What is Yoga Sculpt?

A lot of times, people will be like, "Oh you're a yoga teacher? Cool, I can't see you doing that." That's mostly because I can be obnoxious, loud, impulsive, energetic, and cynical. I guess I can be intense, and when people think yoga, this image comes to mind:

 

Not that there's anything wrong with this. I dig it. Meditation and yoga go hand-in-hand, but I've only started exploring that aspect to yoga recently. And by exploring, I mean, being aware that you're supposed to be mindful and focusing on your breath in savasana. Like, I used to lie on my mat, wiping sweat form my face, itching my armpits, pulling down my soaked camisole, and thinking about what I was going to do as soon as the teacher closed us out. But since accidentally taking a Mindfulness course at B.U. for my Master's, I've become keenly aware of everything I've been doing wrong in life.

Anyway, I don't really focus on this piece of meditative yoga in my Sculpt classes, although I will remind students in savasana to "return to your breath, allow yourself to just be, try to quiet your mind of busy thoughts." But most people are conked out at this point because yoga sculpt is one of the hardest damn workouts you'll ever do.

That's why I love it so much. It's part yoga (there are some fundamental principles of vinyasa yoga- Sun A's with chatarungas, Sun B's with some Warrior 2's), it's part aerobics/ Swedish gym workout (we'll hit the climax of class during a four minute cardio burst chock-full of jumping jacks, high knees, and sometimes burpees), it's part free weights strengthening (there is a section of class devoted to a squat song, a bicep curl/ push-up track, etc.). Here's a video clip to see what it looks like in action.

You'll need two sets of weights (heavy and light/sculpting set). Many people who have never taken the class/ do not regularly use weights start with 3 and 5 lb. weights. Some like to go for 5lbs. and 8 lbs. It's up to you. Some people choose to not even use weights in their practice, but they still get great workouts, too!

Bring a mat, a towel (to avoid turning your mat into a slip n' slide), and water. Some teachers will instruct you to grab a block or strap, which can typically be found in the back of the studio. For your first class, I'd suggest setting up in the middle/back of the room to watch the "regulars" and catch onto the moves. If at any point the movements or heat (or both) are becoming too much, you can always drop the weights, use a lighter set, or come down to a seated position on your mat (keeping your head elevated above your heart). Us teachers were trained to give lots of options for modifications throughout class, but it still is a good idea to check in with the instructor prior to class to let him/her know of any previous injuries.

The heat is cranked up to about 95 degrees, and you don't even realize when you begin to sweat because you're too busy enjoying the awesome playlist, tailored to fit each of the moves and exercises.

 
Here's my February playlist.  
 

The whole class is 60 minutes from start to finish, and by the end, your two minute savasana feels like you've reached nirvana. You're so exhausted, you can't even lift your arm to fix your camisole bra strap, anyway.