Free Online Yoga - Safe?

Free Online Yoga

Yoga has become very popular these days, and consequently free online yoga is in great demand. But can you really learn yoga safely and effectively without a proper yoga school?

Of course yoga originated in India, but now yoga schools, studios, and classes are available all over the world. Because it has been adapted by so many people of various cultures, yoga now means different things to different people. Some people cling to a more traditional approach, while others seek a more "western" adaptation.

We all know that the internet is a wonderful way to gain knowledge - we have the world at our fingertips! Why should yoga be any different? Free online yoga is available to everyone - no fancy equipment, clothing or studio fees required. I'm not recommending nude yoga here - I'm just saying you don't need fancy yoga pants! Sheesh. Stay focused, people!

I am saying that if you have the desire to learn yoga, the internet is a great resource. If you have some familiarity with your body (one would hope so, but as a former personal trainer I can tell you, it is not necessarily so) and know how to read, you have the capacity to learn some yoga online. Let's face it - people are looking to save money every way they can these days. And some people are simply not comfortable exercising around other people. Home exercise is a great option for these folks.

Many people would argue that yoga positions can be confusing, and without an instructor present, people should not attempt it. I agree that instructors are incredibly beneficial - they can see how you are actually doing the poses and instruct you specifically on what you may need to change. Even advanced yoga-doers benefit from personal instruction. Of course the same is true for any kind of exercise - the guidance of a personal trainer is beneficial for weight training, for example.

However, even real live yoga instructors can teach poorly, and who's to say you're doing anything right if your instructor is merely teaching yoga because it's popular right now? The bottom line is that you want to seek instruction that is sound and reputable. Read through the site and watch before you do. If it seems screwy, it probably is. If you can't handle it, it's probably not for you. Keep looking. There are loads of resources out there.