Yoga Studio: Classes and Poses ٤+

***UPDATE***. Still 5 stars, especially as new content is coming so fast! I love the full body flows and continue to use the legacy runner stretches. I will say that the video can be glitchy, making the instructor seem like they’re pausing in the flow, which is confusing at times. But once I figured out what was going I listened more than watched and it all worked out. The glitches don’t make me hate it though!
This app is a fantastic alternative to in person studios!

My mother gifted me this app, and it actually took me a while to try it out as I was using a studio near my home. But I got increasingly tired of the fees and the rigid schedule. So I opened the app. I was so pleasantly surprised! There were a range of classes from beginner to advanced and even a range of times. Sun salutations for when you're really running late, 20, 30 and 60 minute classes. I like that the offer flexibility, strength or a combination as well. I was pleased with the update of "Earth" classes, but haven't seen any new content since then. I would really like some new content as well as more varied poses. The app as it stands now would get you pro at plank and dancer, but leaves a little much to be desired for other poses. I'm still incredibly happy with the app. I'm thrilled Mom found it and gifted it to us. Even if she hadn't, this app is worth paying for.

First, I have a personal hatred of subscription apps. When your subscription ends, you have nothing. 😡I’d greatly prefer to pay for it outright, even if it’s a steep price or if I have to pay again for new content. However, I’ve been wanting to get back into yoga and was dead tired of the DVDS I bought way back when. (I also have a personal hatred of yoga classes, so that’s out.) I decided to give Yoga Studio a try. I figured I’d know within 7 days (the free trial) if I liked it. And I do! It actually only took three days to decide I love it. I love that there’s something for my years away from yoga self that makes me feel I can do it again but is challenging, too. The variety is also impressive. In over month of practicing at least three times per week I’ve only repeated classes because I particularly liked them. There is plenty of content to do a new class every day. I also like being able to create my own class “mixes” from other classes. The teachers are clear and calm and the music is not intrusive. I like that it syncs with Apple Health automatically, and I like the calendar that tracks your sessions and allows you to schedule classes for reminders. I really do love Yoga Studio. The only thing I’d change is switch from subscription to purchase.

I think I began using this app roughly 4-5 (maybe even 6)years ago. There was nothing as awesome as this for free then and even for the new price point, there is still nothing that much compares. I do look out of curiosity but I am astounded that this app still leaves a lot of other yoga apps in the dust especially when it comes to clear rich and straightforward instruction .

I've started this review several times and realized, I think I have sent it and haven't. I continue to rely heavily on this app and only one other that is more pricey but is worth it. I had generally liked the direction of things until the hip hop yoga. I am a fan of hip hop but I am not sure this was the best matched instructor or best use of innovation. Despite that, I do look forward to some of the other things that are coming. We are overdue for some pranayama. So thanks! In my humble opinion, I'd hoped to see some expansion of the various essentials, like a 15-minute intermediate essential practice for balance or a deeper dive into the the different kinds of sun salutations. I am a big fan of the earth salutations(noting there are a lot of balancing poses in those practices) and earth meditations. Overall, keep coming with the great offerings. We are all growing.

Donna Kiel/Compassionate Cynic