Yoga
Given its many benefits, it's no wonder that the 5,000-year-old practice of yoga has boomed in modern times. You don't have to travel to India, yoga's birthplace, to learn how yoga works to purify the mind and body. The Web boasts diverse resources for yoga that run the gamut, from where to find trend-worthy yoga clothing to excerpts from ancient philosophical texts.
Expand All Guide SectionsYoga Basics
Aside from taking a class from a qualified teacher, the best way for someone with a sincere interest in learning yoga is to do research. Use the following sites to get an introduction to yoga poses, yoga culture and the yoga community.
Dulcinea's Insight
- "Asana" means any of the postures associated with yoga.
- Yoga is also thought to have health benefits. For more information about your health and other fitness activities, see our findingDulcinea Health Web Guide.
Dulcinea's Picks
Yoga Basics
has loads of resources for the yoga novice. Start with "Yoga for Beginners" for guidance on how to begin a yoga practice, what you'll need to start and some general practice guidelines. You'll also find information on yoga postures, yogic philosophy, meditation and much more.
Yoga Journal
, the premier yoga magazine, includes excerpts from the print edition as well as online exclusives. An extensive story archive is a boon for beginners and advanced practitioners alike. This is the go-to place for authoritative coverage on the practice and philosophy of yoga, and video demos of poses.
Yogamates
provides an excellent introduction to the yoga community and modern yoga lifestyle. Listen to a podcast interview about a yogi artist, view photos and descriptions of poses or watch a video about meditation. Interactive, informational and social, this site can quickly become your go-to for yoga culture.
History and Types of Yoga
While the variety of yoga being taught is as diverse as the community of yoga students, most asana classes that are offered today trace their influence to a handful of teachers who studied from the same master but took different approaches to sequencing yoga postures. The sites below explore the history of yoga and explain some of the more common styles of yoga practiced today.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Most yoga classes teach the same basic yoga postures. However, differences in pace, sequencing, variations in alignment and breathing technique differentiate the teachings.
- It's easy to take a fast-food approach to yoga, but note that more advanced yogis tend to have practiced one form for years at a time, with highly experienced teachers.
Dulcinea's Picks
For the history of yoga ...
Yoga Basics
presents the history of yoga, from the pre-classical period to the modern period.
Daily Reading
may be a primitive site but it offers a breakdown of "The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali," the ancient sage upon whose teaching yoga is based.
The Bhagavad Gita
Web site covers "The Bhagavad Gita" text, considered the most renowned of the Yogic scriptures. View an illustrated version, listen to an audio version and read commentary on the text.
For the types of yoga ...
MedicineNet.com
describes hatha, bikram, kundalini and ashtanga yoga, the four most common types practiced in yoga studios and gyms around the U.S. Learn what each type of yoga entails, and the health benefits associated with each.
Yoga Site
explains how the different styles of yoga have a common lineage and presents 12 different styles with brief descriptions. Some of the styles link to external Web sites with more information.
Yoga Instruction
Good yoga teachers are not only skilled in yoga, they also possess clear communication skills and a sense of respect for the individual. A quality class will feel safe, be inspiring and respect your boundaries. Whether you want to take a yoga class or be a yoga teacher, the sites below can help you find a class, get online instruction or learn the educational standards required to teach yoga.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Online instruction is the next best thing to live clarification of asanas and sequencing. Many of the sites below include photos of postures and examples of sequencing; others take it up a notch with streaming video.
- There are various forms of yoga practice. To determine which practice suits you best, see the "Types of Yoga" section of this guide.
Dulcinea's Picks
For classes and teacher resources ...
Yoga Finder
has an easy-to-use search engine and is chock-full of yoga classes, events, retreat information and teacher training facilities.
Yoga Family
was designed for teachers and students with an intent to forge community. The "Yoga Directory" connects students with teachers and studios around the world, and allows teachers to list their services and find yoga conferences and organizations.
For online instruction ...
Yoga Today
is run by a crew of inspired yoga teachers from Wyoming who offer a free one-hour yoga class each day focusing on different asanas. The videos are shot inside and outside the studio. Classes are archived for later downloads.
Yoga Learning Center
is an online yoga studio offering streaming video, and boasting more than 50 yoga videos and audio sessions. After a free one-week trial, membership plans start at about $20 for a 90-day membership.
Yoga Cards
is a great site for the beginner as it offers printable yoga pose cards so you can learn the proper names for postures and devise your own sequences. Free registration is required to access some of the content.
For prenatal yoga classes and resources ...
Mamaste Yoga
offers prenatal yoga classes in Oklahoma, Ohio and Texas, as well as prenatal yoga teacher training. You'll also find PDF downloads with helpful advice on practicing yoga in pregnancy, basic routines for the first trimester, and more.
Prenatal Yoga Center
is located in New York and offers workshops and classes. If you don't live in the NYC area, don't miss the site's "Podcast Go" area for a collection of video demonstrations of various poses. The site also features a blog, health tips, medical advice, photos, testimonials and more.
For children ...
Global Family Yoga
is committed to bringing yoga's ethical principles to children. The site offers information on teacher training for those who want to teach yoga to children, and a blog with insights on the benefits of yoga for kids.
YogaKids
offers training and certification for teachers who want to teach yoga to kids, and has a searchable directory of teachers who are certified by YogaKids to teach children. You'll also find tools for in-school learning, and can sign up for free to receive the YogaKids "Pose of the Week."
For yoga organizations, regulations and standards ...
International Yoga Federation
sets standards for yoga teachers, therapists and yoga masters, making it a useful site for anyone interested in becoming a yoga professional.
Yoga Alliance
sets educational standards for teachers and drafts a code of conduct for teachers. It's a handy resource for those who want to teach yoga, and for those looking for a registered teacher or school.
Yoga Retreats and Conferences
Taking a yoga vacation or retreat is a great way to enhance your yoga studies and strengthen your practice. Read on to find yoga workshops, getaways and vacations in exotic locations around the globe.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Many of the sites recommended in other sections of this guide have areas linking to yoga retreat centers. Browse some of the other sites to discover even more vacation and retreat possibilities.
- If you can, sign up for a retreat with a certified teacher or someone with whom you're already practicing.
Dulcinea's Picks
Retreats Online
is a directory of yoga retreats worldwide. Browse the featured retreats near the top of the page or scroll down to find retreats arranged by month.
Yoga Site
has a directory of retreat centers around the world, and a workshop calendar arranged by month.
Yogamates
has an "Events" section brimming with workshops, conferences, retreats, announcements and more.
Yoga Gear
Yoga is one of the least gear-heavy physical activities. A good mat and comfortable clothing are all you need. Use this section to locate reputable yoga props and clothing manufacturers.
Dulcinea's Insight
- After reading through a few sites, you'll notice some top brands. Check brand sites and see if you can get a better price by buying direct from the manufacturers.
- For more information on choosing gear, see the findingDulcinea Product Reviews Web Guide.
Dulcinea's Picks
Gaiam
, the well-regarded eco brand, is an all-in-one shopping site with an extensive yoga and fitness retail store. It carries everything from exercise balls to its own line of DVDs. The company's products are tried and true, and environmentally aware.
Barefoot Yoga Co.
is the hippie sister of the yoga retail world; she may lack a bit of polish but delivers the exact goods you really need. Founded by a well-traveled, serious yogi, this site offers a tried-and-tested selection of mats, bags, clothing (including a section devoted to hemp clothing), accessories, jewelry and media. Wholesale and teacher discounts are also available.
Prana
is one of the most respected and sought-after brands of yoga clothing. Its artful online store is fun to shop and features a breathtaking photo gallery backed by an easy-to-navigate store of fashion- and function-conscious clothing.
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