Is Yoga a Cardio Workout?
There are many types of yoga, and though some are not meant to be a cardiovascular workout, many types of yoga are superior cardio workouts. Flow yoga, Vinyasa yoga, Bikram, and Power yoga ) as taught by people like Baron Baptiste in the West) are all great ways to get your heart pumping. No matter which type of yoga you choose, you can experience increased flexibility, better sleep, a calmer mind and even better cardiovascular fitness.
Some of the simplest looking yoga asana can really make you work hard. Many people feet that you have to constantly be moving to break a sweat, but try holding a handstand or Trikonasana for more than a few minutes. Try squatting deeply in chair or practice an arm balance with a float back into plank position – you’ll feel your heart beating in a resounding manner. Some students even report getting more of a cardio workout than from many other types of sports that they practice.
If you prefer to move, flow yoga offers a consistent but mindful way to elevate your heart rate and get good cardio. This type of yoga concentrates on moving with intention, though, so it will be different than just mindlessly clocking miles on a treadmill. With every asana there is a corresponding breath, and even when you hold a balance pose, you can expect to feel your heart rate elevate. Shiva Rhea has some great examples of ‘flow’ that incorporate more traditionally stagnant yoga poses in a more dance-like movement. Other teachers of lesser fame, but equal grace and physical energy have their own styles of yoga, all making quite sure that you ‘get your money’s worth’ in a class. You’ll leave feeling sweaty, if not drenched and if it’s a cardio workout you are looking for, rest assured yoga can provide you one.
