What is Cy-Yo?

Cy-Yo is a type of workout that takes a holistic approach to unite your body, mind and soul into a single routine. Cy-Yo combines the best parts of indoor cycling (or “spinning”) with the numerous benefits of yoga. A typical one-hour session of Cy-Yo consists of 10 minutes of yoga, followed by 40 minutes of indoor cycling, followed by another 10 minutes of yoga.

Image via WikipediaThe initial 10 minute yoga session warms up the body, getting both the muscles and joints ready for the more strenuous workout to follow. This first 10 minute session also brings a higher level of awareness to the various “energy centers” of the body.

During the 40 minute indoor cycling portion, greater focus will be paid to the mind/body link. Your Cy-Yo instructor will help you with various visualization techniques and to learn how to take control of your breathing patterns. Unlike some indoor cycling classes, which seek to re-create a bicycle race or even a disco or dance club environment, a Cy-Yo class can actually help you increase your energy levels through relaxation.

Why Was Cy-Yo Created? 

The founder of Cy-Yo, a certified yoga and indoor cycling fitness instructor named Curt Dalton, created the workout in order to combine the best of both exercise worlds: the physical and muscular focus of Western fitness ideas; and the Eastern focus of uniting the body with the nonphysical elements of the person.

What Are The Benefits of Cy-Yo?

Cy-Yo is unique in that it provides the whole-body benefits of yoga, and the cardiovascular benefits of an aerobic exercise, in a single workout session. Too often, when we go to the gym we tend to focus on only one of these things. Worse yet, it’s human nature to get into a “rut” and do the same type of workout over and over. By integrating Cy-Yo into your workout routine, you’ll make sure to be exercising all aspects of your physical being.

Image via WikipediaDo You Need Special Equipment?

The only required piece of exercise equipment for a Cy-Yo workout is an indoor exercise cycle. If you choose to do Cy-Yo workouts at home, you’ll be happy to know that suitable home exercise cycling equipment is relatively inexpensive. (See below for a couple of examples.)

How to Get Started with Cy-Yo

An increasing number of gyms and fitness centers are starting to offer Cy-Yo as an exercise option. If your gym or health club doesn’t offer it, then make sure to ask; if enough members are interested, the gym will likely consider adding Cy-Yo as an offering.

If you’d like to exercise in the convenience of your own home, you can purchase a Cy-Yo DVD that will safely coach you through a complete Cy-Yo workout. Some Cy-Yo DVDs offer multiple workouts, with each workout tailored to a different level of fitness and experience.

For individuals who already have some experience with yoga and cycling, a Cy-Yo class can also be a great way to get excited about going to the gym on a more regular basis.

What You'll Need to Do Cy-Yo At Home: