This is my second year practicing yoga with my laptop screen and virtual Adriene by my side. Yep, this Youtube Yogi has obtained almost 2 million subscribers and it's not only because of her awesome yoga skills. Her support, her advice, and her hilarious, welcoming personality draws all of us in; whether you are a beginner, just testing the waters, or maybe you have been practicing for over 10 years, 'Yoga with Adriene' suits every audience. Here are just a few reasons why I am so happy I have found this yoga channel!
1. Yoga Camp & 31 Days of Yoga Revolution
Yoga Camp was Adriene's series of videos she uploaded every single day during the month of January 2016. 31 Days of Yoga Revolution is Adriene's current January 2017 series! These series are amazing for multiple reasons. First, they help you start the New Year off right, especially if one of your New Year's goals is to practice yoga daily. This is such a good way to start the year off right. Second, she offers a new mantra for each day to practice with. Could it get any better? Well it does, because she also sends out positive emails each day to go along with that mantra. Third, you can use this series to start off any month, or any week. You don't even have to do an everyday practice with these videos. Find a video with a mantra that resonates with you and just follow along!
2. They are all FREE & the length varies!
Don't even bother to buy that yoga DVD, or yoga video package online! 'Yoga with Adriene' is completely free on Youtube. You don't even need a Youtube account, but if you have one, I recommend that you subscribe to her! (All free!!) If you are a broke college student, this is perfect for you. If you aren't a big fan of attending public yoga classes, this is also perfect for you! Her videos also vary in length! She has quick practices that can range from 20-30 minutes, with effects on your body that really do go a long way. But, she also has videos that range from 50-60 minutes, which is also super beneficial if you are looking for a long, deep practice.
3. She focuses on more than just the posture.
If you aren't really familiar with the practice of yoga, then you probably don't know that yoga consists of three parts: meditation, Asana (postures), and your breath. A lot of people think that yoga is just about being really flexible and strong. Adriene's videos incorporate all three main components, so you can create the absolute best practice for yourself. She offers breathing techniques, variations for poses and arm balances so everyone can do it, and she always adds resting, relaxing postures to focus on meditation. This lady is awesome!
4. She's hilarious and never takes things too seriously, in a good way.
This is a really important point to me personally because throughout my journey with practicing yoga through her channel, Adriene was the person who really taught me to drop all judgement of myself; my thoughts, my postures, my practice, my flexibility, and to really accept where I am with everything. This is why I say she never takes things too seriously. She always reminds you to relax, to find your inner smile, and to honor yourself instead of get mad when you aren't reaching your expectations. She's also hilarious and will break out into song randomly. I noticed that over the years of practicing with her, I laugh more and more as I get more comfortable with just being goofy and not being so uptight on my mat.
5. She challenges you, but also honors patience and ease.
One of the biggest things that I have been taking away from her online practices are to be more gentle with myself, and with life. In her practices, we work on slowing things down and really feeling the sensations that occur throughout the journey, rather than just the destination of the pose/posture. But don't think she's too easy, because she will push you and kick your butt for the better!!! Some videos make me break into a sweat, and her supportive words always challenges me to push myself more than I thought I could handle!
Yoga is a huge component in my life that I am so grateful for. All of the times I have stepped foot onto my yoga mat, it has slowly changed and transformed me for the better. I am now conquering arm balances and poses that seemed impossible for me nearly a year ago. In the long run, my mind has never been more healthier and conscious than it is right now. I am so thankful for my yoga journey and thankful to have 'Yoga with Adriene' as an important, strong factor in my life, as well as thousands of other yogi's lives. Thank you Adriene!!!
