In addition to increased flexibility and strength, regular yoga practice contributes to better sleep, reduced tension, more energy and a healthier immune system, and regular practitioners of yoga will tell you that the benefits certainly don’t stop there. While you don’t have to be the world’s most flexible yogi to experience the value of yoga, consistent practice and instruction does reap the most benefits. That being said, sometimes there just aren’t enough hours in the day to complete an hour-long yoga session.
However, even 12 minutes of yoga a day can help calm your mind and relax your body. Not to mention, these days, there are many applications that can help you fit in a quick yoga session whenever you can and wherever you are. Whether you need a burst of energy, or a quick stretch at work, there’s a yoga app to help you get both.
There’s an App for That
In any given capacity, incorporating yoga into your daily life can reduce stress and support healthier living. If you don’t have time for a class in the middle of the day, or your next yoga session feels just too far away, use some of these apps to improve your practice and keep you moving and stress-free, throughout even the most hectic days. Here are some of our favorite options.
1. Pocket Yoga
Pocket Yoga offers images, descriptions and benefits for over 200 poses, so you can see how each one looks when done correctly and how the pose stretches and lengthens each part of your body. The app allows you to sync with a heart rate monitor, so you can track your heart rate and the number of calories burned. The app even maintains a log of all the poses you’ve completed over time. Also, you can listen to music from your own music library or iTunes Radio instead of the app’s default music.
2. Salute the Desk
Built with both mental and physical relaxation as its focus, the Salute the Desk app walks you through 27 relaxing poses, all of which can be done from your desk. You can set daily reminders to take a break from your computer screen and cramped posture. Stretch, release tired muscles and build good posture. The app offers guided relaxation techniques, audio, video and written instructions to provide support from multiple angles.
3. Daily Yoga
If you’re someone who gets bored easily, this app is for you. Daily Yoga provides detailed descriptions for over 400 different poses and HD videos with step-by-step instructions for nearly 50 full yoga classes. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced yogi, this app lets you tailor your practice to exactly your level and intention. You can even follow and connect with other yogis throughout the world.
4. Universal Breathing —Pranayama
Breathing is one of the most important yet most difficult aspects of a yoga practice. Not only can proper breathing techniques help you deepen your poses and improve your practice, but they can also help you sleep more soundly, decrease blood pressure and relieve headaches and migraines.
If you would like to learn more about the benefits of yoga, please contact us to learn more.