The new yoga class will challenge your strength with light weights as you flow through classic postures.
Improving your balance, flexibility, and strength all in one go has never been easier, thanks to the launch of Sculpted Yoga, a new signature class.
Unlike traditional yoga sculpt classes — which tend to include barre-like elements, high rep schemes, and plenty of pulsing — Sculpted Yoga focuses on full-range, functional movements and strong posture holds, says Nicole Uribarri, a group fitness instructor at Equinox Clubs throughout New York City. The movements flow together just like in a conventional yoga session, so you’ll get the same mental and physical benefits — and then some.
Expect each class to start with a quick warm-up and a block focused on sun salutation sequences, plus lunges, warrior stances, and other fundamental postures, says Uribarri. Then, ankle weights and light hand weights (ranging from three to five pounds) come into play, putting your muscular strength to the test. You might pick up your hand weights while holding a lunge variation, perform some upper-body strength work, then transition to a standing balance posture and tackle a new upper-body movement, she explains. You’ll perform strength work both while standing and seated in each class.
The result: A high-energy, strength-building yoga flow, synced to the tune of percussive music, that feels like a moving meditation, says Uribarri.
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Sculpted Yoga is open to members of all experience levels, but it’s recommended to have some basic knowledge of yoga, as you’ll begin each class with sun salutations, says Uribarrri. “If you're someone who is not a mover, if you are new to working out, [or] you're not sure what a down dog looks like, then maybe we would advise taking a beginner yoga class or one of our fundamentals classes when those are offered,” she notes.
On the flip side, the class is a helpful starting point for members who are looking to ultimately progress to power classes or level two Vinyasa- or Ashtanga-style classes. Build your foundational strength in Sculpted Yoga, then you’ll be able to dive right into the balance and inversion postures featured in those more advanced classes, says Uribarri.
“[Sculpted Yoga] is meant to help with any kind of crossover,” she explains. “If there's someone who has been taking a lot of sculpt classes, barre classes, Pilates classes but hasn't jumped into yoga yet — because maybe they feel that it's not enough of a workout or they're not sure they're going to like it — this is a gateway into it.”
Click here to try Sculpted Yoga from the comfort of your home.