In life, we are constantly trying to look for balance in our lives: work, home/family, play/recreation etc. Shouldn’t we look for balance in our exercise program as well?

As with anything in our life, balance creates an environment of success, enjoyment, contentment, and happiness. Exercise is no exception! A balanced exercise program challenges us physically and mentally, relieves stress, helps us recover, and enhances our overall health.

What does a balanced exercise program look like? Some of the components of a balanced program should include aerobic/cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength/power, tissue flexibility and mobility, joint mobility, movement and coordination, breathing, and balance. Fortunately here at BAC, we have a number of options in which to choose and craft a balanced exercise program that you can enjoy.

If you are someone who likes to exercise with a group of people there are a variety of options for you. For aerobic/cardiovascular training we have Aqua Aerobics, Aqua Zumba, Bootcamp, TBC, Insanity, HIIT, Step, Cardio Dance, Zumba, and Revolution. For muscular strength/power/movement training: Power Pump, Bootcamp, TBC, HIIT, Strong, Strong and Stable, Aqua Aerobics, and Pilates. And for tissue flexibility/balance/breath training: Yoga, and Strong and Stretch.

Typically, aerobic/cardiovascular training should be done 3-5 times/week, strength/power/movement 2-3 times/week, balance/tissue flexibility-mobility every day with one training session devoted to it 1 time/week at least.

One of the benefits of a lot of our classes is that they incorporate many of these components into each class session but as you can see we also offer classes that address specific areas. If you are curious about how to balance your exercise program Jeri Winterburn, BAC Group Exercise Director, Mike Locke, Director of Fitness, and our Group Exercise and Personal Training Staff are here to help.

Yoga is a wonderful workout for many different reasons. Among them, it’s a good way for people of all ages to get active while remaining safe and comfortable. Additionally, it can help you learn to relax and get focused, and it’s a great tool for feeling better when stress becomes overwhelming. However, what about yoga workouts for people who want to take their routine to the next level? If you’re feeling bored or unchallenged by your workout, it may be time to think about how you can change it up while staying motivated.

There are many ways to go about it, and they’re all personal to your needs. Whether you want to boost your strength or learn how to get into deep meditation, there are several things you can do to improve your workout. By using specific tools and resources, you can take yoga to a whole new level. Think outside the box; use tech, apps, and online tutorials to your advantage.

Here are a few tips on how to give your yoga workout a boost.

Make Your Yoga Routine More Mobile

Yoga is one of the most popular forms of exercise in the U.S. because it can be done just about anywhere. So, when you’re feeling stressed, you can find a little space and practice meditation and stretches that will help boost your mental health. Individuals with busy schedules can fit it easily into their day, especially with mobile apps like Down Dog that provide tutorials and recommendations. If you’re in the market for a new device that allows you to run the latest apps and take your yoga practice with you on your journeys, check out newer iPhones and find one that fits your budget and data plan. If you’re an Android fan, don’t fret — there are plenty of top-notch Android phones that can do the exact same thing.

Try Something New

There are plenty of tools you can use that will boost your yoga workout, including stability balls and yoga straps. These tools will help you keep your workout fresh and exciting while giving you a new way to work different parts of your body, but it’s important to make sure you find the right ones for your needs. Also, do some research on the specific tools you’re using so you can make sure you’re getting the maximum benefit from them.

Create Your Own Workout Space

Yoga can be done in a variety of places, but it can be really helpful to have your own space to practice in. Since yoga and meditation go hand-in-hand, a quiet spot is ideal, one without any distractions and that has plenty of room for you to move around. So, look for a place in your home that is away from the main flow of traffic, and include a way to play music, use scented candles, and a comfy yoga mat so you can practice in style.

Go Outside

Changing the scenery can go a long way toward helping you find new inspiration with your yoga routine. If you usually take a class, consider looking for one that is held outdoors, or take your mat to a local park when the weather is nice and spend some time in the sun doing your poses. Not only will this help you enjoy your workout more, but it’s also a great boost for your mental health to spend time outdoors. You can even check online to see if there are any outdoor classes near you that will allow you to bring your dog along, as spending time with pets can help you reduce stress.

When it comes to workouts, yoga is one of the most beneficial. No matter how you choose to practice yoga, make sure you stay safe while you practice, especially when using tools. And when you’re ready, don’t be afraid to take things to the next level.