How often should I practice yoga?
How many times a week should I do yoga?
This is a common question that my yoga students ask. And really there is no right or wrong answer. Essentially though, as long as you are doing some form of yoga every week, I will be happy!
Yoga comes in many shapes and forms and does not just consist of the physical postures, (ASANA) but other limbs as well such as:
- YAMA – Restraints, moral disciplines or moral vows.
- NIYAMA – Positive duties or observances.
- ASANA – Posture.
- PRANAYAMA – Breathing Techniques.
- PRATYAHARA – Sense withdrawal.
- DHARANA – Focused Concentration.
- DHYANA – Meditative Absorption.
- SAMADHI – Bliss or Enlightenment.
My full answer below assumes that the question; “How many times a week should I do yoga,” is asked on the basis of a physical ASANA, (the postures and moves) practice, without encompassing all of the other limbs of yoga including: breath work, mediation, observances, restraints and so on… And remember that yoga can be practiced on and off the mat!
If you only attend one asana style yoga class per week, you will feel the benefits to your physical body in terms of increased strength and flexibility, as you move; increased lung capacity as you breathe; and in terms of your mind, a moment of calm and serenity and an improved sense of wellbeing. Attending a regular yoga class each week may also ensure that for the rest of the week you think about your breath, your posture, or what you are putting into your body, in terms of nourishment; and how you behave, listen and treat others; or that you consider getting on your mat again.
If you feel benefits over time, from just one yoga session per week, just think how good you would feel if you did another hour or two per week!?
How often should I do yoga to see results?
What do we mean by success or results and surely this means something different to every one?
“The success of yoga does not lie in the ability to perform postures but in how it positively changes the way we live our life and our relationships.” — T.K.V. Desikachar Yoga Teacher.
“The yoga pose is not the goal. Becoming flexible is not the goal. Standing on your hands is not the goal. The goal is serenity. Balance. Truly finding peace in your own skin.” —Rachel Brathen, Yoga Girl
If you have set yourself certain goals, for example to touch your toes, or to hold plank position for 3 minutes, I would recommend that you try to practice Yoga asana at least three times a week. For the real physical benefits to be achieved you would also need to practice for around 3 months.
If you want to have a daily Yoga practice, make sure you choose a gentle yoga class at least once or twice a week. It’s because one day a week should be reserved for rest and recovery. It is also great to mix up Vinyasa/Yang/ Faster style practices with more gentle Yin, Hatha and stretchy and more mindful and Restorative styles of Yoga.
Those new to yoga workouts should aim to do two or three Yoga sessions per week to start with. This will ensure that your body gets used to the stretches and poses that you’ll be working on as you move forward in your journey.
And we all need to start somewhere. Hopefully once you start to move and breathe you will be curious about the other limbs of yoga; which we slowly and subtly start to introduce into our classes.
Practicing yoga on and off the mat
Just becoming aware of the way you are standing or breathing, or standing on one leg while you wash up, is all yoga… Just becoming more mindful of your body, posture, breath, or how you are feeling will be a continuation of your yoga journey.
Practicing Yoga with Body Soul Yoga & Our Yoga Videos
Because I would like you to practice yoga a few times per week, if you are a member of our in person yoga classes you will also gain free access to our yoga Video Library of over 480 yoga videos. You can practice at home in your own time or catch up if you miss a class.
For more details about the classes and spaces on offer this coming term from 17 April please
contact faye.bodysoulyoga@gmail.com
Thanks x
