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HEALTH & WELLNESS YO G A Yoga is an ancient Indian practice that meshes physical, mental, and spiritual elements to improve mind and body health. While there are multiple styles of yoga, the idea is to focus on deep breathing and body positioning to create a sense of balance and drive physical awareness. During a group yoga class, the instructor will encourage participants to mindfully hold different poses that bolster flexibility, mobility, and endurance. Because there's often a meditation component infused into the class, yoga has countless mental health benefits, too. Why Yoga? • Enhances flexibility and strength • Regulates breathing and blood pressure • Reduces stress and anxiety levels • Refines focus and energy • Suitable for all fitness levels H I G H - I N T E N S I T Y I N T E R VA L T R A I N I N G ( H I I T ) High-intensity interval training, or HIIT, involves brief bursts of intense exercise followed by periods of rest. The blend of aerobic movements and strength training raises your heart rate and burns an impressive amount of calories in a relatively short time. HIIT workouts have been, well, a hit with fitness enthusiasts for the last decade due to their efficiency and effectiveness. You can lose weight, achieve better cardiovascular health, and continue to burn calories for up to two hours after the regimen. Talk about a bang for your workout buck! Why HIIT? • Maximizes calorie and fat burn • Enhances metabolic rates • Develops strength and endurance • Balances blood pressure and diabetes • Pushes you out of your comfort zone P I L AT E S Invented by Joseph Pilates in the early 1920s, Pilates is a comprehensive exercise practice that's been going strong for over a century. Although Pilates shares many characteristics with yoga, it typically focuses on core strength and combination movements that improve muscle tone and posture. You can do Pilates with or without equipment, but some studios use reformer machines to support movement and control. If that's a little intimidating, remember that group workouts can help you overcome your fears. Find a beginner class to learn the basics with fellow newbies. Why Pilates? • Improves stability and alignment • Increases flexibility and mobility • Eases chronic pain and stiffness • Lifts mood and concentration • Can be modified for different fitness levels A breakdown of the hottest group workouts. FIND YOUR We all want to look and feel our best—but this can be easier said than done! If solo workouts are becoming more routine than revitalizing, consider taking a group fitness class. Aside from the obvious benefits, like weight loss and a positive mood, group exercise can amplify motivation, build confidence, and support social connections. With so many perks, try shaking up your workouts with these popular group classes. 34 COMING HOME MAGAZINE