Developing a routine; focus v.s. variety?

Yoga Discussion General Yoga
#1

Hello, I am new to yoga and I was browsing various poses in the hopes of developing a couple of simple routines to start practicing with. I had intended to develop a short routine for the morning and evening (one to energize, one to calm) and then a longer routine to practice one or twice a week.

My question is this; When developing a routine is it better to focus on one area of the body (including multiple routines over time that each benefit different areas) or is it better to include poses that benefit a variety of areas of the body?

There is particular area that I feel the need to focus on, I would like to improve all areas of my body.

As a side question; are there any poses you would especially recommend for either energizing or calming?

Thank you for your time and help.

#2

The best way to start is to go to classes where a teacher can teach you how to do the asanas correctly, safely and effectively.

Then once you know what/how to do then continue to practice at home as well.

Some people like to stick to the same routine for every practice such as Ashtanaga and Bikram…others like to have some variety…you need to experiment and find which way you like to practice.

As for working on whole body or just working on a specific area in a session…I like both…depending on my mood or needs that day…I may do a vinyasa type practice working on the whole body with strengthening as well as stretching…and another day I may spend most of the session just working on a specific set of asanas such as back bends or inversions…

If you are practicing several times a week and only want to do short sessions then it may be a good idea just to work on one specific area in each practice so that the whole body has been included over a week…if only practicing a few times a week then I would do a session for the whole body…

Your teacher will be able to teach you which asanas/ sequences to do for energizing and which for relaxing.

I like to include more strengthening asanas, standing asanas, balancing asanas, back bending asanas, inversions etc and work in a vinyasa type way for energizing practice and work much more slowly and include lots of forward bends, seated and lying down asanas for a more calming practice.

#3

Thank you very much yogacambodia, your help is greatly appreciated. I will keep these things in mind as I study.

Unfortunately, for the time being I cannot afford to take classes or join a studio and the only free yoga I know of ceases during the cold months. I know it sounds like an excuse but at the moment I am a jobless squatter so I must make due with what I can. I have learned to listen to and understand my body, I may not be able to get the full benefit of a pose but I believe I can avoid any harmful or injurious activity.

#4

Primarily Go with suggestions from some certified yoga teachers and later buy some DVDs of recognized Yoga instructor for your daily yoga practice. Also read some articles on yoga for yoga asanas as well as some Spirituality articles, Will also help you.

Share your thoughts.

#5

Hi PA

I would like to recommend a website called doyogawithme on which there are many different yoga classes short and long and to suit differing needs. I’ve used it after seeing it recommended on this forum and think it’s excellent. Best of all it’s free!! :slight_smile: