Something Old, Something New: The Benefits of Technology for Yoga

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For many of us, yoga is a way of incorporating ancient wisdom and mindfulness into our daily lives. However, this does not mean our practice can't also benefit from new technologies. Streaming yoga classes online or taking advantage of tutorials and apps can introduce you to new elements and enhance your routine in a positive way, whether you're on your first asana or your thousandth. Think of it as that age-old balance of yin and yang, old and new, personal and universal — and begin to check out some of the benefits of combining yoga and tech today.

Find the Right Fit

With the wealth of options available online, from videos to dedicated yoga apps, today's technology allows you to find the style of class and instruction that works best for you. Want a more meditative practice? Certain styles of yoga will emphasize the importance of your breathing and mental state. Want something closer to a cardio workout? You can find workout videos that combine yoga with other disciplines like Pilates or even dance. You will also have the benefit of getting to see different teachers' styles to determine which one is most helpful to you, and you can always pause your practice to look up any yoga terms you don't understand.

Eliminate Excuses

Our schedules don't always allow us to get to the studio for classes at specific times, which is why being able to stream a class anywhere, anytime, can be so beneficial in helping us to make yoga a regular habit. Don't think you have to be able to commit to an entire hour, either. Even if you only have seven minutes in between work and picking up the kids, or while waiting for dinner to bake, you can find a short session to work your body and restore balance to your mind — all without leaving your home. And with streaming sticks and devices, which allow you to take content with you on vacation or business trips, you can easily access your favorite yoga videos on the go with the press of a few buttons. So, give yourself permission every day to take a step on your journey, no matter how small it may be.

Nix the Comparisons

It can be hard not to compare yourself to the yogi with his knee behind his ears, or the one who is more coordinated while walking on her hands than most of us are on our feet. In a studio, these comparisons are frequently difficult to escape. While streaming a class on your own, however, you are able to keep your focus exactly where it should be: on your own practice and your own improvement from week to week. Moreover, if you need extra guidance on a particular pose, you can stop and find a specific tutorial to help you out, with none of the self-consciousness that often accompanies uncertainty in a group class.

Set (and Meet) Your Goals

Streaming videos of a yoga session isn't the only way that technology can benefit your practice. It is now easier than ever to track our habits and daily activities on our phones, so take advantage of an app to set a goal for your own yoga journey. Whether you want to practice a given number of times per week or learn a particular number of new poses over the next month, you have all the tools at your fingertips to make your practice more intentional in getting there and to track your progress along the way. 

It's easy to bemoan the distractions of technology in today's world, but like any tool, its advantages are dependent entirely on how we use it. Make it work for you by taking advantage of the benefits that various streaming services and apps can give to your yoga practice, and enjoy your transformation into a healthier and more mindful you. Namaste!