How Often Should You Do Yoga?
Yoga is one of the most popular methods of exercise. Many different types of yoga have a variety of benefits. Given how popular yoga is, it can be challenging to know how often you should do yoga.
Keep reading to learn about the different types of yoga and how often you should do yoga for other goals. By the end of this article, you should have a much better grasp on your yoga practice.
What Are Your Goals?
Before deciding how often you should do yoga, it is vital to understand your goals. Different types of yoga are geared toward other purposes, so choosing the right style for your specific needs is essential.
You should decide if you are more interested in losing weight, strengthening your muscles, improving flexibility, or reducing stress. Your goal will help you decide what type of yoga you should pursue. It is also important to remember that no matter your destination, the more often you do yoga, the sooner you will reach your goal. If you don’t have a destination in mind, yoga can help with that, too!
Different Types of Yoga
Many different types of yoga are available, each with its unique benefits. Some of the most popular include Hatha, yin, and vinyasa.
Hatha yoga focuses on the physical practice of yoga postures and breathing techniques. This type of yoga can help improve flexibility, strength, and mental clarity.
Yin yoga is focused on the longer holds of postures that target connective tissue in the joints and muscles. This type of yoga is ideal for those looking to improve their flexibility, reduce stress, and relax the mind.
Vinyasa yoga is the more dynamic form, usually involving a heightened focus on breathing techniques. This type of yoga can help you improve flexibility, strength, and balance.
So how often should you do yoga? The answer depends on your goals and what type of yoga you pursue.
How Often Should You Do Yoga for Beginners?
If you are new to yoga, starting and building your practice gradually is essential.
For beginners, we recommend doing yoga 1-2 times per week because it will allow you to build strength and flexibility while giving your body time to rest and recuperate.
As your practice grows, you may consider adding additional yoga days. However, it is essential not to overdo it, as this can cause injury and fatigue.
How Often Should You Do Yoga for Weight Loss?
To be clear, weight loss is never a goal of yoga at Yoga for All Humans, rather a side effect of the more active practices we offer. We believe that everyone has a right to feel comfortable in their own body regardless of weight, and we’re here to support you on whatever journey you choose to be on.
If your goal is weight loss, you may find that doing yoga every day can be helpful. The key to using yoga for weight loss is consistency and regular practice.
Yoga is a low-impact exercise that can help burn calories and reduce stress. You can commit to a consistent routine and see results faster by doing yoga daily. Daily sessions of at least 30 minutes are a great way to start. Vinyasa-style classes are the best for weight loss. Hatha yoga is also beneficial for weight loss.
However, it is crucial to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard. If you start feeling sore or tired, take a break and return to your practice when you feel stronger.
How Often Should You Do Yoga for Reduced Stress?
If your goal is to reduce stress, you may want to do yoga every day.
Yoga can help you reduce stress through its calming and conservative nature. By doing yoga regularly, you can create a consistent routine that helps you manage stress in your life. If your goal is to manage or reduce stress, you can accomplish this in as little as 15 minutes per session. Daily yoga doesn’t have to be 30-minutes or an hour!
Alternatively, you can practice yoga anytime you are starting to feel stressed. When you feel your stress levels building, striking a yoga pose can help you return to your center.
How Often Should You Do Yoga to Improve Flexibility?
If improving flexibility is your goal, you may want to do yoga a few times per week. Flexibility is one of the foundations of yoga, and improving your flexibility through regular practice can help you reap all of yoga's benefits. Yin Yoga and Hatha Yoga are great for building flexibility.
However, it is essential to remember that flexibility takes time and patience. If you struggle to maintain a regular yoga practice, try setting smaller goals, like practicing once or twice weekly. It’s also important to remember that flexibility varies per person. The only person you should compare yourself to is yourself.
How Often Should You Do Yoga for Chronic Pain
Many people start practicing yoga to manage chronic pain. Yoga poses can help strengthen specific muscles and provide a sense of mental calm, which can ultimately help to relieve the symptoms of chronic pain.
For those with chronic pain, we recommend doing yoga a few times per week. These sessions should last at least 30 minutes, allowing you to practice consistently and build on your progress over time. Be sure to consult with your doctor on your limitations for your condition. Also remember to never push yourself into any unnecessary pain when practicing.
Ready for Yoga Class?
At the end of the day, how often you do yoga is up to you. It all depends on your goals and how you best respond to the practice.
Whether you are new to yoga or a seasoned practitioner, remember to listen to your body and practice with intention. You can enjoy all that yoga has to offer with consistency and balance!
If you are ready to start your yoga journey, sign up for accessible yoga classes with Yoga For All Humans today and start feeling your best.
Author - Derek Haigler
Founder of Yoga for All Humans