Meet EVO’s Personal Trainer Lisa & try her Yoga Wall Workout

11th September 2019

Lisa Wartinger is the latest addition to our personal trainer team in EVO Vienna Berggasse. She is a master of the Yoga Wall and believes that a workout can provide one with so much more than a beautifully shaped body.

Q: Hey, Lisa. For those that don’t know you, tell us a bit about yourself.

Well, that one is easy. My name is Lisa, and I am a personal trainer at EVO Vienna Berggasse. Hi, everybody!

Q: Why did you decide to work at a EVO?

I can identify completely with EVO’s philosophy, and I appreciate the family atmosphere and the professional equipment. EVO facilitates both my work and my personal training. EVO is unique in many ways, for my clients and me.

Q: Before moving to the Yoga Wall, tell us what is Yoga and what are its benefits?

Well, Yoga, as you probably know, originally comes from India and means the fusion between body and mind. The physical exercises for Yoga mostly include an interchange of tension and relaxation.

Yoga’s advantages are easy to point out. It strengthens not only the supporting muscles, but also has a positive effect on mobility, and general well being. It has a relaxing, mobilizing, strengthening, balancing, refreshing and holistic effect that also stimulates the blood circulation thus promotes concentration.

Q: Do you think that is why Yoga is so popular?

Yes, but those are just some of the reasons. If you ask me, I feel that our lives are getting more hectic, you know? Some may look at Yoga as a “trend”, but that is not it for me. It’s a way to find inner peace in our everyday life, to run away from that hectic feeling. It allows us to take a break. The focus on breathing and mindful movements lets us enjoy the here and now, to feel the present, let’s say. In other words, I think Yoga is the most effective and popular tool for stress reduction.

Q: Can everyone do Yoga? Because it sounds great!

Sure. Yoga has a holistic effect, is versatile and adaptable. Therefore, anyone can practice it.

Q: Let’s go back a bit. We mentioned before the Yoga Wall. Can you guide us on what that is and what is the difference between the Yoga Wall and the regular Yoga, the Yoga on the mat, let’s say?

Well, the Yoga Wall offers the opportunity to experiment with new positions, new perspectives. Also, the rope allows you to reach your limits, set new challenge and work on positions you haven’t even dream you could do. The difference to Yoga on the mat is the increased training effect. By using the ropes or the belt, you stretch body parts and muscle groups that you wouldn’t be able to on the mat. By using the assistance of the Yoga Wall, an exercise can be done longer, and make you feel safe and stable at the same time. You can fully concentrate on your own body, breathing and switching off – a great way to unlock your real potential.

Q: And how does the Yoga Wall fit in the EVO concept?

The Yoga Wall is also about rediscovering abilities in a playful way – skills that we took for granted as a child. EVO focuses on the natural human movement, so it’s a match made in heaven. There are also health benefits: the Yoga Wall stimulates the blood circulation of the upper body. Those who frequently switch to a head-over-heels perspective will also brighten their mood, as more blood gets into the brain; this has an encouraging but also calming effect.

Q: Last but not least: how do you stay motivated? Can you give our athletes some tips?

I always recommend positively formulating your motivation. Instead of “battle” with some parts of our body, a positive approach is much more productive . I do see training as a kind of appreciation for my body. Once we become aware of what our body does for us every day, it becomes natural that we want to give something back and take care of maintaining our health. The motivation to exercise and to follow a healthy diet should feel good – that is the only way you will stick with it.