Notes from Nam
Quick reads about Yoga, wellness, motherhood & more! From Nam, to you.
How much Yoga do you really need each week?
By Nam
After a few weeks or months of going to classes, you might be wondering - Should I be doing more Yoga? How much Yoga should I be doing?
These are good questions to ask your Yoga teacher as you’ve come to a point where you’re feeling the benefits. You want to improve and you want to “do it properly”.
To answer your question: There isn’t one solid number. I’m eye-rolling as I type this (how is this of help? We need answers Nam!). Stay with me though, there are some things that we can discuss to help you get to where you want to be.
In all honesty, the right amount of Yoga you need per week is based on your current life-style, physical and mental health, your needs and goals.
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For some people:
Once a week is enough to maintain strength, mobility and that mental reset. It helps you to connect with yourself once a week.
Twice a week is where you’ll usually start to notice more consistent changes in strength, mobility and confidence.
Three times a week can deepen progress. However, I would recommend alternating styles of Yoga. On the days you have more energy, more physical classes such as, Hatha, Vinyasa or Ashtanga. Then on the days of the week you are more tired and need headspace, book gentler classes.
It’s very important for me to mention, more isn’t automatically better. Especially if you’re juggling work, family, training, hormones, stress and all the other things life likes to throw at us.
Yoga is not something you need to “keep up with”. It’s something that should support you.
It’s also worth asking yourself a few gentle questions:
Am I wanting to do more because my body feels good… or because I feel I should?
Is my nervous system calm… or do I feel constantly wired?
Do I need more strength right now, or more softness?
For some seasons of life, once a week is perfect. For others, twice feels ideal. You might notice you feel more grounded, more mobile and stronger.
If you’re constantly sore, picking up little niggles, feeling irritable, exhausted or starting to dread class, that’s usually a sign your body needs integration, not intensity.
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Also, a full 60-minute class isn’t the only way to do Yoga.
Five minutes of stretching before bed counts.
Ten minutes of doing flows/sequences count.
A few deep, mindful breaths in the car absolutely counts!
Consistency beats intensity. Every time.
So the real answer is...
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The amount of yoga that leaves you feeling stronger, steadier and more like yourself.
Because the best practice isn’t the busiest one.
It’s the one you keep coming back to.
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