When this program first came out, my first thought was “Ugh. Nope. Not gonna do it.” I dislike yoga and pilates very much. It is slow and boring to me. Some people can really relax and clear their minds with yoga. It just makes mine worse. It just gives me more time to think about all of the things I need to get done. I’m a busy gal. I prefer to push myself so my brain is too busy thinking about the pain I am in to think about anything other than my workout.
With all the hype surrounding the release of this program, I told myself I was going to give this a fair shot. I love Chalene Johnson and she has never let me down. So I bought it. Literally, the minute it went on sale, I was online to purchase it. Let me just say that I was pleasantly surprised! So here’s what sold me on PiYo.
1. It is low impact.
When I started PiYo, I had just finished P90X3, T25 and the 21 Day Fix. Those workouts are tough. My body needed a bit of rest. My knee and back were both hurting. I have chronic sciatic nerve pain and exercise seems to be the only thing that really helps. Here’s the best thing… I was able to do the workouts even with those pains. If you have ever had sciatic nerve pain, you know that moving isn’t always the easiest thing to do. I modified when needed and pushed where I could. I truly think that by moving and stretching, I was able to feel better faster.
2. You use muscles you didn’t know you had.
Some of these moves are TOUGH! Regardless of how fit you are, some of these moves are going to make you think twice. The good thing – there is a modifier to follow until you are able to do the moves properly. The other good thing – You have to push yourself to get better each day. You gain flexibility which in turn causes your muscles to function on a different level.
3. The workouts are short.
Seriously, who has time to spend 2 hours in the gym? I know I certainly don’t. I’m not knocking those people who do go to the gym or spend that long working out. I just personally don’t have that ability. I love that I can pop down to my basement, do my workout and shower before my kiddo wakes up from his nap. The longest workout is 48 minutes, but most hover around the 30 minute mark. Although one is only 18 minutes. Loved those days!
4. You don’t need any equipment.
Maybe a yoga mat. But in actuality, you can get away without even one of those if you workout on carpeting. You simply use your body weight to build muscle and burn fat! If you don’t have much space, you can still get in a great workout. People are always surprised when they see how much space I have to work with in my basement. You don’t need much!
5. You get serious results.
Let me just reiterate… this program is low impact, but not low intensity. You can get serious results from this and not have a negative impact on your body and joints. By doing the right motions, your body weight is all that you need to build a sculpted body. There is even a meal plan that you can follow to get your diet on track and help you achieve results faster. Think long, lean legs and toned, sculpted arms. And let’s not even go into the effect this workout has on your core! I was honestly surprised with how sore I actually was from these workouts. A good healthy sore. Not the “Oh my goodness, I can’t get out of my chair” sore.
So there you have it. If you are interested in trying it out, I would be happy to talk to you more and answer your specific questions. I do have a PiYo challenge group starting December 1. We are going to start the New Year being much healthier and happier than ever! Who’s with me?? Find me on Facebook (www.facebook.com/nicolepope11)!!
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