If you’re like most of us, keeping up with your exercise routine is difficult with the pandemic altering our lifestyles. But exercise, along with diet and focusing on mental health, is one of the greatest ways to optimize your life. And fortunately, when your preferred exercise is yoga, there are plenty of ways to practice at home without overstretching what might be an already tight budget. Here’s how:
Exchange services.
One of the quickest and cheapest ways to enjoy yoga is to volunteer as a karmi, or someone in a work-exchange. Many yoga studios actively recruit karmis. This is a great way to build some credits with your training center of choice, even if they aren’t back in the full swing of things.
Some studios are still shut down, some are offering virtual sessions, and some are offering sessions by appointment only, and so forth. In this type of situation you might, for example, come in and clean the studio while they await reopening or, in the interim, act as an outreach coordinator reminding the community that classes will soon be available.
Use technology to your advantage.
If your phone, computer, or tablet is more than a few years old, now might be a great time to invest in a new device, such as an iPad, so that you can enjoy yoga classes online, meditation apps, and instructional videos. This often comes at a premium, so make sure that you take advantage of any Apple promo codes and cashback offers you find online. That way, this device won’t cause as much damage to your household budget.
Bust out your old DVD player.
If high-speed internet is a luxury you can’t quite afford at the moment, consider using lower-grade technology to enjoy a workout. There are plenty of yoga DVDs out there, and there is a good chance that you can find one online for very little out-of-pocket.
Skip the trends.
Sure, the internet is full of images of twentysomethings in brightly colored yoga clothing. And if the marketers behind the photos have anything to say about it, you’ll blindly believe that you have to spend $100 on a pair of capris just to join a class. The truth is you don’t. Marina Mukandala of Mind Body Flow Yoga asserts that yoga is a come as you are sort of activity and that tank tops, gym shorts, and even your ratty old favorite T-shirt is perfectly acceptable attire. And if you’re doing yoga at home, clothing may even be optional.
Set an intention.
Sometimes, the best thing you can do to elevate your yoga practice whether you are at home or in the studio is to simply set an intention. An intention, unlike a goal to be completed, is an action to strive for. When you tell yourself that your intention is to practice once each day, you can be mindful of your time. This can allow you to give yourself permission to take that time for yourself to intentionally do something just for you.
Be selective when choosing equipment.
When it comes to doing yoga, you do have to have a few pieces of equipment. A good mat and yoga bag are considered essential, and you can pick these up at places like Walmart or Target. A towel, yoga strap, and a water flask to stay hydrated also come in handy. Things you do not need to practice at home are yoga blocks or a blanket. And since you can practice barefoot, sneakers are optional.
Not being able to attend class can be disheartening. But it does not have to put your yoga days to an end, or even bring them to a screeching halt. You don’t have to pay to stick with your passion, and it is perfectly possible to maintain a routine at home until you can get back to an up close and personal practice.
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