Tech To Take Your Yoga Practice Deeper
Making it to a yoga class every day is something that might be beyond the reach of a lot of us. While modern technology can be the source of some of our daily stresses, we can also take advantage of it to help us with a daily practice. Sheila, from wellsheila.net, takes us through the various gadgets and tools that can help you deepen or even start your practice at home
The benefits of yoga are indisputable. A regular yoga practice can result in decreased stress, anxiety management, reduced inflammation, improved heart health, better sleep, and more flexibility and balance. A steady yoga practice will also bring you to the present and help you to practice mindfulness throughout your daily life. If you are ready to see the benefits taken to the next level, then it’s time to deepen your yoga practice.
Top Tech Tools
We all experience days that are busy and hectic, which can prevent us from making it to class. Using apps can keep you on track, and even help with monitoring your progress and goals right from the comfort of your home. If you’re pressed for time, some apps offer sequences that take just five to seven minutes, but still result in toned muscles and relieved stress. Many provide the option to try out classes by well-trained, enjoyable teachers that will keep you motivated to continue your yoga practice, even on the days you don’t feel like it.
Peloton Digital offer lots of great options when it comes to yoga classes at home. Classes are organised in a manner that is similar to those familiar with Peloton Cycling. There is the option to choose yoga style, class length, instructor and even music style. You can also link up with some of their live classes from their studio in New York. For $19.49, you can have access to some of Manhattan’s most best-known yoga teachers, like Aditi Shah.
Another great app that gives you access to some of the best yoga studios in Manhattan is Jetsweat Fitness. Yoga studios like Yoga Vida and Sky Ting Yoga have classes on there and for $9.99, you can get access to other studios offering different classes to yoga, like Pilates and Model Fit.
For those looking for yoga with more of an emphasis on the spiritual rather than just the physical, Gaia Yoga has some great classes available that explore the mind, body and soul connection. Membership runs at 11.99euro monthly or at a reduced cost of 99euro billed annually.
Get Your Gadgetry
Many of the newer apps require a newer phone to function properly. If you’re due for an upgrade, there are both iPhone and Android options in abundance. For instance, many of the newer iPhone models have fast chips so your apps run smooth as silk. They also offer an amazing camera and long battery life.
If an iPhone isn’t your thing. There are qualified Androids aplenty, like the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus. It has a big, high-quality screen, which can come in handy if you plan to follow along with instructional apps, and it also boasts an all-day battery life. It comes in at over $1,000. If you’re watching your pennies, a more budget-friendly option is the Motorola Moto G7, which has more modest bells and whistles, but will be a reliable choice with a speedy charge, and you can snag it for under $220.
Risky Business?
If you’re feeling blah about your practice, tech isn’t the only place to find inspiration. A solid yoga practice requires you to take risks, pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone. Look for new challenges in the way of traditional equipment. Update your yoga mat to a more durable, high-quality version that will provide better support and traction, and if you don’t have them already, consider adding the following to your practice:
● Blocks — Yoga blocks are essential to help lengthen, extend and ease poses, especially if you ‘re still working on flexibility or posture, or introducing a new pose.
● Bolster — Bolsters are essentially big pillows that improve posture, alleviate stress on joints and provide comfort. If you can’t afford a bolster specifically shaped for yoga, you could use a pillow or folded up blanket.
● Strap — The yoga strap is a useful accessory that can be used with many poses to help improve posture and achieve the right pose, regardless of flexibility.
Take Time to Mediate
If you’re treating your yoga practice as strictly physical exercise while your mind is elsewhere, you’re missing out. While it’s possible to have a yoga practice without meditation, your breathing may not fall into a rhythm, you may move from one pose to another without fully experiencing the effects, or noticing how the pose could be adjusted to better suit you. Incorporating meditation can lead to deeper mental, emotional and physical benefits.
If every class seems the same, you’re running out of steam, or you just need a goal, it may be time to reassess where you are in your practice and what you want to get out of it. Consider some inspiring tech tools, as well as more traditional ones, take some risks, and ensure your mind is engaged. Whether you’re new to yoga or are more advanced, there are ways to take your practice to a deeper level.