New workouts pop up every day, and wouldn’t it be nice to try before you buy? In our “Last Night’s Workout” series we sweat, stretch and shimmy our way through the latest exercise crazes and report back to you so you can find the best one for your skill level and fitness goals.The workout: If you practice yoga and are looking to change up your routine and challenge yourself a little more, this is the perfect class for you. Standup paddle-board (SUP) yoga is a trendy twist on yoga that takes the experience to a new level. Keeping your balance out on the open water requires serious concentration and muscle control—and it gives you a killer core workout. If you know what you’re doing, it’s probably an amazing feeling to practice out in the calm, serenity of the open water. But if you’re not the most experienced yogi, you might end up spending more time treading water than warrior posing.Enter the Indo YogaFit Balance Board, a big wooden board that looks like a surfboard, but has four big rockers on the bottom. The original Indo Board was first created in 1998 by Hunter Joslin to train surfers out of water. But after students began to note how well practicing on this board strengthened their legs and core muscles, Joslin knew the board could be used for more.When used in yoga, the board allows SUP yoga fans the opportunity to get the same balance-based and muscle-toning workout even when it’s way too cold out to practice on the water—and since the board is designed to allow varying levels of instability, those of any skill level can use it. The balance board simulates slightly unbalanced conditions, pushing students to develop better balance and better core strength.It also forces you to focus on proper form, because without it, you’re sure to tip the board and awkwardly tumble over the side (not that we know this from experience or anything…). The specific muscle targets and challenges of each class will differ, depending on the instructor’s format and chosen poses.The goal: Dawn Ehman, who teaches at YogaVibez in Ocean City, Md., will be the instructor of the Indo Yoga Board class when it comes to NYC in the spring of 2014. She says that participants can expect a class very similar to your regular flow yoga class, but with a much better core workout and more balance challenge.“You can accommodate all levels with the varying sizes of the cushions and proper modifications,” Ehman adds. “I have had students attend that have never done a Yoga class and felt they completed a successful class!”The location: Indo Yoga Board classes are offered across the country (they’ll be coming to NYC for regular classes in spring 2014). Visit the Indo Board website to find a location near you.The price: Varies by class. Check with each studio for pricing. If you practice yoga at home and want your own board to supplement your workouts, you can purchase one for $300, or a set that comes with the Indo Yoga Board and three IndoFLO balance cushions for $375.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR