Many of us are aware that the fusion of yoga and Pilates, yogalates, has a positive impact on us physically and mentally. Regular yogalates practice is the key to enabling these positive results and enhancing our wellbeing. As a physiotherapist and yogalates teacher I frequently get asked “how many yoga and Pilates classes should I be doing each week?’’
The most important aspect of yogalates that allows you to achieve strength, flexibility, injury prevention, improved balance and all of the other health benefits through the practice of yoga and Pilates is consistency! If you are enjoying yogalates and you feel aligned, strengthened and open both physically and energetically afterwards, I highly suggest attending yogalates class or practicing online classes several times each week.
The ideal number of yogalates sessions we recommend per week varies depending on your current level of fitness, any underlying injuries or disfunction, other forms of exercise you may be doing as an adjunct to yogalates and, of course, your short- and long-term goals…
Some clients, such as athletes, include 1-2 yogalates sessions a week as an adjunct to their training and games etc whilst other people who prefer low impact or might not train outside of the yoga and pilates arena will do 4-5 yogalates sessions per week.
As an experienced physiotherapist, yoga and pilates teacher my recommendation to see the positive benefits of increased strength, stability, tone and to maintain them the fusion of yoga and pilates, should be done for a minimum of 3 times per week. However, to further enhance the body’s strength, flexibility and endurance, you can do up to 4 or 5 yogalates classes weekly…its up to you.
- 1-2 classes per week is ideal if you’re looking for and adjunct to your training routine but are not wanting to drop any of your current sessions. A lot of elite athletes utilize yoga and pilates once or twice a week for injury prevention and to maintain muscle balance to enhance performance.
- 3-4 classes per week is ideal for someone who wants the strength, tone and stability benefits of yogalates as it will provide your body with enough regular stimulus for the muscles to build strength, leading to improvements in tone, recovery from injury, enhanced posture and fewer general aches and pains. This is also ideal for the person who incorporates a variety of another session such as a walk or swim each week.
- 4+ classes per week is best for clients with prescribed yogalates for rehabilitation, to improve specific weaknesses or someone who finds that other forms of training are too harsh or too high impact but they endeavour to stay functional, balanced and strong.
As a mother, physiotherapist, full time worker I fully understand the challenges of finding time to prioritize my own physical and mental wellbeing! Often, I have the full intention of attending a yogalates class or the gym but life’s ‘not so little’ obligations often prevent me from actually getting there! Can you relate to this?
I explain to my clients it’s important to prioritise your health and wellbeing through staying fit with the regular practice of yoga and pilates.
I cherish the classes I am able to attend at my favourite studio or visiting new studios to try a class in different locations! I also am aware that the cost of this (particularly if we are after a daily practice) mounts up and timetabling can often be an issue with work and family commitments!!!
This what inspired me to develop an online subscription program that is accessible anytime, anywhere. Clients can choose to practice yogalates from once a week up to daily at their own convenience without the mounting cost! The varying class types enable us to work at our own pace and to fit in a short 20-minute class to lift our energy for the day or longer classes to really emerge ourselves in the workout, the mindful movement and the breath.
One of my favourite aspects of an online subscription is that we can do the program with family and friends, in the lounge room, in the park, wherever we choose, as frequently as we like.
I’ll share a few tips to Help You Get Into a Consistent and worthwhile yogalates Routine
- Reinvest in yourself. Make your wellbeing a priority
- Set goals. Workout when and how many classes you will attend
- Subscribe to an online program that you can access anytime
- Practice yogalates with family or a friend
- Start each day with your health habit.
https://beyogalates.com.au/get-started/
How many times each week will you practice yogalates?
See you on the mat.
Lisa x
