I’ve been practicing yoga for over 15 years, and discovering it was a life-changing experience for me. In fact, I often think of it as my own secret weapon that’s helped get me through a lot of stressful times, especially in my many roles as a mom. If you’re not already familiar with Yoga, here’s a basic definition that will help you learn a little bit about it’s origin and history. Yoga is a generic term that describes the physical, mental and spiritual practices or disciplines which originated in ancient India with the goal of attaining a permanent sense of peace in life.
It’s true that the face of Yoga in America has changed immensely over the past decade and some may argue that this commercialization has ruined the basis of its original intent. However, the flip side to this vast commercialization, is that it’s also made Yoga available to a much broader audience of people and that’s a really good thing.
With the advent of physically challenging classes like Power Yoga, you might get the idea that Yoga is merely a physical activity, and it’s true that is does great things for you physically. However, once you get started practicing it on a more regular basis, you’ll soon discover the greater calming and meditative aspects that are the real basis for practicing Yoga.
Another great thing about Yoga is that it requires very little equipment investment to get you started and keep you going. All you need are some comfortable athletic style clothes that will allow you to move freely and a simple, non-slip Yoga mat. And if you don’t want to invest in a mat right away, many studios even offer you loaner mats while you’re trying out a free class or two.
Here are some ideas for a few ways to help get you started finding out what Yoga is all about and how you can begin to make it a part of your daily life and help to bring a sense of peace and calm into your life.
Take a Studio or Community Yoga Class
I understand it’s not always easy or affordable for moms to fit a group style Yoga class into your budget or your schedule. But if you do a little research on what’s available in your area, you can often find some Community Classes and Yoga Studios or Instructors who offer a limited amount of classes for low cost or on a donation only basis, so you can pay whatever amount you can afford. Some studios even offer a Free Week of Yoga, to give you a chance to try it, without needing to commit to a membership or class fee. If you can manage it, taking a class and getting some individual instruction by a Certified Yoga Instructor is always the best way to get started, so you’ll learn some solid basics that will help prevent you from injuring yourself.
Image: yogaworks.com
Try out a Yoga Video
If you do a little online research about Yoga, you’ll be amazed at how much information and instruction is available that will help introduce you to Yoga. Some of this information is content based and some is presented in the form of Yoga Videos, some of which are made available to you, free of charge. You’ll also find many more in depth Yoga Videos that are available to you for a subscription or membership fee. Or if you choose, you can order your own videos, so you can begin to build your own Yoga Home Video Library.
Images: amazon.com
Check Out Some Yoga Apps
There are quite a few Yoga Apps available and they make it really easy to take Yoga along with you, especially during the upcoming Summer months, when you might be traveling on vacation with your family. There’s a great selection of Yoga Apps available, so be sure and check them out for yourself, to see which one might suit you the best. But in the meantime, here’s one called Pocket Yoga, that’s a great one to help get you started.
Images: pocket-sports.com
This App is only $2.99 and was designed for both iPhone and iPad. It was voted by CNN as of the “10 Great Mobile Health Apps” for 2012.
