cross-posted from: https://hexbear.net/post/5264629

I want to integrate yoga in my fitness routine, because I am pretty weak in balance and stress management. But when I try searching for stuff on it online, I run into two problems:

  1. I get overwhelmed by the amount of content. A Youtube channel like “Yoga with Adriene” has hundreds of videos and dozens of playlists, each covering a different perspective and set of exercises. I don’t know from myself what I want, so it leads to me unable to choose.
  2. I either get impatient or roll my eyes at the way yoga is commonly talked about. Even if there’s no mention of more spiritual elements, I feel prejudiced against the usually slow pace and mindfulness talk, even though that’s precisely what I want to practice.

I have a membership at a small gym, but they don’t have any yoga classes, and I don’t want another membership for yoga coaching on top of that. Are there ways around this?

  • OldSoulHippie [he/him]@hexbear.netEnglish
    8·
    20 days ago

    I’ve been doing “yoga with Adriane” for a couple of years. I would recommend starting with one of her 30 day challenges. We have done the same 30 day challenge a few times. I don’t do it every day either, so just go at your own pace. Yoga isn’t something that you do like a workout video, it trains you to integrate the movements into your life and it’s not supposed to add stress

  • CarbonConscious [he/him]@hexbear.netEnglish
    7·
    20 days ago

    Classes are definitely a good way to start - having somebody there to show you the stuff that doesn’t make sense at first, and more importantly to correct your slight mistakes and emphasize the parts you should be focusing on.

    I think classes are great for yoga in particular because after you’ve done 5 or 6 sessions, you’ll have enough knowledge to just do it at home in your own, and make good use of those YouTube videos.

    If you have an IRL friend that knows some stuff, they might be able to get you most of the way there. The stuff you need to learn is mostly pretty basic, just about breathing and grounding your feet and lengthening muscles and stuff like that.

    As for videos, look for stuff with beginner, stretching, follow along, etc. You’ll still get a lot of benefit doing some of that stuff even without guidance, but I’d say you’ll get about 70% effectiveness at best without a good foundation.

    As for the spiritual stuff, yeah there’s plenty of that if you want it, but it’s easy to avoid and rarely very pushy. Personally, the only part I take from that aspect, is that the end of a long session in ‘corpse pose’ (lol, basically just lying flat on your back) is a really fantastic time for some mindfulness meditation. The rest is w/e.

  • niph [she/her]@hexbear.netEnglish
    5·
    20 days ago

    Re: Yoga with Adriene, she has a bunch of 30 day programs, I think she posts one every year in January. Anyway they are all pretty good and accessible. You don’t have to do one every day, but it’s nice to have some structure so you’re not searching for a video to do.

    Regarding the pace: I think this is common for beginners. But the important thing about yoga isn’t “getting there” or “doing it”, it’s the process. The reason you chafe at the slow pace is because you’re anxious to “get there” - your mind is in the future. It’s perfectly ok to feel that way. For now, try just setting aside the parts that annoy you and focusing on how your body feels, and on your breathing. I’ve found that the more I practice the less I am concerned with progress, and the mindset shift came by itself.

    Classes are great too, since it’s nice to get help from someone with the form and it gives a little push to commit if you’ve signed up for a certain number of classes or whatever.

    Ultimately, the physical practice of yoga is inherently tied to the mental aspect. Some of that comes directly through breath work, and the “spiritual” parts that annoy you right now. But I would encourage you to approach those parts with an open mind, and just give it a go, even if it feels silly. Many of the exercises are kind of CBT adjacent in any case. Also, it’s always optional. Yoga is about, first and foremost, accepting where you are now.

  • polpotkin [none/use name]@hexbear.netEnglish
    4·
    20 days ago

    I know you’re against classes but they are the best way. I usually find a teacher I like and then keep going to them. Every teacher is different and you need to find the one that best suits you. And classes often have a tiered membership plans. I think it’s worth it!