The best ways to practise yoga at home
Whether you are an experienced yogi or just want to give yoga a go, there a plethora of apps and online programs to try from the comfort of home.
Maybe you’re feeling a little anxious or overwhelmed and have heard about the many therapeutic benefits of yoga.
Or maybe you’re a regular yogi who wants to keep practising, even though you can’t get to a studio.
Luckily, there are plenty of apps and online programs to help you keep up your downward dog and lotus poses – or just give yoga a go if you are a newbie.
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The health and wellbeing benefits of yoga
As well as reducing stress, yoga and meditation offers myriad physical health benefits such as increased flexibility, improved cardiovascular function, muscle strength and tone.
It is suitable for all fitness levels and can be practised by adults and kids alike.
“I think now more than ever it’s important to practise yoga and breathing techniques,” says yoga instructor Beth Borowsky, who has been offering kids’ classes for years.
“I really feel for parents at the moment, because working from home while caring for your children and educating them is a lot to ask of anyone and can become a major source of stress.
“Children are acutely aware of their parents’ emotions and absorb their anxiety and stress, so practising yoga and mindful breathing can help reduce these emotions while re-oxygenating the brain and encouraging a sense of calm.”
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10 online yoga programs and apps worth trying:
In an effort to bring calm into family homes, Beth is offering free online yoga classes, mindful activities and meditation targeted for kids aged 18 months to 13.
She is also introducing membership options offering a larger range of classes.
Andrew Hampson has moved his inventive and fresh approach to yoga teaching to Zoom during the coronavirus shutdown. Hampson is offering free live online classes in lieu of retreats.
It’s contribution-based rather than a standard fee.
Dubbed the “people’s yogi”, Adrienne Mishler has a steady stream of fans around the world. After gaining popularity through her high-quality (and free) YouTube videos, Mishler has expanded to online courses offered via her website.
Specialising in vinyasa-style yoga, this Port Macquarie-based studio is using Zoom to host live sessions during the lockdown period.
Other styles include restorative, flow, nidra, power and yin. Although it’s free, donations to the teachers are encouraged.
This boutique Brisbane studio caters to all kinds of yoga fans, from beginners to kids and expectant mothers.
During the pandemic, the business is offering livestreamed sessions, with a comprehensive digital schedule so you’re up to date.
Juliana Semenova and Mark Spicoluk offer tutorials on their site covering all things yoga.
While many of the tutorials require membership, there are also free videos that are perfect for those who want to try it out before making the investment.
Great for those on the go, this app caters to everyone from beginners to advanced, with the ability to adjust the length of each session. The app will be available for free until May 1.
Livestreamed lessons are replacing in-studio classes at Roaming Zen for the duration of the coronavirus lockdown.
The Adelaide-based studio offers three membership options – unlimited access ($30 a week), single class access ($10) or pre-existing membership holders can use their cards. Equipment hire is also available.
One of the largest yoga communities in Australia, Power Living has a comprehensive online platform called Yogaholics that goes beyond livestreaming classes.
Videos are offered to members and are suited to every level of experience, with a focus on vinyasa and yin yoga. There are also technical tutorials to help yogis perfect their poses.
With 50 million global users, the Daily Yoga app is popular for a good reason. Easy to navigate, there are more than 100 yoga and meditation classes available as well as beginner-friendly tutorials.
Although it’s free, you can upgrade to the pro version.
More coronavirus tips and advice:
- How to keep the kids active when they’re home all day
- How to stay connected when you’re socially distancing
- Why sleep should be part of your coronavirus defence plan
- How to keep your relationships intact during COVID-19
- How to wash your hands properly
Written by Charlotte Brundrett.
