Using Your Core: How Yoga for Your Core Beats Traditional Ab Workouts
Have you ever heard someone say that?
“Use your core!”
Maybe it was a trainer, a dance teacher, or perhaps a yoga instructor! That’s because (as I’m sure you already know) your core muscles are imperative to protecting many other parts of your body!
We wouldn’t be preaching (aka screaming) it so much if it wasn’t important.
There are many types of core workouts and exercises specifically for your abdominal muscles. And I’m not saying they’re ineffective. They are, when done correctly.
Part of the problem is that people don’t do the exercises correctly.
The other part of the problem I’ll discuss below.
Or, if you wanna check out my Yoga for Core and Muscle Strengthening on myYogaTeacher, you’ll see the differences for yourself! We’d love to have you!
Not a myYogaTeacher member yet? Really?! You’ve got to check it out. Get your 2-week free trial here and experience my class and over 35 others. There’s a yoga class for everyone. Literally!
In the meantime, let’s dive into how yoga for your core is different – and more beneficial – than traditional core exercises.
Yoga for your core is more efficient
Why would you spend all your time conditioning individual muscle groups when you could be working multiple muscle groups all at once?
Yoga is a dynamic practice. Meaning you’ll be working your core while doing everything from something simple like tree pose to something more complicated like plough pose.
And everything in between. There is almost never a time during a yoga session when you’re not using your core.
Except in savasana, of course. Where you absolutely deserve to not use your core!
And speaking of dynamics…
Yoga for your core is much more dynamic
So not only are you using your core in almost every single yoga pose, in ever single yoga session, you are using those muscles differently than you would with traditional ab exercises.
For example, in boat pose, you’re working your upper and lower abdominal muscles, even your obliques. You’re also working your thighs, glutes, and your arms! All in one move.
There are lots of yoga poses specifically for your core muscles.
Plank, for instance. Plank is a part of a regular yoga practice or flow. You’ll work your arms, shoulders, back, glutes, thighs and every single ab muscle you’ve got.
Trust me. You’ll feel it!
Any core yoga pose will work more than just one muscle group, unlike traditional ab exercises.
Yoga for your core is safer
Do you know how easy it is to injure yourself doing traditional ab exercises?
It is. Mostly because people do the exercises incorrectly. Which is easy to do when you’re tired or straining one group or set of muscles.
Crunches, for instance. A seemingly simple exercise.
When you’re tired or your core is tired, you will have a tendency to pull on the back of your neck or lead with your head instead of your abs. This puts a ton of strain on your neck and spine and can cause injury.
Using various different ab machines can put strain on other muscles and not even help you strengthen your abdominal muscles at all.
There are plenty of other examples I could give, but suffice it to say that yoga is just safer. One, you’re using your core even when the asana isn’t focused on your core. Two, yoga is all about body awareness and bringing harmony to your inner and outer self.
Which means if you’re straining in areas where you shouldn’t be, you’ll realize it fairly quickly and know how to correct it.
Yoga for your core provides variety
You know traditional core workouts are boring. I’ll admit it for you so you don’t have to.
Does anyone actually like doing ab workouts? No, probably not.
That’s because they are the exact same “tried and true” exercises that have been taught and preached to us for years and years and years.
But guess what? Yoga is older than those exercises! (You probably knew that already)
There are hundreds – possibly thousands – of different yoga flows. There are over 20 different types of yoga. Combined with the many different yoga poses, this means that the possibilities of core workouts are almost endless!
You could probably do something different every single day for the rest of your life!
Can you say that about traditional ab workouts? No. Because it’s the same exercises just in different sequences. There’s usually only one way to do them too. Which is very limiting.
Yoga flattens your belly
Isn’t that what we all want?
Flatter, stronger abdominal muscles?
A strong core protects our back, our entire skeletal system. Having a flat tummy helps prevent things like heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, heart attacks, diabetes, and even asthma!
Something you don’t get with traditional abdominal exercises is cardio.
Not all yoga provides cardio, of course, But there are many types that do. As a matter of fact, some types of yoga burn more calories per hour than many conventional exercises like running, the elliptical, or swimming.
The point is, yoga is a safe, healthy all in one form of exercise with benefits that far exceed a strong core and loss of belly fat!
Want to see for yourself? Take my Yoga for Core and Muscle Strengthening class for a test run! Let me know you read this blog post and I’ll be sure to talk about it in class. If you haven’t joined myYogaTeacher yet, you definitely should. Here’s the link again to get your 2-week free trial. You’ll have access to all the classes that MYT has to offer and can even chat with the instructors, all of which are expert yoga teachers!
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{"slug":"yoga-for-core","recentPosts":[{"id":"cl8kb5f23jq1w0ciscs2h2bxw","slug":"benefits-of-yoga-for-pregnancy","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"What are the Benefits of Yoga for Pregnancy?","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Yoga for Pregnancy is excellent for stress relief, pain relief, and preparation for labor. Read more to understand the benefits of Yoga for Pregnancy","readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2022-09-27T14:42:36.767798+00:00","coverUrl":"kvvlqndsbow5dsckhw7i.jpg","content":{"text":"When you get pregnant, people come out of the woodworks with advice, remedies and old wives tales. Everyone’s got an opinion on how you should spend your pregnancy. But the one thing we know for sure is, yoga is great for mom and baby alike. If you’re curious about prenatal yoga, you’re in the right place. Let’s break down why this type of yoga is excellent for moms (and babies).\\nWhat is prenatal yoga?\\nPrenatal yoga was designed for women who are expecting. Rather than taking a regular class and having to worry about modifications or safety, this class is specifically designed for pregnancy. The practice can help women with common pregnancy aches and pains, ease hormonal and emotional stress and help women’s bodies prepare for birth and their postpartum journey. A regular yoga practice when pregnant has tons of amazing benefits!\\nBenefits of Prenatal yoga: \\nWe asked women who’ve done prenatal yoga while pregnant for their reviews, one said “ It’s excellent for stress relief, pain relief, and preparation for labor.” And they all said they’d recommend it to friends! \\nSo let's break down the benefits: \\nRelaxation : \\nPregnancy can be very stressful! But yoga will help you to relax physically, mentally and emotionally and create a safe, relaxing environment for birth. Prenatal helps you with coping and breath techniques for all stages of your pregnancy.\n\\nPreparation for birth : \\nFor first time moms, and even sometimes vets, labor can be scary. This practice will help you to learn birth techniques so you’re relaxed and ready to go!\n\\nYoga can Help with Labor : \\nIn a 2015 study\\n, It was found that a regular yoga practice in the last 10-12 weeks of pregnancy can improve the mother's comfort during labor and help facilitate the labor process. The “yoga group” in this study on average was in labor two hours less than those who didn’t practice. Past your due date? Prenatal Yoga is also known to help induce labor\n\\nCommunity : \\nYoga classes have always been known to help us build community but during pregnancy, it's so important to have a group of women who understand what you’re going through. Taking part in a prenatal class puts you in a group of women who get it. You’ll have a built in support system and maybe even first friends for your baby!\\nFrequently Asked Questions about Prenatal Yoga:\\nIs Yoga for Pregnancy safe?\\nYes. Yoga is generally considered safe during pregnancy. However, you should always consult your doctor & make sure you’re practicing with a teacher who understands the prenatal experience and can keep you safe. Our teachers are experts in yoga and are ready to help you on your journey. If you’d like to check out our offerings, you can get started today with a two week free trial! \\nWhen during pregnancy can you practice yoga?\\nDuring your first trimester, you can stick to your regular practice with some modifications. \\nYour second trimester is a GREAT time to start prenatal yoga! At this point, you’ll be starting to officially come into your “pregnancy body” and you’ll need to be practicing poses more specific to prenatal. The second and third trimester are considered the “prep period” for your body to prepare for labor. So it's a great time to keep moving and stretching in your new skin as you make room for the baby to grow! \\nWhat yoga poses should you avoid doing? \\nFor the most part, yoga is considered safe during pregnancy. You really only need to focus on any poses that put pressure on your abdomen. You should avoid any and all twisting poses, backbends and inversions.. \\nYoga for Pregnancy Poses you can perform at Home :\\nIt’s important to stay active during your pregnancy for both mom and baby! You should try to get in some sort of movement daily for at least 30 minutes. You can stick to low impact workouts or walks but if you want to do some yoga at home, it’s a great way to end your day. Yoga while pregnant can help with pain, help you sleep better and fight tiredness and fatigue. \\nHere are some poses you can practice at home to keep you moving! And as a bonus, most of these poses will also help your body prepare for giving birth!\\n1. Bound angle pose (Baddha Konasana) :\\n\\nBaddha Konasana pose will help you open your hips, releasing any pain in your back. It can also help to reduce swelling\\nHow it helps with labor: Opening the hips will help you to stretch the muscles needed to open the birth canal.\\n2. Cat-cow pose (Marjaryasana Bitilasana) :\\n\\nMarjaryasana Bitilasana pose release back and shoulder pain and also reduce pressure from the belly\\nHow it helps with labor: Back pain is a common occurrence during the birth process. This pose will help to keep your muscles limber and help to avoid muscle spasms and pain in your back during labor. \\n3. Yogi squat (Malasana) :\\n\\n\\nBeen sitting too long\\n? This is a great hip opener and will also release lower back pain. \\nHow it helps with labor: This pose will widen the pelvic floor making the birth easier,which may help to reduce injury during birth.\\nRemember, if you’re practicing at home, it’s always best to consult your doctor and make sure yoga is safe for your pregnancy.\\n\\nOther ways to practice self-care during pregnancy\\nBeing a mom is the hardest job in the world. And there are no days off. Starting with pregnancy, we feel out of control of our body, its growth and the way we feel. Remember to take time during this beautiful process to practice self-care so you can be present, happy and relaxed. \\nBook a prenatal massage :\n\nA prenatal massage is GREAT for mom and baby. It can help reduce stress and swelling without meds, help you to sleep and get your body ready for labor and delivery. \n \\nTake a bath :\n\nTaking a warm bath while pregnant can also help to reduce stress and lower your blood pressure. It’s a great way to relax and rest your growing body. If you’re feeling pain or swelling, it can be very beneficial to relax in a warm bath. \n\\n\\nAyurveda for Pregnancy :\\n\n\nThis week, MyYogaTeacher has a special Ayurveda event running where you’ll learn how to align with your best self through nutrition and health changes. This specific class is designed to help you have your most healthy pregnancy with nutrition guidelines for a mom and foods to help with baby's development! \\n\nYou can also choose to work 1 on 1 with an instructor of your choice through your MyYogaTeacher membership! Let us help you have your healthiest pregnancy possible! \\n\\nGet started today!\\n"},"category":[]},{"id":"cl8ka13l4ionz0ck2fe0pme7l","slug":"chronic-neck-pain-relief-yoga-poses","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Are you suffering with Chronic Neck Pain? 10 yoga poses to find relief!","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":null,"readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2022-09-27T14:11:15.683866+00:00","coverUrl":"rbh6duxy7hy3y207sg1c.jpg","content":{"text":"Do you suffer from chronic neck pain? Nearly 30-50% of adults suffer from recurring neck pain. \\nNeck pain can be a common occurrence for people who:\\nhave long commutes or sit at a desk all day\\nwho have issues with posture \\nwho have chronic sleep issues\\nOur neck and shoulders can also be a place where we may carry tension or pain due to stress. In any case, the good news is yoga can help you to relieve your neck pain and move on symptom free! \\nDaily changes you can make to avoid neck pain\\nStay in alignment. Keep good posture and try not to carry heavy bags on one side of your body. Also, if you sit at a desk and work on a computer, move your monitor to eye-sight so you’re not looking up or down. Need help finding your center? \\nWe can help here at MyYogaTeacher! \\n\\nStay active! It’s important to stay mobilized. If you sit all day, take breaks to move around and give your body a break from being stuck in one position. Can’t take breaks at work? Try to go for a walk on lunch or maybe before or after your workday. \\nCheck your sleep environment. Make sure your mattress and pillows are still in good shape. Look into the best pillows for your sleep type or body. Getting quality sleep will help you avoid tossing and turning and can be your remedy to wake pain free. \\nIf you’re feeling like you need to move, starting with any slower yoga practice will help! Yin, hatha and restorative classes will all leave your body feeling relaxed, renewed and free of pain. Want to flow on your own? Here are our top ten poses to try! \\n10 Yoga Poses to relieve Chronic Neck Pain :\\n1. Easy seat with ear to shoulder stretch\\nThis pose releases your neck and shoulders and helps relieve tension and stress.\\nStart by sitting with your legs crossed and a straight back. Shoulders down. Bring your ear down to your shoulder. To deepen the stretch, bring your opposite arm overhead. \\n\\n\\n\\n2. Child’s Pose\\nReleases tension in the upper body including the neck and chest.\\nBring your knees as wide as the mat and sit into your heels. You can bring your chest to the mat and extend your arms forward or come to rest on a pillow or bolster. Try to hold this pose for up to 5 breaths. \\n\\n\\n\\n3. Downward facing dog\\nHelps to relieve neck pain by strengthening the upper body and releasing the spine. \\nStart by coming onto all fours. Check your alignment- make sure your shoulders are over your wrist, and your hips over your knees. Without changing the position of your hands and feet, push up and back to bring your heels into the ground. Relax your head, neck and shoulders down. \\n\\n\\n\\n4. Bridge Pose\\nReleases chest, neck, spine and hips.\\nLay down on your mat, bring your feet as close to your glutes as possible. Bring your hands to the sides of your body palms down. Push into the feet and hands while you lift your core and back to the ceiling. Try to relax and breathe here. \\n\\n\\n\\n5. Wide Leg forward fold\\nReleases spine, neck and back. If you’re in pain perform this stretch slowly, and come up one vertebrae at a time. \\nBring your feet as wide as you can, feet facing forward. Hinge at the hips and slowly bend forward and down towards your feet. You can hang here or grab yogi toe lock around your big toe. \\n\\n\\n\\n6. Cow face pose\\nStrengthens core and spine.\\nSit up tall and stack your knees directly over one another. Reach one arm back around your waist and one arm over your shoulder with your palms reaching towards one another. If you can, clasp your hands. If not, rest them on your back, you will still benefit from the pose. \\n\\n\\n\\n7. Sphinx pose\\nThis pose will help to physically open up the shoulders and neck. Looking side to side slowly is a great addition to the pose. \\nLie on your stomach and bring your hands next to your chest facing down. On your inhale press into the ground and lift your upper body. \\n\\n\\n\\n8. Thread the Needle \\nIncreases mobility and releases tension in the upper body. \\nCome on to all fours. Check your alignment, make sure your hips are over your knees, shoulders over your wrist. Reach one arm out to the side and thread it through the opposite side under your ribs. You can stay here or open up the opposite side by reaching the hand to the back or straight up and over. Make sure to do both sides. \\n\\n\\n\\n9. Legs up the wall\\nReleases tension and stress from the upper body by reversing blood flow. \\nFind a wall near your practice space and sit next to the wall as close as possible. Lower your head, neck and shoulders onto your mat, then roll onto your back and stretch your legs up the wall. You can stay in this restorative pose for up to 10 minutes. \\n\\n\\n\\n10. Savasana\\nSavasana releases any stress, lowers heart rate and calms the body. \\nCome onto your back on your mat, and release your body down. This is known as corpse pose because it is a full and final rest at the end of our practice. Release and let go of any and all tension. \\n\\n\\n\\nClasses to help relieve neck pain \\n\\nYoga fusion for joints \\n- This class will help you roll out your joint pain and stretch your tight limbs and joints. \\n\\nYoga for Back Pain\\n - Sometimes, neck pain can be caused by tightness in the spine. Experts say yoga helps soothe muscle pains. Try this class to strengthen and lengthen your neck and back for pain relief! \\n\\nYoga for Neck and Shoulder Pain\\n - Do you sit all day at work? Struggle with your posture? This class will help relieve upper body tension. \\n\nSo if you’re ready to make your neck pain a thing of the past, join us today. Our trial includes two free weeks of group fitness classes, one on one classes and so much more! \\nGet started on your yoga journey now!\\n"},"category":["yoga_poses"]},{"id":"cl8cuq5nnh5860biyek2vhu2w","slug":"reproductive-rights-for-women-yoga-workshop","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Reproductive Rights for Women Yoga Workshop - Supporting Women Through Yoga","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":null,"readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2022-09-22T09:28:27.679552+00:00","coverUrl":"dkjwcigamkavxe0yziwq.jpg","content":{"text":"Announcing MyYogaTeacher’s first ever Reproductive Rights for Women Yoga Workshop!\\nHere at MyYogaTeacher, we believe in the wisdom of women to make their own choices about their health. \\n\\nThat’s why we’re excited to offer the\\n Reproductive Rights for Women Yoga Workshop on October 2 from 9 AM - 11 AM PST (12 PM - 2 PM EST) for only $10!\\nIn the past, our community events have been free. So why are we charging a nominal fee for this one?\\nBecause ALL proceeds from the Reproductive Rights for Women Yoga Workshop go to support the \\nCenter for Reproductive Rights\\n charity, a nonprofit organization, the \\nonly\\n global legal advocacy organization dedicated to advancing reproductive rights.\\nIn the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe vs Wade and on the day before the new term of the Supreme Court begins, we think this workshop is a perfect way to silently protest this new ruling through self-care and donations to an organization like the Center for Reproductive Rights.\\nThis will also be a time of healing and processing with a couple of awesome expert yoga instructors!\\nHow to join the Reproductive Rights for Women Yoga Workshop\\nWhether you’re a member or not, \\nJust click this link and register \\nas you would any other group class! Simple as that.\\nIntroducing a very special guest yoga instructor coming just for this event!\n\\nMeet Harpinder Mann, RYT-500!\\n\\n\n\\nHarpinder is a yoga, meditation, mindfulness teacher, and decolonizing activist based in Los Angeles. She works with women of color who want to reclaim their power and intuition through the lens of a spiritual, joyful, and sustainable path. Her studies have spanned from reading the Japji Sahib since she was 3, to over 700 hours of yogic training within the traditions of Raja, Vinyasa, Kundalini, and Prenatal Yoga. \\nWe’re super excited to have her lead the beginning of the workshop. Afterwards, MyYogaTeacher yoga instructor, \\nTrupti Parikh\\n, will lead us in asanas, and a discussion session will follow.\\nAre you ready to experience a workshop where we solely focus on supporting and advocating for women’s health \\nwhile\\n improving our mental, emotional, and physical health?\\n\\nJoin us for the Reproductive Rights for Women Yoga Workshop!\\n\\nTogether, we make a difference."},"category":["workshops"]},{"id":"cl8a9804vy5de0biznpg4ai2t","slug":"yoga-benefits-for-runners","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Yoga For Runners : Why Runners Should Incorporate Yoga Into Their Training?","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Adopting an active yoga practice to complement your running routine can have tons of benefits! Read now to learn more","readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2022-09-20T13:50:56.406936+00:00","coverUrl":"tbdacuzob0fuqml8dyjd.jpg","content":{"text":"Training for a big race? Setting some goals you want to crush before the year ends? No matter what your reasons, yoga can be a great way to cross train for running from a 5k to a marathon! Running is great for your heart and body but can also be a huge strain on the muscles. Having an active yoga practice to complement your running routine can have tons of benefits! Let’s dive into how yoga can help!\\n1. Breathing\\nProper breathing and breath stabilization are both incredibly important principles in Yoga and Running. If you can practice proper breathing while running, you can maintain speed longer because you will take long deeper breaths to match your long strides, instead of short breaths which cause instability and speed decline.\\nPracticing Pranayama for runners - \\nAdding a pranayama breath practice before a run can help you to maintain focus as well as speed. Even if running is a release for you, and feels relaxing, Using breathwork to relax and focus can help you clearly see the physical and mental road ahead. Pranayama can also help if things are going off course on your run. If you need to regain control, you can come back to your breath and refocus. With these practices together, your run really can be a religious experience, or a way to relieve stress! \\nTo start a pranayama practice, all you need to do is focus on controlling your inhale and exhale. Start by standing tall and relaxed, or sitting tall and calm if you prefer. Close your eyes and focus inward. Start by breathing in for two and out for two. As you continue to grow your practice, you can build up to breathing in for six and out for six. You can even play with pausing for two to four breaths in between your inhale and exhale. When you finally build a practice you’re confident with, you can start to set intentions and visualize your success. With this practice, you’ll begin to see your running dreams come true!\\n\\n2. Flexibility/Strength\\nIt would be great if in life, we only ever needed to do one thing to get to our goals. But in reality,just like we can’t have cookies for every meal, cross training for runners is essential to maintaining a long term healthy routine. While you could easily just add weight training or stretching a la cart into your week, yoga gives you more by going deeper and getting into those smaller, harder to access ligaments and tendons you might otherwise miss with strength training . Adding yoga into your running routine can reduce the risk of injury and help to maintain your goals. The more flexible your muscles are, the less likely they are to tense up or be stressed during running so you can move with more confidence and ease. Not to mention, it’s always great to look forward to a nice long stretch after a run. \\n\n3. Conditioning \\nWe all know running is GREAT for your cardiovascular health, can add years on to your life and keep your heart pumping at its best! But it doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or a veteran, running can make your body sore. Yoga is great for conditioning those tired and fatigued muscles without having to “take a day off” to rest. In between your runs or on conditioning days, you can take a class focused on your back or knee health, or even a class to open tight hips after a long run. There’s nothing the magic of yoga can’t do! \\n\n4. Balance/Posture\\nEven though running is a “walk in the park” compared to ballet where balance is concerned, you still need to do your best to focus on alignment while you move.\\nYoga can improve your running form by elongating the limbs so you cover more ground in less time. You'll be PR’ing in no time! Proper alignment is also important when running because as you increase your speed, the level of impact (and injury) becomes greater. Maintaining your body's alignment during movement assures you arrive at the finish line aliment free! Love a tree pose? Want to learn to fly into a warrior? Lots of yoga poses force you to balance on one leg, which helps you to build a unilateral movement practice much like the ebbs and flows you take while running. \\n5. Stress and Mental Clarity\\nFeeling stressed before a big run? Worried about your PR? Yoga can help! Focus your breathing and set an intention. You’ve got this!\\nFocus and clarity are so important when running so you can know where you’re headed and stay on track. Add your yoga practice in before training or race days and you’ll feel your worries melt away. According to scientists at \\nHarvard,\\n adding just minutes of yoga to your week can improve your outlook, slow down the body and decrease stress. You’ll find your body will be more relaxed, focused and ready to run for those goals when you release your tension with yoga. \\nGetting started:\\nSo what do you need to get started? Simple! Yourself, a mat, some water and a quiet space are all you need! Are you ready to add yoga into your running routine? \\nGet started with a two week free trial of our classes and one on one sessions!\\n\\nLet’s figure out where your yoga practice would serve you best! \\nDoing yoga BEFORE your run will help you to warm up your muscles and ligaments. By fully warming up your body before you hit the pavement, you decrease the chances of injury, help with an easier recovery and can improve your PR as you continue to train! \\nBest Yoga Poses to practice before a run :\\nHigh Lunge - This pose stretches the legs from top of the thighs down to the ankle\\n\\nWarrior II - Helps with focus and stamina. Great before heading out!\\n\\nSide angle bend - This stretch helps to stretch the side body and release any tension in the shoulders and spine. \\n\\nPrefer to do yoga after your run? That’s a great option too! Yoga is great for recovery after a run! Finishing your running routine with a yoga stretch helps you to rebalance. You can stretch muscles or limbs that became tight during your run and strengthen anything that may have become fatigued. You can also refocus and deepen your breath to reset for the next part of your day. \\nBest Yoga Poses to practice after a run :\\nButterfly Pose - a basic hip opener to ease into your stretch\\n\\nHalf Pigeon - A great pose for multiple alignments! Working through the psoas and hip flexors. Make sure to practice on both sides.\\n\\nHappy Baby - This pose is great for finishing up your hip opener extension while giving a nice massage to the back and stretching the soles of the feet.\\n\\nWant to take a class? Try some of our favorite classes for runners!\\n\\nYoga for Strength and flexibility \\n\\n\\nYoga for Knee Pain\\n\\n\\nYoga for Back health\\n\\nReady to join us for class? \\nGet started with a free trial now! \\n\\nRemember, with a great training plan for your runs, and an ongoing yoga practice you’ll be ready to run to your greatest finish line feeling and looking your best! Just like peanut butter and jelly, yoga and running are great together!"},"category":["fitness","yoga"]},{"id":"cl81n0o6wh1g80ajz2gpco553","slug":"yoga-at-home","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"How to Start Doing Yoga at Home","subTitle":"Everything you need to know for an at-home yoga routine","seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Get a beginner’s guide to starting yoga at home with tips and suggestions for setting up your own practice, including online yoga classes and private lessons.","readTime":null,"excerpt":"Learn how to perform yoga at home with this quick and easy guide","tags":[],"createdAt":"2022-09-14T13:07:13.39269+00:00","coverUrl":"cqivxw3vkrcihpumlny7.jpg","content":{"text":"There are lots of reasons for doing yoga at home instead of a yoga studio, some of which include distance, busy schedules, kids, financial concerns, and health issues. The good news is you can set up your own yoga practice at home, and still get all the benefits of a regular yoga routine — without the studio. It can also be a great way to integrate yoga into your life on a regular basis, and it’s easy to do in your own home.\\nCan Anyone do Yoga at Home?\\nAnyone can perform yoga at home, and you don’t have to be an advanced yogi to try. Even beginners can practice yoga in a home environment, all you need is adequate floor space, a few (optional) pieces of equipment, and guidelines for practicing the primary yoga poses. \\nIf you’re a beginner, it’s recommended to first learn from a certified yoga instructor, so you can progress with the proper technique and alignment to avoid injury. Thanks to online learning platforms like\\n MyYogaTeacher\\n, you can still practice yoga at home with the help of a qualified teacher.\\n11 Tips on How to Perform Yoga At Home\\nThe idea of starting a yoga practice in your very own living room can seem daunting or intimidating at first, especially if you’re accustomed to attending classes in a yoga studio. But with a little bit of preparation and creativity, you can set up your own yoga space and develop a mindful yoga routine that can benefit your life.\\nHere are some suggestions to help get you started:\\n1. Make Space in Your Home for Yoga\\nIt’s easy (and fun) to make your own yoga space, and you can design it as a temporary space or a dedicated one, depending on your needs. All you need is enough floor space to move around and stretch out the full length of your body — a little more than the length and width of your yoga mat. This can be your living or bedroom floor, your kitchen, or your backyard. Just make sure there isn’t any furniture or objects lying around that could get in your way or cause injury.\\n2. Decorate With Calming Accessories\\nYou can also create a comfortable and inviting space for yoga by hanging calming or inspiring artwork on the wall, lighting a candle or incense, and keeping a few house plants nearby for a pleasing atmosphere. The more you can tailor and dedicate your space for yoga, the easier it will be to motivate yourself to keep up a steady routine. Hanging a mirror in front of your practice space is also helpful in maintaining the correct alignment while performing postures.\\n3. Be Prepared With the Right Equipment\\n\\nYou’ll want to invest in a yoga mat, and it’s wise to also keep modifying props on hand — like blocks, bolsters, blankets, and a strap. If you’re just starting out and you’d like to improvise for props, you can use pillows, blankets, and other items around the house to suit your needs. Just make sure your props are sturdy, supportive, and nearby for when you need them.\\n4. Practice Regularly\\nThe best part about practicing yoga at home is it can be done any time you want. The challenge lies in your dedication and commitment to the practice even when your couch appears more inviting.\\n \\nAccording to this study\\n, it can take anywhere from 18 to 254 days to create a new habit. It’s important to be patient with yourself and identify guidelines for your practice that you can realistically follow through with. \\n5. Schedule Your Yoga Session\\nSet yourself up for success by committing to your yoga practice at a certain time of day, and for a specified number of days per week. It’s best to start out easy with goals that are achievable and progress as you gain momentum. For instance, if you’ve never been an early riser, don’t expect yourself to suddenly start practicing yoga at dawn. If that’s the case, try scheduling your yoga session for late morning, afternoon or evening, and keep your existing schedule in mind when planning a time that works for you.\\n6. Keep it Simple\\nRegardless of your experience or ability level, practicing yoga at home means watching out for your own safety. Make sure you have props handy for when you need them, and avoid overdoing it with strenuous poses. When it doubt, keep your routine simple. Even if you’re an advanced yogi, those basic, primary yoga poses are still an important part of a holistic yoga practice, and may be less likely to cause injury.\\n7. Listen to Your Body\\nThe best way to avoid getting hurt while practicing yoga at home is to listen to your body. If any posture causes you discomfort or pain, stop practicing it immediately — no matter how easy or difficult the pose. Don’t push yourself too hard, and remember to focus on your alignment. If you are unsure of how to execute a specific pose, try learning it from a certified instructor before performing it on your own at home.\\n8. Take an Online Yoga Class\\n\\nBy far the best way to practice yoga at home is with an online class. This way, you get all the benefits of doing yoga at home in your own time, with the added help of an instructor who can make sure you’re performing poses safely and effectively. You can find\\n online group classes\\n for every type of yoga at\\n MyYogaTeacher\\n, with over 42 classes offered throughout the day. Private, 1-on-1 instructors are also available for at-home yoga, giving you plenty of options to get the right kind of training while still practicing in the comfort of your own home.\\n9. Squeeze in a Short Practice\\nThe beauty of an at-home yoga practice means you can squeeze in a quick session when you just have 20-30 minutes of time. Even short yoga routines are beneficial for your body and mind, and performing a few of the primary yoga poses on a daily basis will change your life for the better. Try incorporating the Sun Salutation flow series into your morning routine when you first get out of bed in the morning, or practicing some relaxing poses like Legs-Up-The-Wall or Savasana in the evening. \\n10. Switch it Up and Make it Fun\\nYoga doesn’t always have to be serious, and you can make your home yoga practice fun and spontaneous for you and your family. Practicing with your kids is a great way to help them learn mindfulness and self-awareness, while stretching and strengthening their growing bodies. You can also take your practice to the backyard to enjoy sunshine and good weather, or invite friends over to share in the experience. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box!\\n11. End Every Practice With Savasana\\nWhen practicing yoga at home, it can be tempting to skip important parts of the journey due to time constraints, distractions, or disinterest. If there is one element of yoga you should never skip, it’s Savasana, or otherwise known as Corpse pose. Always end your practice with 5 minutes of relaxation to help your body integrate the routine. Keep a blanket nearby to warm your body after it has cooled down, and consider an eye pillow to help you relax. Your body and mind will thank you as you move on to the rest of your day, having given yourself the gift of healthy movement to better your life."},"category":["yoga","therapy"]}],"randomPosts":[{"id":"cl81n0o6wh1g80ajz2gpco553","slug":"yoga-at-home","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"How to Start Doing Yoga at Home","createdAt":"2022-09-14T13:07:13.39269+00:00","coverUrl":"cqivxw3vkrcihpumlny7.jpg","content":{"text":"There are lots of reasons for doing yoga at home instead of a yoga studio, some of which include distance, busy schedules, kids, financial concerns, and health issues. The good news is you can set up your own yoga practice at home, and still get all the benefits of a regular yoga routine — without the studio. It can also be a great way to integrate yoga into your life on a regular basis, and it’s easy to do in your own home.\\nCan Anyone do Yoga at Home?\\nAnyone can perform yoga at home, and you don’t have to be an advanced yogi to try. Even beginners can practice yoga in a home environment, all you need is adequate floor space, a few (optional) pieces of equipment, and guidelines for practicing the primary yoga poses. \\nIf you’re a beginner, it’s recommended to first learn from a certified yoga instructor, so you can progress with the proper technique and alignment to avoid injury. Thanks to online learning platforms like\\n MyYogaTeacher\\n, you can still practice yoga at home with the help of a qualified teacher.\\n11 Tips on How to Perform Yoga At Home\\nThe idea of starting a yoga practice in your very own living room can seem daunting or intimidating at first, especially if you’re accustomed to attending classes in a yoga studio. But with a little bit of preparation and creativity, you can set up your own yoga space and develop a mindful yoga routine that can benefit your life.\\nHere are some suggestions to help get you started:\\n1. Make Space in Your Home for Yoga\\nIt’s easy (and fun) to make your own yoga space, and you can design it as a temporary space or a dedicated one, depending on your needs. All you need is enough floor space to move around and stretch out the full length of your body — a little more than the length and width of your yoga mat. This can be your living or bedroom floor, your kitchen, or your backyard. Just make sure there isn’t any furniture or objects lying around that could get in your way or cause injury.\\n2. Decorate With Calming Accessories\\nYou can also create a comfortable and inviting space for yoga by hanging calming or inspiring artwork on the wall, lighting a candle or incense, and keeping a few house plants nearby for a pleasing atmosphere. The more you can tailor and dedicate your space for yoga, the easier it will be to motivate yourself to keep up a steady routine. Hanging a mirror in front of your practice space is also helpful in maintaining the correct alignment while performing postures.\\n3. Be Prepared With the Right Equipment\\n\\nYou’ll want to invest in a yoga mat, and it’s wise to also keep modifying props on hand — like blocks, bolsters, blankets, and a strap. If you’re just starting out and you’d like to improvise for props, you can use pillows, blankets, and other items around the house to suit your needs. Just make sure your props are sturdy, supportive, and nearby for when you need them.\\n4. Practice Regularly\\nThe best part about practicing yoga at home is it can be done any time you want. The challenge lies in your dedication and commitment to the practice even when your couch appears more inviting.\\n \\nAccording to this study\\n, it can take anywhere from 18 to 254 days to create a new habit. It’s important to be patient with yourself and identify guidelines for your practice that you can realistically follow through with. \\n5. Schedule Your Yoga Session\\nSet yourself up for success by committing to your yoga practice at a certain time of day, and for a specified number of days per week. It’s best to start out easy with goals that are achievable and progress as you gain momentum. For instance, if you’ve never been an early riser, don’t expect yourself to suddenly start practicing yoga at dawn. If that’s the case, try scheduling your yoga session for late morning, afternoon or evening, and keep your existing schedule in mind when planning a time that works for you.\\n6. Keep it Simple\\nRegardless of your experience or ability level, practicing yoga at home means watching out for your own safety. Make sure you have props handy for when you need them, and avoid overdoing it with strenuous poses. When it doubt, keep your routine simple. Even if you’re an advanced yogi, those basic, primary yoga poses are still an important part of a holistic yoga practice, and may be less likely to cause injury.\\n7. Listen to Your Body\\nThe best way to avoid getting hurt while practicing yoga at home is to listen to your body. If any posture causes you discomfort or pain, stop practicing it immediately — no matter how easy or difficult the pose. Don’t push yourself too hard, and remember to focus on your alignment. If you are unsure of how to execute a specific pose, try learning it from a certified instructor before performing it on your own at home.\\n8. Take an Online Yoga Class\\n\\nBy far the best way to practice yoga at home is with an online class. This way, you get all the benefits of doing yoga at home in your own time, with the added help of an instructor who can make sure you’re performing poses safely and effectively. You can find\\n online group classes\\n for every type of yoga at\\n MyYogaTeacher\\n, with over 42 classes offered throughout the day. Private, 1-on-1 instructors are also available for at-home yoga, giving you plenty of options to get the right kind of training while still practicing in the comfort of your own home.\\n9. Squeeze in a Short Practice\\nThe beauty of an at-home yoga practice means you can squeeze in a quick session when you just have 20-30 minutes of time. Even short yoga routines are beneficial for your body and mind, and performing a few of the primary yoga poses on a daily basis will change your life for the better. Try incorporating the Sun Salutation flow series into your morning routine when you first get out of bed in the morning, or practicing some relaxing poses like Legs-Up-The-Wall or Savasana in the evening. \\n10. Switch it Up and Make it Fun\\nYoga doesn’t always have to be serious, and you can make your home yoga practice fun and spontaneous for you and your family. Practicing with your kids is a great way to help them learn mindfulness and self-awareness, while stretching and strengthening their growing bodies. You can also take your practice to the backyard to enjoy sunshine and good weather, or invite friends over to share in the experience. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box!\\n11. End Every Practice With Savasana\\nWhen practicing yoga at home, it can be tempting to skip important parts of the journey due to time constraints, distractions, or disinterest. If there is one element of yoga you should never skip, it’s Savasana, or otherwise known as Corpse pose. Always end your practice with 5 minutes of relaxation to help your body integrate the routine. Keep a blanket nearby to warm your body after it has cooled down, and consider an eye pillow to help you relax. Your body and mind will thank you as you move on to the rest of your day, having given yourself the gift of healthy movement to better your life."}},{"id":"cl7p4kit5prpd0eixaam4imsz","slug":"ayurvedic-health-week-sep-2022","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Ayurveda Week: Managing Your Health & Wellness Through Yogic Principles and Practices","createdAt":"2022-09-05T18:57:32.695601+00:00","coverUrl":"re2e9xci04rauux8vgyu.png","content":{"text":"Announcing MyYogaTeacher’s first ever FREE Ayurveda Week Event! \\nYou’re invited to participate in seven days of free sessions focused on managing your health & wellness through Ayurvedic principles and practices!\\n\\nAyurveda\\n is one of the world’s oldest holistic health practices and is based on the idea that illnesses and disease are a product of imbalance and stress in a person’s consciousness.\\nIn a world that is so focused on traditional medicine, Ayurveda principles and practices holistically:\\nImprove gut health\\nDecrease symptoms of anxiety\\nReduce inflammation in the body\\nHelp with pain management\\nBoost immunity\\nPromote weight loss\\nand so much more! \\nHow to join the Ayurveda Week Event:\\nMembers\\nJust click the links below to one or all of the classes you’d like to attend and register as you would any other group class! Simple as that.\\nNon-Members\\n\\nClick this link to sign up for your free two week trial\\n to get access to this incredible event! No credit card required.\\n\\nAre you a nonmember who signed up for a trial in the past but it’s lapsed?\\nIf you’re not a member but signed up for a free-trial in the past, and it has expired, just reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to let us know! We'll reset your trial and give you full access to the event.\\nConsider how different your life would be if you were mentally, emotionally, and physically healthier! How much more joy would you have? How would you move better in the world? What kinds of activities would you participate in that you can’t now?\\nWe've put together an entire schedule of Ayurveda classes dedicated to helping you be your healthiest self, even amidst all the internal and external chaos in the world right now.\\n\\nCheck out the educational, inspiring, and exciting event classes and very special guest instructors making this event happen!\\n(Click the class links to register for any or all of these amazing sessions!)\\n\\n\\nIntroduction to Ayurveda with Anjali Deva\\n\\nWednesday, September 14 at 4:00 pm PST/7:00 pm EST\\nJoin Anjali, Ayurveda practitioner and founder of Madhya Way, a school for Ayurveda! Anjali specializes in an integrated and trauma-informed approach to this ancient practice. This class will cover the history, current practice and introduction to the philosophy of Ayurveda, the traditional medical system from India that is over 5,000 years old. This will be a 45-minute interactive lecture and discussion.\\n\\n\\nGut Health - An Ayurvedic Perspective with Dr. Akhilesh Sharma\\n\\nThursday, September 15 at 4:30 pm PST/7:30 pm EST\\nWe are excited to welcome Dr. Akhilesh, special guest expert, former Ayurveda Advisor to the Government of Delhi, and Ayurvedic physician with over 30 years of experience practicing and promoting Ayurveda across 19 countries globally! Join him as he teaches you the basic theory of Tridosha and its application in daily life. This will give you a fair understanding about Ayurvedic perspective towards a Diet Plan and Kitchen remedies from Ayurvedic Food. This will be a lecture session followed by Q&A from participants\\n\\n\\nYoga and Ayurveda with Arun Deva\\n\\nFriday, September 16 at 4:00 pm PST/7:00 pm EST\\nMeet Arun! Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner (NAMA), Ayurvedic Yoga Therapist, Yoga Therapist (IAYT), Vinyasa Krama certified yoga teacher, and international lecturer, speaker, and teacher! He also serves on the National and State Ayurvedic Associations. Join him in learning how Ayurveda and Yoga are intertwined in healthcare. When our yoga is informed by Ayurveda, it becomes more of a healing art. In this short session, learn how yoga and Ayurveda connect, where they intersect and how they support each other in our healing paradigm. Participants will learn about the health benefits of Ayurveda and Yoga. This session will also introduce Ayurveda as an alternate approach to your health which will help you in your day to day life.\n\\n\\nPregnancy and Nutrition with Dr. Geetanjali Shah\\n\\nSaturday, September 17 at 4:30 pm PST/7:30 pm EST\\nJoin pediatrician, prenatal coach, author, and co-owner of three hospitals, Dr. Shah, in her class for parents-to-be! In this session, parents-to-be will get guidelines on what to eat and what are the right proportions to be followed for a balanced maternity diet. We will also talk about Pranic foods and how they are important for fetal brain development. This session will help participants create their own diet plan and weekly food timetable. It will be helpful for couples planning to have a baby, pregnant women and their partners, and also post delivery lactating mothers.\\n\\n\\nFood and Spirituality with Vinay Varanasi\\n\\nSunday, September 18 at 5:00 pm PST/8:00 pm EST\\nA keen practitioner of Sanatana dharma, Vinay is a lecturer, teacher, and spiritual guide. With his heavy focus on Shiva consciousness, Vinay will lead all those seeking to deepen their spiritual journey. This session will help seekers identify ways to connect with their food, recognize it as a form of the divine and deepen their spiritual practice through moments of gratitude around food.\n\\n\\nManaging Vata This Autumn with Dr. Bhattacharya\\n\\nMonday, September 19 at 4:30 pm PST/7:30 pm EST\\nAs director of the DINacharya Institute in New York, Dr. Bhattacharya leads workshops and seminars, and trains health practitioners in Ayurveda. She has a PhD in ancient Indian chemistry, is a licensed physician, published author, educator, and scientist! She has also been featured on the Discovery Channel in a documentary about Ayurveda. Join her in learning about Vata and its management. Vata is the principle of movement in the microcosm and macrocosm of your being. We will explore how Vata management can help ensure better digestion, ensure better mental health and also help in pain management.\\n\\n\\nAyurveda and Joint Health with Dr. Dhanada Kulkarni\\n\\nTuesday, September 20 at 6:00 pm PST/9:00 pm EST\\nWe’re excited to welcome Dr. Kulkarni, Bachelors of Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery, Masters in Alternative Medicine, Yoga Therapy Specialist & Expert, licensed Massage Therapist, and renowned Ayurveda physician! Her session, the last of our event, will focus on joint health. You will explore how Ayurveda can help in improving joint health. By the end, participants will understand how Ayurveda can help improve back health and knee health.\\n\\nHelping you live your most joyful, healthiest life is important to all of us here at MyYogaTeacher! We are so excited to have you join us on the journey to holistic health and more harmony!\n\\nYou don’t need to know exactly \\nwhat Ayurveda is\\n to join. Just come and experience it for yourself!\\nAnd remember: If you’re a nonmember who’s two-week free trial has ended, reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to have your trial reset so you can easily sign up for these awesome classes!\\n\\nWelcome to MyYogaTeacher’s Ayurvedic Week Event!\\nSee you soon!\\n"}},{"id":"cl7j9tdhd5fwx0ak7iw7szivc","slug":"what-is-ayurveda-yoga","author":{"name":"Shelly","teacherMytSlug":"shelly-1","pictureUrl":"shelly.jpg"},"title":"What is Ayurveda? How can Ayurveda enhance your Yoga practice ?","createdAt":"2022-09-01T16:37:46.744669+00:00","coverUrl":"lyb6uylxsv5tlqxhezb6.jpg","content":{"text":"What is Ayurveda?\\nIn Sanskrit, Ayurveda means “science of life”\\nAyurveda is one of the oldest known medical practices with roots based in India. It’s an alternative type of medicine that believes in using herbs and lifestyle changes for a healthier and more well balanced life. Ayurveda can truly add years to your life even when you’re suffering from major illnesses like cancer or diabetes. Unlike western medicine that loops us all in together, the practice looks at each person separately & helps to find what your body needs to aid in wellness. For example, an Ayurveda practice can ward off the effects of chemo for someone going through cancer treatments. \\nAyurveda is heavily practiced in India and Nepal, where around 80% of the population report using it. It has survived thousands of years and political values and is currently making its way into western medical practices. \\n\\nWhy should you practice Ayurveda?\\nAyurveda is completely individualized. It believes each person is born with their own health constitution.\\nAyurveda can improve the quality of your daily and overall life. Just like yoga, Ayurveda is practical for your daily routine because it starts with the routines of your everyday health like a balanced diet, sleep patterns, setting a routine and getting in your vitamins. If you become sick, it targets the root of the issue, not the symptoms. So you can become rebalanced more effectively. \\nAccording to \\nJohn Hopkins\\n, Ayurveda is important because: “Ayurveda translates to knowledge of life. Based on the idea that disease is due to an imbalance or stress in a person's consciousness, Ayurveda encourages certain lifestyle interventions and natural therapies to regain a balance between the body, mind, spirit, and the environment.”\\n\\nSo how does Ayurveda connect to Yoga?\\nIt is often said that “Ayurveda is considered yoga’s sister science” Like yoga, Ayurveda uses the same style practices like postures, breathing, mantras and meditation. While some people use yoga to treat physical ailments or mental fatigue, Ayurveda also uses herbal formulas and oils. Also, just as there are 8 limbs of yoga, there are 8 branches of Ayurveda. The practices are like paternal twins!\\nIn Ayurveda, it is believed that each body has a constitution that falls under three main dosha types. Your constitution will help you discover more about yourself as well as the best kind of yoga for your body and mental health. \\nThe Type of practice that balances each Dosha are as follows: \\nVata - Calming and grounded. Try a \\nrestorative\\n or \\ngentle\\n class. \\nKapa - Stimulating and warm. Try a \\nvinyasa\\n class. \\nPitta - Assertive and intense. Try a \\npower\\n class or \\nashtanga\\n class. \\nWant to know yours? \\nTake this quiz!\\n\nOnce you know your dosha, you can find the best asanas for your practice! \\nHow can Ayurveda enhance your Yoga practice\\nYoga and Ayurveda practices are intertwined like tree branches. Quite frankly, connecting the two will create ultimate peace in your life and body.\\nIn the words of Dr. David Frawley, esteemed scholar of Ayurveda, Yoga and Vedanta and director of the American Institute of Vedic Studies:\\n“Using Ayurveda along with Yoga helps us gain complete harmony and balance in body and mind so that we can discover our true self that is one with all. All Yoga teachers should learn the fundamentals of Ayurveda and all Yoga students should seek Ayurvedic guidance to enhance their Yoga practice.” For yoga teachers or those who practice often, it tends to be a lot on our bodies. An Ayurveda practice can help with muscle fatigue, burn out, dehydration and sleep issues.\\nBe Intentional about your “self care”\\nWe can be so focused on the culture of “self care” in our modern lives. We think an expensive coffee or a trip to the salon is what we need for “self care” but if you can be as intentional about your self care practice as you are about your yoga practice, thata Ayurveda. It can be as simple as realizing your body is tired and getting a massage or drinking more water to keep yourself hydrated on a long day. Tuning in to what you need, just like when you set an intention in yoga will help you to achieve a more balanced, happy and healthier life. \\n\\nWhat Yoga Classes pair best with an Ayurveda practice?\\n\\nPranayama and Meditation \\n\\nA pranayama class is great to pair with Ayurveda because pranayama is the science of “self healing” through the breath. It’s an essential part of both a yoga practice and an Ayurveda routine because it promotes physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. \\n\\nAshtanga Yoga\\n\\nAshtanga is a great choice because it forces the yogi to focus on your nervous system. It makes you check in & notice how your body feels and what may be imbalanced. When you discover what’s bothering you, you can apply Ayurvedic techniques to the aliment. \\n\\nKundalini Yoga\\n \\nNo matter what your dosha, kundalini fits all Aryuvedic constitutions. This practice will help you be intentional, set a mantra and meditate. \\n\\nHatha Yoga \\n \\nHatha is actually considered one of the “ Ayurvedic healing modalities. The asanas help all dosha’s to properly align both physically and mentally. \\nNeed help getting started? We’ve got you covered!\\n\\nHere, read about the diet and how to start eating for optimal health.\\n\\nWant to speak with a professional to see if Ayurveda is right for you? \\nContact our staff practitioner! \\n\\nThere’s no time like now to align your practices! If you’re interested in starting an Ayurvedic practice to pair with your yoga practice, all you need to do is look within. Be intentional and listen to your body! It’s had the answers all along! "}}],"relatedPosts":[{"id":"cl74jtlu93yyq0ak0ti37gc8g","slug":"yoga-practice-for-women","author":{"name":"Divya","teacherMytSlug":"divya-1","pictureUrl":"divya-1.jpg"},"title":"The Importance of a Yoga practice for Women","createdAt":"2022-08-22T09:21:21.098639+00:00","coverUrl":"llizejqjzzeaxaxii2ey.jpg","content":{"text":"Why adding Yoga to your routine can make you feel like your most calm and confident self.\\nWe all know women have a lot on their plate. With all the things we have to get done in a day, it’s hard to remember to add taking care of ourselves to the list. We sometimes find time for a trip to the gym, a podcast episode or a quick walk between our to-do list, but the benefits of taking even 10 minutes to do yoga or a meditation can carry us through stressful days, help us sleep better or relieve pain and anxiety. Let’s break down why yoga is so important to the feminine being.\\nYoga is important for your mental health\\nA consistent yoga practice promotes relaxation, reduces anxiety and stress and can aid in mental clarity and a calm mind. Yoga is a great way to end your workday or transition from work back to your home life. If you have a high stress job, or you’re spending your day with kids, taking just five to ten minutes to breathe and stretch can put you in a clearer mindset to switch roles or tasks with ease. For example, Pranayama, the practice of focusing your breath takes only a few minutes and can help you adjust or focus your breathing, mind and heart. Pranayama is the yogic practice of focusing on breath. In Sanskrit, prana means \"vital life force\". In stressful situations, we can always come back to our breath. This is especially a great practice for women, as we tend to be a “lifesource” for our families.\\nLet’s find the right poses to ease your mind!\\nSuggested Poses for stress relief:\\nStanding Forward Fold :\\n\\nThis pose releases tension in the neck and back and is a physical and mental “letting go”\\nEasy Seat :\\n\\n Gentle hip opener, relieves physical and mental exhaustion.\\nChilds Pose : \\n\\nReleases the Nero and lymphatic systems.\\nSuggested Poses for anxiety relief:\\nHead to Knee forward bend :\\n\\nCalms the mind.\\nBridge pose : \\n\\nReduces anxiety and fatigue.\\nCamel Pose : \\n\\nBoost Energy.\\nSuggested Poses to calm the mind:\\nLegs up the wall : \\n\\nLegs up the \\nwall \\nallows your body complete relaxation.\\nCorpse Pose :\\n\\nQuiets your system and lowers your blood pressure\\nCat Pose :\\n\\nHelps to relieve stress and calm the mind.\\nYoga is important for your physical health\\nYou can find little ways to add yoga into your life every day to keep your body in tip top shape! You can add yoga to the end of your workout to lower your heart rate or choose it as a workout on “low impact” days. Believe it or not, yoga can actually take the place of strength training and cardio programs if you take the right classes! \\nMyYogaTeacher has so many options to support your active lifestyle! Yoga can improve flexibility, strength and even help with range of motion. So if you’ve got goals, we’ve got a class to fit them! \\n A normal yoga practice can keep your hormones in check and help with menopause and menstrual symptoms. Not feeling well? Tired? Yoga can also aid in normal digestion or help you maintain a healthy sleep cycle.\\nNow that you know yoga can help your physical body, let's find the right styles for you!\\nFor flexibility – If you’re trying to improve flexibility, you’re in luck! Most styles of yoga are GREAT for stretching and flexibility. If you’re looking to just stretch, we’d recommend a \\nrestorative \\nor \\nyin yoga class.\\n\\nFor Pain relief- If you’re in pain, try a focused Yin Yoga class for your injury or ailment. We have some great choices! Just use the search feature on our website! There are classes that are as specific as \\nyoga for knee pain \\nor yoga for digestion!\\nFor Strength – If you’re a warrior who loves to sweat, Vinyasa is your go to style. Try this low impact style that’s sure to raise your heart rate faster than any treadmill run. Are you a more advanced Yogi?\\n Try a Power Yoga\\n class!\\nYoga is important for your emotional wellbeing\\nMost yogis believe that yoga is a mind, body and soul practice meaning that it’s not just for fitness or for mental clarity, but it’s a life experience that can add joy and comfort to your everyday life. For most of us, the practice of yoga is what we take back to our lives long after we leave the mat. \\nYoga can improve your energy-\\n A study done by Oxford\\n, found that a yoga practice and yoga breathing can restore your energy better than any other visualization or relaxation practice.\\nYoga helps connect the mind and body- While our mind and body are always physically connected, Yoga makes us stop, think and question that connection. It trains us to concentrate on our breath and connect our thoughts to one body part, or move at a time. Which helps us to increase focus.\\nAnd last, but certainly not least, yoga is great for socialization! Group fitness classes help us to make friends, or find friends who share our common interests or goals. Who doesn’t love taking a class with their friends? And with our site, you can take class together from the comfort of your own homes!\\nReady to fit yoga into your life? Let’s find a way to make it work for you!\\nWhen can you fit in yoga if you have a busy schedule? Unlike a traditional studio or gym, Our website makes it easy for you to fit yoga in when it works for you! Classes run live from 6am to 9pm. And you can take classes at home, on vacation or even at work on your lunch break. You can take your practice anywhere with our \\nvirtual options\\n. Don’t think you can commit to a live class? Watch your recordings later on your own time! \\nAre you a stay-at-home mom? Do you feel like you can’t get away for a workout? Do it with them! Make yoga time a part of your family’s routine to either start or end the day. We even have kid’s classes you can take together! \\nTry one today!\\n\\nNot a fan of group fitness? Maybe you prefer to workout alone or have specific goals you want to meet. Our\\n one on one option\\n is great for deepening your practice or working directly with an instructor to meet your goals on your timeline! \\nSo whichever reason speaks to you, even with all the things you have to do for your family or work, You can always make time for yoga and add more joy to your life with a yoga practice. Where there’s a will there’s a way. All you need for yoga is your body and a commitment to yourself! Make the time to start your practice today! Your body will thank you!\\n\\nReady to get started? Grab a free trial!\\n"}},{"id":"cl15mzam56v6p0civ30s56jgb","slug":"yoga-for-menopause","author":{"name":"Sarita","teacherMytSlug":"","pictureUrl":null},"title":"Yoga for Menopause : Why Menopausal Women Benefit From Yoga","createdAt":"2022-03-24T23:39:17.49117+00:00","coverUrl":"ik4av8npvdeyhe4qheep.jpg","content":{"text":"Did you know menopause yoga is a a real form of yoga? Granted, it’s not a traditional form of yoga like ashtanga, vinyasa, or yin yoga are. But it incorporates authentic, traditional yoga poses that benefit menopausal women.\\nMenopause may be a touchy subject for some of you, but here at MyYogaTeacher, we believe in being open and honest about all parts of our humanity.\\nDiscussing typically taboo topics like menopause helps women learn how to better manage their symptoms and lets them know they are not alone. \\nDuring menopause, women often seek medical treatment for their physical and psychological symptoms. But yoga for menopause symptoms offers hope for a natural remedy for many of the symptoms that you may experience during this transitional time! \\nAt MyYogaTeacher, every member is a part of a supportive community of yogis. We have students from all ages, all walks of life and who are experiencing many different phases of the human life cycle, including menopause.\\nMyYogaTeacher offers 1:1 classes with authentic yoga instructors from the birthplace of yoga, India! And if you haven’t experienced virtual private yoga classes yet, MyYogaTeacher makes 1:1 classes affordable and accessible! PLUS, with your membership, you get:\\n\\nRadiance! More energy, peace of mind, and better health & fitness\\n42+ daily group yoga classes, 100% live!\\nDiscounted yoga workshops, all live and interactive!\\nMaking new like-minded friends from around the world\\n\\nGrab your 2-week free trial and check out your membership options here!\\n\\nLearn more below about why menopausal women benefit from a consistent yoga practice!\\n\\n\\nRestorative yoga poses alleviate hot flashes\\nNo one really knows why women have hot flashes during (and even before) menopause. But this classic symptom is recognizable by an intense surge in body temperature and increased heart rate, making women feel flushed and hot.\\nYoga for menopause shouldn’t be vigorous. Any tension in the body or tightening of the muscles can make hot flashes worse. Cooling, restorative poses such as reclining bound angle pose, child’s pose, reclining hero pose, and reclined butterfly pose are good ones to help alleviate hot flashes. \\nAdditionally, using bolsters, blankets, blocks, or other props to make your yoga practice more comfortable is encouraged!\\n\\n\\nYoga for menopause helps manage decreased hormone symptoms\\nTraditionally, the allopathic route to resolving symptoms of decreased hormone production has been hormone replacement therapy. Doctors believe that to combat menopausal symptoms, replacing decreasing hormones such as estrogen was a solid solution.\\nUnfortunately, studies have shown that hormone replacement exposes women to serious health risks. Risks like dementia, stroke, heart attacks, as well as several types of cancer.\\nWhile yoga might not directly affect estrogen production, it has certainly shown to be effective at holistically managing the symptoms that occur due to the lack of estrogen that is produced during menopause.\\nSymptoms such as irritability, insomnia, fatigue, and lack of focus can all be managed with a consistent yoga practice.\\n\\n\\nMenopausal women are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease\\nIn an \\narticle from the National Institute of Health\\n, studies show the use of yoga therapy for menopausal women decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). During menopause, women become more insulin resistent and have increased metobolic and vascular changes, all of which strongly contribute to CVD.\\nIncreasing evidence demonstrates that with proper guidance, yoga helps menopausal women reduce their risk of CVD, particularly in older adults who may have pre-existing medical conditions that make them especially prone to cardiovascular issues.\\nYoga also provides mental, physical, and emotional health benefits to this population of women that will help them live a more comfortable, happy, healthy life during and after menopause!\\n\\n\\nYoga poses for menopause\\nI guess you’re wondering what are some yoga poses you can do to help alleviate your menopausal symptoms! Let’s go over a few here to get you started.\\nYoga poses for mood swings\\nForward bend - \\nRelaxes the mind, fights depression and anxiety, calms the nervous system\\nBow pose - \\nOpens up the chest, lifts mood, and stimulates digestive organs\\nCamel pose - \\nHelps you feel safe and secure and aids in working through negative emotions\\nDownward facing dog - \\nIncreases circulation and wakes you up\\nLegs up a wall - \\nReduces fatigue and insomnia, calms the brain and relieves depression\\nYoga poses for hot flashes\\nChild’s pose - \\nCalms the heart rate, cools the body\\nReclining hero pose - \\nRelieves tight muscles that tense up when you’re uncomfortable\\nBridge pose - \\nReduces pain in back and stretches the neck and spine, improves circulation\\nReclining bound angle pose - \\nHelps create hormonal balance from overtaxed adrenal glands\\nWide leg forward bend - \\nLowers heart rate and blood pressure, cooling the body\\nYoga poses for cramps and heavy bleeding\\nSupine twist pose - \\nMassages reproductive organs, relieves tension in those areas\\nChild’s pose - \\nStretch lower back and allows lower abdominal muscles to relax\\nBow pose - \\nStretches out abdominal muscles and opens up reproductive organs\\nCobra pose - \\nStretches out abdominal muscles and puts gentle pressure on lower abdomen\\nHead to knees forward bend - \\n Relieves menstrual cramps, headache, and fatigue\\nTrying any or all of these poses each day you’re experiencing menopausal symptoms is sure to get you feeling better quickly, but try practicing yoga therapy for menopause every day for consistent relief from the uncomfortable symptoms you may be experiencing during this transitional time in your life.\\nAnd if you need some more guidance on how to get through these transitions with more ease, grace, and comfort, I encourage you to check out the affordable 1-on-1 private online yoga classes at MyYogaTeacher! We help people just like you!\\nNot a MyYogaTeacher member? Whether you’re interested in teaching yoga, starting yoga, or growing in your yoga journey, MyYogaTeacher is a great place to do it!\\nWhen you sign up for a 1:1 membership with us you get:\\n102 expert\\n, highly qualified yoga instructors to choose from\\nThe ability to switch instructors\\n or take classes with only your faves\\nAccess to unlimited group classes\\n, taught \\nlive\\nPersonalized instruction\\n and work out, diet, and lifestyle plans\\nTo be a member of a HUGE community\\n of happy yogis from around the world\\nYoga teachers who become friends\\n, who truly care about you!\\nIf you haven’t checked us out already, \\ngrab two free 1:1 sessions with your 2-week free trial here\\n!"}},{"id":"cl31z7b95pf2h0ck3sna7w2xg","slug":"yoga-for-women-over-50","author":{"name":"Vineeta","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"5 Yoga Poses for Older Women: Yoga for Women Over 50","createdAt":"2022-05-11T19:29:46.900088+00:00","coverUrl":"shfqitaozmzufddc6ift.jpg","content":{"text":"Yoga is for every body. And that’s just one of the wonderful things about it! Another wonderful thing is there are\\n specific\\n yoga poses for women, men, children, disabled people, seniors. \\nA yoga practice can be tailored to meet the varying and specific individual needs of a person or of a collective group of people. Here, I’ll be addressing the physical, mental, and emotional needs of women over the age of 50 with yoga poses that are particularly beneficial to them.\\nHi! My name is Vaneeta! I teach a\\n Yoga for Women\\n group class at MyYogaTeacher. Women are the source of life and energy on the planet. And a woman advances through many phases of life from motherhood to \\nmenopause\\n. Women who are entering the stage of life that is after menopause have specific needs that can be addressed with yoga!\\nNot a MyYogaTeacher member? Whether you’re interested in teaching yoga, starting yoga, or growing in your yoga journey, MyYogaTeacher is a great place to do it!\\nWhen you sign up for a 1:1 membership with us you get:\n\\n102 expert\\n, highly qualified yoga instructors to choose from\\nThe ability to switch instructors\\n or take classes with only your faves\\nAccess to unlimited group classes\\n, taught \\nlive\\nPersonalized instruction\\n and work out, diet, and lifestyle plans\\nTo be a member of a HUGE community\\n of happy yogis from around the world\\nYoga teachers who become friends\\n, who truly care about you!\\nIf you haven’t checked us out already, \\ngrab two free 1:1 sessions with your 2-week free trial here\\n!\\nI hope you’ll try some of these yoga poses for women over 50 and then join my class on MyYogaTeacher for more!\\nOne key to doing yoga at an older age is using props that help you remain stable, safe, and aligned. I recommend using blocks and/or a chair along with your mat.\\n\\n\\n1. Cat and Cow Pose\\nCat and Cow pose is great for anyone at any age, but it’s a great way for women to begin warming up their back and abdominal muscles in a way that is gradual and stable. Supporting your weight on all fours is also a great way to keep arm and chest muscles (that maybe don’t get used as much as we age) strong and conditioned. Women over 50 tend to start experiencing stiffness and reduced mobility in their backs, so cat and cow pose is perfect for helping with those issues as well!\\nAdditionally, because cat and cow pose is designed to sync with your breath, it is a great way to cleanse emotionally. Since changes in your body can cause emotional distress, particularly in older women, this yoga pose helps women release those emotions before moving forward with more challenging poses.\\n\\n\\n2. Downward Facing Dog\\nOtherwise known as “Down Dog,” this yoga pose is great for older women because it:\\nStretches out the calves, hamstrings, and back \\nBuilds strength in the arms and chest \\nIncreases flexibility in the shoulders\\nBoosts circulation of oxygen and nutrients to otherwise contracting muscles\\nShoulder joints tend to wear out as women age, which makes them susceptible to injuring their shoulders. Building strength in the arms and chest helps protect those increasingly fragile shoulder joints. \\nEmotionally, down dog instills a sense of empowerment and increases feelings of confidence and accomplishment, two things women over 50 tend to struggle with when they notice the changes in their bodies.\\nAdditionally, once a women passes through menopause, muscles tend to tighten and contract due to reduction in hormones and hormone production. Downward facing dog is a perfect yoga pose for women over 50 because it keeps their leg and back muscles lengthened and promotes good circulation!\\n\\n\n3. Modified Cobbler’s Pose\\nAs women age, it is common for them to encounter knee problems and knee pain, making some yoga poses difficult. However, many yoga poses that increase flexibility and circulation to the hip flexors and hip joints require bent knees. \\nPerforming cobbler’s pose on a block or bolster where your hips are higher than your knees helps decrease the pressure on your knees while still reaping the gentle benefits of hip stretching. You may also choose to put blocks underneath your knees or move your feet further away from your body so that the angle of bend in your knees isn’t as sharp.\\nEither way, this pose is proof that yoga for women over 50 is doable, even if you’re experiencing physical challenges and physiological changes.\\n\\n\n4. Modified Tree Pose\\nBalancing postures are a common theme in many forms of yoga. They help yogis learn how to focus better, increase concentration, and (importantly for older women) strengthen the tiny muscles in our feet and ankles.\\nOlder women may begin to experience balance issues as they age. This is common and normal!\\nThe more you work to strengthen the muscles in your feet and ankles, the less likely you will be to lose your balance! Additionally, yoga for women helps you navigate the mental changes you may experience by helping with memory, focus, and concentration.\\nUse a chair, wall, or other stable object if needed. You may also place your non-standing foot on your calf or even at your ankle until you are comfortable moving it further up.\\n\\n5. Child’s Pose\\nEveryone loves child’s pose! It’s a great stretch for your back, arms, neck, and even hips and glutes. Older women may want to rest their forehead on a block and/or place a blanket underneath their hips to alleviate any discomfort.\\nTaking some much needed time in child’s pose allows women to reflect on how their body feels and release any negative thoughts about the changes that may be occurring in their body as they age.\\nI would love to have you join us in the Yoga for Women class, where I not only teach a yoga class specifically catered to women’s needs but talk about common issues women face as they transition into and out of different phases of life!\\nMyYogaTeacher offers 1:1 classes with authentic yoga instructors from the birthplace of yoga, India! And if you haven’t experienced virtual private yoga classes yet, MyYogaTeacher makes 1:1 classes affordable and accessible! PLUS, with your membership, you get:\\nRadiance! More energy, peace of mind, and better health & fitness\\n42+ daily group yoga classes, 100% live!\\nDiscounted yoga workshops, all live and interactive!\\nMaking new like-minded friends from around the world\\n\\nGrab your 2-week free trial and check out your membership options here!\\n\\nNamaste!"}}],"blogContent":{"id":"ckqcetz68tefr0a76fc42yga7","slug":"yoga-for-core","author":{"name":"Namrata","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"Using Your Core: How Yoga for Your Core Beats Traditional Ab Workouts","createdAt":"2021-06-25T14:08:50.296931+00:00","updatedAt":"2022-04-25T11:39:53.847826+00:00","coverUrl":"kzbzykw7qptix3xwfo7h.jpg","seoDescription":"Yoga for your core? We say yes! Yoga is an excellent way to build a stronger core, which helps with all other aspects of your practice!","content":{"text":"Have you ever heard someone say that? \\n\\n“Use your core!”\\n\\nMaybe it was a trainer, a dance teacher, or perhaps a yoga instructor! That’s because (as I’m sure you already know) your core muscles are imperative to protecting many other parts of your body!\\n\\nWe wouldn’t be preaching (aka screaming) it so much if it wasn’t important.\\n\\nThere are many types of core workouts and exercises specifically for your abdominal muscles. And I’m not saying they’re ineffective. They are, when done correctly.\\n\\nPart of the problem is that people don’t do the exercises correctly.\\n\\nThe other part of the problem I’ll discuss below.\\n\\nOr, if you wanna check out my \\nYoga for Core and Muscle Strengthening\\n on myYogaTeacher, you’ll see the differences for yourself! We’d love to have you!\\n\\nNot a myYogaTeacher member yet? Really?! You’ve got to check it out. \\nGet your 2-week free trial here and experience my class and over 35 others.\\n There’s a yoga class for everyone. Literally!\\n\\nIn the meantime, let’s dive into how yoga for your core is different – and more beneficial – than traditional core exercises.\\n\\nYoga for your core is more efficient\\n\\nWhy would you spend all your time conditioning individual muscle groups when you could be working multiple muscle groups all at once?\\n\\nYoga is a dynamic practice. Meaning you’ll be working your core while doing everything from something simple like tree pose to something more complicated like plough pose.\\n\\nAnd everything in between. There is almost never a time during a yoga session when you’re not using your core.\\n\\nExcept in savasana, of course. Where you absolutely deserve to not use your core!\\n\\nAnd speaking of dynamics…\\n\\nYoga for your core is much more dynamic\\n\\nSo not only are you using your core in almost every single yoga pose, in ever single yoga session, you are using those muscles differently than you would with traditional ab exercises.\\n\\nFor example, in boat pose, you’re working your upper and lower abdominal muscles, even your obliques. You’re also working your thighs, glutes, and your arms! All in one move.\\n\\nThere are lots of yoga poses specifically for your core muscles. \\n\\nPlank, for instance. Plank is a part of a regular yoga practice or flow. You’ll work your arms, shoulders, back, glutes, thighs and every single ab muscle you’ve got.\\n\\nTrust me. You’ll feel it!\\n\\nAny core yoga pose will work more than just one muscle group, unlike traditional ab exercises.\\n\\nYoga for your core is safer\\n\\nDo you know how easy it is to injure yourself doing traditional ab exercises?\\n\\nIt is. Mostly because people do the exercises incorrectly. Which is easy to do when you’re tired or straining one group or set of muscles.\\n\\nCrunches, for instance. A seemingly simple exercise.\\n\\nWhen you’re tired or your core is tired, you will have a tendency to pull on the back of your neck or lead with your head instead of your abs. This puts a ton of strain on your neck and spine and can cause injury.\\n\\nUsing various different ab machines can put strain on other muscles and not even help you strengthen your abdominal muscles at all.\\n\\nThere are plenty of other examples I could give, but suffice it to say that yoga is just safer. One, you’re using your core even when the asana isn’t focused on your core. Two, yoga is all about body awareness and bringing harmony to your inner and outer self.\\n\\nWhich means if you’re straining in areas where you shouldn’t be, you’ll realize it fairly quickly and know how to correct it.\\n\\nYoga for your core provides variety\\n\\nYou know traditional core workouts are boring. I’ll admit it for you so you don’t have to.\\n\\nDoes anyone actually like doing ab workouts? No, probably not.\\n\\nThat’s because they are the exact same “tried and true” exercises that have been taught and preached to us for years and years and years.\\n\\nBut guess what? Yoga is older than those exercises! (You probably knew that already)\\n\\nThere are hundreds – possibly thousands – of different yoga flows. There are over 20 different types of yoga. Combined with the many different yoga poses, this means that the possibilities of core workouts are almost endless!\\n\\nYou could probably do something different every single day for the rest of your life!\\n\\nCan you say that about traditional ab workouts? No. Because it’s the same exercises just in different sequences. There’s usually only one way to do them too. Which is very limiting.\\n\\nYoga flattens your belly\\n\\nIsn’t that what we all want?\\n\\nFlatter, stronger abdominal muscles?\\n\\nA strong core protects our back, our entire skeletal system. Having a flat tummy helps prevent things like heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, heart attacks, diabetes, and even asthma!\\n\\nSomething you don’t get with traditional abdominal exercises is cardio.\\n\\nNot all yoga provides cardio, of course, But there are many types that do. As a matter of fact, some types of yoga burn more calories per hour than many conventional exercises like running, the elliptical, or swimming.\\n\\nThe point is, yoga is a safe, healthy all in one form of exercise with benefits that far exceed a strong core and loss of belly fat! \\n\\n\\nWant to see for yourself? Take my \\nYoga for Core and Muscle Strengthening \\nclass for a test run! Let me know you read this blog post and I’ll be sure to talk about it in class. If you haven’t joined myYogaTeacher yet, you definitely should. \\nHere’s the link again to get your 2-week free trial.\\n You’ll have access to all the classes that MYT has to offer and can even chat with the instructors, all of which are expert yoga teachers!\\n\\n","html":"<p>Have you ever heard someone say that? </p><p></p><p>“Use your core!”</p><p></p><p>Maybe it was a trainer, a dance teacher, or perhaps a yoga instructor! That’s because (as I’m sure you already know) your core muscles are imperative to protecting many other parts of your body!</p><p></p><p>We wouldn’t be preaching (aka screaming) it so much if it wasn’t important.</p><p></p><p>There are many types of core workouts and exercises specifically for your abdominal muscles. And I’m not saying they’re ineffective. They are, when done correctly.</p><p></p><p>Part of the problem is that people don’t do the exercises correctly.</p><p></p><p>The other part of the problem I’ll discuss below.</p><p></p><p>Or, if you wanna check out my <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yoga-for-core-and-muscle-strengthening-by-namrata\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yoga-for-core-and-muscle-strengthening-by-namrata\">Yoga for Core and Muscle Strengthening</a> on myYogaTeacher, you’ll see the differences for yourself! We’d love to have you!</p><p></p><p>Not a myYogaTeacher member yet? Really?! You’ve got to check it out. <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\">Get your 2-week free trial here and experience my class and over 35 others.</a> There’s a yoga class for everyone. Literally!</p><p></p><p>In the meantime, let’s dive into how yoga for your core is different – and more beneficial – than traditional core exercises.</p><p></p><h2>Yoga for your core is more efficient</h2><p></p><p>Why would you spend all your time conditioning individual muscle groups when you could be working multiple muscle groups all at once?</p><p></p><p>Yoga is a dynamic practice. Meaning you’ll be working your core while doing everything from something simple like tree pose to something more complicated like plough pose.</p><p></p><p>And everything in between. There is almost never a time during a yoga session when you’re not using your core.</p><p></p><p>Except in savasana, of course. Where you absolutely deserve to not use your core!</p><p></p><p>And speaking of dynamics…</p><p></p><h2>Yoga for your core is much more dynamic</h2><p></p><p>So not only are you using your core in almost every single yoga pose, in ever single yoga session, you are using those muscles differently than you would with traditional ab exercises.</p><p></p><p>For example, in boat pose, you’re working your upper and lower abdominal muscles, even your obliques. You’re also working your thighs, glutes, and your arms! All in one move.</p><p></p><p>There are lots of yoga poses specifically for your core muscles. </p><p></p><p>Plank, for instance. Plank is a part of a regular yoga practice or flow. You’ll work your arms, shoulders, back, glutes, thighs and every single ab muscle you’ve got.</p><p></p><p>Trust me. You’ll feel it!</p><p></p><p>Any core yoga pose will work more than just one muscle group, unlike traditional ab exercises.</p><p></p><h2>Yoga for your core is safer</h2><p></p><p>Do you know how easy it is to injure yourself doing traditional ab exercises?</p><p></p><p>It is. Mostly because people do the exercises incorrectly. Which is easy to do when you’re tired or straining one group or set of muscles.</p><p></p><p>Crunches, for instance. A seemingly simple exercise.</p><p></p><p>When you’re tired or your core is tired, you will have a tendency to pull on the back of your neck or lead with your head instead of your abs. This puts a ton of strain on your neck and spine and can cause injury.</p><p></p><p>Using various different ab machines can put strain on other muscles and not even help you strengthen your abdominal muscles at all.</p><p></p><p>There are plenty of other examples I could give, but suffice it to say that yoga is just safer. One, you’re using your core even when the asana isn’t focused on your core. Two, yoga is all about body awareness and bringing harmony to your inner and outer self.</p><p></p><p>Which means if you’re straining in areas where you shouldn’t be, you’ll realize it fairly quickly and know how to correct it.</p><p></p><h2>Yoga for your core provides variety</h2><p></p><p>You know traditional core workouts are boring. I’ll admit it for you so you don’t have to.</p><p></p><p>Does anyone actually like doing ab workouts? No, probably not.</p><p></p><p>That’s because they are the exact same “tried and true” exercises that have been taught and preached to us for years and years and years.</p><p></p><p>But guess what? Yoga is older than those exercises! (You probably knew that already)</p><p></p><p>There are hundreds – possibly thousands – of different yoga flows. There are over 20 different types of yoga. Combined with the many different yoga poses, this means that the possibilities of core workouts are almost endless!</p><p></p><p>You could probably do something different every single day for the rest of your life!</p><p></p><p>Can you say that about traditional ab workouts? No. Because it’s the same exercises just in different sequences. There’s usually only one way to do them too. Which is very limiting.</p><p></p><h2>Yoga flattens your belly</h2><p></p><p>Isn’t that what we all want?</p><p></p><p>Flatter, stronger abdominal muscles?</p><p></p><p>A strong core protects our back, our entire skeletal system. Having a flat tummy helps prevent things like heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, heart attacks, diabetes, and even asthma!</p><p></p><p>Something you don’t get with traditional abdominal exercises is cardio.</p><p></p><p>Not all yoga provides cardio, of course, But there are many types that do. As a matter of fact, some types of yoga burn more calories per hour than many conventional exercises like running, the elliptical, or swimming.</p><p></p><p>The point is, yoga is a safe, healthy all in one form of exercise with benefits that far exceed a strong core and loss of belly fat! </p><p></p><p></p><p>Want to see for yourself? Take my <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yoga-for-core-and-muscle-strengthening-by-namrata\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yoga-for-core-and-muscle-strengthening-by-namrata\">Yoga for Core and Muscle Strengthening </a>class for a test run! Let me know you read this blog post and I’ll be sure to talk about it in class. If you haven’t joined myYogaTeacher yet, you definitely should. <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\">Here’s the link again to get your 2-week free trial.</a> You’ll have access to all the classes that MYT has to offer and can even chat with the instructors, all of which are expert yoga teachers!</p><p></p><p></p>"},"category":["fitness"],"utmCampaign":null,"utmMedium":null,"utmContent":null,"utmSource":null,"utmTerm":null,"utmSearchString":null,"imageHyperlink":[]},"loading":false,"blog_content":[{"type":"HTML","value":"<p>Have you ever heard someone say that? </p><p></p><p>“Use your core!”</p><p></p><p>Maybe it was a trainer, a dance teacher, or perhaps a yoga instructor! That’s because (as I’m sure you already know) your core muscles are imperative to protecting many other parts of your body!</p><p></p><p>We wouldn’t be preaching (aka screaming) it so much if it wasn’t important.</p><p></p><p>There are many types of core workouts and exercises specifically for your abdominal muscles. And I’m not saying they’re ineffective. They are, when done correctly.</p><p></p><p>Part of the problem is that people don’t do the exercises correctly.</p><p></p><p>The other part of the problem I’ll discuss below.</p><p></p><p>Or, if you wanna check out my <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yoga-for-core-and-muscle-strengthening-by-namrata\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yoga-for-core-and-muscle-strengthening-by-namrata\">Yoga for Core and Muscle Strengthening</a> on myYogaTeacher, you’ll see the differences for yourself! We’d love to have you!</p><p></p><p>Not a myYogaTeacher member yet? Really?! You’ve got to check it out. <a\n class=\"inline-cta\"\n id=4f5f6960-7c37-4a93-9a81-1062953759cd\n href=\"/signup?utm_source=MYT__article&utm_medium=ckqcetz68tefr0a76fc42yga7&utm_campaign=inline_cta&utm_content=CTA-INLINE&entity_name=Using Your Core: How Yoga for Your Core Beats Traditional Ab Workouts&entity_slug=yoga-for-core&page_or_popup=/articles/yoga-for-core&entity_location=hyperlink_midst_of_article&article_cta=CTA-INLINE&from_article_page=true\"\n onclick=trigger_mixpanel_sign_up_cta(\"4f5f6960-7c37-4a93-9a81-1062953759cd\")\n title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" \n data-title=\"Using Your Core: How Yoga for Your Core Beats Traditional Ab Workouts\"\n data-slug=\"yoga-for-core\"\n <u>Get your 2-week free trial here and experience my class and over 35 others.</a></u> \n </a> There’s a yoga class for everyone. Literally!</p><p></p><p>In the meantime, let’s dive into how yoga for your core is different – and more beneficial – than traditional core exercises.</p><p></p><h2>Yoga for your core is more efficient</h2><p></p><p>Why would you spend all your time conditioning individual muscle groups when you could be working multiple muscle groups all at once?</p><p></p><p>Yoga is a dynamic practice. Meaning you’ll be working your core while doing everything from something simple like tree pose to something more complicated like plough pose.</p><p></p><p>And everything in between. There is almost never a time during a yoga session when you’re not using your core.</p><p></p><p>Except in savasana, of course. Where you absolutely deserve to not use your core!</p><p></p><p>And speaking of dynamics…</p><p></p><h2>Yoga for your core is much more dynamic</h2><p></p><p>So not only are you using your core in almost every single yoga pose, in ever single yoga session, you are using those muscles differently than you would with traditional ab exercises.</p><p></p><p>For example, in boat pose, you’re working your upper and lower abdominal muscles, even your obliques. You’re also working your thighs, glutes, and your arms! All in one move.</p><p></p><p>There are lots of yoga poses specifically for your core muscles. </p><p></p><p>Plank, for instance. Plank is a part of a regular yoga practice or flow. You’ll work your arms, shoulders, back, glutes, thighs and every single ab muscle you’ve got.</p><p></p><p>Trust me. You’ll feel it!</p><p></p><p>Any core yoga pose will work more than just one muscle group, unlike traditional ab exercises.</p><p></p><h2>Yoga for your core is safer</h2><p></p><p>Do you know how easy it is to injure yourself doing traditional ab exercises?</p><p></p><p>It is. Mostly because people do the exercises incorrectly. Which is easy to do when you’re tired or straining one group or set of muscles.</p><p></p><p>Crunches, for instance. A seemingly simple exercise.</p><p></p><p>When you’re tired or your core is tired, you will have a tendency to pull on the back of your neck or lead with your head instead of your abs. This puts a ton of strain on your neck and spine and can cause injury.</p><p></p><p>Using various different ab machines can put strain on other muscles and not even help you strengthen your abdominal muscles at all.</p><p></p><p>There are plenty of other examples I could give, but suffice it to say that yoga is just safer. One, you’re using your core even when the asana isn’t focused on your core. Two, yoga is all about body awareness and bringing harmony to your inner and outer self.</p><p></p><p>Which means if you’re straining in areas where you shouldn’t be, you’ll realize it fairly quickly and know how to correct it.</p><p></p><h2>Yoga for your core provides variety</h2><p></p><p>You know traditional core workouts are boring. I’ll admit it for you so you don’t have to.</p><p></p><p>Does anyone actually like doing ab workouts? No, probably not.</p><p></p><p>That’s because they are the exact same “tried and true” exercises that have been taught and preached to us for years and years and years.</p><p></p><p>But guess what? Yoga is older than those exercises! (You probably knew that already)</p><p></p><p>There are hundreds – possibly thousands – of different yoga flows. There are over 20 different types of yoga. Combined with the many different yoga poses, this means that the possibilities of core workouts are almost endless!</p><p></p><p>You could probably do something different every single day for the rest of your life!</p><p></p><p>Can you say that about traditional ab workouts? No. Because it’s the same exercises just in different sequences. There’s usually only one way to do them too. Which is very limiting.</p><p></p><h2>Yoga flattens your belly</h2><p></p><p>Isn’t that what we all want?</p><p></p><p>Flatter, stronger abdominal muscles?</p><p></p><p>A strong core protects our back, our entire skeletal system. Having a flat tummy helps prevent things like heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, heart attacks, diabetes, and even asthma!</p><p></p><p>Something you don’t get with traditional abdominal exercises is cardio.</p><p></p><p>Not all yoga provides cardio, of course, But there are many types that do. As a matter of fact, some types of yoga burn more calories per hour than many conventional exercises like running, the elliptical, or swimming.</p><p></p><p>The point is, yoga is a safe, healthy all in one form of exercise with benefits that far exceed a strong core and loss of belly fat! </p><p></p><p></p><p>Want to see for yourself? Take my <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yoga-for-core-and-muscle-strengthening-by-namrata\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yoga-for-core-and-muscle-strengthening-by-namrata\">Yoga for Core and Muscle Strengthening </a>class for a test run! Let me know you read this blog post and I’ll be sure to talk about it in class. If you haven’t joined myYogaTeacher yet, you definitely should. <a\n class=\"inline-cta\"\n id=fe265c9b-111b-4b99-8d12-98f19bb8808b\n href=\"/signup?utm_source=MYT__article&utm_medium=ckqcetz68tefr0a76fc42yga7&utm_campaign=inline_cta&utm_content=CTA-INLINE&entity_name=Using Your Core: How Yoga for Your Core Beats Traditional Ab Workouts&entity_slug=yoga-for-core&page_or_popup=/articles/yoga-for-core&entity_location=hyperlink_midst_of_article&article_cta=CTA-INLINE&from_article_page=true\"\n onclick=trigger_mixpanel_sign_up_cta(\"fe265c9b-111b-4b99-8d12-98f19bb8808b\")\n title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" \n data-title=\"Using Your Core: How Yoga for Your Core Beats Traditional Ab Workouts\"\n data-slug=\"yoga-for-core\"\n <u>Here’s the link again to get your 2-week free trial.</a></u> \n </a> You’ll have access to all the classes that MYT has to offer and can even chat with the instructors, all of which are expert yoga teachers!</p><p></p><p></p>"},{"type":"CTA","value":"[CTA-DEFAULT]"}],"isSlugACategory":false,"searchCategory":"yoga-for-core","showPopUp":false,"popUpType":null,"showedPopup":false,"windowWidth":null,"ctaPath":"signup","redirectURL":"#","ctaContent":[{"id":"ckxrz2i14tov40c25g1dpicsg","name":"[CTA-DEFAULT]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong> with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Classes – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckxrz37hsu0cj0a76mgb4594m","name":"[CTA-FREECLASS]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong> with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Classes – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckxrz4d5stsye0b75dtlx1w0n","name":"[CTA-TRENDS]","description":{"html":"<p>Get ahead of the next trend and practice with authentic Indian yoga teachers! Sign up today and <strong>get 2 free private yoga sessions PLUS 2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong>. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Practice with Authentic Indian Yoga Teachers</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckxrz6nq0tqdr0c258titvagg","name":"[CTA-REVIEWS]","description":{"html":"<p>Find out what all the hype is about! <strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong> with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>103,478 Happy Students & 12,086 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reviews</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckxrz7nzktu400b752fym6wpw","name":"[CTA-HATHA]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private hatha yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>(including tons of daily Hatha yoga classes). No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Hatha Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>with Authentic Indian Teachers</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"cky90p88g3zgc0d23yz6taont","name":"[CTA-NASAL]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private sessions </strong>to relieve post nasal drip and clear out your sinus. </p><p><strong>PLUS, 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>with authentic Indian yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Relieve Post Nasal Drip & Clear Your Sinus Today!</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckyirvl8g25ce0c70cldmca2g","name":"[CTA-TRATAKA]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private sessions </strong>with experienced Trataka teachers. </p><p><strong>PLUS, 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>(like ‘Candle Gazing Meditation) with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Learn Trataka (Candle Gazing) Meditation Today!</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckyisqh482ck60b79rp1r1jcg","name":"[CTA-YIN]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions</strong>, work with an experienced yoga therapist to reduce (and even eliminate) your back pain. <strong>PLUS 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>(like ‘Yoga for Back Pain’) with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Therapy – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Relieve Back Pain Safely & Effectively Today!</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckyitki4w2liz0b30tqpzhy4i","name":"[CTA-KRIYA]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions </strong>for Kriya Yoga, Pranayama, and Meditation <strong>and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Classes – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Practice Kriya, Pranayama, and Meditation Today!</strong></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckyitxgyg2pot0b79lu1fcpp1","name":"[CTA-BREATH]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions </strong>for yogic breathing techniques (pranayama) and <strong>2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong>, like ‘Stretch and Breathe’, ‘Kriya, Pranayama, and Meditation’, and many others. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong> Learn Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Pranayama!</strong></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckykb6i2o1o7f0b368s1m7qow","name":"[CTA-LYMPHATIC]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions</strong> for lymphatic drainage & immunity enhancement. <strong>PLUS 2 weeks of unlimited group yoga classes</strong> (including daily yin-yoga) when you sign up today! No credit card required to sign up.</p><p></p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>for Lymphatic Drainage & Boosting Your Immune System!</strong></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"cl2vqlpyfe3yh0biohgxyx2hg","name":"[CTA-LEAD]","description":{"html":"<p>Lead Form</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p>Lead Form</p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"cl4gnwnrlga640ck37gutx7sn","name":"[CTA-GC]","description":{"html":"<p>CTA-GC</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p>CTA-GC</p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"}],"post":{"id":"ckqcetz68tefr0a76fc42yga7","slug":"yoga-for-core","author":{"name":"Namrata","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"Using Your Core: How Yoga for Your Core Beats Traditional Ab Workouts","createdAt":"2021-06-25T14:08:50.296931+00:00","updatedAt":"2022-04-25T11:39:53.847826+00:00","coverUrl":"kzbzykw7qptix3xwfo7h.jpg","seoDescription":"Yoga for your core? We say yes! Yoga is an excellent way to build a stronger core, which helps with all other aspects of your practice!","content":{"text":"Have you ever heard someone say that? \\n\\n“Use your core!”\\n\\nMaybe it was a trainer, a dance teacher, or perhaps a yoga instructor! That’s because (as I’m sure you already know) your core muscles are imperative to protecting many other parts of your body!\\n\\nWe wouldn’t be preaching (aka screaming) it so much if it wasn’t important.\\n\\nThere are many types of core workouts and exercises specifically for your abdominal muscles. And I’m not saying they’re ineffective. They are, when done correctly.\\n\\nPart of the problem is that people don’t do the exercises correctly.\\n\\nThe other part of the problem I’ll discuss below.\\n\\nOr, if you wanna check out my \\nYoga for Core and Muscle Strengthening\\n on myYogaTeacher, you’ll see the differences for yourself! We’d love to have you!\\n\\nNot a myYogaTeacher member yet? Really?! You’ve got to check it out. \\nGet your 2-week free trial here and experience my class and over 35 others.\\n There’s a yoga class for everyone. Literally!\\n\\nIn the meantime, let’s dive into how yoga for your core is different – and more beneficial – than traditional core exercises.\\n\\nYoga for your core is more efficient\\n\\nWhy would you spend all your time conditioning individual muscle groups when you could be working multiple muscle groups all at once?\\n\\nYoga is a dynamic practice. Meaning you’ll be working your core while doing everything from something simple like tree pose to something more complicated like plough pose.\\n\\nAnd everything in between. There is almost never a time during a yoga session when you’re not using your core.\\n\\nExcept in savasana, of course. Where you absolutely deserve to not use your core!\\n\\nAnd speaking of dynamics…\\n\\nYoga for your core is much more dynamic\\n\\nSo not only are you using your core in almost every single yoga pose, in ever single yoga session, you are using those muscles differently than you would with traditional ab exercises.\\n\\nFor example, in boat pose, you’re working your upper and lower abdominal muscles, even your obliques. You’re also working your thighs, glutes, and your arms! All in one move.\\n\\nThere are lots of yoga poses specifically for your core muscles. \\n\\nPlank, for instance. Plank is a part of a regular yoga practice or flow. You’ll work your arms, shoulders, back, glutes, thighs and every single ab muscle you’ve got.\\n\\nTrust me. You’ll feel it!\\n\\nAny core yoga pose will work more than just one muscle group, unlike traditional ab exercises.\\n\\nYoga for your core is safer\\n\\nDo you know how easy it is to injure yourself doing traditional ab exercises?\\n\\nIt is. Mostly because people do the exercises incorrectly. Which is easy to do when you’re tired or straining one group or set of muscles.\\n\\nCrunches, for instance. A seemingly simple exercise.\\n\\nWhen you’re tired or your core is tired, you will have a tendency to pull on the back of your neck or lead with your head instead of your abs. This puts a ton of strain on your neck and spine and can cause injury.\\n\\nUsing various different ab machines can put strain on other muscles and not even help you strengthen your abdominal muscles at all.\\n\\nThere are plenty of other examples I could give, but suffice it to say that yoga is just safer. One, you’re using your core even when the asana isn’t focused on your core. Two, yoga is all about body awareness and bringing harmony to your inner and outer self.\\n\\nWhich means if you’re straining in areas where you shouldn’t be, you’ll realize it fairly quickly and know how to correct it.\\n\\nYoga for your core provides variety\\n\\nYou know traditional core workouts are boring. I’ll admit it for you so you don’t have to.\\n\\nDoes anyone actually like doing ab workouts? No, probably not.\\n\\nThat’s because they are the exact same “tried and true” exercises that have been taught and preached to us for years and years and years.\\n\\nBut guess what? Yoga is older than those exercises! (You probably knew that already)\\n\\nThere are hundreds – possibly thousands – of different yoga flows. There are over 20 different types of yoga. Combined with the many different yoga poses, this means that the possibilities of core workouts are almost endless!\\n\\nYou could probably do something different every single day for the rest of your life!\\n\\nCan you say that about traditional ab workouts? No. Because it’s the same exercises just in different sequences. There’s usually only one way to do them too. Which is very limiting.\\n\\nYoga flattens your belly\\n\\nIsn’t that what we all want?\\n\\nFlatter, stronger abdominal muscles?\\n\\nA strong core protects our back, our entire skeletal system. Having a flat tummy helps prevent things like heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, heart attacks, diabetes, and even asthma!\\n\\nSomething you don’t get with traditional abdominal exercises is cardio.\\n\\nNot all yoga provides cardio, of course, But there are many types that do. As a matter of fact, some types of yoga burn more calories per hour than many conventional exercises like running, the elliptical, or swimming.\\n\\nThe point is, yoga is a safe, healthy all in one form of exercise with benefits that far exceed a strong core and loss of belly fat! \\n\\n\\nWant to see for yourself? Take my \\nYoga for Core and Muscle Strengthening \\nclass for a test run! Let me know you read this blog post and I’ll be sure to talk about it in class. If you haven’t joined myYogaTeacher yet, you definitely should. \\nHere’s the link again to get your 2-week free trial.\\n You’ll have access to all the classes that MYT has to offer and can even chat with the instructors, all of which are expert yoga teachers!\\n\\n","html":"<p>Have you ever heard someone say that? </p><p></p><p>“Use your core!”</p><p></p><p>Maybe it was a trainer, a dance teacher, or perhaps a yoga instructor! That’s because (as I’m sure you already know) your core muscles are imperative to protecting many other parts of your body!</p><p></p><p>We wouldn’t be preaching (aka screaming) it so much if it wasn’t important.</p><p></p><p>There are many types of core workouts and exercises specifically for your abdominal muscles. And I’m not saying they’re ineffective. They are, when done correctly.</p><p></p><p>Part of the problem is that people don’t do the exercises correctly.</p><p></p><p>The other part of the problem I’ll discuss below.</p><p></p><p>Or, if you wanna check out my <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yoga-for-core-and-muscle-strengthening-by-namrata\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yoga-for-core-and-muscle-strengthening-by-namrata\">Yoga for Core and Muscle Strengthening</a> on myYogaTeacher, you’ll see the differences for yourself! We’d love to have you!</p><p></p><p>Not a myYogaTeacher member yet? Really?! You’ve got to check it out. <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\">Get your 2-week free trial here and experience my class and over 35 others.</a> There’s a yoga class for everyone. Literally!</p><p></p><p>In the meantime, let’s dive into how yoga for your core is different – and more beneficial – than traditional core exercises.</p><p></p><h2>Yoga for your core is more efficient</h2><p></p><p>Why would you spend all your time conditioning individual muscle groups when you could be working multiple muscle groups all at once?</p><p></p><p>Yoga is a dynamic practice. Meaning you’ll be working your core while doing everything from something simple like tree pose to something more complicated like plough pose.</p><p></p><p>And everything in between. There is almost never a time during a yoga session when you’re not using your core.</p><p></p><p>Except in savasana, of course. Where you absolutely deserve to not use your core!</p><p></p><p>And speaking of dynamics…</p><p></p><h2>Yoga for your core is much more dynamic</h2><p></p><p>So not only are you using your core in almost every single yoga pose, in ever single yoga session, you are using those muscles differently than you would with traditional ab exercises.</p><p></p><p>For example, in boat pose, you’re working your upper and lower abdominal muscles, even your obliques. You’re also working your thighs, glutes, and your arms! All in one move.</p><p></p><p>There are lots of yoga poses specifically for your core muscles. </p><p></p><p>Plank, for instance. Plank is a part of a regular yoga practice or flow. You’ll work your arms, shoulders, back, glutes, thighs and every single ab muscle you’ve got.</p><p></p><p>Trust me. You’ll feel it!</p><p></p><p>Any core yoga pose will work more than just one muscle group, unlike traditional ab exercises.</p><p></p><h2>Yoga for your core is safer</h2><p></p><p>Do you know how easy it is to injure yourself doing traditional ab exercises?</p><p></p><p>It is. Mostly because people do the exercises incorrectly. Which is easy to do when you’re tired or straining one group or set of muscles.</p><p></p><p>Crunches, for instance. A seemingly simple exercise.</p><p></p><p>When you’re tired or your core is tired, you will have a tendency to pull on the back of your neck or lead with your head instead of your abs. This puts a ton of strain on your neck and spine and can cause injury.</p><p></p><p>Using various different ab machines can put strain on other muscles and not even help you strengthen your abdominal muscles at all.</p><p></p><p>There are plenty of other examples I could give, but suffice it to say that yoga is just safer. One, you’re using your core even when the asana isn’t focused on your core. Two, yoga is all about body awareness and bringing harmony to your inner and outer self.</p><p></p><p>Which means if you’re straining in areas where you shouldn’t be, you’ll realize it fairly quickly and know how to correct it.</p><p></p><h2>Yoga for your core provides variety</h2><p></p><p>You know traditional core workouts are boring. I’ll admit it for you so you don’t have to.</p><p></p><p>Does anyone actually like doing ab workouts? No, probably not.</p><p></p><p>That’s because they are the exact same “tried and true” exercises that have been taught and preached to us for years and years and years.</p><p></p><p>But guess what? Yoga is older than those exercises! (You probably knew that already)</p><p></p><p>There are hundreds – possibly thousands – of different yoga flows. There are over 20 different types of yoga. Combined with the many different yoga poses, this means that the possibilities of core workouts are almost endless!</p><p></p><p>You could probably do something different every single day for the rest of your life!</p><p></p><p>Can you say that about traditional ab workouts? No. Because it’s the same exercises just in different sequences. There’s usually only one way to do them too. Which is very limiting.</p><p></p><h2>Yoga flattens your belly</h2><p></p><p>Isn’t that what we all want?</p><p></p><p>Flatter, stronger abdominal muscles?</p><p></p><p>A strong core protects our back, our entire skeletal system. Having a flat tummy helps prevent things like heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, heart attacks, diabetes, and even asthma!</p><p></p><p>Something you don’t get with traditional abdominal exercises is cardio.</p><p></p><p>Not all yoga provides cardio, of course, But there are many types that do. As a matter of fact, some types of yoga burn more calories per hour than many conventional exercises like running, the elliptical, or swimming.</p><p></p><p>The point is, yoga is a safe, healthy all in one form of exercise with benefits that far exceed a strong core and loss of belly fat! </p><p></p><p></p><p>Want to see for yourself? Take my <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yoga-for-core-and-muscle-strengthening-by-namrata\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yoga-for-core-and-muscle-strengthening-by-namrata\">Yoga for Core and Muscle Strengthening </a>class for a test run! Let me know you read this blog post and I’ll be sure to talk about it in class. If you haven’t joined myYogaTeacher yet, you definitely should. <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\">Here’s the link again to get your 2-week free trial.</a> You’ll have access to all the classes that MYT has to offer and can even chat with the instructors, all of which are expert yoga teachers!</p><p></p><p></p>"},"category":["fitness"],"utmCampaign":null,"utmMedium":null,"utmContent":null,"utmSource":null,"utmTerm":null,"utmSearchString":null,"imageHyperlink":[]},"recommendations_group_class":[{"session_uuid":"97c999e6-31c8-460b-b79b-8764b6c89869","student_uuid":"04f2f4f2-f580-42f3-98fd-dc8581fd5363","teacher_uuid":"edccff18-bea3-4386-b407-7330186ec910","teacher_name":"Shrutika Sharad Umarji","teacher_first_name":"Shrutika","teacher_slug":"shrutika-1","teacher_photo":"https://res.cloudinary.com/dgerdfai4/image/upload/v1651561790/teacher/photos/yjblzrfq9egkjco6madq.jpg","group_session_name":"Yoga Basics","group_session_description":"This yoga practice is perfect for beginners but also nice for those looking for a consistent and mindful foundation. 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