Advancements in technology have led to massive changes in the way we live our daily lives. And while too much screen time has caused it’s own problems, technology has produced some positives for those who want to improve their yoga practice.
Smartphones have made getting a great yoga workout a possibility for anyone. You don’t need to spend a bunch of money and travel great distances or adjust your daily schedule to participate in a class that will produce the benefits your are looking for.
Many of today’s top yogis offer tips, motivational posts, and even complete workouts via their social media accounts. This means that anyone with a Smartphone or tablet and an internet connection can reap the incredible benefits of yoga right from their living room!
Also, in an advanced class inside of a crowded studio it can be easy to get lost or overwhelmed. Struggling to keep up with the crowd and instructor can produce stress and rushed, sloppy poses - which is the exact opposite of what you are trying to achieve in your yoga practice.
Technology has helped us dial in our form in a number of ways. Firstly, with access to screens, you can get one on one instruction with some of today’s most skilled teachers. You can pause, rewind, replay at will until you have each pose and transition perfected. This allows you to move through your routine without breaking concentration to consider your form.
Secondly, there are now mats, pads, and tools that help you find your perfect hand and foot placement for each posture. Combine this with the level of instruction you can now get right in your living room and you are set up for a flawless routine each and every time you get on the mat.
Before technology took over, we were at the mercy of our location when it came to picking out a studio or teacher. No that yoga is accessible right from the device in your pocket, you can pick the style of yoga you want to perform and the instructor you want to learn from.
It no longer matters what discipline you are interested in practicing or where the closest reputable studio is. You can practice Power Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Hatha, or even Yin Yoga right from your home or a local park and experience the same amazing benefits as if you’d travelled to a studio for your session.
This may not be the way you envisioned learning and practicing yoga, but there is no denying that the power of technology has crept its way into every area of our lives - including our yoga practice. And while technology isn’t a requirement for performing yoga, having access to the latest tech certainly does have some benefits for today’s yogis. To learn more about how technology is affecting yoga, check out this infographic:
