Anyone do yoga?

[MichelleAMouse]

Hey all! I'm in the process of trying to learn yoga, and would love some advice from others who practice. I've used Beachbody workouts in the past, so I'm trying out their 3 Week Yoga Retreat right now and really enjoying it: https://www.beachbody.com/product/fitness_programs/3-week-yoga-retreat-beginners.do

The program is specifically made for beginners which is perfect, but I think I'm going to want to keep going from here. Any suggestions for where to head next?

 

[JaxDad]

Hey all! I'm in the process of trying to learn yoga, and would love some advice from others who practice. I've used Beachbody workouts in the past, so I'm trying out their 3 Week Yoga Retreat right now and really enjoying it: https://www.beachbody.com/product/fitness_programs/3-week-yoga-retreat-beginners.do

The program is specifically made for beginners which is perfect, but I think I'm going to want to keep going from here. Any suggestions for where to head next?

I used to do the Beachbody P90X workouts and one of them was yoga. It was 90 minutes long, while the other workouts were only 60 or so, and I don't think I ever completed the entire 90 minutes! I hated it! I'm pretty sure it was mostly because I was just not coordinated enough to hold the positions well. I just wasn't ready for it, and it kicked my butt. I think you're doing it right by working up through the beginner workouts. Try going to Amazon and searching for similar workouts or even intermediate workouts. You can also search for yoga studios in your area.

 

[usnuzuloose]

No

 

[Poohlove]

I do yoga and I absolutely love love love it. I sleep better and am generally more relaxed when practicing regularly not to mention way more limber. Friday night I am taking a hip hop yoga class and on Saturday I am taking a Dark Side of the Moon class.

One recommendation I would make is try a class in person so when doing the video you do the poses properly and don't injure yourself. There are often great deals on Groupon, it is so worth checking out, it would be a great next step in your practice.

 

[Poohforyou]

I take a yoga class once or twice a week at my gym. I recommend finding a yoga studio or gym. It keeps things fresh, interesting and challenging.

 

[ozliz]

I do yoga quite often but usually in a class rather than at home. Even if you can’t afford to do the classes all the time I recommend doing some occasionally. A good instructor should spend more time teaching than demonstrating so that they’re walking around correcting alignment etc so you’re doing the poses correctly. If you only work at home you won’t get this. Also there’s a lot of different styles of yoga and trying out different classes will help you to work out which style you like and gets the most benefit for your body (everyone is different), this will help you work out what you want to do at home on your own regularly. See if any classes around you have taster passes for new students. I’m not in USA but that’s how most studios work where I live and it’s great to try things out to see which styles/instructors you like.

 

[Ariel484]

One recommendation I would make is try a class in person so when doing the video you do the poses properly and don't injure yourself. There are often great deals on Groupon, it is so worth checking out, it would be a great next step in your practice.

I do yoga quite often but usually in a class rather than at home. Even if you can’t afford to do the classes all the time I recommend doing some occasionally. A good instructor should spend more time teaching than demonstrating so that they’re walking around correcting alignment etc so you’re doing the poses correctly. If you only work at home you won’t get this.

This was going to be my suggestion too. My studio does "hands-on adjustments" and they really help to either correct the form or get into a pose a little deeper.

If you think you want to stick with it, I like "The Mat" from Lululemon. It's pricey but it's thick and whatever material they make it from (which, full disclosure, doesn't smell the best when you first get it - needs to air out) makes it so that you don't slip if you are sweating, say if you are in a hot yoga class or something like that.

Namaste!

 

[MichelleAMouse]

Thanks for all the replies!

 

[JenniBarra]

I have been practicing yoga for four or five years now. I agree that is beneficial to take at least some in person classes. Not only does it help with safe alignment, but a teacher will probably be able to suggest modifications as needed that suit your own body. The key thing with yoga is that it is not about the "perfect pose," it's about being tuned in to your own body and honoring its needs.

If cost is a possible issue, my recommendation is check out what may be offered at your local community/recreation center. Another option is seeing if any local yoga studios offer what is often called "karma yoga," where people pay what they feel they can afford for an individual class.

Oh, and if a specific yoga class or teacher doesn't click for you, try a different class or teacher. Both styles of yoga and teaching method can vary.

 

[xjillianpaige]

I love yoga but am out of practice right now. I would echo others about going to a class in person. A good instructor will come around and help you do poses correctly and help you with modifying to your ability. It allows for a wide range of ability to all practice together. Once you have that background, you can do some at-home yoga when you need. At this point (until I work a regular practice at the gym back into my life) I use various poses to help me fall asleep or to stretch when waking up or before bed.