I love yoga.  Yoga might be my favorite form of exercise, even though I do cardio because I have to in order to eat more than celery all day.  But yoga is my workout of choice.  I was first introduced to yoga during a dance class my freshman year of college, and ever since then, it’s been a staple of my workout routine.

My problem is, I don’t always have the time (or funds) to get out and take a yoga class.  While I would agree with most instructors that taking a class is preferable so the instructor can offer corrections, et cetera, often I do not have the opportunity to get to a studio.  Even though there are a million of them in LA.

In 2006, David Procyshyn, founder of Canadian-based Do Yoga With Me, began recording his own instructional videos to put online.  The site expanded as more instructors became involved and more students found the website.  Do Yoga With Me lists as a commitment to the yoga community that they will do their best to maintain free access for the worldwide yoga community.  Awesome, right?  The website features classes ranging from Beginner to Advanced, with classes from 0 to 90 minutes.  The video page allows for searches based on parameters such as level, length, and instructor.

Just in case that isn’t enough, there are yoga challenges that are put together by the instructors.  I’m currently in the middle of the 30-Day Transform Your Life challenge, and I’m amazed at how much my strength and flexibility has changed in the last 22 days.  There are also specific pages on the site that have videos demonstrating Pranayama, or yoga breathing exercises; yoga tutorials, which focus on subjects like how to prevent knee injuries in pigeon pose and how to activate your pelvic floor; and a Meditation section which houses a score of meditation videos.

First Impressions

I can’t remember how I found Do Yoga With Me.  Perhaps I was doing a search for free yoga classes or online yoga classes.  At any rate, this site has been a godsend.  The instructors are great, the videos are easy to follow, and I’ve learned a ton from making my own adjustments.  I’m not sure how good of a tool the site would be for someone who has never practiced yoga, as I think the classroom instruction is definitely essential.

Experience

I think for someone who has been practicing yoga for years, this site is an incredible tool.  Best of all, I can take it with me when I travel (which isn’t that often, but still, being able to take your yoga instructor with you wherever you go is pretty great). I love the backdrop of the outdoor videos, which are often filmed near the water or in lush, green parks.  I will continue to use this site for as long as they continue to publish videos!

Cost

Did I mention that Do Yoga With Me is free?!  Love.  That.  The site owners ask for pay as you can donations so that they can keep the site free, and if you join the Do Yoga With Me Plus Community, you gain access to more videos.  The Plus membership costs $5 a month, but the videos are plentiful and it’s a great option if you need more variety in your practice.

Summing Up

Overall, I’d give Do Yoga With Me a 9.75 out of 10.  The only reason I take of that 0.25 point is for those who might be starting out and need more individualized instruction.  But for someone who has enough experience, Do Yoga With Me is an amazing option.  Well done, guys!

Have a fitness craze you want me to try?  Message me here!