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The Best Yoga Fitness Workout for Moms
When Carolina and I created the FlowLIFT class, we did it out of necessity. We were approaching 40 and realizing that while vinyasa yoga is awesome in many ways, it doesn’t check all the boxes when it comes to optimal physical fitness. But when were we going to find time for all the different types of yoga strength workouts that you supposedly need to stay in shape? In addition to teaching yoga classes, running a yoga studio and multiple websites, we are also moms of small children. While this time of life is exciting and rewarding, it’s also chaotic and stressful. It doesn’t leave any of us much time to take perfect care of ourselves. We wanted the best of both worlds when it comes to yoga fitness.
We put our heads together and came up with the FlowLIFT class. However, we were completely winging it! Our training is more in yoga and bodywork than fitness. With some feedback from students and valuable input from a few experts, the finished product has become one of the most popular classes at our La Jolla yoga studio, Buddhi Yoga.
FlowLIFT is the Ultimate Yoga Fitness Workout
While we want everyone to think that FlowLIFT is the ultimate workout, we really created it for women like us. There is a mix of people coming to class (yes men come too!), but LIFT is mostly filled with moms who want to look and feel their best. The benefits are many and go far beyond just the physical. To be honest, we didn’t even know we were integrating all the necessities into one class at the time we created it. However that’s exactly what happened. When we took the time to pick apart all the moving parts, we broke down the why’s and the what’s of how FlowLIFT really is the perfect workout for busy moms.
FlowLIFT melts the fat away. The combination of cardio with strength training is the best way to burn fat and boost the metabolism. This means say bye bye to that little spare tire around your middle. Hello waistline!
The moves in LIFT flow through all three planes of movement. This strengthens the muscles around the joints as well as increases range of motion. Yes, so do barre classes and pilates, however they are missing the cardio and weights that LIFT provides. See #1 to remember why we need that.
FlowLIFT creates a lean physique. You will not get bulky doing this class. Using only 1.5-2.5 ankle weights and 2-3lb hand weights, the results are longer, leaner and more functional muscle.
Every move is a core move, so get ready for abs of steel. We’re not talking about six pack abs of steel though. While having a toned rectus abdominus (aka the six pack muscles) is good, you don’t want to over develop this area. The main target for a strong core are the deeper core muscles, mainly the transverse abdominus. Moves in FlowLIFT require full body integration and are initiated from the deep core. This improves coordination, agility and balance to name just a few of the benefits. It’s real, deep strength and will flow over into every physical activity you do, even the way you walk.
Detox ladies! The FlowLIFT class kicks one of our most effective systems of detoxification into high gear: the sweat glands. We were genuinely in disbelief at how much we sweat when we first started teaching the class. Everyone is absolutely drenched, making the detox factor of this class a real thing.
Even though FlowLIFT is the hardest workout around, it creates a sense of inner peace and calm. FlowLIFT is not the kind of workout you can read a magazine through or watch the latest episode of the Handmaid’s Tale. It takes full focus and attention to execute the intricate moves. As yoga teachers we believe strongly in the mind body connection. If you’re fully engaged in what you’re doing, this means your present. For moms, moments of presence are key to maintaining our sanity. Tuning out the never-ending to do list of our busy lives while getting an absolutely kick-ass workout is truly the best of both worlds.
Don’t give up. Come on ladies you can still be hot. And by hot we don’t mean skinny. We’re talking about radiance, strength and vitality. Don’t resign yourself to dumpy frump-land just because you’re a mother. Dedicating the time to do LIFT three times a week takes discipline. Setting a basic goal like this and accomplishing it is a huge boost for self-esteem. Yes some fat will start melting away, your energy levels will increase and you’ll be in much better overall shape. But the best bonus is the way you feel about yourself. This inner confidence shining through is what we think is hot.
It’s only 45 minutes and every box is checked. Whose got time for a bunch of different classes to get all the different components covered. FlowLIFT has it all and it’s done in under an hour.
FlowLIFT classes are online, so all you need is an internet connection. The monthly membership is super affordable at only $18/month. We wanted to make it possible for every mom who can’t find time to workout to have access to our creation. It’s really changed our lives and it will change yours too.
FlowLIFT is actually FUN! As owners of the studio, we don’t have anyone to answer to. So we make playlists with lots of hip hop and dance music with all the bad words. We all need to blow off some steam and let go of what’s considered “appropriate.” There are no rules in LIFT other than to KEEP MOVING. The music is the fuel and fill you up with a carefree feeling that can be hard to find amid laundry, emails and other duties of our do-it-all motherhood generation. Letting go and just going for it in FlowLIFT is the best mama’s little helper we have found yet.