In k
eeping with my goal of testing only free apps, I originally downloaded Yoga Stretch Lite. I quickly discovered that this version only provides you with a choice of 5 poses and just when you get a taste of it, the App prompts you to buy the full version. I felt that reviewing the Lite version would be pointless due to the fact that it really has no substance so, for the only time this challenge, I bought the app for $0.99 and rolled out my yoga mat to test it.
Perks: This App allows you to customize your own yoga sessions by choosing from 35 different poses and variations and allowing you to decide on their sequence. This gives you the freedom to determine the length of your session and to omit or include poses that you might want more or less of. They also have a default version that lasts for 1 hour and covers all of the included poses. The App also has an optional voice track with guided instructions throughout the session and a music track that can be played along with it. Choose from their library or add songs from your iTunes playlist (this takes 30 seconds and is very easy to do).
Peevs: I think that this App might be frustrating for yoga beginners. The default session is a great place to start but it takes a lot of practice to be able to understand the sequencing of poses and if you do not have much experience, trying to customize your own session might be difficult and potentially dangerous. I also felt like the guided voice track was not descriptive enough. I have been practicing yoga for around 4 years and I still had a hard time following along with what I was supposed to be doing. There was also no real flow from one position to another. I am used to Power or Vinyasa Flow classes that allow for a real build up and flow into the next pose and I found that this was totally lacking with this App. I would also advise you to upload your own music because the tracks provided resemble a bad elevator soundtrack on a 30 second loop-not very conducive to concentration and meditation.
Overall Rating (Worth Keeping or Deleting?)
KEEPING: I think I would still prefer to attend a real class with a real instructor, especially for variety and safety. However, if I was in a pinch and I couldn’t get to class or if I was out of town, I would use this to keep on track until I could get back to my own studio.
Nice work. Miranda! I’m a little app crazy so it’s good for me to slow down and not just download every app that looks like it has potential. I liked your review of this Yoga app (which I have considered downloading before – but was leery because I’ve been burnt with lame Yoga apps before.
Since I am not a beginner – I think I’ll download this one anyway (not losing too much at 99 cents)- I get kinda down on myself when I can’t make it to a class, so hoping this will help me be mindful in my home practice.
Thanks again!
This sounds like a great application for the phone. But I think there is no comparison for the in class one on one attention you receive (well for the most part) for yoga, yoginis can relate that whether its hot, yin, flow, power, yoga or other forms of dance and stretch training — an instructor makes all the difference in the studio, while building a feeling of commonality, camaraderie perhaps (?) among other yogini.
A good idea would be to learn the poses before embarking on using an advanced application, especially for beginners.
Happy Yoga-ing