CorePower Sculpt offers all the great benefits of yoga, but with a twist. The additional attention to strength (particularly with light hand weights) along with a "power cardio" session makes this a complete, full body workout. By the way, this is not a paid post - I just really love the workouts.
Ditching the studio for an online experience
I always have the best intentions to get to yoga classes. The community aspect of the practice is something I long for, but the reality is that practicing at a studio isn't very convenient.
There are no studios close by my house, they’re not terribly affordable and I have to abide by a schedule rather than my own inspired timing, so the best place for me to do yoga is at home. Fortunately, there’s TONS of great online yoga these days, both free and paid. I’ve shared of a few of my favorite Youtube classes hereand here, but today I’m sharing my new found love for Core Power Yoga On Demand.
CorePower Yoga on Demand
Core Power Yoga stands out for its focus on strength, with class variations based on levels of increasing difficulty.
- C1 is based on fundamental vinyasa principles at a moderate pace. Great for beginners.
- C2 is also based on vinyasa, but the intensity is up-leveled and the music goes with it (a faster beat).
- C3 is even more intense with advanced poses
While I love all these classes (I just finished C2 Fluid Flow w/ Anthony and it was so grounding), there’s little that’s new about them, other than I find the music to be a bit better than most online classes and a lot less instructional talking. As an experienced yogi, I prefer brief, simple cues rather than 14 second long instructions on how to stand in mountain pose.
But overall, while I love these classes, I’m not sure I’d pay $20 a month for streaming access as they’re not that different from what I can find through Youtube, Beachbody on Demand or Yoga Today.
However...
CorePower Yoga Sculpt - Core Power’s True Differentiator
Folks, I’ve found my new soul workout and it’s a blend of weights and yoga ❤️. Be still my beating heart opener (<— lame yoga joke, sorry).
These classes are based on a basic yoga flow, but with the addition of light to medium weights to add an extra caloric burn and strength workout while still getting your yoga buzz on. I know those of you who are spiritual purists are probably losing your mind right now as yoga is not intended to be a workout but a path to enlightenment. Personally, I see no reason why you can’t have both.
These classes are fast, simple, challenging and they move through three different segments of yoga flow with weights, then cardio (no weights), then some final asana poses before hitting the floor for savanna. I loved every minute of the three classes I’ve worked through so far and I honestly look forward to doing the rest (note - I never look forward to workouts).
If you’re looking for a more strength focused workout with the same benefits of a traditional class, I think you would really enjoy this format.
Photo Credits - Core Power Yoga
The True Test - I Paid For The Service
I try a TON of online workouts for the blog as home-based fitness is a big part of what I write about. But rarely do any of these websites entice me to stay on past the free trial period. But Core Power Yoga stole my yogi heart when they incorporated weights and inspired me to move in a whole new way. I’m a convert now, and it’s a great compliment to my Lift 4 program that’s a combination of HIIT and weights. I love the contrast between yoga and HIIT, not to mention the results I’m starting to see.
One thing I will note is that there aren’t a TON of classes on the platform yet, but I’m assuming they will continue to build out the library. For now, I recommend that you at least try the free 7-day trial and check out one of the Yoga Sculpt classes. You’re going to LOVE it.
A CorePower Yoga Free Class
I found this class on Youtube. It's a yoga sculpt style, so light hand weights are helpful, although you can still get a great workout if you don't have anything on hand. If you enjoy a sweaty flowing yoga workout, you're going to love it.
Questions you're probably wondering about CorePower Yoga
How often should you do yoga (of any kind) to see results?
I think a minimum of 3 times per week is necessary to see results from any program. I wouldn't do more than 6 times, as you want some time to rest and recover. Beyond that, I would make a point of selecting some more and less challenging classes so you're not overtraining.
Can you lose weight doing CorePower Yoga?
Yes, but - you have to watch what you're eating, too. Exercise is only a small portion of any weight loss effort. If you're over eating, or eating poorly, you will struggle to lose weight, even if you're doing this 6 days a week. However, I will say, yoga can help you lose weight for different reasons, like improving stress hormones. It can also help you sleep better, which in turn, will make you less hungry.
How many calories will you burn?
It's really hard to say as it will vary from person to person and class to class. You might burn as little as 100 calories in a short, 20 minute class, or over 400 calories in an hour-long class. The best way to track calories burned is with an Apple watch or heart rate monitor.
Is it hard?
Yes, but not so hard that it's impossible to get through a class. I would say, it's best for intermediate exercisers, but a beginner could make it through. There are very few complicated poses in Yoga Sculpt. It's more about building strength in basic poses, so you don't need advanced flexibility.
PS - for the yoga sculpt classes you’re going to need a few sets of hand weights. I recommend a set of 5lb, 8lb and maybe a set of 10lbs if you’re really strong. The moves are held for a long time, so you don’t want to go too heavy.
Happy yoga sculpting!
XO
Want more home workout recommendations like CorePower Yoga Sculpt? Try These:
- Barre Blend - check out the free sample workout in this post!
- PiYo - a fun blend of yoga and Pilates, but it's a constant flow
- 3-Week Yoga Retreat - a progressive yoga class for beginners. Less expensive than CorePower, and you get way more workouts (of all kinds, not just yoga)
