How to Build a Yoga-Focused Workout Routine

If you’re into yoga, you’re likely well aware of its benefits, including back pain relief and improved balance, strength and flexibility. Regular yoga can also relieve arthritis symptoms and result in improved heart health and better sleep.

Practicing yoga can feel so good that some of us fail to incorporate other forms of exercise, each with their own benefits. The good news is that with some planning, you can continue to make yoga the backbone of your weekly workout routine, while boosting the overall health effects of exercise with other forms of movement.

That’s what Peloton instructor Ross Rayburn does.

“In a typical week, I’m on my mat for my own practice six times a week,” he says. “Two times, I do what I consider a ‘therapeutic’ practice, which is slow and methodical with precision alignment, basically a powerful recovery practice; two times a week, taking one of my colleagues’ classes on the Peloton App; and twice a week, a strong, vigorous class with advanced poses. I take a Peloton cycling class a few times a week, and I strength train as well, sometimes at the gym on my own and sometimes from the app.”

That’s a lot of working out. But you can easily follow his lead by incorporating some form of cardiovascular exercise, strength training and moves focused on recovery to make sure you are getting a well-rounded workout in addition to yoga.

After all, regular cardio exercise (think brisk walking, running, run/walking and cycling) comes with its own benefits, including strengthening your heart, lowering blood pressure and keeping blood sugar in check.

Peloton instructor Chelsea Jackson Roberts gets her heart rate up on the Bike and Tread+. “I integrate cardio through classes and will often meet up with family members and friends on the Leaderboard,” she says. “I try to get on the Tread daily for at least a 20-minute brisk walk. I love the hikes too!”

She’s also a big proponent of strength training. “The older I get, the more I realize how essential it is to build strength, especially for women,” she says. “Cardio, plus strength, plus stretching, plus breath work is a recipe for holistic wellness. What is so great is that all of these workouts complement each other, and yoga and meditation are the practices that can keep us mindful and aware of what we need and how we need it.”

And pro tip: If you’re new to yoga, or just looking for more ways to incorporate it into a cardio- or strength-heavy routine, our instructors suggest starting with 5-minute Beginner and Yoga Basics classes.

However you’re incorporating yoga classes into your workout routine, Peloton has something for you, Chelsea notes: “We have a squad of world-class yoga teachers who call on a diverse range of ways to get your yoga practice started.”

Jump into a yoga class on the Peloton App today.