While Saturdays in the fall are perfect for apple picking, day hikes and morning jogs, I decided to trade in my sneakers for a yoga mat this past weekend and unroll it for this brand new Cambridge-founded class — Broga.
Broga, or ‘bro-yoga’, is a hit intensity yoga class that nixes the meditation for mountain climbers and OMs for a multitude of pushups. This is not your typical vinyasa flow — this class is meant to be challenging while incorporating many of the classic yoga poses.
Offered at BURN Fitness Studio in the South End, this boutique studio offers every fitness class imaginable. From indoor cycling to bootcamps, founder and owner Jonathan Cruz was intrigued by the concept of Broga and thus became a certified instructor and integrated it into his thriving fitness faculty.
BURN Fitness describes this athletic-based class as follows,
This is the game-changing, stigma-smashing blend of vinyasa-style yoga, body-weight based functional fitness movements, and high intensity interval training. The combination delivers significant results that go well beyond the benefits of a typical yoga class. The class is designed specifically for men, but open to all since many women also find the program “addictive” — and they are more than welcome! … Broga® Yoga is designed for people who might not be able to touch their toes, but want to train like an athlete.
Beginning on our mats, Cruz briefly described the class and origin of Broga. He noted that this form of fitness was started in Cambridge, and is now being taught in over 15 states nationwide. Certainly an indication that men in particular would practice yoga more if it felt more athletic.
The class itself began with upper back mobility and spinal rotation. Cruz structured the class with exercises that we should all be performing regularly, but let’s face it — we don’t. However, don’t confuse this with a bootcamp class. There were still plenty of warrior poses and downward dogs scattered throughout. The largest difference between Broga and yoga? The ample amount of sweat-inducing cardio.
We would perform a high intensity interval and follow it with a balancing pose. This combination of cardio and stabilization work was significantly harder than your traditional yoga flow class.
After what seemed like a hundred pushups and hours of planks, we finished the 75-minute class with hip stretches and a much needed Savasana, or corpse pose. Not only did this allow my heart rate to come down, it also was a way to relax my mind and catch my breath after an intense practice.
So men (and women), if you’ve always passed up yoga classes due to their inability to give you a challenging workout, think again. Whether your goals include gaining strength, slimming down or increasing flexibility — Broga is for you.
Time to unroll your mat, Boston bros: this yoga class awaits you.
Be sure to check out Broga’s intro video to learn more!
Featured image via Facebook
