Yoga, which means to join together, is a form of exercise where you must use your mind and body to achieve results. Tony Horton, creator of the P90X training program, has introduced Yoga X to his weight loss system and, of course, he has his own twist. Instead of focusing on breathing and meditation, Horton's yoga incorporates yoga poses that stretch and help better tone the body, build endurance and develop lean muscles. In all, Yoga X has many healthy benefits for the body and mind.
Purpose
The main goal behind the 90-minute Yoga X video is fat burning. Horton stresses the importance of flexibility in weight training and exercise, so he gives participants a yoga workout rather than a relaxing yoga session. Yoga X aims to help users increase their flexibility while sculpting their bodies. It claims to challenge your body the same way a typical cardiovascular or weight-training workout would, including the sweat and exhaustion.
Features
P90X is a 13-week workout system with a schedule that includes six days of activity and one day of rest or stretch. The system has 12 workout videos, including Yoga X. Yoga X is completed once a week during weeks one through seven and nine through 12; it's done twice during weeks 8 and 13. The video includes five segments: 50 minutes of advanced yoga moves and poses that focus on strength and endurance training; 10 minutes for flexibility and stretches; 10 minutes of abdominal work; and 10 minutes of relaxation and meditation. You can do the video in its entirety or just do a segment or two.
Considerations
While Yoga X incorporates many traditional yoga poses, including the Triangle, Runner, Crescent and Warrior, Horton executes the poses in nontraditional ways. He moves quickly through the poses and challenges those who participate through repetition. Ultimately, the quick movements and transitions from one pose to another may not be a good idea for some individuals as this can result in muscle fatigue.
Benefits
Incorporating yoga into your weekly exercise routine may help relieve stress as well as pain caused by other cardiovascular and muscular endurance workouts. It also can improve flexibility and increase your range of motion. Horton says that the flexibility gained through doing Yoga X will decrease the risk of injury during exercise and improve your posture. While there may be many benefits to Yoga X, it is important to consult your doctor before starting this or any new workout regimen.
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