Several weeks ago I started a new home workout program called PiYo. I absolutely love it and have been running monthly 30-day online accountability groups with other ladies who are equally obsessed, and we're having an absolute blast! The 21 Day Fix will always be my fave, but it's fun to host groups that are a little more laid back and less strict on the nutrition front.
What is PiYo?
PiYo is a low-impact, high intensity workout program that uses yoga and Pilates inspired moves to build lean muscle, burn fat, and increase flexibility. It's dynamic and bodyweight-based so you don't need any equipment, but it's definitely harder than it seems and will challenge you in the best possible way! PiYo is perfect if you don't have the patience or attention span for yoga, but still want the benefits of increased flexibility and all-over muscle tone.
If you want to watch the promo video, you can click here. Be warned, it's cheesy....but you get the idea.
PiYo classes have been taught live in gyms for a while, but the at-home version was just released in June. It was created by one of my biggest motivational and fitness idols Chalene Johnson, who has a no-nonsense yet friendly and supportive approach that I love, so I was really looking forward to this release!
The kit comes with three DVD's plus a bonus workout, and includes 11 total routines that range from 20-45 minutes long and target every part of your body. I love the variety of these workouts. Some are more "yoga flow" style, some are more strength based (think squats, pushups, and lunges!), and some are this ridiculous combo of everything plus crazy breakdance style moves that push your limits and will leave you dripping in sweat! There is literally no other type of workout like this out there.
"Drench" is the longest and most challenging workout, and in 45 minutes I burn over 350 calories, the equivalent of a THREE MILE RUN without having to leave the house or pound the pavement! Oh and the endorphin afterglow of PiYo is unparalleled. You finish each workout feeling insanely blissed out and happy!
PiYo Workout Review
ALIGN: THE FUNDAMENTALS
This workout breaks down the most important and effective moves in the program to help you perfect your form and get the best results possible.
DEFINE: LOWER BODY
Get your sleekest and leanest legs ever as you lengthen and strengthen your entire lower body from your glutes and hamstrings to your calves.
DEFINE: UPPER BODY
Use this incredibly effective workout to start chiseling away at your upper body to shape your arms, carve out your triceps, and sculpt sexy shoulders.
SWEAT
A traditional PiYo workout that incorporates effective dynamic conditioning, fast-paced cardio yoga-flows, and bodyweight resistance strength training to help sculpt your entire body!
CORE
This ab-centric workout hits your powerhouse from every angle. You'll build a strong core; flat, sculpted abs and obliques; and a strong, sexy back.
STRENGTH INTERVALS
Twenty-five minutes is all you need of this nonstop body-carving, calorie-incinerating workout that uses no weights, no equipment, and gives you no bulk!
DRENCH
This endurance workout maximizes fat burning while it works every muscle in your body. It will not only leave you drenched, it will kick-start your metabolism as you scorch away the fat.
SCULPT
This workout uses varying tempos to keep your muscles under tension for different periods of time. This generates muscular endurance and metabolic changes that will totally transform your figure.
BUNS
Focused on the glutes, this workout is designed to lift, redefine, and tighten the entire backside of your body for the perfect tight and round butt.
Plus you get two surprise workouts!
The program is designed to run for 60 days and comes with two different calendar guides that tell you which workout to do every day. One calendar is for beginners, and one is for more advanced levels. I haven't been religiously following the guides, but I've been fitting in all the workouts 3-5 times a week alongside my normal workout routine that includes running, weights circuits, HIIT circuits, and spin class. I have to say that PiYo is an AMAZING addition to my routine and really balances everything else out! I'm really injury prone, especially when I run more than a couple times a week, so I love knowing that I'm giving my body a well-deserved stretch while gaining strength at the same time.
It also comes with a nutrition guide with a comprehensive and easy to follow clean eating plan.
Who is PiYo for?
I would say PiYo is for you if you...
- like Pilates and yoga, but struggle with sticking to a routine
- want to gain flexibility and stretch more, but lack the attention span or focus
- are a complete fitness beginner
- have knee or joint problems and want a low-impact workout that will still burn major calories
- are a runner, swimmer, triathlete, or fitness enthusiast who wants to add some cross-training to avoid injury and improve performance
Aaaaand a fitness review post wouldn't be complete without my signature 5:30 am crazy hair, bleary eyed before-and-after selfie!
I've been doing a PiYo workout at least 3 times a week for the past six weeks, and the consistency has given me some great results! I wasn't sure what to expect because although PiYo is tough and will definitely get your heart rate up, it's definitely not as intense as my favorite crazy HIIT or cardio interval workouts. But my core, arms, and lower body are noticeably more defined, my upper body strength is CRAZY (hello pushups and planks), and I feel a lot more flexible and balanced overall! Oh, and my run times are decreasing, spin class feels easier, I can do twenty pushups on my toes, and I can hold a plank or mountain climbers for TWICE as long as I could before.
I will be running fitness accountability groups online starting the first Monday of every month because I love sharing this program and motivating women to establish and maintain healthy habits and see the results and self confidence that I've experienced on my own journey!
In my Challenge Groups I provide daily inspirational posts, meal plans, healthy recipes, one-on-one support, check-ins to hold you accountable, and we end up building a really encouraging and fun community of like-minded women. I don't care what your background is or what your goals are--as long as you are willing to take a chance on making a positive change and doing something for YOU, I'd be happy to help you out and be your cheerleader, drill sergeant, life coach, friend, whoever you need me to be. The first step towards making a healthy lifestyle change is the hardest, but after that it just gets fun!
You can also reach out and email me if you have any questions.
I look forward to hearing from you, and I can't wait to be your new workout buddy!
xo Anna
