Fast and Free Yoga Workouts Online
Yoga has many benefits. A regular practice can lead to increased flexibility and strength, greater concentration, improved posture, larger lung capacity, a sense of calm, decreased blood pressure, and so forth. However, between work and personal commitments it can be hard to set aside 60 to 90 minutes for a regular yoga practice. Thankfully, there are many short yoga workouts available online -- and what's more, they're free! While a short yoga session cannot fully replace an all-out yoga flow, incorporating a regular brief flow into your day can still lend many of the same amazing benefits of a longer practice. Check out some of these free yoga flows currently available on the internet.
YogaDownload's Jivamukti Class
YogaDownload.com
One of my favorite sources of fast and free yoga online is YogaDownload. As described on their website, "YogaDownload provides audio-only, slide-show and video files of top-quality guided yoga classes and meditations, yoga music and other fitness workouts. Each class is accompanied by professional music, and can be played on your iPod or other mp3 player, CD player, computer or compatible cell phone."
At YogaDownload, would-be yogis can download classes of various lengths and styles to practice at home. From power yoga to hatha yoga to classes with focus on the abs or glutes to yoga with weights, this site seems to have it all. Users can opt to purchase a subscription to access the long classes, but most of the classes have a 20 minute version available free of charge. I use YogaDownload regularly, either on its own or as a supplement to my daily workout. I recommend classes taught by Dawnelle, and the following in particular:
YogaDownload's classes are vigorous and engaging and they rarely disappoint.
Sadie Nardini on DVD
Core Strength Vinyasa Yoga
Another online yoga instructor who delivers a powerful class in a short amount of time is Sadie Nardini. Based in New York City where she teaches at her SoHo studio, The Fierce Club, Nardini is the creator of the core strength vinyasa style of yoga. This type of yoga delivers a flowing, energetic class with a focus on generating all movement from the core and abdominals. For those familiar with yoga jargon, Nardini describes core strength yoga as "a style of yoga that incorporated the rigor of Ashtanga, the creative flow of Vinyasa, the inner body science and energetic waves of Kundalini, and the life-affirming essence of Anusara."
I have done Nardini's free online classes and also own her one of her DVDs, and I am a huge fan. She never fails to deliver a class that makes me sweat and my muscles work. Nardini's classes are an especially good option for a short practice because her workouts are efficient. She utilizes the time spent on the mat to yield maximum physical results. What's more, Nardini's sass imbues a tough workout with lightness and fun -- even while your muscles are trembling with exertion.
Check Sadie Nardini out on YouTube, especially her powerful 30 minute Weight Loss Yoga series. Her irreverently fun practice made just for Perez Hilton is also not to be missed.
Polly's Yoga for Yummy Abs
Yoga is Yummy
Want yoga that's fast, free, fun, and taught a super-sweet yoga guru? Then you must visit Polly at yoga is yummy. Polly used to be a hardcore runner, but when she discovered yoga she traded in her sneakers for a yoga mat and has been a yoga-only gal ever since. In addition to teaching private yoga classes in her home and a weekly public class at a local studio, Polly posts short and sweet 10 minute flows on her website.
And I do mean sweet. Polly is quite possibly the sunniest woman on the planet. Don't believe me? Just check out her blog -- she writes with simplicity and honesty about deep topics, and always finds something to feel blessed by. She is one of the few openly Christian yoga teachers that I know of, and while she does reference her faith, it never feels heavy-handed or forced. Polly is genuine in all ways, and her yoga classes really do feel yummy.