Dear reader, I am so grateful to have Jennifer Scott as a contributor for Gracefulstory. This Friday I am sharing a new piece from her! Have great weekend and happy Christmas to you all.
Nearly 5,000 years ago, yoga was a secluded art-form used by Vedic priests to find inner strength and wisdom. It was a practice taught by word-of-mouth to select students who were ready and willing to sacrifice the ego in order to be one with their inner selves. Today, you’ll find yoga open to all who wish to achieve this inner peace, setting aside the pressures of our rushed, modern lifestyle.
While this day and age might have its drawbacks, one of the advantages we have comes from our technology. If your yoga routine is lackluster, technology may be the key to unlocking your inspiration, thanks to the vast amount of information and tools readily available. Here are some ideas courtesy of Graceful Story that can help you update your yoga game.
Utilizing Tech Tools
When you need to boost your yoga routine, help might just be a click away. As Healthline points out, you can find top-notch apps for learning new poses, taking classes, improving meditation, and interacting with other enthusiasts. Some even allow you to create your own routine, so you can mix things up to your heart’s content. If you want to exercise at home, apps can be ideal. In fact, they are just one tech tool that allows you to workout indoors; you can also take advantage of videos and Wii games to liven up an at-home practice.
Another tech option you might consider for boosting your yoga practice is a smartwatch. Smartwatches can be very beneficial for yogis. Depending on which one you choose, you can monitor your heart rate, stress levels, breathing, and more. Just be sure you have a watch band that is comfortable and suitable for wear while doing your favorite poses. Whatever tech you choose, the important thing is to have a tool that is going to support your yoga routine and not become a source of frustration.
And of course, tech can only take you so far. You have to practice to get better. Finding a yoga instructor is one way to ensure that you are doing the poses correctly, and having someone there to shape and encourage you is a boon. Similarly, having a space to do yoga at home can help you reinforce what you learn in class, and it’s a chance to engage more often. In addition, a home yoga studio may have the extra benefit of increasing your home’s appraisal value.
Non-Tech Tools to Improve Your Yoga
In order to get the most out of your yoga sessions, you are going to need appropriate equipment. Adding a few pieces can support you with your poses and add variety to your routine. Here are some basics that can really pack a punch.
Yoga Bolsters
Yoga bolsters resemble large body pillows that vary in firmness, shape, and size. They are used to keep you comfortable while executing difficult poses. You’ll find that well-chosen bolsters are perfect if you’re pregnant, have an injury, or are just in need of added support. They can soften the pose, making it less strenuous for your body.
Straps
There are several ways to use straps with your yoga routine. The strap’s main purpose is to help you keep your balance and posture. If you have a pose that requires you to stand, a set of yoga straps will help you to maintain your pose. As for sitting poses, straps help to open your hips and increase flexibility gradually.
Exercise Ball
For any level of practice, you’ll find an exercise ball is a great workout tool. It can be used to help with posture and rotating your hips, and it can be used to stretch your back before and after workouts. On top of that, you can use it when you’re doing other things, like watching TV or surfing the web, making an exercise ball a versatile addition to your regimen.
The New Yoga
Despite the fact that yoga started as a practice only for the “elite” few, it has become much more. Thousands of people practice yoga each day, and it can be practiced at any age, young or old. With apps and tools at your fingertips, you are sure to find something that inspires your practice and lifestyle.
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