My Month with YogaWorks: A Journey of Strength, Flexibility, and Inner Peace
Yoga has always been a part of my life, but like many people, I’ve struggled to maintain a consistent practice. Whether it’s the hustle of daily life, the lure of Netflix after a long day, or simply not wanting to leave the house, there have always been barriers. That’s why I decided to give the YogaWorks app a try for a month. I wanted to see if having access to a variety of yoga classes, meditations, and expert teachers from the comfort of my own home could help me build a sustainable practice.
Here’s a detailed account of my month-long journey with the YogaWorks app, including the highs, the lows, and everything in between.
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Table of Contents
Week 1: Finding My Flow
First Impressions
The first thing I noticed about the YogaWorks app was how user-friendly it is. The interface is clean, intuitive, and easy to navigate, which made it simple to jump right into my first class. Setting up my account was a breeze, and I was immediately impressed by the variety of classes available. From Vinyasa to Restorative, from 10-minute quick sessions to 90-minute deep dives, the options were vast.
Exploring the Variety
In my first week, I decided to explore as many different styles and teachers as possible. I wanted to get a feel for what the app had to offer and see which classes resonated with me. I started with a beginner-friendly Vinyasa class to ease into things. The instructor, Vytas, had a calming voice and provided clear, detailed instructions that made it easy to follow along. I felt like it was a class that was friendly for a variety of abilities, which I appreciated.
Next, I tried a HIIT Flow class with an instructor named Gustavo. Let me tell you, this class was no joke! It was intense, fast-paced, and had my muscles burning in the best way possible. I loved Gustavo’s energy and how he encouraged us to push our limits while also reminding us to listen to our bodies.
To balance things out, on most days I also completed guided meditations. I particularly enjoyed sessions with Ashley and Maya, and learned how to do box breathing. These meditation classes were exactly what I needed after the intensity of the HIIT flow and a busy work week! The intentional, grounding breathing exercises helped me relax and unwind. I found myself sinking into a deep state of awareness, and by the end of the class, I felt like a new person.
First Week Observations
One of the things that stood out to me during my first week was the quality of the teachers. Each instructor brought their unique style and personality to the class, which kept things interesting and engaging. I also appreciated the variety of class lengths and levels. Whether I had 10 minutes or an hour, there was always something that fit my schedule.
Week 2: Deepening My Practice
A Routine Begins to Form
By the second week, I started to establish a routine. I found myself looking forward to my daily sessions, which was a pleasant surprise. The convenience of having everything right at my fingertips made it easier to stay consistent. No more excuses about not having enough time or not wanting to leave the house.
I continued to experiment with different classes, but also started to revisit some of my favorites from the first week. I found myself gravitating towards Vinyasa and Power Yoga classes, as they gave me the perfect mix of challenge and relaxation. I also started incorporating some of the shorter meditation sessions into my morning routine. These quick, 5-10 minute sessions helped me start my day with a clear mind and a positive outlook.
The Importance of Variety
One of the things I love most about the YogaWorks app is the sheer variety of classes available. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned yogi or just starting out. I also appreciated the different themes and focuses of the classes. Some days I wanted to work on strength, other days I needed to focus on flexibility, and sometimes I just needed to relax and let go. The app had a class for every mood and intention.
I also noticed that the app frequently updates its content, adding new classes and workshops regularly. This kept things fresh and exciting, and I never felt like I was stuck doing the same thing over and over again.
Week 2 Challenges
While I was enjoying my practice, I did face some challenges in the second week. There were a couple of days where I felt unmotivated and didn’t feel like practicing. However, I reminded myself that the key to building a sustainable practice is consistency, not perfection. On those days, I opted for shorter, gentler classes, and I was always glad I did. Even a 10-minute stretch or meditation made a big difference in how I felt.
Week 3: A Shift in Mindset
Embracing the Mental Benefits
By the third week, I started to notice a shift in my mindset. Yoga was no longer just a physical exercise for me; it became a mental and emotional practice as well. The meditation sessions, in particular, had a profound impact on me. I’ve always struggled with anxiety, and taking time each day to sit in stillness and focus on my breath helped me manage my stress levels more effectively.
I also started to notice improvements in my sleep. I’ve never been a great sleeper, but the combination of physical activity and mindfulness practices helped me fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly. I began to look forward to my evening Restorative Yoga sessions as a way to wind down and prepare for a restful night.
Exploring New Teachers and Styles
In week three, I decided to branch out and try some classes with teachers I hadn’t yet experienced. One of the highlights was a Yin Yoga class. I had never tried Yin Yoga before, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. The class was slow and meditative, with long-held poses that targeted deep connective tissues. It was challenging in a different way than the more active styles of yoga, but I found it incredibly rewarding.
I also tried an Iyengar Yoga class, which was a completely new experience for me. Iyengar Yoga is a slower form of yoga that focuses on detailed positioning and form, and it was definitely outside my comfort zone, as I’m used to moving faster usually. However, I’m glad I gave it a try. The class left me feeling energized and uplifted in a unique way, and it was a reminder of the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone and trying new things.
The Value of Personalized Recommendations
One of the features I really started to appreciate in the third week was the personalized recommendations the app provided. Based on the classes I had taken, the app suggested new classes and teachers that aligned with my interests and goals. This made it easy to discover new content and keep my practice varied and engaging.
Week 4: Reflecting on the Journey
Building a Sustainable Practice
As I entered the final week of my month-long experiment, I took some time to reflect on the journey. I was proud of myself for sticking with it and making yoga a regular part of my life. The convenience of the YogaWorks app played a huge role in that. Having such a wide variety of classes available at any time made it easy to fit yoga into my day, no matter how busy I was.
I also noticed that my physical practice had improved significantly over the month. My flexibility had increased, my balance was better, and I felt stronger overall. But more importantly, I felt more connected to my body and more in tune with my breath. I started to carry that awareness with me off the mat and into my daily life.
Meditation and Mindfulness
Meditation became a cornerstone of my practice by the fourth week. I found that even just a few minutes of mindfulness each day made a huge difference in how I felt. I was more present, more focused, and better able to manage stress. I also found that I was more patient and compassionate with myself, both on and off the mat.
The Value for the Price
As my month with YogaWorks came to an end, I started to think about whether or not I would continue my subscription. The app offers a variety of pricing options, including monthly and annual plans. After considering everything I had experienced, I felt that the value for the price was excellent.
For the cost of just a couple of in-person classes, I had access to an extensive library of yoga classes, meditations, and workshops. The quality of the instruction was top-notch, and the variety of content kept me engaged and excited to practice. I also appreciated the flexibility of being able to practice at home, on my own schedule, but the ability to join live if I wanted to.
A New Chapter in My Yoga Journey
My month with the YogaWorks app was a transformative experience. Not only did I build a more consistent yoga practice, but I also discovered the mental and emotional benefits of mindfulness and meditation. The app made it easy to stay motivated and engaged, with its variety of classes, expert teachers, and personalized recommendations.
I’m happy to say that I’ll be making yoga a regular part of my life. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or just starting out, I highly recommend giving the YogaWorks app a try. It’s a fantastic resource for building strength, flexibility, and inner peace—all from the comfort of your own home.
If you’re ready to give YogaWorks a try, you can sign up for your free trial here.
So here’s to a new chapter in my yoga journey, and to all the future classes, teachers, and meditations that await. Namaste!
About the Author
Shannon is an outdoor enthusiast, small business owner, and registered running coach with a passion for wellness and strength training. A dedicated yogi, she believes in the power of mindful movement to enhance both physical and mental well-being. When she's not practicing yoga or exploring the great outdoors, Shannon enjoys sharing her experiences and insights to inspire others on their own wellness journeys.