I wanted to take a moment to chat with you guys about something slightly different today. Yoga! Specifically, how I used to practice semi-regularly back in college (primarily kripalu) and would love your thoughts and input on starting again. In the area where we live there aren’t a ton of local yoga studio options, making attending class in person a bit tricky. I’ve been trying to find a studio with a class schedule that suits my needs and it’s proving to be quite the struggle, which has lead me to think maybe I need to start at home at first. Over the last few weeks I’ve been doing a little research and I’m feeling pretty befuddled. So I decided to turn this question over to you, friends! Any tips for starting a yoga practice, particularly from home? Any favorite online yoga programs, classes or sites that you love? I would really love your thoughts if you have any personal experiences to share!
I’ve previewed quite a few YouTube channels and streaming video sites that manage to feel really sterile and clinical, which is not at all what I want in a yoga experience. Frankly, it’s the mind-body connection that I am most wanting to tap into by resuming a regular yoga practice. I always loved how it felt to step out onto the mat and lose myself in the movement, the breath, the music, the meditation. And, I not-so-secretly would love to be one of those super bendy and flexible yoga fanatics a few years down the line. Is that a weird goal? But right now, it’s all about starting from the very beginning again and I’m looking for your help to make it happen! I’ll be sure to check out all your recommendations and share what I discover in case you’re interested in giving yoga a whirl, too. Many thanks in advance for any advice you might have! xoxo
[Photo by Beaux Arts Photographie for Kelly Oshiro Yoga.]
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I recently decided to try yoga since I felt extremely stiff and sore after pregnancy. I tried a bunch of videos from Hulu first (I can’t take studio classes; I don’t speak the language!). I found most of them too chatty and not do-y enough, but I really liked the series Yoga Zone. They removed it from Hulu (of course), but I found episodes on Youtube. It’s definitely an older series, but I like the pace and they always have a little calm down/meditation chat at the end (or at least of the ones I’ve done). I think I have a penchant for older workout series. They tend to get to business rather than being all showy and production-y about it!
Awesome – thank you, Catherine! I hadn’t heard of Yogatoday.com yet so I’m definitely going to check it out. So far I’m really kind of digging yogisanonymous.com I’ve previewed some of their videos and like the vibe, but I’m definitely going to check out Yogatoday.com so thank you!
Thanks, Sophia Jeanne! I’ve downloaded the Yoga Studio app this morning and I’m starting to play around with it…I’m surprised at how awesome it seems! :-)
I’ve used Yogatoday.com. I found their practice and wide choice of classes great. They use a number of different teachers who focus on different types of yoga and their approach is the same as an actual yoga class. Good luck!
I use Yoga Studio – I totally get what you mean with the ‘Clinical’ experience :(
Jenny, a huge huge thank you! That is so helpful. I agree that I think nothing can replace the studio class experience, but right now my trouble is finding a studio that has enough classes that are appropriate for my level (essentially beginner considering how long it has been) that also fit my schedule. My hope is that 3 – 6 months of regular at-home practice will get me started and allow me to progress to a point where there are more local classes available to me. I’m definitely going to check out the app and Tara and Kathryn’s sites! :-)
YogaGlo is great. There are also some good apps (Yoga Studio is awesome and SO easy to follow along with) and lots of “celebrity” teachers that offer downloadable classes on their websites – Tara Stiles and Kathryn Budig are the first two names that come to mind. Tara emphasizes freedom of movement and overall health (she shares a lot of great recipes as well as asana lessons) and Kathryn is more precise about form and safety. Between the two of them you can cover all of your yoga basics. I taught yoga for a long time so I am biased and I think that a studio class is a great experience but a home practice is great for fine tuning and really narrowing in on your own goals and accomplishments.
I am in the same boat! I have had a semi-regular yoga practice the past year or so, but am finding it increasingly difficult to make it to a yoga studio. I’m looking for a good home practice regiment too. Can’t wait to see what people suggest! xoxo
I’m excited to see what people suggest, too, Kerrie! Someone chimed in on Facebook suggesting YogaGlo, which I’ve heard about and will definitely be checking out a bit more now. :-)