Benefits of Adding Cardio to Your Yoga Practice

Yoga is often thought of as only a stretching and meditation exercise. A “great cardio workout” probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. However, if you’ve ever been to CorePower Yoga 2 or Yoga Sculpt classes, then you know that yoga and cardio actually compliment each other quite nicely.

Everyone loves a good stretch, and we know yoga is great for building muscle and increasing flexibility, but integrating cardio into your yoga routine (even just a few times a week) can have some major benefits. Here are a few to mention:

1. Reduce Stress – Meditation isn’t yoga’s only trick for managing stress. We’ve found that jumping, dancing and squatting are also great ways to let go of your daily tensions.

2. Torch Calories – High-intensity cardio bursts help maximize the calorie burning effect.

3. Work the Lymphatic System – Raising your heart rate and circulatory system pumps the lymphatic system, and helps rid the body of toxins.

4. Improve Heart Health – You already work a ton of different muscles in a yoga class, and by adding cardio, you can include your heart on that list. Just like any other muscle, the more you work your heart, the stronger it will get. 

5. Enhance Brain Function – Cardio helps increase oxygen flow to the brain.

6. Maximize Breath – Similar to the heart, cardio works your lungs, making them stronger. Even more, practicing yoga + cardio can help you gain better control of your breathing overall.

If you’re wondering which CorePower Yoga classes will give you a cardio boost, we recommend checking out CorePower Yoga 2 or Yoga Sculpt. The combination of a great power vinyasa flow and upbeat music tracks will have you boosting your heart rate and burning calories while having fun with your fellow yogis! Find a class near you.