Benefits of Adding Cardio to Your Yoga Practice

Yoga gets typecast as stretching and meditation, and a "great cardio workout" usually isn't the first thing that comes to mind. But if you've ever flowed through a CorePower Yoga 2 or Yoga Sculpt class, you already know the truth. Yoga and cardio complement each other beautifully.

We love a deep stretch, and yoga is unmatched for building strength and flexibility. But weaving cardio into your practice, even a few times a week, unlocks a whole new layer of benefits. Here's what happens when you bring your heart rate along for the ride.

It melts away stress

Meditation isn't yoga's only tool for managing stress. Moving your body fast, jumping, dancing, flowing and squatting, is one of the most effective ways to shake off the day's tension.

Cardio releases feel-good endorphins and gives your busy mind somewhere to focus. Pair that with the mindful, breath-led nature of yoga and you get a powerful one-two punch for your mood. You walk out lighter than you walked in.

It boosts your energy and metabolism

High-intensity cardio bursts ask a lot of your body, and your body answers by burning more energy, both during class and after. Adding cardio to your flow raises your heart rate, fires up your metabolism and builds the kind of stamina that carries into everything you do.

It's also just fun. Set to good music, those cardio intervals turn a workout into something you actually look forward to.

It gets your whole system moving

Raising your heart rate gets your blood pumping and supports healthy circulation. All that movement also helps your lymphatic system do its job, since lymph relies on muscle contraction and motion to flow.

The payoff is better circulation, a stronger immune response and a body that feels energized and refreshed rather than sluggish.

It strengthens your heart

In a single yoga class you work dozens of muscles. Add cardio and you put the most important one on the list: your heart. Like any muscle, the more you challenge it, the stronger and more efficient it becomes.

A stronger heart pumps more effectively, supports your endurance and is one of the best long-term investments you can make in your health.

It sharpens your mind

Cardio increases blood flow and oxygen to your brain, and that shows up as clearer thinking, better focus and a brighter mood. Combine it with the present-moment focus that yoga trains and you build mental sharpness on two fronts at once.

It's the workout and the work in, working together.

It builds better breath

Just like your heart, your lungs get stronger when you work them. Cardio challenges your breathing capacity, while yoga teaches you to control and deepen your breath with intention.

Practice both together and you gain real command of your breath, on the mat and in every stressful moment life sends your way.

Which CorePower classes give you a cardio boost?

If you want to feel your heart rate climb, these are the classes to book:

• CorePower C2: a heated Power Vinyasa flow that keeps you moving for a full 60 minutes

• Yoga Sculpt: yoga flow with weights and cardio intervals set to upbeat music

• CorePower Strength X: high-intensity strength training with HIIT-style cardio bursts

The combination of a strong flow, a steady heart rate and great music will have you burning energy and having fun with your fellow yogis. Explore all our class types to find your fit.

Ready to raise your heart rate?

The best way to feel what cardio and yoga can do together is to flow through a class yourself. Come move, sweat and find out how good a high-energy practice feels.

New to CorePower? Your first week of unlimited classes is free, with no experience needed and no commitment required.