Yoga Sculpt is a relatively new idea that combines yoga poses and intention and pairs it with exercise moves and drills. Some classes use hand weights to build strength; other times, the exercise uses body weight alone. It usually follows a similar pattern to a vinyasa flow.
Is Yoga Sculpt Really Yoga?
It is similar to yoga in many ways, but the short answer is, no, it isn’t really yoga, but that is okay. Something does not need to be its pure form intention or be fun. Let’s be honest about what it is. It is kind of a gimmicky thing in the United States (and probably in other Western Countries) that takes yoga as a form of exercise and turns it into an even more intense workout. In many studios, it is sold as a way to bring strength to complement your yoga practice, and this is undoubtedly true.
Yoga Sculpt is a lot of fun and an excellent workout. Combined with great music, sculpt is a fun workout rooted in mindfulness and intention. I love taking sculpt classes; teaching them is a way to have a lot of fun with my students and show my playful side.
What can you expect in a Yoga Sculpt class?
There is a wide range as to what Yoga Sculpt actually is. Here is what I’ve seen and how I teach it.
The class starts in stillness on your mat. Take a moment to connect to your breath, the time and place, and if you’d like to set an intention, this is a good time to do so. Next, you start to move with a gentle warm-up of the spine and a few times flowing through Sun A. After that, it can go in a lot of directions, but at some time, you will have a Sun B and then add workout movements to the poses. For example, you might hold a chair pose and do bicep curls. There are often a variety of squats, sit-ups, and push-ups. There is a section in the middle with cardio to increase your heart rate. Then, at the end of class, you can expect a 5-10 minute cool-down period with stretching. The teacher will guide you into a well-deserved Shavasana or final resting posture on your back.
Will you enjoy Yoga Sculpt? It certainly is possible. A sculpt class moves fast and requires both mental and physical strength. It feels good to work hard and get out of your head. I recommend Yoga Sculpt for anyone, but especially for people who have a lot of mental chatter and those who struggle with anxiety. The classes are usually an hour long and feel like they fly by! It is worth trying if you can find it at your local studio.
