The 5 Best Yoga YouTube Videos for Beginners
ince its inception in 2005, YouTube has grown into one of the largest video-sharing platforms in the world. Content creators provide videos on anything from reviews to music compilations and recipes. Among the most popular subjects: Fitness videos. And among those, yoga stands out as the go-to destination for people looking to stretch their stiff muscles and tone up in the process. So, which are the five best yoga channels for beginners?
As a general rule, beginners can easily pick up yoga using YouTube, and there are a great many instructors. Keep reading. In this post, we will take a closer look at the five best YouTubers for beginners:
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Who is The Best Yoga Instructor on YouTube?
The five instructors that are listed above are the best YouTube channels for beginners. But what about the best instructor overall?
As with beauty, the ability to determine the best yoga instructor can lay in the eye of the beholder. After all, there are many things to take into consideration – what are you looking for in an instructor:
- A gentle, guiding hand?
- A motivator who’ll whip you into shape quickly?
- A peppy ball of energy?
- Someone Zen and laid back?
All of these preferences can impact just who you think is ‘the best.’ However, if we go by sheer viewership, the answer is easy.
With more than ten million subscribers, Adriene Mishler has the largest community of followers and top-rated content. In fact, when you type ‘yoga’ into the YouTube search engine, her channel Yoga with Adriene tops the list saying it offers quality content for yoga enthusiasts of all skill levels and ages. In addition, she offers a series of online ‘Yoga for Beginners’ and ‘Fundamentals of Yoga’ videos for those just starting.
If you’re looking for the top content creator and the person with the highest following, Adrienne Mishler is certainly the one for you. She also offers modules designed for mental peace, as well as weight loss.
In Adriene’s own words, her channel’s goal is: “Our mission is to connect as many people as possible through high-quality free yoga videos.”
The Five Best Yoga YouTube for Beginners
1. Yoga By Candace
Yoga By Candace is among one of the best channels for yogis. From a simple bedtime routine to a more energetic workout, yoga instructor Candace Cabrera’s channel offers it all.
Her simple and clear step-by-step guidance makes it easy to ease beginners into a yoga workout. Her videos range from 15-30 minutes in length, so beginners can choose just how much yoga they are up to on any given day.
In addition, Candace – who also owns a studio and is a best-selling author – offers a series of ‘yoga as therapy’ videos that explore ways to:
- Handle stress
- Aid digestion
- Create postural awareness using yoga
She also has an amazing series, Yoga as Therapy which explores de-stressing, postural awareness, and yin yoga for digestion.
2. Yoga With Kassandra
Kassandra’s Yoga With Kassandra might be the place to start for those looking for more zen in their workout routine. With more than 550 videos, her extensive YouTube collection will surely have something to appeal to anyone.
Specializing in Vinyasa and Yin yoga, Yoga With Kassandra offers relaxing and easy-to-follow content.
Her morning yoga sets will get you ready for a day full of positive vibes, and her bedtime routines will ensure a relaxed night of rest.
3. Body Positive Yoga
For a different approach to yoga, be sure to check out Amber Karnes’s channel, Body Positive Yoga. This channel is entirely free of judgment and pressure but full of motivation and ways to make yoga work for your body – no matter what shape you are in.
A self-described ‘big asana’ with a big heart, Amber Karnes shares how yoga has made a difference in her life and how yoga helped her with her body acceptance and empowerment. Body Positive Yoga is truly yoga for every shape, size, and level of experience.
4. Yoga With Bird
Francine ‘Bird” Cipollone’s channel Yoga With Bird boasts more than 200 hours of content from this certified yoga teacher. Bird intends to spread self-love and happiness to her followers through yoga and meditation, all with a gentle approach perfect for beginners.
Her videos also emphasize restorative yoga, and she adds new videos every week. If you’re looking to start your day out with a yoga routine, do not miss her morning yoga, as it will set you up for a peaceful day ahead.
5. Arundhati Baitmangalkar
Arundhati Baitmangalkar is not only a yoga instructor she’s also a former Bollywood dancer and choreographer – so her movements are sure to be fluid.
Owner of the Aham Yoga Studio in Washington state, she shares new content every week. Her channel, Aham Yoga, has something for anyone interested in yoga. From 5-minute into classes for brand-new Yogis to more advanced classes, you will find something to catch your interest.
She is also the host of her podcast Let’s Talk Yoga, with a lot of interesting content for yoga lovers or those who wish to learn more about yoga, its history, and many more fascinating topics.
(If watching YouTube videos helps you learn yoga, you should also check out the best yoga books for beginners!)
How Often Should I Do Yoga When Starting Out?
Now that you know where to go for the best YouTube Channels, as well as the best overall instructor, you might wonder – just how much yoga should I be doing? Is there such a thing as too much yoga?
On average, you can do yoga as often as you like – or rather, as often as your body will allow you to engage in your new workout routine. As with any exercise, it takes time to become accustomed to the moves. The more you do it, the easier it will become. Doing yoga 2-3 times per week when you start is a good way to ease your body into the workout.
Once you’re more experienced, an average of 2-5 times per week is recommended by more experienced Yogis.
However, the most important rule to remember is to always listen to your body. Every person is different, and what one beginner might perceive as easy, another might consider a challenge.
What Kind of Yoga Gear Do I Need for Yoga As A Beginner?
Having a channel to watch and an idea of just how much yoga you want to do is a great start. However, there’s another matter to address: how to get started and what materials you need to make the most out of your workout? Keep reading we have your answers!
- A good water bottle: One of the most important things to remember when working out, other than listening to your own body, is that it is very important to stay hydrated. So be sure to have a bottle of water with you. In keeping with the Zen approach of yoga, try to use a recycled, reusable bottle to eliminate plastic and waste.
- Comfortable clothing: A pair of stylish jeans or a sundress might look cute, but they are, of course, not the best choice for a workout. You will be much more comfortable in something:
1. Breathable
2. Comfortable
3. Stretchy - When visiting a yoga class in person, teachers often prefer you to wear something form-fitted so they can make sure your movements align with proper technique, but with YouTube, you can wear any comfortable attire you like.
- A yoga mat: You will be provided with a mat at most yoga studios if you do not have your own. While these are usually washed, having your own is preferable – especially if you work out at home using YouTube. While premium mats can be expensive, mats for beginners can be found for as little as $20.00. You may also want to research the best material so you know you are getting a yoga mat made of the best materials.
- A mat towel: As a beginner, you are not likely to sweat too much when you get started, but you will still want to make sure you have a towel close by. This is particularly true if you want to engage in a more energetic workout. These towels are great to prevent sweat from running into your eyes. A regular towel will work just fine, but absorbent yoga towels are also available.
Optional Equipment:
The items above are a good start for your yoga workout. However, if you find yourself turning into an eager Yogi, there are other aids you may wish to invest in the farther along your journey you go.
- Mat bags or slings: Once you are more used to doing yoga, you might wish to visit a studio – or do yoga with a friend at their home. If you do, these convenient accessories will make taking your mat with you much easier. Mat Bags from Mukha Yoga help you carry your mat completely covered and Slings with gravity cinch closure that allow you to roll your mat up and keep it that way while you throw it over your shoulder as you head out.
- Blankets or Towel: Yoga blankets can be used to assist with some of the moves that require lifting your hips. Additionally, they offer support when you sit cross-legged as they can be placed under your sit bones. This Yoga Towel from Mukha Yoga is great when having a sweaty session and still want a good grip with your mat. And be able to control your poses and your stands.
- Blocks: This Yoga block from Mukha Yoga is another great aid to improve your posture and alignment. They are very useful when you engage in standing poses that require your hands to be on the floor. If your flexibility level doesn’t allow you to reach the floor, these blocks help the floor come to you! They come in a variety of materials such as cork or wood and also come in various sizes.
- Straps: Once you are very comfortable and feel ready for another challenge, you may wish to look into yoga straps or belts. Yoga straps act as arm extenders, similarly to the way blocks work as a floor-extender. If you are in a seated position and reach for your feet but find them just a little too far away, you can wrap the straps around your feet to help keep your back straight during your pose.
Yoga Can Bring Balance To an Uncertain World
In these uncertain times when Covid-19 has caused havoc in many of our lives and interrupted previously cherished one-on-one or group exercises, YouTube has truly come to the rescue of those seeking to get moving and get fit.
With YouTube, you can explore yoga at your own pace and without the fear of catching a virus while trying to improve your health. In addition, following YouTube instructional removes the anxiety of stepping into a yoga studio in person for the first time.
It’s just you and the computer screen, so if you sweat, pant, or tumble over while attempting The Tree pose – nobody will judge you. You go at your own pace with an instructor you enjoy.
YouTube Yoga Take-Aways
In the privacy of your home, YouTube and its many instructors will help you get your yoga routine started – and once you are on your way, you are truly in control of where you want to take your workout.
The five instructors we highlighted are the best on YouTube, and you can meet with them in your living room, at the beach, or at your friend’s home – with YouTube instructors, you can practice anywhere you like.
