At this point, you probably feel like you’ve heard the phrase “new normal” about a million times. Well, maybe close to a billion times. We doubt you have an accurate count, but let’s just call it like it is: we’re all getting sick of hearing about the so-called new normal.

With things changing around us constantly, it’s impossible to even guess what a longer-term new normal is going to look like or to anticipate what we each need to do to adjust to that state. 

Here’s one thing that can be a constant in these wild times: at-home yoga. 

at home yoga

That’s right, guys — it can be a constant. And doesn’t it sound really appealing to have a constant right about now? Especially one that can make you feel so darn good?

Don’t quit on wellness during COVID!

When life is in a state of chaos, it can be tempting to give up on certain healthy habits. We can all be honest and admit that we’ve used having a rough day or feeling stressed out as excuses to skip out on a workout. And since the whole world has felt like it’s stuck in an endless pattern of rough, stressed-out days recently, it hardly comes as a surprise to us that plenty of people have put their fitness regimens on hold. 

It may not come as a surprise, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only way. In fact, there’s a much healthier way to adjust to this new normal! And at-home yoga — whether it be a beginner yoga class or a cardio-infused power yoga flow — is a major part of it. 

Let’s get something clear about at-home fitness…

Making exercise and other healthy habits a consistent part of the routine during periods of stress and uncertainty is hugely important. Why? Because fitness — including at-home yoga and other types of full-body workouts — is absolutely key for your mental health. 

We’re big advocates for tending to your mental health even when everything in the world is chugging along and hunky dory, so yeah… we’re pretty much superfans of it for the moments when it feels like the world is kinddddd of falling apart. Like right now. 

 

Working out is good for your mental health!

Let’s look to Healthline as our trusted source here! It’s the world’s fastest-growing health information site and reaches over 250 million people monthly. The experts there know what they’re talking about when it comes to physical and mental health. Healthline’s Medical Affairs team is headed by Dr. E. Hahn Lee, and she “brings her years of clinical and healthcare technology experience to help consistently create high-quality, empathetic, and engaging content and products that uphold the highest medical integrity.”

Not sure if this “new normal” is the right time to really focus on at-home yoga?

 

full body workouts

 

Why you should consider online yoga

  • At-home yoga decreases stress levels. By decreasing the secretion of the primary stress hormone in our bodies (which is called cortisol), at-home yoga can decrease your stress! Multiple studies of different populations have proven that people have significantly lower levels of cortisol after integrating a yoga program into their routine. 
  • It lowers anxiety. While it’s less clear to researchers why a yoga practice reduces anxiety, it’s clear that it does… and we’re here for that. In study after study, people who practiced yoga reported less anxiety over time. 
  • It can fight depression. Healthline notes that this may be as a result of the way yoga affects cortisol level (see above!).
  • Sleep is good for you! And since Healthline confirms that yoga can promote sleep quality, you can be sure that making at-home yoga a priority in your life can have a positive impact on your overall wellness. Everything’s easier to manage when you have more sleep on your side, don’t you think?
  • It can strengthen your immune system. We’d bet big money that you’re in the market for ways to make your immune system as strong as possible. Along with a healthy diet and plenty of rest, exercise is a key element for immunity. 
  • You’ll have better posture. Over the last few months, you’ve likely spent more time indoors and sitting down than you have in the past. And you don’t want your posture to suffer! Doing plenty of yoga poses at home will help you avoid the aches and pains that come with poor posture. 
  • Bottom line: it will improve your quality of life. A variety of studies have shown that at-home yoga boosts overall quality of life for people of all ages and backgrounds. Doing a home yoga workout can really boost your happiness

All of those mental health benefits of at-home yoga are more important than ever when things around us are in flux and we’re working to adapt to a new normal. 

Doing at-home yoga is advantageous because, well, it’s at home.

 

The extra benefits of working out at home

  • In the new normal, most of us are spending a lot more time in our houses and apartments. Doing online yoga allows you to get an awesome workout in the comfort of your own home. You won’t have to sacrifice a great sweat session because you’re trying to stay safe at home… because you can hit the mat for power yoga at home
  • In the new normal, our schedules are a little funky. We’re helping kids with remote learning and Zoom-ing in to meetings and doing everything at weird times. Having flexibility in your workout schedule is absolutely essential. You can work out whenever you want. Plus, some online yoga classes are as short as 12 or 13 minutes, so you can really make the most of the pockets of time you have available to you.
  • With so many things unknown in the world around us, it’s hard not to crave the comforts of home. We have a feeling you’ll be more likely to stick to your workout schedule if it doesn’t require you to constantly leave the house. You won’t make excuses and skip your fitness sesh if you have easy access to your cozy slippers and favorite TV show as soon as you’re done on the mat. 

If online yoga or working out at home is new for you, it may take some time to adjust. But trust us — you’re going to totally embrace at-home yoga.

 

How to maximize your at-home yoga routine

 

#1) Start from the beginning

best full body workout

This might sound like a no brainer, but it never hurts to begin as a beginner — in anything you do! Experts recommend that yoga beginners start off with easy classes, but there are plenty of yoga styles that can work for beginners to the practice. Getting into the groove with at-home yoga for beginners will get you into the habit of doing yoga at home during this weird new normal… and soon you’ll be addicted. 

 

#2) Get yourself a custom workout plan

No matter what your specific fitness and wellness goals are, we can pretty much guarantee that one of our at-home yoga plans will address them. 

There are custom plans based on your mood, your fitness level, and your experience. Each plan lays out exactly which online yoga classes you need to take over the course of a designated period of time so you can ensure that your in-home yoga is giving you what you want and need from your fitness regimen.

 

#3) Find an accountability buddy

yoga at home

If you’re still figuring out how to make fitness a regular part of your routine during our new normal, you might consider inviting a friend or loved one to help you out. Share Bulldog Online with them and commit to keeping each other posted about the at-home yoga classes you’re doing. 

Remember: your accountability buddy doesn’t have to be an experienced yogi. We can all be beginners together with online yoga classes! 

 

#4) Hang out in your comfort zone

One of our favorite things about an at-home yoga workout is that it puts you right in the middle of your happy place for your exercise session. Find a place in your home that makes you smile and set up your mat there. You don’t need a lot of space for an online yoga class — just enough room to move your limbs around! — and as long as you have access to a streaming device from there, you should be all set.

 

BONUS: Once you’re comfortable, start challenging yourself

Check out the Jump-Start Challenge Video Playlist to take your yoga and health game to the next level 💪

 

We’re here for you!

We know times are tricky, bulldoggers, and it’s hard to know what’s coming next. But we’re here to support you in this new normal and beyond. We’re confident that at-home yoga is going to make that new normal much happier and healthier. Plus, it’s a lot of fun!

 

>>> Check out online yoga for yourself today.