Yoga for fitness
I swear by yoga for fitness. Having tried all sorts of exercise over the years, it will always be the thing I feel the most benefit from.
I am as guilty as the next person of letting things go from time to time with my fitness programme. When I was working full time it was a mega struggle. By the time I had done the nine to five, fought my way home through the traffic, cooked the tea and cleared up there was little time or energy left for fitness.
However, having suffered with disc problems recently, I know how important it is to work at your fitness. I was off work for three months with a trapped nerve, which was so painful. There is no point in blaming myself, but I can’t help but feel that if I had been practicing yoga every day it wouldn’t have happened.
Get moving
Sedentary jobs zap your mental energy. They can also leave you with aching neck and back, tight shoulders and poor posture. You can feel physically exhausted without doing anything remotely physical.
I am a fully qualified yoga teacher. There are no good excuses for not exercising when you have studied how the human body works and understand the benefits of keeping active!
Now, it doesn’t matter how shattered I am, half an hour on my yoga mat each morning will revive and re-energise me, both physically and mentally. I know how great yoga makes me feel and yoga for fitness is a good choice for many people.
Fitness is important at any age, but as you hit middle age it really is a case of use it or lose it. As you age, it is harder to get back to full fitness once you have let it go.
The benefits of yoga for fitness
Yoga is a great activity for any age and fitness level. It also has the hugely positive side effects of relaxation and stress relief. Studies have shown that a regular yoga practice can reduce blood pressure, ease anxiety and depression and improve your balance (leading to fewer falls in old age).
It has benefits too for those struggling with conditions like ME, fibromyalgia, cancer, MS and arthritis. This is because it can be practised very gently, relaxes tight muscles, calms you mentally and doesn’t zap your energy.
If you look at the British Wheel of Yoga website you will find specialist classes alongside general ones all around the UK, as well as interesting articles on yoga. It is also a great exercise during pregnancy.
Getting fit for less
But this article was headed ‘getting fit and healthy for less’, so how to learn about yoga for fitness with no money?
The great thing about yoga is that you really only need a non slip mat once you have learned some basic principles and postures (I prefer the basic sticky ones
If your gym doesn’t offer yoga, ask them why not? They might start them if there is demand. You might as well get value for money! Yoga is a great exercise to do alongside running or the gym.
Yoga books for frugal fitness
However, if money is really tight, start with some books. Your local library will usually have a decent selection. Once you know what you like they are worth buying, as you will come back to your favourites again and again. Here are my recommendations on great books for yoga for fitness.
This is a nice book for a beginner as it’s not intimidating and you don’t need to be a contortionist! It is well explained with good illustrations.
Yoga for You (Healthy Living): A Step-by-step Guide to Yoga at Home for Everybody
This is another book by Tara Fraser. Again, lots of nice, clear images to follow alongside the explanations, plus a bit more background on yoga.
Yoga for the Stiffer Body: Inspirational Yoga Sequences Made Accessible for Real People
Does exactly what it says on the cover – great for those who think they aren’t flexible enough to take up yoga. One for your Kindle at a great price.
Yoga Over 50: The Way to Vitality, Health and Energy in Later Life
I bought this when I was about 40, so I ignored the title! Now that I am in my fifties, I am still using it.
It is a book for anyone with an interest in yoga. It is inspiring to see older people proficiently practicing yoga, but some are quite advanced. I like the sequences in this one so come back to it time and again.
Yoga Mind, Body and Spirit: A Return to Wholeness
This is a really comprehensive book for the keen yogi, with very well explained postures and great emphasis on correct alignment. This is an interesting read! I find this very inspirational to dip into when I am teaching and planning a yoga class.
Yoga: The Spirit and Practice of Moving Into Stillness
Another very full and comprehensive read, with instruction on yoga alongside meditation. For the serious student of yoga.
What next?
I could go on – I love reading books on yoga and have a whole shelf full of them. There are so many great books out there to start you off on your frugal fitness journey.
To get you started, I have a nice easy yoga sequence here.
You can also check out You Tube, but please find a beginner’s class rather than trying to tie yourself into a pretzel straight away! I hope you find yoga for fitness as effective as I do.
If you are interested in fitness on a budget, you might also enjoy this post.
This post contains affiliate links to Amazon UK. If you choose to purchase anything through one of my links I will earn a small commission. Many thanks!
Julia says
I found a great 15 minute morning routine on you tube that I did daily for about 9-10 months, until a 3-week holiday got in the way and I got out of the habit. Haven’t done it for over a year now. But I liked the way I could look up to see what I was the move was supposed to look like, and the commentary kept me focused /on track- eg remembering to breathe!
I really need to get back into the practice. First or last thing would probably suit me best as I could do it in my jammies. Once I’m dressed I’m loathe to get changed again, and once I’ve started my busy day, forget it!
shoestringjane@outlook.com says
Same – I do it first thing or not at all!
Su says
I do streamed yoga classes via Yogaia, not free but I think I paid £45 for 6 months, so not too expensive. I have to be honest and say Yogaia isn’t as good as it used to be but I still like it as you can do a variety of classes at a time to suit. I still can’t do flows though and don’t think I ever will be able to, sun salutation is totally beyond me!