Question: How often should you practice yoga?
Answer: As often as possible!
But you don't have to dedicate a solid hour or two every day to your practice. As the mother of three young children I rarely get to go to the bathroom by myself let alone practice yoga for a full hour. Here is my daily routine that gets in a full yoga sequence throughout the day.
First thing in the morning while I'm still in my PJs I practice what I call a "pair of poses". I pick two (sometimes three) standing poses that flow together nicely. Some examples:
Virabhadrasana II - Utthita Parsvakonasana
Utthita Trikonasana - Ardha Chandrasana
Virabhadrasana I - Virabhadrasana III
In the afternoon when I am starting to feel tension in my neck and shoulders from driving, typing on the computer, and carrying a 24 pound toddler around, I like to do some shoulder work such as Gomukhasana (arms only), Paschima Baddhastasana, and Paschima Namaskarasana.
I usually need a little extra energy before I start my evening routine of cooking dinner, making lunches, and bathing kids. I find this a great time to get in a few back bends. Chatushpadasana and Setubandha are great poses to bend the back, give the shoulders another good stretch, and energize the mind.
Once the kids are in bed and I am ready to relax (yes, sometimes while I'm watching TV), I practice seated poses and seated forward bends.
And finally, just before I fall into bed for the night I practice Salamba Sirsasana and Salamba Sarvangasana insuring myself a restful night.
So, to recap:
Morning - 2-3 standing poses
Afternoon - shoulder poses
Early evening - back bends
Late evening - seated poses and seated forward bends
Just before bed - headstand and shoulderstand
Dedicating just 5-10 minutes per session you will complete 30-60 minutes of yoga and a full body stretching sequence increasing your balance, flexibility, stamina, and strength a little more each day.
Come Stretch with Gretch at Anytime Fitness in Oak Cliff to learn these poses and get your yoga practice started. I look forward to seeing you on the mat soon!
Namaste,
Gretch
You should consult with a physician for medical advice before beginning any exercise routine. It is not recommended that you attempt these poses without the instruction of a qualified yoga instructor.
