So you’re starting to get the hang of yoga. You've been at it for a bit, but have you developed it into a regular routine? Modern technology and some new tools can assist you with this 5,000- to 10,000-year-old practice, which came to Hollywood — and the rest of the country — in the mid-20th century. Since then, it has been utilized as a method of meditation, a way of limbering up, and a form of exercise that continues to trend in popularity.
Find the Best Teacher for You
One way to locate a teacher is by the old-fashioned word-of-mouth. Perhaps you have friends who have been visiting a yoga studio that they really like and recommend it. But you can also find good studios by using your smartphone to access various review websites. Look for an instructor or studio that has a lot of reviewers who value it and leave good comments. You can also look up that instructor your friend recommended and see how others feel.
If you’d prefer to receive one-on-one instruction in the comfort of your own home, there are ways you can make that happen without hiring a pricey private instructor. FitMyTime, for example, allows you to receive live video tutorials from an experienced yoga instructor without leaving your home. All you need is a computer, a good WiFi connection, and some space to follow along. You can even use the site to select which areas you’d like to focus on.
Never Compare Yourself to Others
It's natural. We often compare ourselves to other people in a variety of ways, from looks to intelligence. Abilities and experience differ; there are many people who have been at yoga much longer than you have, as well as others who have never been to a class. Be yourself and enjoy the experience. Take advantage of why you are involved with yoga in the first place.
You can track how well you are doing at meeting your personal goals using a smartphone app such as Strides, Coach.me, and LifeTick habit trackers. Some of these are free, while others may have a nominal fee. With one of these apps, you can easily set your intentional weekly or monthly goal. On the app, follow up on how well you are doing, and check to see if you are on schedule or whether you need to fit in another class. You can also use these apps for a variety of other goals, whether personal or work-related.
Don't Be Afraid to Leave Your Comfort Zone
As with most anything, leaving your comfort zone is difficult. As Anna Coventry explained in her article for Do You Yoga, "yoga can also be an incredibly effective tool that we can use to grow and transform. Transformation can happen when we challenge our mental boundaries by stepping outside of what we are comfortable with."
In her article, she explains that changing up where you participate in class and giving up your comfortable place, can be good. She encourages you to explore your less favorite poses. It can lead to a deeper physical and mental awareness, she says.
If you intend to move forward with yoga, some of the things you will need are breathable clothing, your own yoga mat and towel, and a water bottle. Also, smartwatches and fitness trackers are fantastic ways to keep track of your progress, though it’s important to know which one you need before you purchase one. While smartwatches tend to be “all-in-one” devices that provide you with a plethora of different features, fitness trackers do exactly what their name suggests: they track your fitness. So, make sure you know precisely what you need before you spend any money; you don’t want to get stuck with a gadget that doesn’t help you out!
Regardless of why you’re getting involved with the ancient practice of yoga, it’s very important that you enjoy it. You may want to push yourself, or you may just want to relax. Consult your yoga instructor and let them know your reasons for becoming involved and see what they recommend. Develop your own routine, and try to stick with it.