Tips for Practicing in the New Year

Don’t Rush It 

Yoga isn’t a race to the finish, but a journey to be enjoyed over time. If you’re new to yoga or just rediscovering it, diving right into a 60-minute strength class might seem a bit overwhelming. Try starting with classes that are shorter in duration, like a low-intensity 15-minute beginner class. Aim to do a series of these over the course of several days or a couple weeks, then progress to longer classes when you feel comfortable. Find your perfect class with Yoga Studio’s Search function—easily browse 200+ yoga and meditation sessions by intensity, duration, focus, ability and teacher.

Getting Into a Routine

When you’re practicing yoga, it’s important to be as consistent as possible. Try utilizing Yoga Studio’s scheduling tool to plan out sessions and set reminders before your class is about to begin. This can be an effective way to jump into your yoga journey. If you need some extra motivation in achieving your goals, check out YSA’s Achievement Badges. These digital ‘awards’—with badges earned for practicing daily, weekly and so on—are a fun way to keep the pace and progress forward.

Personalize Your Practice

With Yoga Studio, users can customize their own personal Studio and individual practice. One of YSA’s most popular features is the custom sequencing tool, which lets you create your own HD video classes, pose by pose, with the ability to adjust pose lengths, order, transitions and pre-made blocks (common pose sequences). Also, to help set the mood, check Settings on the Studio tab to choose from several soothing sounds to play while as you practice, or import your own personal music playlist.

Virtual Yoga Partner

Having a partner nearby or someone to join you can be a great motivator (and fun, too!). Whether it’s for every class or just every other week, here are a few ways to remain close, even in a pandemic. Try creating a Zoom meeting, where you and a friend can flow together using Yoga Studio. Or create and share a custom Yoga Studio class, where users can leave comments and notes for each other to read before and after each session. Follow us on Facebook or Instagram to comment and stay in touch with us and other YSA Yogis around the globe.

Learn Off the Mat

Grow your yoga knowledge while off the mat! Figure out the difference between Chair Twist and Chair Prayer Twist with Yoga Studio’s free 280+ pose reference guide. It includes pictures, names, Sanskrit names, descriptions and expert tips. You can also use the pose guide to mark your favorite poses for crafting your custom classes later.

Yoga Is for Everyone

You don’t have to be uber-flexible or incredibly athletic to enjoy the benefits of yoga. Whether your goal is to increase flexibility, improve mobility or find peace, Yoga Studio has you covered with more than 200 HD ready-made classes, each designed with love and a goal in mind. Listen to your body and mind when practicing, and don’t be afraid to travel out of your comfort zone to try something new (Hip Hop Yoga, wink wink).