Stronger Starts Today

by Cam Barach

If you’ve never taken a Strength & Conditioning (S&C) class at Down Under, you might be wondering—what’s it all about? Simply put, it’s a fun and engaging mix of strength training and cardiovascular exercise designed to support your yoga practice and overall well-being.

Whether you're looking to hold poses longer, build endurance, or feel more confident in movement, S&C is here to help.

What to Expect in a Strength & Conditioning Class

Every class is structured to be accessible, effective, and engaging—no matter where you're starting from. You’ll move, breathe, and challenge yourself, all while being in an uplifting and encouraging environment.

I like to incorporate specific training formats to keep things fun and motivating, including:

EMOM (Every Minute on the Minute): A set number of reps at the start of each minute, with built-in rest to help maintain intensity while preventing burnout.
AMRAP (As Many Rounds as Possible): A set period of time where you move through different exercises at your own pace, encouraging you to find your own rhythm and challenge yourself.

These styles not only make cardio more engaging (even if cardio isn’t your favorite thing!) but also help improve stamina and endurance—which translates directly to your yoga practice.

Why Strength Training and Yoga Are Better Together

Yoga and strength training aren’t in competition with each other—they are partners in helping you move, feel, and live better. That’s why I always encourage students to incorporate both into their movement routine.

Strength training supports yoga by increasing muscular endurance and control. A stronger core and upper back make arm balances and inversions feel more accessible, while stronger legs mean deeper, more stable lunges, warriors, and balances.

Yoga supports strength training by improving mobility, helping you move with greater ease and reducing the risk of injury. If you’ve ever struggled with overhead presses because of tight shoulders or found lunges uncomfortable due to tight hip flexors, yoga can help open and release those areas.

Here are a few ways strength training can directly improve your yoga practice:

• Upper-back strength makes chair pose arms and chaturanga easier and more sustainable.
  Lateral lunges improve your ability to sink deeper into skandasana without lifting your heel.
  Stronger core muscles help with arm balances and inversions, giving you more stability.
  Increased leg strength supports longer holds in warrior poses without fatigue.
  Improved grip and wrist strength help with poses like crow, side plank, and handstands.

My #1 Piece of Advice: Start now. Not Tomorrow.

Not next week. Not when you “get in shape.” Start today, exactly as you are.

One of the biggest barriers people face when starting strength training is the idea that they have to be “strong enough” or “fit enough” to begin. But the truth is, strength training (just like yoga) is a journey, not a destination.

You don’t have to be in peak condition to start training. You just have to show up. Every small step builds on the last, and before you know it, you'll feel stronger, more confident, and more energized in both yoga and life.

"Strength is never a weakness, and weakness is never a strength." – Mark Bell

Come join me for a S&C class and experience the benefits firsthand. See you on the mat