Today we are talking fitness with someone who really knows her stuff. I know a lot of us are trying to keep those New Year’s resolutions we made back in January and here to help is fashionable fitness guru Mikhaila Woodall. She is in love with Yoga Sculpt, and is thrilled to announce that she’ll be bringing the popular workout to her students at Lakeshore Sports & Fitness in March! As a certified Yoga Sculpt instructor she will have 2 classes on the LSF Lincoln Park group fitness schedule, but perhaps even more exciting is the fact that she was recently hired on in the Personal Training department. That means she will also be able to teach the format as a private, semi-private or small-group session in a customized setting to work on your fitness goals in a fun, safe, and effective way! Mikhaila is living, breathing, downward-dogging proof that this method delivers beautiful results and she is here on the blog today sharing some tips + tricks on how to revamp your fitness routine.

SO TELL ME ABOUT THIS NEW WORKOUT YOU’RE SO OBSESSED WITH.
Yoga Sculpt is basically yoga + weights + cardio. It’s a killer workout and it’s set to heart-pumpin’ music to keep the energy level through the roof! All you need is a set of light + heavy weights, your yoga mat, and a can-do attitude. There are definitely times where the going gets tough, as with any high intensity workout, but you channel those yogic techniques {your breath, a mantra, your intention} and you find the fuel to power through that moment when you want to quit. It’s really incredible!

YOU LOOK GREAT! HAVE YOU LOST ANY WEIGHT?
Aw thank you. I have been hearing that a lot lately! I have toned up a lot recently and finally lost the last of the baby weight. It only took about 3.5 years! No, but seriously this workout was exactly what I needed to push past that plateau. I have never felt stronger, happier, or more confident that I do right now.

HOW DO YOU MOTIVATE YOURSELF TO GET TO THE GYM?
It’s just a matter of discovering a workout you enjoy that you can look forward to returning to again and again. It’s important to try new things and see what motivates you. A lot of my students say my playlists help keep their enthusiasm alive throughout class. I love finding songs that flow and keep the energy sky high. Yoga Sculpt is an impactful way to incorporate strength training, cardiovascular exercise, and flexibility training in one action packed hour so it helps you stick to your goals!

IS THIS CLASS FOR EXTREMELY ADVANCED FIT PEOPLE ONLY {BECAUSE WE ALL KNOW I AM NOT}?
No! Not at all. This class is for anyone and everyone! It’s challenging for sure, but the poses themselves are not super advanced. We’re not doing handstands with weights or anything crazy like that. The brilliance is in it’s simplicity really. You get this great full body workout in one hour, charging up your metabolism while building strength and flexibility. You will really see dramatic results when you establish a regular practice.

SOUNDS PERFECT TO ME. SO WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GROUP FITNESS AND SMALL GROUP TRAINING?
Group Fitness classes are on a set schedule. The classes are open to all LSF member and are included in your membership at no additional fee. I will be teaching Yoga Sculpt on Thursdays at 10am and Sundays at 11am {both at LSF LP starting in March}. Small Group Training is scheduled through the Personal Training Department at your convenience. Say you have a couple of friends and you have similar fitness goals and schedules. You would all like to train with me at 9am on a Monday morning and concentrate on abs, glutes, and outer thighs. I can create a program specifically for you that would be totally customized, scheduled at your convenience, and really fun! It’s worth noting that Small Group Sessions {meaning 3-4 people} are significantly less expensive per person than Private Sessions, and in my opinion, they’re more fun for a Yoga Sculpt format. So buddy up and let’s get our Sculpt on!

HOW FUN! WHAT IF I’M NOT A LAKESHORE MEMBER?
I do have a traveling private practice and I see private clients in their homes and building fitness centers all over the city. If you are contemplating a membership to Lakeshore Sport & Fitness Lincoln Park, GCG readers who sign up as new members in February will receive 2 free Private Yoga sessions with me!

CAN YOU TELL ME A BIT ABOUT THIS FABULOUS ROUTINE?
This collage is essentially a fun fitness solution with weights and shows a bit of what I’ll be doing in Yoga Sculpt. It starts with chair pose with a tricep kickback. Next is a chaturanga triceps push-up through plank, where abs are intensely engaged. Crescent warrior pose incorporates a deep lunge to tone the thighs, pressing weights to sides or over head to work the shoulders. Horse squat oblique dips work abs and inner thighs. Lastly, warrior wood chops work transverse abs, shoulder, and arms.

Thanks Mikhaila for sharing your fun fitness routine! Your body looks AMAZING and you have inspired me to tone up with Yoga Sculpt.  I already love yoga so this class will be right up my alley. All of you guys can keep up with Mikhaila by following her on Facebook here or visiting her at LSF in Lincoln Park. I can’t wait to work it out with Yoga Sculpt in March!

Also, want to look as stylish as Mikhaila while getting your sweat on? Check out my workout gear picks here or shop some of my favorites below: