Getting Started With Yoga
The Best Free Yoga Videos For Newbies
Its easy to fall off the yoga practice bandwagon. There are so many things that can keep you away from the studiostaying late at work, forgetting your mat, or even feeling anxious that youll look silly in a class of seasoned yogis. Whatever the reason, there are tons of free online options to supplement your practice. The problem then becomes searching through the haystack of free online resources to find your perfect namaste needle.
When I started the quest for the best free online yoga resources, I set some criteria to quickly narrow my search. I wanted videos that were about an hour long to mimic the length of the studio classes I was used to. I was looking for videos that were an athletic challenge but also provided good routines for relaxation. And since I was new to my yoga practice, I wanted videos that broke down the basics of every pose.
After weeks of trying out different sources recommended by friends, yoga instructors, and good-old Google, I settled on my three favorites:
When searching for free yoga resources, the video sharing behemoth YouTube is a good place to start. But type yoga into YouTubes search bar, and you get back more than eight million results. Many of these are one-off videos rather than easy-to-follow programs for beginners. There are, however, two free yoga programs that are worth checking out: Yoga for Dummies and Dr. Melissa Wests channel.
- 17-minute flow to boost energy levels
DoYogaWithMe
Some of my favorite videos on DoYogaWithMe:
Five Of The Best Online Yoga Workouts
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Yoga has been shown to pack a healthful punch when it comes to all the associated health benefits. However, in our busy lives, there is not always the time to pencil a yoga class into an already packed schedule. There is a treasure trove of yoga routines available online, all from knowledgeable instructors, that enable us to take part at our leisure. We have searched through the crème de la crème to bring you our top five online yoga workout choices.
The modern practice of yoga is rooted in more than 5,000 years worth of ancient texts and traditions, yet it has only skyrocketed in popularity in recent years.
The latest Yoga in America Study, conducted by Yoga Journal and Yoga Alliance, report a significant rise in the size of the yoga industry and the number of practitioners since 2012. The number of yoga practitioners in the United States has increased from 20.4 million in 2012 to 36.7 million in 2016, while spending on yoga classes, equipment, clothing, and accessories rose from $10.7 billion to $16 billion over the course of the 4 years.
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Beach Yoga To Make You Stronger
Time needed: 21 minutes
One of the stellar things about yoga is that you can do it anytime, anywhere and that absolutely includes on the beach during vacay. But whether youre actually in the middle of a relaxing getaway or just in your living room, get ready to sweat a bit.
Youll flow from pose to pose in this full-body routine led by Karena and Katrina from Tone It Up. Bonus: The rippling water and beautiful sky in the background almost make you feel like youre there.
How To Practice Yoga
Yoga is typically performed in bare feet on a sticky yoga mat with optional yoga props. The yoga movements and poses require clothes that can stretch and move freely with your body. You can purchase clothing specifically designed for yoga practice, but you can probably put together a comfortable outfit from your existing wardrobe to get started.
Yoga classes may use additional props, the most common being straps, blocks, blankets, and bolsters. You dont need to purchase these right away as you can easily substitute these items with scarves or neckties, a stack of books, and pillows. If you take classes at a yoga studio, they will provide everything that you need.
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What Class Is Right For Me
There are many styles of yoga classes taught today. Some are very physically challenging and will leave you sweating others are gentle and restorative. Some teachers play music in class others dont. Some classes include references to yoga philosophy and spirituality others dont.
Here are a few types of classes your yoga studio or gym may offer:
Hatha: Most yoga styles being taught in America today are a form of hatha yoga, which is a general term that refers to the physical part of yoga, rather than yoga philosophy or meditation. A Hatha yoga class is likely to be a combination of poses and breathing exercises, but its hard to know whether it will be challenging or gentle. Check with the school or the teacher to find more about the level of classes that are described only as Hatha yoga.
Ashtanga Yoga: This is a challenging style of yoga that is centered around a progressive series of yoga sequences that, traditionally, students practice on their own under the guidance of a teacher. If you think that yoga is not a workout, you havent tried an Ashtanga class. Classes include advanced poses such as arm balances and inversions including headstands and shoulder stands. Beginner students are strongly advised to study with an experienced teacher. Ashtanga classes will also often include teachings in yoga philosophy.
Note: Its a good idea to try several yoga classes. How much you enjoy any class will come down to how much you like the teacher, not how its labeled.
Beginner Morning Yoga For Women By Brett Larkin
This fun and feel-good 10-minute yoga routine is a great way for beginners to start their day. This energizing vinyasa yoga class moves with the breath and flows between the basic poses of down dog and low lunge. Starting your day with this video will make you feel energized and ready to conquer your tp-do list with ease.
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Learn Basic Yoga Poses
Once you feel ready for the physical side of your yoga practice, you can start to mindfully experiment with yoga poses for beginners.
There is no need to try to jump into the more complex poses or to try to be as bendy as the person next to you.
In fact, you can begin your practice right at home with free yoga videos.
Wherever you begin, whether in a local yoga studio or with an online yoga video, there are a few basics to start with.
Start with postures, or yoga asanas, such as downward-facing dog, child’s pose, and savasana.
In each pose, focus on pressing your hands or feet into the floor, lengthening your spine, and relaxing your hips. If you keep this in mind as you practice, you will be working with each pose exactly as even the most devoted practitioners do.
How Should I Breathe While Practicing Yoga
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Youll encounter different breathing techniques in your future practicing yoga. In beginner yoga, the only one you need to think about is Oceanic Breathing, or Ujjai Breath. Allow the breath to flow in and out smoothly like an oceans wave. If you want you can even count to 3 or 4 for each inhale and again for each exhale. Yoga-teacher-to-the-stars, Kristin McGee, shares helpful tips on how you can breathe properly while practicing yoga.
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Lets Start Yoga Flow For Beginners By Alo Yoga
While this 30-Minute yoga class is geared towards those new to yoga, the pace and amount of instruction might be a bit challenging for total newbies. This sequence moves through various sun salutations and other fundamental poses that you will encounter in a Vinyasa style of yoga. If you feel comfortable with the other 4 videos above and are up for a little challenge, this video is great for practicing the transitional movements between poses and increasing your strength in each pose.
A lovely, inspiring article. I could read it again and again.
Clear Your Memory Cards
You can do this directly in your camera, or if you are using your iphone, you will need to check the storage space to ensure you have the space for whatever you are planning to film.
If you are teaching a live yoga class, then make sure that you can record and download your classes directly to your computer before you begin. I once had my computer die during savasana as I was teaching online via Zoom and it is SO embarrassing! Avoid this mistake by ensuring that you have enough battery and space to record your virtual yoga class.
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How To Start Yoga
The best way to learn yoga is from a qualified teacher in a yoga class. Specialized classes for bigger-bodied students are becoming more popular, but cant be found everywhere. As the yoga establishment recognizes a need, more teachers are being trained in adaptations for larger students.
If you do not feel ready for a group class, consider booking a few private yoga sessions. This can be a great way to learn basic poses and gain the confidence to use props in an effective way before joining a group practice. Becoming knowledgeable about yoga is the best way to ensure that you will feel at ease.
If these options aren’t available to you, you’ll probably have the most positive experience from your first yoga classes in a beginners level gentle Hatha practice. Kripalu, Viniyoga, and Integral are also good choices, if available, because the teachers are trained to work with differing abilities and body types. Chair yoga is also a possibility for those with limited mobility.
Abby Lentz, the founder of Heavyweight Yoga in Austin, Texas, suggests speaking to the teacher before your first yoga class to ensure that you are comfortable and the teacher will be prepared to offer modifications and props as necessary.
The Best Free Yoga Videos For Beginners
Its easy to fall off the yoga practice bandwagon. There are so many things that can keep you away from the studiostaying late at work, forgetting your mat, or even feeling anxious that youll look silly in a class of seasoned yogis. Whatever the reason, there are tons of free online options to supplement your practice. The problem then becomes searching through the haystack of free online resources to find your perfect namaste needle.
When I started the quest for the best free online yoga resources, I set some criteria to quickly narrow my search. I wanted videos that were about an hour long to mimic the length of the studio classes I was used to. I was looking for videos that were an athletic challenge but also provided good routines for relaxation. And since I was new to my yoga practice, I wanted videos that broke down the basics of every pose.
After weeks of trying out different sources recommended by friends, yoga instructors, and good-old Google, I settled on my three favorites:
When searching for free yoga resources, the video-sharing behemoth YouTube is a good place to start. But type yoga into YouTubes search bar, and you get back more than eight million results. Many of these are one-off videos rather than easy-to-follow programs for beginners. There are, however, two free yoga programs that are worth checking out: Yoga for Dummies and Dr. Melissa Wests channel.
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Set Up Your Tripod And Attach Your Camera Or Iphone
People ask me all of the time what type of fancy DSLR camera they need to use or buy. Honestly, just starting with your iphone will work great, I would just suggest recording your audio on an external source.
If you dont have a tripod and are using your phone, you can use a selfie stick to keep your phone safe and steady while you film.
If youre going to start filming longer classes , this is where your iphone will start to become a limitation and you will want to invest in a DSLR camera.
If you are filming with a DSLR camera, I recommend using a 128 GB memory card to record your video, because you can film for much longer periods of time before having to switch cards.
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Keep Calm Troubleshoot Tech And Teach On: Here’s What Yoga Teachers Are Leaning On For Their Classes Trainings Online Courses And Community Conversations So You Can Build Something That Lasts Beyond The Pandemic
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As studios and retreat centers shuttered their doors in response to COVID-19 stay-at-home orders, studio owners and yoga teachers had some choices: They could completely cancel their classes, workshops, and trainings or they could get creative with their wifi and webcams. Many landed on the latter, and its resulting in a defining shift in the business and teaching of yoga.
So, how exactly are high-profile teachers making it happen? YJ spoke to ten folks, including Carrie Owerko, Jillian Pransky, and Tracee Stanley, to find out which online platforms theyre leaning on and why, so you can get a snapshot of whats out there, along with some takeaways from their trial runs. Yes, in the last few months, youve probably already been on a class or call via Zoom, which is on the list below, but teachers who are using it on the regular and have discovered, even created, new platforms have some tips and tricks to share. Were confident that, from their great experimentations, youll pick up a new idea, process, or perspective.
See also Tools for Teachers
Whos using it:Sarah Platt-Finger, co-founder of ISHTA Yoga in New York City
How does it work?
What are the upsides?
What should teachers keep in mind?
Any challenges to watch out for?
Zoom recommends having at least 2 hosts for groups of over 20, so you might want to consider that if you have a large class.
Hot tip:
Pricing:
Try:Fiteo
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Create A Detailed Schedule And Outline
Begin by writing a detailed schedule for the day. This will help to keep you organized and on track while you are filmingespecially if you are filming more than one video per day, which is what I suggest.
In addition to my schedule, I also like to create an outline for each class I plan to film. Your outline can include themes, sequences and key cues you plan to use in your video.
Setting up your space, equipment and creating the right lighting is a lot of work. An effective schedule and class outline will help you to be able to plan and create weeks or even months worth of content all in one day of filming.
Starting Yoga At Home Vs Studio For Beginners
Here are some of the benefits of practising at home VS at a studio, in my experience.
- More time to practice
- Less risk of embarrassment
- Great way to relax at home
- You get to do your routine at home, unlike in a studio class
- Pauses to catch your breath in yoga whenever you need to!
- Go at your own pace
One of the risks for beginners doing yoga and meditation at home is that you are more likely to injure yourself. In a class, the teacher can spot if you are out of alignment. If you do practice at home, go slow and always make sure you are comfortable.
When practising yoga and meditation at home, less is often more.
The absolute worst thing is to end up with an injury because youve been practising a pose incorrectly. Thats why I recommend that you read a few high-quality books before starting, and to only ever do poses you are comfortable with. Yes, Formidable Face Pose looks fantastic, but if you try it as a beginner, you will probably end up with a spinal injury. Be safe guys!
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