That’s not to say this class was especially easy for me.  I found it to be a challenge, and it’s probably because I used to be one of those gym disciples:  5 days a week, hard cardio, 20 minutes of abdominal workouts.  I’m used to pushing my body to the limit physically – kicking the crap out of it every day just to start over the next morning.  For me, working out was about punishment – and all of my negative energy was felt in my workout.  At yesterday’s class, that simply wasn’t an option.

Yogalates is most definitely a combination of Yoga and Pilates – as the name would suggest.  This isn’t a hard-core ab work out.  Instead you work with your body, utilizing breath to compliment your bodies natural movements while also focusing on core strength and toning.  Candice, the class’s instructor gives focus to each of the abdominal areas:  the pelvic floor and the four main abdominal muscles.  You’ll get a tone for that little pooch over your jeans and also trim some of those lovehandles that are especially pesky in swimsuit season.

Probably because the definition of an ab workout is so hard-wired in my brain, the movements and exercises didn’t come easily for me.  Luckily, Candace was there to show the class how to do each move and to correct students as we moved along in the class.  Just as I reached frustration’s breaking point, we moved on to the more classic yoga movements to close out the class.  As we progressed through the movements, Candace was sure to stretch every muscle we utilized – meaning I was able to move today (a nice surprise for someone who’s used to waking frozen the day after a hard workout)!

If your skeptical, as I was, I suggest you give Yogalates a try.  I can’t say I’m completely a convert, but I do notice a difference in my core strength already.  I’ll be back next week to give it another shot as well!