Ask a Yogi: How Do You Shake Up Your Practice

You’ve practiced with them on YogaGlo. You’ve followed them on Facebook. You might even take their classes in person once in awhile if they travel to or live in your city. But how well do you know our YogaGlo teachers? Ask a Yogi is back so you can learn more about our teachers by asking questions you’ve always wanted to ask.

From favorite poses and tips for beginners to deeper questions about how their practice has changed their worldview, our teachers will collectively answer a new question each week. If you have a question you’d like to “Ask a Yogi” let us know in the comments and we’ll add your questions to the list.

How do you shake things up when your practice becomes stagnant?

• Alex van Frank: When I find that my practice becomes stagnant I do a variety of things such as: visit other teachers, change where I practice, vary the style I practice, use unconventional props (for example a tricycle). If I feel that the stagnation is more mind-centered I will either sit with that feeling (because it will pass) or I revisit my practice with the eyes of a beginner, “how does it feel rather than what do I think of my millionth downward facing dog.”
• Amy Ippoliti: The best way for me to shake it up is to find others to practice with, adjust each other in poses, and challenge each other to try new poses or poses we haven’t done in a while.
• Carole Westerman: when I’m feeling stagnant I like to take classes on YogaGlo with a variety of teachers, I find a fresh voice brings a new perspective and appreciation to my practice. And taking beginners and Level 1/2 classes is always refreshing too, as it makes each pose seem so full of possibility.
• David Wagner: This may sound superficial, but I go shopping. I get new stuff. A new journal, a new meditation cushion, a new candle. Or rearrange and beautify the stuff that I already have. Sometimes it’s as simple as cleaning the area where I practice.
• Giselle Mari:  I take a YogaGlo class from one of my colleagues.
• Jo Tastula: Try something different! It’s so easy to settle into a routine that is comfortable but no longer challenging. Consider taking class from a different teacher and even a style that you wouldn’t ordinarily choose.
• Noah Maze: When my self practice gets stagnant, I go to a yoga class.  In just one class, my creative juices get going again, I feel super inspired, I get sore in different places than usual, and my habitual practice routines are reset.
• Steven Espinosa: Usually when my practice becomes stagnant it’s because of too much repetition and routine. Hearing the same instruction, doing the same sequences, etc. So when that happens, the best way for me to shake things up is to go take a class in a different style. Such as Kundalini, Iyengar or Ashtanga. If you really want to get crazy find a friend and go take an Acro Yoga class. That will really shake things up! Any one of those styles are guaranteed to give you a fresh, new perspective on the same old, same old.
• Taylor Harkness: Do other things besides yoga. Hike, climb, read, go to the beach, take a kickboxing class. If you’re only ever doing one thing– you’re going to get bored.
• Tiffany Cruikshank:  I like to try new teachers & classes, I often hop on YogaGlo myself.

source https://blog.yogaglo.com/2017/03/ask-a-yogi-how-do-you-shake-up-your-practice/