Week 1 PiYo Review

This past week I started Chalene Johnson's newest workout called PiYo. Equipment needed - only a Yoga mat, minimal space, and a chair if you need to modify some moves.  That's it!!  One thing I learned from week 1 was that I am not flexible.  I'm the type of person that usually didn't do the stretch part at the end of workouts.  Or if I was going for a run, I didn't properly warm up.  As a result, I've injured my left knee and found that doing a lot of cardio & jumping around irritates it.  So, I thought this program would still get me in shape, but wouldn't aggravate my injury.  PiYo is a low-impact, high-intensity body-transformation program that uses the most effective Pilates- and yoga-inspired moves to sculpt long, lean muscles and burn fat.

Trainer Chalene Johnson uses fluid movements, keeping you in constant motion to give  you a dynamic cardio workout that typical Pilates or yoga workouts lack.  It's low-impact so you won't have to jump around or strain your joints.  It's high-intensity so you get the fat-burning results of a more extreme program. It's designed to help you get an intensely defined, long and lean physique.  I was a bit skeptical that I wouldn't be able to get a good workout by just doing this program.  I've always been a cardio, sweat like a pig, person.  I don't feel like I'm actually getting a good workout unless, I can't breath and I look like I've just gotten out of a pool.  Well week 1 didn't disappoint.

Monday - Align:
Day 1 was all about learning the fundamentals of the movements.  This is Key!  Chalene takes you step by step through the most important and effective moves in the program to help you perfect your form and get the best results possible.  This way you'll have proper alignment so you'll be doing the moves properly and most effectively.  This made a world of difference for me.  I thought I knew how to do Downward Dog, Warrior, and Upward Dog...well I didn't.  As I was doing this DVD, I was sweating!   And I could feel the movements and guess what...I was sore the next day!

Tuesday - Define Lower Body:
Day 2 was focused on getting your sleekest and leanest legs ever as you lengthen and strengthen your entire lower body from your glutes and hamstrings to your calves.  This gave me the kind of workout I was use to with T25 Lower Body.  My legs felt like jello after I was done.  Again, I was sweating.  Best part was this workout was 20 mins!  There were  a few times I had to use the Modifier, which just proves that anyone can do this program, from the super fit, to the person just starting their fitness journey!  

Wednesday - Define Upper Body:
Day 3 uses your arms, specifically the triceps.  Tricep push-ups will become your best friend.  I lost track of how many I did in this workout.  I could feel my arm muscles being sculpted!  I've always wanted a defined and sculpted arm, and I think with this program, I'll finally achieve it.  Oh, have I mentioned that I was sweating with this workout too?  This may have just focused on the arms, but my core was on fire!  Lots of planks, so yea I'd say that my core is getting sculpted as well!  Yay!

Thursday - Sweat:
Day 4 yep, the workout says it all...the fast-paced cardio Yoga movements use your body-weight as resistance!  This is a total body workout.  I could feel myself getting stronger with each movement.  Who needs weights when you have your own body weight to lift?!  This might have been my favorite because it was a little faster paced then the others, or the fact that I just love the movements used in this workout.  Loving it so far!

Friday - Rest:
Day 5 I decided to go back through the align video to make sure I was perfecting the movements.  I actually did some movements outside by the lake!  It was July 4th and a beautiful day to be outside.  Check out some of my movements on Instagram @fitforlifebritt!  I love taking pictures to see how I can improve.  I noticed that my arm strength needs some work on a few of the movements.  If you don't have a mirror in your workout space.  Ask someone to take some pictures of you while you do the movements.  This way you can see where you need to improve!

Saturday - Define Lower Body:
Day 6 and we are back to doing Lower Body.  It was easier this time because I was remembering some of the moves and didn't have to look up at the screen as much.  I'm glad we did this one twice in the first week. I love working the booty!

Sunday - Define Upper Body:
Day 7 My arms felt stronger this time around.  Might have just been in my mind, but I felt like I actually knew what I was doing!

Loving this program so far.  I feel longer and leaner already.  My body doesn't hurt!  My knee feels great and I love this program even helps with your mindset.  I feel very calm after I complete the days workout.  I'm still following the 21 day meal plan, because it works for me.  My first week and I lost 2lbs and 2 inches from my waist!  I had hit a plateau and there is no doubt in my mind that this workout program is going to help me overcome that!  Looking forward to week 2!

If you're looking for something different and want to know if this program might be the right fit for you, Contact me Today!  I'd love to help you figure out the best program for you!

Your Friend in Fitness,
Brittany