I recently decided that I want to start adding Yoga into my weekly routine. Trying to find a class that fits my schedule with working full time and teaching POUND was a bit difficult though. I decided to do a search on YouTube and found some nice 30 day challenge videos but wanted something that would start at absolute beginner. I came across a website called YogaAnytime that offers a free 30 day trial so I decided to give it a shot.
There are different teachers you can choose from, along with style, length of class, level, props, anatomy focus, theory, etc. I've only been a member for 4 days but I have to say I really like it so far. I decided to start with a beginner video by Kira Sloane called "Moving With Our Breath" which I found extremely relaxing. Kira explains the moves in simple terms and her voice is extremely relaxing. Did you know that the Hokey Pokey can be considered yoga? Who knew. ;) I enjoyed the video so much that I performed it again this morning after completing my workout. That's telling right there.
YogaAnytime has an iPad/iPhone app that you can use to download the videos and watch from your device. I connected my laptop to the tv and watched the video that way.
Benefits:
- Cost. First month is free and after that only $18 a month.
- Flexibility (no pun intended) - I can start/pause the class whenever is convenient for me.
- Variety - I can select from a number of teachers to find the one I like.
- Feedback - I left a note for Kira Sloane to let her know how much I enjoyed her lesson and she wrote back. :)
- I can do yoga from my own home
Drawbacks:
- No feedback on form. I'm responsible for paying attention to my form and risk the chance of personal injury if I get it wrong. A face to face class with an instructor eliminates this worry. As a personal trainer, I'm not too concerned about this but see where this could be a risk for others.
- Accountability - no classmates or friends taking the class with me so I'm responsible to motivate myself to do yoga. Signing up for a paid class with a friends might make you feel more accountable with going to class.
- Requires a stable Internet connection. I debated whether I should list this as a drawback but there were a couple of times the Internet hiccuped here at the house and it did interfere slightly with the flow of the class but not really a big issue for me.
I still fully intend to check out some local classes but for now I'll be doing Yoga at the Beck home gym. ;-)