Already an expert?

Share your knowledge!

woman practicing yoga

Yoga

as a hobby

Yoga is a light, which once lit will never dim. The better your practice, the brighter your flame.

B.K.S Iyengar

Yoga is not just a physical exercise, it is also a fulfilling hobby that can bring immense benefits to your body, mind, and spirit. Whether you are looking to reduce stress, increase flexibility, build strength, or cultivate inner peace, Yoga offers a wide range of benefits for people of all ages and fitness levels. As a hobby, yoga can help you develop mindfulness, self-awareness, and a deeper connection with yourself and others.

On this page, you’ll find a wealth of resources to help you get started or enhance your practice, including informative articles, inspiring videos, helpful how-tos, and useful apps and websites to find classes and connect with other Yogis. So, whether you are a seasoned practitioner or a beginner, join us on a journey of self-discovery and transformation through the beautiful hobby of yoga.

Helpful content to start yoga as a hobby

We aim to provide accurate information, but errors might be found. Always exercise judgment and discretion.

📼 Videos

Short visual inspiration.

YouTube | What yoga does to your body and brain – Krishna Sudhir
What yoga does to your body and brain - Krishna Sudhir
YouTube | 22 Minute Full Body Gentle Yoga Practice for Beginners and Athletes
22 Minute Full Body Gentle Yoga Practice for Beginners and Athletes
YouTube | Yoga For Complete Beginners – 20 Minute Home Yoga Workout!
Yoga For Complete Beginners - 20 Minute Home Yoga Workout!
YouTube | 10-Minute Yoga For Beginners | Start Yoga Here…
10-Minute Yoga For Beginners | Start Yoga Here...

🎙️ Podcasts

Play an episode while exploring the page.

Spotify | Tips For Yoga Beginners
Spotify Embed: Tips For Yoga Beginners

Yoga is the most commonly used complementary health approach in the US.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

📜 Terms

Basic lingo for orientation.

  • Guru: A spiritual teacher or master who guides a student in the path of yoga.
  • Yogi: A person who practices yoga, especially with a high level of skill or knowledge.
  • Yogini: A female yogi.
  • Namaste: A greeting or farewell that means “the divine in me bows to the divine in you”.
  • Savasana: The final resting pose of a yoga class, also known as the corpse pose.
  • Asana: The physical posture or pose of yoga.
  • Pranayama: The practice of controlling the breath or life force.
  • Vinyasa: A style of yoga that links breath and movement in a flowing sequence.

How to start yoga as a hobby

First moves for getting acquainted and breaking the ice.

Follow a reputable beginner’s yoga lesson on YouTube. While you can do yoga without a mat, use alternatives such as carpets or towels, or make your own mat, none of these options is optimal for a beginner. So, consider buying a mat first.

Alternatively, you can watch the video without actively following along, just to gain a better understanding of what yoga involves and to prepare yourself for future practice.

📚 Books

Get read-y.

🪜 How-tos

Step-by-step tutorials.

📄 Articles

Further reading.

🌐 Websites

Go-tos for information.

Yoga can improve your mood, memory, and brain function.

🍿 Movies

Nothing like a film for inspiration.

YouTube | Awake: The Life of Yogananda Official Trailer 1 (2014) – Documentary HD
Awake: The Life of Yogananda Official Trailer 1 (2014) - Documentary HD

FAQS

Get a clue.

Is yoga expensive?

Yoga itself is very affordable. Yoga mats are available at most sporting goods stores, or online. Some yoga classes have fees, but many yoga styles can be done at home without special equipment.

What equipment do I need to get started with yoga?

All you need is a yoga mat and comfortable clothing.

Do I need a lot of strength or flexibility to do yoga?

No, yoga is for all fitness levels. There are yoga poses for every strength and flexibility range. Yoga is designed to increase your strength and flexibility over time in a gentle, gradual way.

Do I need to take a yoga class to get started?

No, yoga can easily be done at home. Yoga classes are not required to start practicing. There are endless yoga videos for all styles and skill levels available online.

What type of yoga should I start with?

As a beginner, you may want to start with a gentle, beginner-friendly style of yoga such as Hatha yoga or Vinyasa flow.

Is yoga only for women?

No, yoga is for everyone! While it may be more commonly practiced by women, there are many men who practice yoga as well.

📱 Apps

Smart assistance.

📦 Products

Essentials to have.

Courses

Get smart.

📍 Near You

Get together.

Yoga can help you sleep better, reduce stress, and lower blood pressure.

📬 Newsletters

Subscribe for inspiration.

💡 Tips

Additional advice for beginners.

  • There are many types of yoga. Explore and find the ones that feel best to you.
  • Listen to your body and respect your limits. Yoga is not a competition or a punishment. It is a practice of self-awareness and compassion.
  • Breathe deeply and mindfully. Yogic breathing helps reduce the risk of injury, allowing your body to relax as it moves through different poses.