HIIT Yoga – what is it?
MAX10 Fitness at MKG is now offering HIIT Yoga, Fridays at 11:30a. I know, you’re thinking , what the heck is that? I come to MAX10 to get sweaty, to work hard, to hit stuff, to lift weights. Maybe you’ve never tried the yoga class on Sundays. I wasn’t sure what to expect, walking into this high intensity interval yoga class today, but as the director, I figured I should be the guinea pig, right?
We spread our mats out as Tracy began explaining what was going to go down: some yoga, some intervals, some yoga, some pose holding (which was meant to be “recovery”), some intervals, and then some “stretchy goodness” at the end. Sounded awesome to me!!
This class exceeded my expectations. I’ve been a trainer for two and a half years, teaching HIIT classes, barre classes and strength classes. I’ve also been an avid runner and yoga attendee for the last 4 years. This class appealed to the part of me that feels like I should get sweaty if I’m wearing workout clothes, and to the part of me that LOVES the mind-body connection of yoga. Tracy takes the time to explain what muscles we’re using, which ones should be engaged, which should be stretched during each pose, and spends a moment adjusting poses to make them more challenging for your level. If you’re looking for a “real” workout, this is. I was shocked at how many parts of me were sore on Saturday. I was pleased that I felt like I’d worked hard, but still managed to focus on my breath and thoughts and get into that meditative yoga head space that I love so much.
The accessibility of this class is the highlight. It’s for everyone. You’re only against the clock with those intervals, and they’re short bursts, followed by calming poses that flow and make sense. The stretches connect to the moves, and Tracy will encourage you to breathe through the poses, focusing more on your breath rather than your burning legs and arms. Everyone is encouraged to push their own body to a place that feels good FOR THEM. There is no one way to do it.
Join us, bring a friend, try it out. Can’t wait to see you on Fridays!
-Katy 
