Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or new to yoga, now is a great time to practice yoga at home. With many states and countries under stay-at-home orders, you might be going a bit stir crazy. But not to worry, you can still practice yoga! Practicing yoga can not only keep you fit, but can help you through uncertain times by giving you tools to find calm in the chaos.
You might be wondering whether it's safe for a beginner to start a yoga practice at home. There are lots of online sources for yoga classes - both videos and live. Many studios and individual yoga teachers are offering free or donation-based online yoga classes, including us! Check out our schedule below. We recommend having your video turned on and your camera angled so that the teacher can see you during practice and provide pointers if you need help along the way. It's helpful to have a yoga mat, and some items that can be used to support you in your practice. If you don't have a yoga block or strap, have items such as a pillow and towel handy. Also, a water bottle can be used in place of a yoga block to bring the floor closer to you when needed.
The benefits of yoga have been reported across numerous studies over the years, which has contributed to it's growing popularity in the West. Aside from the more obvious like improved flexibility and balance, increased strength, and improved posture; yoga has been shown to decrease stress and anxiety, reduce inflammation, improve heart health by lowering blood pressure, boost immunity, and even reduce chronic pain from conditions like osteoporosis. I could go on and on, but you get the point.
There are many different forms and styles of yoga, so keep trying if at first it doesn't click. One of my favorite styles of practice is yin yoga, which is great for maintaining flexibility and mobility, aiding in recovery, as well as promoting the health of the tissues in and around the joints. Yin is super accessible for beginners.
We hope to "see" you at one of our online classes soon!
Firefly Online Yoga Schedule for week of April 6 (all classes are 60 mins and all times are MDT)
Monday 12:00 PM Vinyasa Flow
Wednesday 4:30 PM Hot Power Fusion
Thursday 9:00 AM Vinyasa Flow
Friday 11:00 AM Yin Yoga
Sunday 10:00 AM Vin-Yin (30 mins Vinyasa, 30 mins Yin)
All classes listed use our Zoom room. Donations are welcome but not required via Venmo @Carrie-Lehtonen or PayPal.