7 Yoga Poses That Will Definitely Get Your Heart Rate Up

Many write off yoga as an “easy” workout. After all, stretching might put you into a relaxing, meditative mindset, but it’s not exactly going to get your heart rate up—or is it? The truth may surprise you.

“Yoga is equal parts strength, flexibility, balance, and endurance,” says Mandy Ingber, celebrity yoga instructor, author of Yogalosophy for Inner Strength. She estimates that yoga can torch anywhere from 180 to 600 calories per hour, noting that there’s a large range because there are so many different types of yoga that vary from constant movement to a slower, more restorative pace.

While you’ll generally get your heart rate up more in a Bikram or Vinyasa than you would in a restorative one, the specific yoga poses that you (or your instructor) select matter a lot, too.

Want to take your yoga game to the next level? Make sure these seven poses are a regular part of your practice.

[Looking to start cross training but don’t know where to start? The Beginner’s Guide to Strength Training will teach you all the fundamentals to get the most out of your weight session, priming you for stronger miles in the saddle.]