How long do you think your yoga practice "should" be? The standard yoga class runs about 90-minutes, with some running about 60 minutes. Personally, I think that a yoga practice should include pranayama (breath control) and meditation as well as asana. That said, squeezing it all into a busy schedule can be tough. It's one of the (many) reasons I appreciate the Krishnamacharya lineage. We're taught to offer people short, economic, efficent asana sequences. No, yogis, you don't have to practice for hours at a time to receive the benefits of yoga.
When I create sessions for my clients, they are typically 20-40-minute practices. That way my clients can fit yoga into their daily lives. Without the time crunch, they're more likely to practice consistently. It's enough to make a yoga teacher jump for joy! How do I keep the sequences so brief? I build the practice around a client's goal, then I add some poses to help prepare for the goal and to counter strain and then come down from the goal. My own practice doesn't take all that long, so I have time to incorporate other things into my practice. And even though my practice is around 30-minutes doesn't mean that I don't make progress. I'm continually thrilled by the progress I notice in these short, efficient sequences.
If you want to dip your toe in the yoga pool, or you want to create a consistent practice but allow time for other practices, why not try shorter yoga practices? Here are a few resources to get you going:
I release you from the yoga-must-be-practiced-for-60-minutes-or-longer box. Feels good, doesn't it? Remember -- yoga isn't all about asana. Keep your asana practice efficient and use the extra time on other yogic tools such as meditation, chanting, pranayama. You'll be amazed by the transformation.
Namaste!
When I create sessions for my clients, they are typically 20-40-minute practices. That way my clients can fit yoga into their daily lives. Without the time crunch, they're more likely to practice consistently. It's enough to make a yoga teacher jump for joy! How do I keep the sequences so brief? I build the practice around a client's goal, then I add some poses to help prepare for the goal and to counter strain and then come down from the goal. My own practice doesn't take all that long, so I have time to incorporate other things into my practice. And even though my practice is around 30-minutes doesn't mean that I don't make progress. I'm continually thrilled by the progress I notice in these short, efficient sequences.
If you want to dip your toe in the yoga pool, or you want to create a consistent practice but allow time for other practices, why not try shorter yoga practices? Here are a few resources to get you going:
- Hip Tranquil Yoga Chick, author, studio owner, clothes designer, and non-profit queen Kimberly Wilson (and her adorable pug) offers a great brief yoga workout that is perfect for a wake-up sequence, a mid-day break, or winding down before bed. Click here for Kimberly's 6 Movements of the Spine practice.
- If you're a Kundalini fan and you're looking for a brief but energizing practice, Sarah Kline of Yoga Today fame offers a 10-minute routine that'll get your blood pumping. Click here to watch.
- If you're looking for a bit of a challenge, Sarah also offers an under 15-minute version of The Five Tibetan Rites. It is believed that this workout balances the chakras and prevents aging.
- When time is tight, I tend to go back to basics with Sun Salutations. There are many variations. Page 2 of this document illustrates three different versions. This version replaces the lunge with Warrior. If I'm feeling back stiffness, I like to expand Chakravakasana to include up and downward dog.
I release you from the yoga-must-be-practiced-for-60-minutes-or-longer box. Feels good, doesn't it? Remember -- yoga isn't all about asana. Keep your asana practice efficient and use the extra time on other yogic tools such as meditation, chanting, pranayama. You'll be amazed by the transformation.
Namaste!
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I'm with you on Headstand Om Gal. It's one of my favorite poses and perfect for a midday break. Often I'll recharge in Headstand or Viparita Karani. It reenergizes me and helps me get on with my day in a more relaxed and joyous way. Thanks for chiming in!
Posted by: Diane Cesa | January 29, 2009 at 04:34 PM
Hi Hannah! Thanks for contributed your wisdom. You bring up such a great point. Thank you for sharing!
Posted by: Diane Cesa | January 29, 2009 at 04:32 PM
Hi Catherine! You're very welcome. Enjoy!
Posted by: Diane Cesa | January 29, 2009 at 04:32 PM
Hi Flo -- Thanks for your comment. I completely agree. Going with the flow is key. I've found that so many folks need permission to practice in short bursts rather than long ones. I used to be that way myself. Thanks again for chiming in with your feedback!
Posted by: Diane Cesa | January 29, 2009 at 04:31 PM
When I'm pressed for time, I do an inversion- usually headstand. I find that it's such a potent, effective posture that even a little bit goes a long way. Immediately, I feel more balanced, grounded, and relaxed, simply by flipping my world upside down for a while.
Posted by: Om Gal | January 28, 2009 at 08:56 PM
I was looking for something like this. Thanks so much for sharing it...I will pass the videos on as well to my friends and family so they might feel inspired to try yoga...
Namaste and be well!
Posted by: Catherine | January 28, 2009 at 11:16 AM
Another great post. Teaching yoga at a gym, you almost always live by looking at the clock. Plus I have to say my 30min classes actually feel most rewarding. Proving whether it's 5mins or 60mins, taking time for yourself has no time limit.
Posted by: Hannah Elsebø | January 27, 2009 at 11:24 PM
Thanks for the suggestions.
I really try to fit in some practice daily. However, you have to go with the ebb and flow of life. I fit in longer practices when I can, but sometimes life doesn't allow for a 2 hour practice.
Posted by: Flo | January 27, 2009 at 09:57 PM