Q&AJ: How many times per week do I need to practice?
Short answer: As much as you’d like
Boom. Go get em’, tiger.
Longer answer: Unlike high impact exercises like running, yoga is a low-impact physical practice. Heck, it’s no impact unless you fall while trying to stand on one foot. This means there is little direct stress on your joints or bones from repetitive impact. Depending on the type of practice you have, you can practice every day. I know plenty of yogis who do.
Since yoga is very much about listening to the body, it’s important you are honest with what you hear. There is nothing wrong with going to class a few times a week. If it makes you feel good, do it. I can’t hammer down the bottom line enough here: Just Do Yoga. You can still run. You can still lift weights. You can still rack up 8 hours on x-box live, if that’s your thing.
I’d like to add another thing about honestly listening to the body. Yoga is wonderful, but if you are feeling a strange type of soreness, a lot of pressure on any part of your body in a certain posture, or any uncomfortable sensation for a long period of time, doesn’t be afraid to ask for help or more information. Often, all it takes is a little adjustment or realignment to make a world of difference. Practice accurate self-assessment, and be sure to talk your teacher or ask us here at AJ. We’re all here to help, you know.