So here's the thing. Physical activity and I never really got along too well. I was never one for sports, I wasn't a big fan of the outdoors, and if you ever caught me running for pleasure you would have to assume that an alien had taken over my body because there was no way I was actually doing that voluntarily.
This had to do, in part, with the fact that I really wasn't confident in my physical abilities or even in my own body most of the time. That all started to change when, and I know how cliche this sounds but seriously hear me out guys, I discovered the resource of an at-home yoga practice. I know I know I know I know, it sounds super cheesy but I'm serious guys if you want to stay in shape (or even just mentally stable) and you're self-conscious of your body or don't like going to the gym, then this is honestly such an amazing thing. And here's why.
1. It's free!
I mean, you can buy yoga packages online at astronomically high prices, or you could just go on YouTube! There are a plethora of different yoga teachers on YouTube who record free content for everyone, and their videos are often super easy to follow, as the instructors are aware they are not currently in class with you and therefore take extra time to explain the poses and breathing techniques.
(A personal favorite of mine is Yoga With Adriene, she is honestly the greatest yoga instructor I have ever had, online or in class) You don't even need to buy a yoga mat if you don't want to (although I would recommend it, just because it's easier to use), you can just use a towel or blanket!
2. It's for all levels of ability
Yoga instructors on YouTube will commonly make different videos for the beginner, intermediate, or advanced yogis. These videos are often clearly labeled, so you can just choose whichever you feel best fits you and your personal capabilities. And if you start the video and it's too much or too little for you, then guess what?
You can stop the video and pick a new one, you have complete freedom! If you are a beginner, or just want to look into using online yoga videos for the first time, I would highly recommend checking out Yoga With Adriene's 30 Day Yoga Challenges, which are daily yoga videos designed to increase flexibility and yoga technique while building upon each other every day (and it's specifically made so all levels can take it).
3. You are alone, so you don't have to worry about being self-conscious or even taking a break and being embarrassed
This is Child's Pose, a favorite of mine when I need a rest.
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You mess up, you fall down, you just need a break? There are no worries and there is no shame, it's just you and the video. There is no one you have to be worried about seeing you and judging you if that is one of the things that cause you major anxiety about a gym or team sport (I know it was for me.)
4. It's fun, and you can honestly do whatever you want!
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There's literally a Yoga For Zombies video!!! You can do ANYTHING you want to do that day, it is entirely up to you! Don't worry about dreading a workout or sticking to a strict schedule, just find what feels good on the mat that day.
5. It increases your self-confidence
Designecologist on Pexels
This is a big one, especially for me. Now I find myself being more confident in my body, how I move, and my abilities after honing this practice on my own for quite a while now.
It's you that has put in the work and created a change in yourself, both inside and outside, and that is honestly so rewarding. Plus I can now touch my toes, so no more weird looks from my mother because she thought "everyone could do it".
6. There's literally like, a bazillion health benefits to yoga
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I won't go over all of them now, but guys, it really doesn't get better than this. Yoga improves your posture, builds muscle, increases flexibility, lowers blood pressure, helps you focus, helps you sleep, and literally, many studies show, make you a happier person!
There's a ton more benefits, but that would make this a really long article and I won't do that to you lovely readers.
7. You can work around your own schedule
Another benefit of an at-home yoga practice is that there's no set time you have to be in class, or no ungodly hour you have to wake up in the morning (unless you choose to, and if so then more power to you).) You can click on a video whenever you have time in your schedule, or whatever hour suits you best.
And the videos themselves don't even have to be super long. Do you have a super hectic schedule today? That's fine, just choose a 15-minute video! You really control your own schedule and your own activity.
8. Yoga focuses on loving yourself where you're at, not trimming and toning to make something new
Exercise that is hyper-focused on changing the way we look can really lead us into a bad place and make us believe that if we don't get this certain weight or don't look this certain way, then we have failed or are just not worth much. This is simply not true, we are all beautiful human beings and your body deserves to be appreciated and loved.
And that's the main reason I love yoga. Because yes, you may be causing some sort of physical transformation, but it's coming from a place of loving yourself and taking care of yourself and your abilities for the day. There is a focus on what feels good, not just what's going to make you look good.
The physical transformation may come in time, but your mental health is honestly what's most important and what will really make you shine.
Honestly, you're the one who knows the most about your particular needs and health necessities or restrictions, so you have to make the final decision about you and your body, but this is one of the most beneficial things I have done with my life so far and I just wanted to share that with you all.
It has really helped me come out of my shell, made me a more confident version of myself, and yeah, I'm definitely stronger and more flexible than I was when I started!
When you start an at home yoga practice, the transformation is bound to happen both inside and out
