Yoga X from the P90X Workout Schedule was the first contact I had with Yoga. While I expected something completely different (the X should have been a hint though..(no not what you think!)) and while I still have a love/hate relationship with that particular part of the workout schedule, it unmistakeably had the biggest impact on my fitness and life in general.
It is quite easy to have bad form while working out. That is true for any kind of exercise even running but even more so, it’s true for Yoga. If you are like me and don’t have the luxury of having a personal Yoga instructor, a class nearby or are a total beginner, then you probably were wondering throughout the exercises if you are doing it right.
While the pointers given during the workout are ok, they are definitely not enough to make sure you do the poses as they are intended to be in every little detail. On my constant search to correct my own short comings, balance issues and work on my weak areas I came upon several sites that helped me immensely with my self education at home. Two of them have grown very fondly on me. Maybe you will find them helpful or at least interesting too:
- YOGAGLO.COM
This site has some great pose explanation videos which explain in detail what you have to look for and how to align yourself to properly get into most of the poses you will do in P90X (quite handy!). It explains about some types of Yoga or you can also take actual video classes (for which you have to sign-up and pay a monthly fee however) for a wide range of different Yoga styles from relaxing and stretching to flowing or power flowing Yoga. The Poses explanation videos and some other helpful things are open for public viewing.
My personal favourite: The beginners series of Power Vinyasa Flow (last on the page) which shows you in detail how to do a proper sun salutation as done in Yoga X. Including breakdown, proper alignment, flowing from one pose to the other and how to properly breath. Unfortunately you have to subscribe to the site to see the whole series but it’s a very detailed breakdown of most of the important poses and flows you do during Yoga X.
- YOGAJOURNAL.COM
This, for me, is the best Yoga resource I can think of. There is nothing I was looking for I didn’t find on this site. There are in depth descriptions of every Pose, its benefits, dangers, possible alternations, beginner tips, variations and much more. You’ll find a big download area with both audio and video downloads on whatever you may think of: Specific Programs, specific problem areas and specific focus. Special Blogs and much more. The site has so many different aspects that you just have to check it out for yourself.
My personal favourite: The fact that each pose comes with a whole set of explanations. I tend to look up a pose I tried and had issues with and then can figure out what the trouble maker might be. I managed to access quite a few problem areas I am now actively and more consciously working on during my workouts after checking poses and the many additional information you can find to go along with the description.
I treated myself to a subscription to yogaglo.com and haven’t regretted that decision. While the beginner series of Power Vynasa Flow really helped me understand what to look out for during Yoga X, I also really enjoy using some of the Yin classes to work on my very tight hip flexors and glut muscles on off days or in the morning. It’s also a lot of fun to take a peak at some of the crazy arm balances they teach (I am currently working on some of the “against the wall” easy poses which is a lot of fun).
I find that both those sites are interesting even if you don’t do P90X Yoga. Both resources are great to either just inform yourself about Yoga, or even try some relaxing Yoga on your own at home if you try out Yogaglo.com. Obviously the best solution would be to attend a local Yoga class and have proper instructions including teachers but sometimes that might not be possible or affordable 🙂
