As a yoga teacher, I’m always looking for new, creative resources for class themes, new asana flows, and inspiration. Thankfully, I have a wellspring of information at my fingertips through the World Wide Web. Yes, the Internet is more than just for porn (shout-out to one of my favorite Broadway musical songs from Avenue Q), and for me, cyberspace is a smorgasbord of yogalicious treats.
Perfect example: When I’m putting together a new class and need some assistance with teaching a new asana or breathing technique, one of my favorite go-to Web sites is Do Yoga With Me (DYWM). Here are just a few of the things I love about DYWM.
1) Three Words: free yoga classes! Say it with me…FREE online yoga classes. Do Yoga With Me has videos for yoga classes, explanations of poses, breathing techniques, and anatomy. The videos are all taught by experienced instructors, and new videos are added all the time.
2) Adult continuing education. Watching the videos on this site give me an instant refresher course on how to break down an asana for a beginner class. The majority of the videos are taught by David Procyshyn, who presents the content in a knowledgeable, unrushed, and calm reassuring voice.
3) Having trouble calming your monkey mind for meditation? Check out the guided audio meditations that will help turn off the chitta and get you relaxed.
4) Convenience. Before you watch a video, you can see what class level it is (e.g. beginner, intermediate, advanced), the length of the video, any equipment requirements, and a link to the teacher bio. I really like the “Play Preview” button that allows you to get a quick sneak-peek of the video content before jumping into a class. Another added convenience is that you can download most of the free videos to your IPod!
5) Content that speaks to me (and my aching neck and shoulders)! David has written about and created a video to help office workers relieve shoulder and neck pain. Although I don’t work in an office anymore, my biggest weakness is still shoulder and neck pain from sitting at my computer most of the day. If you only watch one video on DYWM, I highly recommend Office Yoga for the Neck and Shoulders. There is also a related blog post that provides several videos on specific routines that can be done to strengthen the shoulders, back, and neck.
6) Creating a community. The goal at DYWM is to build a community of people who love yoga and would like to share what they know with others who are equally excited about yoga. If you have a yoga video you want to share with the world or, better yet, sell to the world, contact Do Yoga With Me, and they may just feature your video on the site.
I will provide one warning before you visit DYWM: Make sure you set aside some time, because you will want to hang out for a while to check out all the awesome content.
Thanks, David, for putting together such a great online resource for yoga!
Do you have a favorite go-to yoga site? Please leave a comment with the details, and help promote the online yogi community.
Oh wow, I will check this out ASAP!!! I don’t have any fave sites really, I cruise around too much and there is sooooo much out there!!! I always like the Yoga Journal website of course. And there’s certainly lots to look at on YouTube. Then I google. Thanks for this Maria! And, love the new logo, it looks great!
Cathy
Great recommendation! I can’t wait to check it out. I like yogaglo. It is not free but I really enjoy the classes there. Plus, it is reasonably priced.
Peace
Wow, thanks for that link… love to have more resources and more YOGA!
I hit Twitter for inspiration from my friends and navigate from there. Or I pick up one of my many books, just flop it open, and see what’s there.
Also a great website is http://www.bemoreyogic.com!
Very good classes on stunning locations around the globe! They offer free classes as well.
I’ve recently discovered DYWM and joined their 30-day challenge. I’ve been practicing 12 years and I know my limitations (including an arthritic knee). If that were not so I might have overextended, even following the beginners level material on DYWM. As an inspiration for a home practice it’s invaluable, but it doesn’t replace class attendance with an experienced instructor in my opinion. But as an addition to such attendance DYWM is just wonderful. David and his colleagues are first rate.