I do the full locust shown here 6 times weekly.
In its August 2013 issue, the Yoga Journal shares the results of a survey of its readers that measured how often they practice yoga More than one-third (37%) of the respondents stated that they practice daily. A good share, however, the majority, 55%, replied that they practice yoga a few times a week.
Hmm, what do they mean by a "few times a week?" The answer is important. Does that mean 3 or 4 times? Also, 4 % of the respondents stated that they practice once a week, 2% said they practice occasionally, .5% a few times a month, and an elite group (1%) of respondents reported that they practice twice a day (are those yoga instructors?).
For the yoga beginner, I would advise that you create a solid foundation for your yoga practice by getting down on your mat at least 5 times a week. No exceptions. To reap the maximum benefits, yoga needs to become an integral part of your lifestyle. It is difficult to make yoga a part of your lifestyle if you practice fewer than 4 to 5 times a week.
For the record, I practice 6-7 times a week and it is usually 6. I take off once a week to sleep in as an earned break.
But, the following morning, and the rest of the week I return right back to my practice. I have found that practicing virtually daily creates a type of anticipated routine in your body. I feel "unnatural" if I skip more than one day because the practice habit has become so well established in my body, mind, and spirit.
Don't scrimp on the benefits and rewards that yoga can provide. Commit to a regular practice of 5+ times a week. In the beginning, start with no more than 5 minutes a day and add 5 minutes a week until you reach 20-30 minutes daily. And, if you cannot do 20-30 minutes on a given day because life happens, squeeze in at least 5 minutes to keep yourself in the practice habit.
Yours for regular yoga practice,
Laura Venecia Rodriguez, the Yoga at Home Coach for Beginners
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