When it comes to improving your strength, conditioning, flexibility, core, mindfulness, and concentration, there may be no better solution for basketball players and professional athletes than yoga. Yoga is a great way to not only build physical conditioning, but to also build mental conditioning and fortitude.
Below, we’re going to review the best basketball yoga apps. While these apps don’t focus exclusively on basketball, they do provide an athlete-centered approach to yoga and will have you feeling comfortable as you approach the poses.
Whether you’re a seasoned yoga pro or are just starting out, these basketball yoga apps will help you get started and can all be done from the comfort of your home. We’ve also previously discussed the benefits of yoga, which I highly recommend to help you begin and to give you a few reasons why you should be practicing yoga as a basketball player.
What is Yoga?
Before we can jump into how yoga will help you on the basketball court, we should identify and explain what yoga really is. Yoga has gained a popular, cult-like following in the United States, but where does it originate from and what is it?
In simplest terms, yoga is an ancient practice that involves physical poses, deep breathing, and concentration. A regular yoga practice should, ideally, promote endurance, strength, calmness, flexibility, and well-being.
Yoga, surprisingly to many, can be traced back nearly 5,000 years. In fact, the first mention of the word yoga appears in Rig Veda, which is a collection of ancient texts.
The word yoga is actually derived from the Sanskrit word, “yuj”, which essentially means, “union” or “to join”.
Within yoga, the overarching philosophy is about connecting the mind, body, and spirit. This philosophy is echoed in all yoga branches, of which there are six. And although each branch has a separate, unique focus, the underlying philosophy remains the same.
What Are the Six Branches of Yoga?
- Hatha Yoga – Hatha yoga is the branch that aims to prime the body and mind. The Hatha yoga branch is the physical and mental branch.
- Raja Yoga – Raja yoga involves meditation and a strict adherence to disciplinary steps.
- Karma Yoga – Karma yoga is a form of yoga that aims to create a future free from negativity.
- Bhakti Yoga – Bhakti yoga aims to establish a path of devotion.
- Jnana Yoga – this branch of yoga focuses on wisdom, joining the path of scholars, and developing superior understanding through study.
- Tantra Yoga – Tantra yoga is the pathway for rituals and ceremonies in yoga.
What Are Chakras?
As you begin your yoga journey, you will hear the word chakra repeated over and over again. You may begin to wonder, what is a chakra?
A chakra, literally means, “spinning wheel”. And teachers of yoga believe that when energy becomes blocked in a chakra, it can trigger physical, mental, or emotional pain.
In yoga, chakras are center points. They are the points where energy, thoughts, feelings, and the physical body all coalesce. And, according to yoga teachers, chakras play a key determining factor in how people experience reality.
Best Yoga Mats
While yoga doesn’t require too much equipment to setup and begin, it is absolutely necessary to purchase a yoga mat. A yoga mat is a type of mat that is designed specifically to perform yoga. Yoga mats provide a non-slip, cushioned surface, making the poses easier to complete.
Gaiam Yoga Mat – the Gaiam Yoga Mat comes in a variety of colors, though we opted for the black one. This is an extra thick yoga mat, coming in at 2/5 inches. It is extremely durable, yet lightweight and easy to carry around. The Gaiam Yoga Mat also comes with an attached handle, making it easy to transport.
Cambivo Yoga Mat – the Cambivo Yoga Mat is another great choice, especially for basketball players. We say that, because this yoga mat is both extra wide and extra-long, making it ideal for basketball players who tend to be taller in height.
Benefits of Fitness Watches
While not necessary, we’ve found that utilizing a fitness watch in our yoga routines has helped us stay both motivated and accountable. These watches not only keep track of the amount of time spent on a yoga session, but are also able to track total calories lost, heartrate, and ECG.
In addition, the Apple Watch, specifically, has a predefined output for yoga exercises. By choosing yoga on your Apple Watch, you will be able to track all types of yoga sessions from restorative to power vinyasa flow.
However, there are some great alternatives to the Apple Watch, including some from famous brands such-as, Fitbit and the Samsung Galaxy Watch.
How Much do Yoga Apps Cost?
Most yoga apps on either the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store are free to download. However, many of them offer upgrades, which can range from$4-10 per month. If you are looking for a customized yoga app, that will track your routines and suggest new ones, then we definitely recommend going for one of these apps.
However, if you are just looking to get started or are just dabbling in yoga, then there are a plethora of free resources on YouTube. This includes channels such-as, Yoga With Adriene, Mad Fit, and The Yoga Institute.
Glo Yoga
Glo Yoga is one of the first yoga apps on the app store, and it shows. Glo Yoga is designed to help you feel better in both body and mind. And, in addition to offering customized yoga poses, Glo Yoga also offers meditation, Pilates, and fitness classes.
Although Glo Yoga offers a 7-day free trial, you will need to upgrade for either $18 a month or a $162 annual fee, which comes out to $13.50 per month.
Glo Yoga works on your smartphone, laptop, tablet, and fitness watch. In addition to 16 different yoga styles, you will begin using the app by answering three simple questions to help the app personalize your yoga routines.
In addition, Glo Yoga has a global network of yogic teachers, available to help students through guided direction. Lastly, Glo Yoga has a vast array of classes available on demand, which you can play and follow along.
Asana Rebel
Asana Rebel is one of the best and highest rated apps on the App Store. The app, while focused on yoga, also looks to help users through their weight-loss, toning, or better sleep journey. Currently, Asan Rebel costs $9.99 per month, which gives you full access to all classes and their customized workout plans.
5 Minute Yoga
We love 5 Minute Yoga due to its simplicity. The app understands that not all of us may have a full hour to commit to yoga, so instead it offers five different yoga poses that can be done in one-minute, adding up to a total of five minutes.
Simple in design and concept, this is a great yoga app for basketball players with limited amounts of time and is a great yoga app to follow after a particularly intense basketball workout.
Yoga for Beginners
Many basketball players may not have yet waded into the world of yoga. Whether due to a lack of time or a fear of failure, Yoga for Beginners will help you to overcome those fears. At a simple $2.99 monthly price, Yoga for Beginners will guide you through the various yoga poses and discuss the inner purpose of yoga and its overall benefits in a simple and easy to follow manner.