In our continuing series of home workouts, we wanted to try to touch on as many different programs that are available for you to mix up your routines. We all know that complacency can affect your gains in your workouts so variety is essential! Technology gives us instant access to a staggering assortment of sessions to take advantage of, from cardio to resistance and strength training. To that end, we asked our team PT, Eugenie, if she would break down – What is PiYo and Why It’s Good For Men 50 and over.
What is PiYo?
It’s not uncommon as we grow older to lose mobility, stability, and balance, and this can hold us back in our fitness goals. PiYo may be the answer and men over 50 can significantly benefit from the exercise.
PiYo is designed by Chalene Johnson for people who enjoy the strengthening and flexibility benefits of Pilates and yoga but looking for a “more sweaty” and cardio-based workout. It’s a dynamic new workout experience set to music that combines strengthening and flexibility training of Pilates and yoga with higher intensity movements to boost your heart rate.
This exercise method involves low-impact training that lowers your risk of injuries like sprains and strains, making it ideal for men over 50. When Charlene designed this workout type, she aimed to create a workout to target the entire body without undue strain.
Disclaimer – The 55 Lifestyle is NOT an affiliate partner of the PiYo method training. Our intention of the blog is educational and informational only.
6 reasons why it’s good for men over 50
If you’re looking to get in shape by toning and losing body fat without using any weights and equipment, PiYo is for you!
1. Reduce body fat
You’re constantly moving during a PiYo workout – performing high-intensity exercises to boost your heart rate to the fat-burning zone. Your fat-burning zone is 70-80% of your maximum heart rate. For example:
Max heart rate: 220 – age (220 – 55 = 165 beats per minute)
70% of max heart rate: 70% of 165 = 115 beats per minute
80% of max heart rate: 80% of 165 = 132 beats per minute
Fat Burning Zone for a 55-year old = 115 – 132 beats per minute.
A PiYo workout typically lasts around 25 to 45 minutes, making it ideal for reaching and maintaining the fat-burning zone for optimal fat reduction.
2. Tone and strengthen your entire body
The Pilates and yoga components of a PiYo workout promote overall strengthening. Each PiYo workout includes a warm-up, lower body -, upper limb -, core -, and power/ cardio-based exercises. This is crucial to overall tone and strengthen your body.
3. Improve flexibility
Both Pilates and yoga emphasize mobility and flexibility, making PiYo workouts ideal for improving flexibility. Throughout the workout, you will notice the movements encourage you to move through lengthening positions, and slowly but surely, you will become more flexible in each session.
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4. Improve your cardiovascular health
The cardio-based exercises in a PiYo workout increase your heart rate and blood flow – essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels are vital in lowering your risk of strokes, heart attacks, and other cardiovascular conditions.
Plus, the prevalence of developing cardiovascular conditions is much higher in men and people over 50. Therefore, any exercise method that lowers this risk should be on top of your list of priorities if you fall in this group.
5. Lower risk of injury
As we grow older, our risk of injury increases drastically. This is mainly because we become more sedentary, exercise less often, and, as a result, lose strength and mobility. Fortunately, this exercise method helps you strengthen your body while also improving your flexibility. Improving these aspects will ultimately enhance your balance and reduce your risk of falling or injuring yourself with daily activities.
6. Boost mental health
Similar to other forms of exercise, PiYo will also boost your mental health. The yoga and pilates component will relieve your stress – and anxiety levels, while the cardio component promotes the release of endorphins, boosting your mood and energy.
Final Thoughts on What is PiYo and Why It's Good For Men 50 and over.
If you’re interested in learning more about this workout method, get started by joining the program offered by Charlene herself. Or find hundreds of workout classes on YouTube. This exercise method is suitable for everyone – even if you have never practiced Pilates nor yoga before. Ensure you practice it safely by listening to your body, perfecting your form, and gradually progressing. Also, remember to modify or stop when any movement if you experience discomfort or pain. Stay consistent and have fun!
We hope the information in our piece – What is PiYo and Why It’s Good For Men 50 and over, can help you with an informed decision on your workout regimens. If you want to continue further reading on home-based exercises that promote low impact lifestyles, check out our blogs on resistance band training and other cardio exercises.
As always, if you need something you can’t find here, reach out to us through the Contact page or leave a comment below. Please use our approved affiliate links to explore the options available to you, we appreciate you support!
Eugenie Lamprecht is a Physical Therapist and Pilates Instructor with a great passion for helping others live a healthy and holistic life. She has clinical experience working in various areas of healthcare, such as intensive care units, as well as orthopedic, neurological, and sports facilities.
When she’s not seeing clients, she’s a freelance writer for health & wellness websites and brands. You can see more of her work at https://santoshasisters.com/ and her portfolio at https://eugenie.contently.com/.
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