Earlier in the spring I started attending PiYo classes with my boyfriend’s mom. The class is essentially a series of yoga and pilates moves done in rapid succession and repetition to currently popular mainstream music. The idea is that you can go to any gym across the U.S., step into a PiYo class and do the same routines in NYC or LA that you do in your local gym in St. Louis.

Here is the website that explains PiYo. The results pictures are realistic for sure. I suspect those individuals also got their diets in order, but this class will work you in ways that a pure Pilates or Yoga class certainly won’t.

I do suggest attending a yoga and/or Pilates class before tucking into PiYo the first time so you understand the basics (some of the moves, how the instructors give directions, develop a little strength) if you’re new to Pilates, yoga, PiYo, or fitness in general! You’ll have a much easier and more enjoyable time, and you’ll be able to push yourself harder. As someone who HATES body weight exercises, I love this even though it’s super challenging.

I sort of hate work out DVD’s? I feel like I’ll stagnate and I don’t like feeling disconnected… so I think I’ll be subscribing to this Beachbody On Demand service which will allow me to access PiYo and other programs like P90x, Insanity, and a bunch of other things when I inevitably get bored or annoyed with the video instructors :)

For this class you only need a yoga mat. Not all yoga mats are created equal! A lot of them are so slick and shiny, I spend more energy trying to actually keep my sweaty hands and feet from slipping than I do working my actual body. Jade yoga mats are the best, seriously. The company history is pretty cool! But they are so grippy and make it easier to actually get an epic workout/yoga session :) I buy mine on Amazon. They’re pricey but I consider them a must, honestly. What’s the point of investing all these hours of yoga/pilates/PiYo if my mat prevents me from getting a good workout? And they last forever!!!

What workouts do you enjoy doing? Is there a particular service you enjoy, a class you’d like to try or talk about?