It's consistency in a yoga practice that keeps your mind and body balanced and tuned for a lifetime. But that's often difficult to achieve. With our over-scheduled busy lives, it can be hard to get to a studio even once a week.
Or, you get comfortable with classes at your local studio… And then you find your favorite teacher is leaving. Or even worse your local studio is closing. Or maybe frequent travel is your reason, or you're new to yoga and not sure about what to do, how to dress, or what it offers you.
In any case, these things hold you back from the wide-range of health benefits yoga offers
In the last few years, I've struggled with these same issues. So I set out to find an online yoga platform to fit my needs. I needed something flexible, yet I craved an intimate connection to a healthy community of yoga enthusiasts. Enter YogaDownload.
So then…Â I'd like to share my experience in an honest review so that you can decide if YogaDownload is right for you.
What is Yoga Download?
YogaDownload is a membership-based website with more than 1000 online yoga classes. They also offer some unique videos, including meditation practices, an impressive music selection and even online Teacher Certification. You can download a single yoga session for a reasonable fee or sign up for a membership.
All classes stream through your internet browser on any computer. Also, you can use television streaming services and game consoles to play the classes on your TV. Many members also stream the classes through their smartphones and other internet-enabled devices.
How it Works
At first, I thought it would take too much effort to find yoga practices that matched my skill level and interests. Then I realized how well YogaDownload organizes their classes.
I had so much fun searching through the listings and scheduling classes for weeks and months in advance! I can now plan my yoga sessions just as I plan my work schedule and other aspects of my life. And it's cool to see 4-6 new classes listed each week.
You can browse the classes using any of these filters:
- Yoga style
- Instructor name
- Length
- Intensity
- Channel
- Focus or Objective
The channels are collections of classes based on a core interest. There are channels for well-known teachers like Ana Forrest and Les Leventhal. There are also some unique channels like Outlaw Yoga and the Life Force Project.
Outlaw Yoga is one of my favorite channels. It's aim is to bring yoga to the people – all people – young and old, short and tall, skinny and fat, veggie loving vegans and carnivorous couch potatoes, fighters and lovers, soldiers and tree huggers! You get the idea… Everyone! 🙂
Regardless of your personality or your yoga goals… You will easily find classes that match your spirit or just your current mood. With easy designations for intensity and level, you can quickly find the classes that lead to your growth or health.
If you're new to Yoga, these classes were designed as a place to begin.
You can download or stream
You can purchase a subscription membership to stream your classes, or you can just order a one-time download.
YogaDownload offers a 1-month, 3-month, 6-month, or a yearly subscription. Additionally, each membership option offers free downloads, that enable you to keep your classes forever. The number of free downloads you get depends on your membership type.
YogaDownload is always available, so you can take a class anywhere, at any time of the day or night. If you want to repeat the class, either add it to your favorites list or schedule it for a specific date in the future. You can also go back to a complete list of all classes you've taken in the past.
My Thoughts
Honestly, I was a bit skeptical at first. I was already practicing yoga at home on my own. Also, I was so familiar with the classes at the local studio that I didn't see how online yoga could meet my needs.
But, I was wrong.
Maybe it's because it's inexpensive, or I don't have to rush to class at a specific time, or that I can practice in my PJs if I want, but I practice more often.
Besides the convenience and affordability, I get to practice with experienced, well-known instructors who challenge and inspire me daily.
Don't misunderstand; I love going to a studio to practice yoga. Embracing a community of like-minded yogi friends can be life-changing. And of course, on-line yoga doesn't allow you to hug your friends at the door. 🙂 Yet, it seems the world of online yoga is growing. Whatever the case, YogaDownload is working for me right now, which is good because I feel so much better when I practice regularly.
Pros
- Variety – Over 1000 classes available from 15 – 120+ minutes
- Well-known and experienced instructors
- More than 20 yoga styles represented
- Classes are suitable for all skill level
- Focuses range from relaxation to fat burning and strength training
- Weekly articles with great info & resources
- Some classes in Spanish
- Members leave class reviews to help guide other users
- Create personalized class schedules weeks or months in advance
- Plays through your internet browser or streams through most TV streaming services and game consoles
- Free 20-minute classes available through the app
- Inexpensive – Prices start at just $10 month
- Can practice anywhere, anytime from the comfort of your home
Cons
- Access is limited if you don't want to sign up for a membership
- You need a internet connection
- It may take some time to search through 1000+ classes when you first sign up.
Is this the Best On-line Yoga Platform for You?
I highly recommend YogaDownload to you if you're short on time, unable or unwilling to attend classes in your local community…or even if you just want to explore new yoga styles not available in your area.
Whatever it is that prevents you from a consistent yoga practice…You are likely to find classes that support your growth and healing when you join YogaDownload.
Plus, you can learn from some of the leading yoga teachers in the world. Most of us don't get to practice with sought after teachers like Ana Forrest, Les Leventhal, Shiva Rea, Sally Kempton or Katie Silcox… But they are readily available through YogaDownload.
Finally, consider you get to practice whenever and where ever you want. This enables you to easily make your yoga practice fit your lifestyle. YogaDownload allows you to remain consistent in your practice so you get the wide-range of health benefits yoga offers.
Check Out YogaDownload
NIce site, I love the whole look and thank you so much for the review. I am looking to further my health and physical well-being as well so I was checking out yoga. I am a Tai Chi practitioner myself. Is there any recommendation you would give to a beginner with disabilities such as back, foot, and shoulder? I was in a bad car accident some years ago, so I don’t get around or move so good anymore.
Thank you. I appreciate the feedback Ted. There are many classes and programs for beginners as well as people with disabilities on YD, Ted. Many classes specifically on healing back and shoulder. I’ll have to look for one on feet. There over 1000 classes. I’m still discovering. There’s even a class for those in a wheelchair!
I love meditation. I remember first time I did it. I set my clock for 10 min but I felt like it was only 2 after I was done. Such a nice sensation of well being I just can’t find enough words to describe. One question I have. Is it really necessary to do it at the same time every day or I can just do it whenever I want? My schedule is so unpredictable,I never know when I am able to do it.
Hi John, It’s just that if you do it at the same time every day, it build a habit, which means you’re more likely to stick with it. But if that’s not possible for you, just do it when you can. Just do it–For sanity’s sake! 🙂
Yoga has interested me for about fifteen years now. I’m now 65 years old and a male. You usually think of women doing yoga don’t you? But I’ve actually tried it several times, but haven’t been consistent. I also fight the “time” dilemma. I wish I had time for everything that I want to do. But I do realize that we seem to make time for what’s important to us. I do exercise all I can, and have for these past fifteen years at least. I just might get into yoga again, and this time stick with it. Thanks for the motivation.
Hi Jim, Actually, yoga traditionally was dominated by men. It’s only been a recent gender shift. But don’t let that get in your way. There are plenty of males that benefit from yoga. It’s especially important as we age to stay flexible and have good balance. Thanks for connecting. I appreciate it. My best to you and I hope you decide to pick it up again.
Flexibility is really a concern as you get older. I know, I’ve gotten there. I do have a friend who’s in his early 70’s though, and he teaches MMA. He can kick and flex like he was twenty. I guess because he’s always done this, that he has stayed flexible. I have a bad knee that needs surgery, so I have to be careful. I had a hip replaced about 5 years ago, and I just need to be careful which direction I bend that. But it feels like new. What a relief that was!. Talk to you again, Jim. PS, Maybe you’d like to visit my website, it’s http://howtohorsetraining.com/ See ya.
Thanks for stopping by Jim! I only started to practice yoga in my 40s, as a result I’m way more flexible than I was back then. (over 15 years ago!) I’ll definitely check your site out.