How do you ‘do’ yoga long term?

[0verth1inker]

I’ve just started a block of yoga, 10 weeks for beginners. I’m really enjoying it, finding it so relaxing and want to continue. I know this sounds really silly but how does yoga work long term? Do you just book onto 10 week blocks every time again and again forever? They get booked up quite quickly here so if you miss it you’d just miss 10 weeks of your hobby? Or do people get all the kit and start doing it at home when they get better? Or are there yoga places you can join like a gym and just go as and when 2-3 times a week etc? It’s not cheap so just wonder how yoga people do it! Thanks :)

I do YouTube videos

Never been to a class

There’s yoga at my gym so I just go a couple of times a week.

There’s also loads of independents that will do PAYG usually about £6 a class

My DM does yoga and has done for years - she is now 88! She just books courses in 'blocks' of ten, once you become a 'regular' the teacher will often assume the same people keep on booking, my DM wanted to change to a different group (same teacher) but she was advised there were currently no vacancies in that group but the teacher would let her know when something was available.
But obviously it depends on what's local to you ... many sports centres/gyms have yoga you can book on a week to week basis.

I used to pay a monthly membership for unlimited classes in a yoga studio near me.
It was a good motivator to go to at least 5 classes a week or I felt I was wasting money.
I haven't rejoined though, just use videos or sometimes just basic 10 minutes stretching routines daily.
Could probably do with signing back up and getting my form corrected again but I'll wait till Spring now
If money is a concern then doing a "block" on and then 10 weeks of videos at home (Adrienne is starting 30 days of yoga in January again) then signing back up for another block might be an idea. You could use it as a goal to see how much more flexible you can get at home!

@PersonaNonGarter

I do YouTube videos

Never been to a class

Me too. I subscribe to Yoga with Adriene, and just cycle through her 30 days series. There are seven of them now, so you only repeat a class after several months. Although I also save the ones I particularly enjoy as favourites and go back to them if I’m looking for something in particular, like a slow one if I’m tired, or a short one if I’m running late.

I used to have a monthly membership for a class every morning (Mysore style ashtanga)

I go to my local leisure centre, there are several teachers and levels, and the teachers always give easier/more challenging variations. I book as and when I’m feeling up for it, started with once a week and now I’m trying to progress to three lessons a week.

I do ten minutes a day with you tube videos

Another Yoga With Adrienne follower here. I haven't been to a class before because I started doing it it lock down a couple of times a week. Since Jan 1st I've done yoga every day using her 30 day series or just picking out my favourites from other ones of hers. Not sure I could pick with courage up to go to an actual class, but I really enjoy, can't imagine not doing it now and love not having to leave the house to do it. Has helped loads with my running too ( wich I do leave the house for🤣)

Never been to a yoga class..I've learned a routine that works for me from YouTube videos (Adrienne and Five Parks) and so don't even refer to the videos anymore

I recommend trying different styles and definitely a few different 'in person' classes. Constantly doing it without a teacher watching you is really not the way to go if you want to develop safely. Marginal adjustments can make a huge difference. You can think you're folliwing instructions but a teacher is the best way to make sure you're getting the best out of classes and not risking injury. YouTube definitely has its place, it can be useful for getting extra sessions in between classes but it is not the complete answer.