Calling All Yoga Newbies…
In this spotlight, we combine three articles on the beginning yogi as it pertains to getting started with yoga at home. In the first article, we discuss finding (or making) a sacred space in your current home. In the second article, we provide suggestions for finding a remote yoga teacher, whether through on-demand or live yoga classes. In the third article, we cover what yoga props you’ll need to buy to get started at home.
Yoga for Eye Strain Simple Eye Exercises You Can Do at Home or Work
Most people know what it’s like to have eye strain. As visually dependent technology becomes more and more widespread, it is becoming more common for people to experience some kind of discomfort from staring at a device or screen for extended periods. Fortunately, there are a few things that you can do to help reduce the negative effects of digital eye strain using yoga. Yes, yoga! It has had a hand in naturally aiding with various pains, and you might be happy to know that this also includes things like eye strain. Here are some yoga moves that will help with your eye strain. Palm Your Eyes To do this yoga move, you should have the full warmth of your hands. This is done by rubbing your hands in a circular motion against each other until they feel fully warm and are circulating blood as much as possible. Close your…
Yoga for Summer Blues Here's Why You Should Give Yoga a Try
The kids are out of control, your job is a hassle, and to top it all off, you have no time for yourself. If anyone told you that you could reach a state of physical and emotional bliss, you’d say they were nuts. But believe it or not, you can beat the blues with yoga! Yoga is a great mood enhancer that requires no drugs or medications. Like all forms of exercise, yoga releases hormones that help ease feelings of stress that often lead to outright depression. Being active keeps your mind away from negative thoughts and allows you to gain a greater and clearer perspective on the problems you are facing. People who are depressed, or simply feeling “down”, often lack the motivation to exercise. That’s why yoga can be such a great option. since it takes far less effort to complete a yoga routine than it takes to…
Yoga at Home? (Part 1) First Things First...You Need a Dedicated Space
Honestly, the hardest part of starting a personal yoga practice lies with being solely responsible for your own preparation, progress, and perspiration. Sure, there are tons of free and subscription-based yoga videos available on the Internet. Perhaps, your in-person studio – if you have one – likely offers online Zoom classes as well. Furthermore, you may be one of those who find comfort in and camaraderie through in-person classes. But as we all know, the likes of Corona have changed that – at least for the time being. Perhaps, that’s the very reason why you prefer to take up go it alone. But to do so, implementing a few surefire ways becomes a definite reality. Long before you concern yourself with the “right props” or even in finding the “right live or on-demand online lesson/teacher,” you need to find the right physical space. Doing yoga at home means – for…
Yoga at Home? (Part 2) Finding the Right Yoga Teacher...
Now that we’ve gotten our sacred space squared away (or at least a work-in-progress), it’s now time to search for the teacher that’s right for you. You might want to start by identifying your preferred yoga style first. In the past two years or so, many yoga studios were forced to temporarily close and weren’t able to reopen. When they were able to do so, they were met with a host of strict guidelines regarding offering in-person classes. Many independent yoga teachers and yoga studios were forced to move their classes online even if they didn’t consider themselves tech-savvy, which could easily damper the overall learning experience. Unless you already have a preferred yoga teacher from your previous in-person classes, or perhaps you’re a yoga newbie whose in need of a teacher right now, here are a few things to consider for doing yoga at home. Let’s start with identifying the…
Yoga at Home? (Part 3) The Top 4 Tools & Props You'll Want/Need
Now that we’ve secured a sacred space in your home, and decided on your preferred yoga style, teacher, and platform or studio, now it’s time to ensure that you have the right yoga gear. This article will highlight common yoga tools and props you’ll need for effective home practice. Of course, you don’t have to buy these items but it’s better if you are serious about practicing in the comfort of your own home. Yoga Mat If you purchase nothing else for your practice, it should definitely be a yoga mat (with a carrying case). If you ever want to take your mat on the go or decide to attend yoga classes in person, due to COVID restrictions, you’ll need your own mat. There are different styles of mats – ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), thermal plastic elastomer (TPE), natural rubber, latex, cotton, cork yoga – based on different…
Attention Yoga Newbies!!! 4 Common Mistakes Made by Yoga Newcomers
Are you brand new to yoga? If so, you might be making some of these common mistakes, from when and how to practice yoga to the moves themselves. By avoiding these mistakes, you will be more inclined to continue practicing yoga (as a way of life) and decrease your chances of causing injuries. Do not practice asanas merely by looking at pictures and diagrams since they leave much unexplained.” ~Yogeswar Trying to Learn from a Book (or Video) Unless you are taking a course designed for beginners that include one-on-one assistance, it’s highly unlikely that a book, a YouTube, or an Instagram video will properly prepare you to learn and execute yoga like a pro. Add insult to injury; most newbies are terrified of visiting a yoga studio and taking a yoga class, especially if they start to compare themselves to their yoga neighbors. It is too easy in a…
