Smart Ways to Intensify Your Yoga Routine
Advancing your yoga practice doesn’t mean going from Balasana to Ganda Bherundasana in a week’s time. Just as there are many styles of yoga, there are many levels of difficulty. And if you are no longer challenged by your routine, taking gradual steps to intensify it will provide you with deeper benefits while helping you to prevent injury and burnout. No matter what level of yogi you consider yourself to be, here are some practical ways to kick it up a notch.
Set Goals
The first part of improving your yoga practice is to set realistic goals that can help you track your progress and keep you accountable. For example, if you currently practice three times a week, try bumping it up to four times a week, then five times. If there’s a certain pose you hate doing—but it’s within your skill level—commit to doing it at least once a week for the next month. If you struggle to fit in meditation, set a goal to meditate for 20 minutes a day. It can also be helpful to switch things up, such as doing a new routine every week for three months, and/or doing savasana for 10 minutes longer. There are countless doable goals to set for yourself that can expand your yoga practice, and you can even use a smartphone app to help you track your progress.
Stream Away
Another way to improve your practice is to make sure you stay consistent by practicing at home. If you don’t have the budget for yoga classes, or it’s hard for you to make it to the studio on certain days, consider purchasing a streaming device so you can stream classes from your living room. These media players are not only cost-effective but through a variety of apps, you’ll be able to choose the specific classes that are best for your practice. Find one that fits your TV and budget and you’ll be all set to roll out your mat.
Settle for Seven
If you’re like most people, there are days a full yoga session is not in the cards. That’s OK. If you can spare seven minutes, you can still get in a routine that helps you to relax and work toward your goals. Just be sure to wear comfortable clothes and make your environment as relaxing as possible.
Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced yogi, there’s always room to leave your comfort zone. Stay open to trying new poses, and embrace the challenge when your routine gets tough. Even when you’re doing poses you’re used to, deepen your stretches and hold them for longer. Most importantly, push yourself to remain in the present through any changes that come with your routine.
Study Up
In a sense, yoga is just like any other practice: you can broaden your knowledge and improve your technique by reading about it. Along with reading about various styles of yoga, seek to learn about the history of yoga and how different people have applied it in their lives. Learn about meditation techniques that can take your practice to the next level. You will likely find a few books that you will return to time and time again. Every yogi can improve. Remember to set realistic goals, consider using a streaming device to practice at home, and try seven-minute yoga routines when you’re pressed for time. Also, always look for ways to challenge yourself, and read books to deepen your knowledge of yoga. Expanding your yoga practice, even with gradual steps, will expand your health and well-being.
This post was guest written by Sheila Johnson, you can see more of her work writing on wellness here: