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Malcum Marolia

This course contains 20 yoga classes, each between 30-35 minutes in length, designed specifically for those days when there just isn't enough time for a full length practice.

A shorter practice sequence is not necessarily any less effective than a full length one, especially if time constraints prevent one from practicing at all. All class sequences are designed with a simple principle in mind - that is to guide  guiding the student forward and encouraging a safe, regular practice.

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This course contains 20 yoga classes, each between 30-35 minutes in length, designed specifically for those days when there just isn't enough time for a full length practice.

A shorter practice sequence is not necessarily any less effective than a full length one, especially if time constraints prevent one from practicing at all. All class sequences are designed with a simple principle in mind - that is to guide  guiding the student forward and encouraging a safe, regular practice.

Yoga is practice. A lifestyle rather than a fad. Who you are determines your method of practice, and in time, your practice has the power to determine who you can be. While the physical practice of Yoga asana is just the tip of the iceberg, for most people it is the most accessible way to prepare the body and mind for the other, deeper aspects of Yoga. That being said, students are encouraged to practice regularly, maybe even repeat each class  before proceeding to the next. While the suggested frequency of practice is 4 times a week for maximum benefit, a minimum of two classes a week is recommended.

However, the intensity of practice is entirely dependent upon the the practitioner. The asana are healing for body and mind only if the principle of non-violence towards one's self is adhered to. Never force the body to stretch to the point of strain, keep the breath calm and come out of a posture if tired.  Use props such as the wall, yoga blocks and belts .

All classes are devoid of any background music helping to create a silent focus on the breath and the postures.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Short, simple, and effective, perfect for the human on the move with little time to spare.
  • A regular practice consisting of 20 unique sequences, 30-35 minutes in length, using traditional asana(postures).
  • The physical aspect of yoga, specially formulated for busy days and busy people, to practice anywhere, with an experienced teacher to guide you.
  • Basic, as well as intermediate postures suitable for most regular practitioners.
  • Increase mobility and functional strength without excessive muscular strain or focus on hyper-flexibility.
  • Breathe well, move well, and feel well, thereby reducing stress and inducing well-being.
  • A safe, healthy increase of the range of motion of the limbs as well as core strength.
  • No music, no fluffy language, or any other bells and whistles - just yoga.

Syllabus

Having a busy day does not mean that you need to miss out on what is most important - your health and calmness. These short yoga classes will keep you in good stead when life gets too hectic.
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Not a single surya-namaskar in this class. Instead, we prepare the spine using various combinations of flexion , extension and torsion. A short focus on some restful back-bends once down on the mat .

Other than 4 surya-namaskars, this class does not have a single standing posture. Some easy spinal flexion and contraction to ease into the practice, followed by a bit of movement in reclining asana. Perfect for busy as well as lazy days

A gentle seated sequence to prepare the spine followed by 8 surya-namaskars. However, each surya namaskar has a different variation of the cobra. Short, simple and very effective.

6 repetitions of the surya-namaskar with a slight change in the low crescent lunge every time , all to prepare for a rather humble posture - the upward facing dog. Of course there's other stuff in there as well.

Except for the first two minutes , there are only reclining postures in this class. If you think that would make it a class for a lazy day, you might be mistaken.

Vyaghrasana - the tiger . Grab it by the tail in this short session which leads you by prepping the anatomy involved in the posture.

Forward bends from start to finish - stretch the back and hamstrings , stimulate digestion, induce calm. Please follow the precautions given during the class and take care not to over-stretch.

A slightly different pattern in this class. You will notice that every single posture we do has the legs / hips in an equal position to each other. While we try to work the body in all the planes, the peak asana is a variation of parivrtta-prasarita-paaduttanasana. ( the revolving, feet apart back stretch)

Salabhasana - the locust pose - can be done in at least 8 different ways . In this short session we prepare the shoulders and upper back to attempt 3 of those salabhasana variations .

The focus of this session is the twisting postures . We have twists while standing, seated, reclining and in a plank as well .

The seated angle pose - upavista konasana - done in three different ways , with enough prep to lead the practitioner there safely.

All about the hips, inner and outer . Simple and effective.

This short session leads you to the easy variations of the one-legged royal pigeon (ek-paad-rajkapotasana) . The full posture is quite an extreme backbend , however we scale it down so it is accessible and safe for all to try.

Discover the effectiveness of repeating patterns in this 33 minute class. It consists of mainly standing postures , ending with a few reclining twists .

A safe short session focussing on back strength. we start by replacing the cobra with locust variations in the surya-namaskar. No standing postures in this short class - a few drills instead to further work on the back.

Tiny changes are added into the suryanamaskar in this class, with one little factor in mind - building strength.

A great class for improving general body posture as it focuses on trying to hold the body (or sometimes just the trunk) in a straight line in different asana.

A  class with no standing postures,  perfect to open up the body in a gentle way. However, it's not a lazy class by any means.

Moving through asana a little quicker than usual, this class takes you on a well prepared journey into a preparatory variation (not the complete posture) of "ek-paad-rajkapotasana" (one legged royal pigeon).

Using reclining postures to prepare and go deeper into standing postures. The emphasis in this class is a bit of hip flexion and hip opening during the first part. Keep a belt handy for this one in case it is needed. The latter part of the class is meant to neutralize the spine and hips so that you finish in a refreshed state

Once again, a fair bit of Vyaghrasana -the tiger. But in a different way-using its activations to gain better control in an easy Warrior 3. And, using its stretch aspect to go deeper in the Bow. That's not all though, there is bit of other work also packed into this class.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Offers a series of 20 yoga classes, each designed to fit into a 30-35 minute timeframe, making it easier to maintain a consistent practice even with time constraints
Includes basic and intermediate postures, making it suitable for both beginners looking to build a foundation and experienced practitioners seeking shorter, effective routines
Focuses on increasing mobility and functional strength without excessive strain, promoting stress reduction and overall well-being through mindful movement and breathwork
Classes are devoid of background music, encouraging a silent focus on breath and postures, which may appeal to those seeking a more meditative practice
Encourages students to repeat each class before moving on, suggesting a focus on mastering foundational postures and deepening understanding of alignment and breath
Suggests the use of props like walls, yoga blocks, and belts, which may require learners to acquire these items to fully participate in the class

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Reviews summary

Short, effective yoga for busy schedules

According to learners, this course offers a highly effective and time-efficient yoga practice perfectly suited for busy people and days. Students praise the concise 30-35 minute session length, making it easy to fit into hectic schedules. They appreciate the experienced instructor's clear guidance and the focus on traditional asana without distractions like music or 'fluffy' language. The variety across the 20 unique classes keeps practice engaging, covering different body areas and posture types. While designed for basic to intermediate practitioners, some feedback suggests ensuring a foundational understanding before starting. Overall, it's seen as a solid, accessible way to maintain regularity, improve mobility, and reduce stress.
Targets basic to intermediate levels well.
"As someone with some prior yoga experience, I found the pace and difficulty appropriate."
"Good for those who have a basic understanding of common yoga postures."
"It's great for maintaining an existing practice when short on time."
"Might be challenging for absolute beginners with no yoga background."
Helps with mobility, strength, and stress.
"Regular practice with these sessions has really improved my mobility."
"I feel stronger and less stressed after completing these classes."
"It's been effective in helping me feel well and grounded on busy days."
"Great for releasing tension and improving overall functional strength."
Instructor is experienced and focused.
"The instructor's guidance is clear, direct, and easy to follow."
"I appreciate the no-nonsense approach - it's just pure yoga instruction."
"The focus on breath and posture without background music is fantastic."
"The teacher is clearly experienced and leads the practice safely."
Offers 20 unique, focused classes.
"I love that there are 20 different classes focusing on various poses and body parts."
"Each session felt unique and targeted different aspects of yoga practice."
"The variety in sequences keeps the practice interesting day after day."
"The course is well-structured with distinct goals for each session."
Sessions are short and easy to fit in.
"The short, 30-35 minute length is perfect for days when I have limited time."
"Being able to get a full practice done in under 40 minutes is a game changer for my routine."
"This course makes it possible to practice yoga consistently, even with a packed schedule."
"Finally, a yoga course truly designed for someone with a busy life."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Yoga for Busy People and Busy Days with these activities:
Review Basic Yoga Poses
Reinforce your understanding of fundamental yoga poses to ensure proper alignment and prevent injuries during the course.
Browse courses on Yoga
Show steps
  • Find a list of basic yoga poses.
  • Review the alignment cues for each pose.
  • Practice each pose slowly and mindfully.
Review 'Light on Yoga'
Deepen your understanding of yoga asanas and alignment principles by studying a comprehensive yoga guide.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Light on Yoga'.
  • Read the introductory sections on yoga philosophy.
  • Study the asanas relevant to the course.
Practice Surya Namaskar Variations
Improve your flow and build heat by practicing different variations of Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutations) discussed in the course.
Show steps
  • Review the Surya Namaskar variations taught.
  • Practice each variation for 5-10 repetitions.
  • Focus on breath and smooth transitions.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Journaling Your Yoga Experience
Reflect on your yoga practice and track your progress by journaling your experiences after each class.
Show steps
  • After each class, write down your thoughts.
  • Note any physical or mental sensations.
  • Track your progress over time.
Review 'Yoga Anatomy'
Gain a deeper understanding of the anatomical aspects of yoga poses to improve your practice and prevent injuries.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Yoga Anatomy'.
  • Read the sections on relevant muscle groups.
  • Relate the anatomy to specific yoga poses.
Explore Advanced Pose Tutorials
Expand your yoga knowledge by exploring online tutorials for advanced poses that build upon the foundation established in the course.
Show steps
  • Find tutorials for poses like headstand.
  • Follow the instructions carefully.
  • Practice with caution and proper support.
Share Your Knowledge
Solidify your understanding by teaching basic yoga poses to friends or family members.
Show steps
  • Offer to teach a short yoga session.
  • Explain the poses clearly and concisely.
  • Provide modifications as needed.

Career center

Learners who complete Yoga for Busy People and Busy Days will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Yoga Instructor
A yoga instructor guides individuals or groups through various yoga poses and breathing techniques. This course, with its focus on shorter, effective yoga classes, may be useful for a yoga instructor looking to create time-efficient routines for students. The course offers sequences ranging from gentle seated poses to variations of the surya-namaskar, complete with modifications and options to scale down intensity. Such diversity in approaches helps a yoga instructor develop varied class plans suitable for busy individuals. The yoga instructor can use the course to gain ideas about how to fit comprehensive yoga into limited time slots, and also learn new class patterns.
Corporate Wellness Consultant
A corporate wellness consultant develops and implements programs to promote employee health and well-being within organizations. This course, with its focus on short, effective yoga classes, may be useful for a corporate wellness consultant looking for tools to reduce employee stress and enhance productivity. The course offers sequences that can be easily integrated into the workday, like a gentle seated class to prepare the spine. The corporate wellness consultant can recommend the classes as a convenient solution for employees to maintain physical and mental health during busy workdays.
Health Educator
A health educator promotes wellness by developing and teaching health-related programs. This course, with its emphasis on short, effective yoga practices, may be useful for a health educator seeking tools to encourage regular exercise. The classes provide various yoga sequences that can be incorporated into daily routines, improving mobility and reducing stress. The health educator can use the course to show clients how to fit regular physical activity into busy lifestyles.
Wellness Coach
A wellness coach helps clients achieve optimal health and well-being through personalized plans. This course, with its emphasis on short, effective yoga sessions, may be useful for a wellness coach helping clients manage stress and integrate physical activity into their busy schedules. The course provides a variety of routines like back strength sessions or hip opening flows, which the wellness coach can recommend to clients aiming to improve physical and mental health. The wellness coach can integrate the course as a resource for clients who are new to yoga or have time constraints, and also learn new routines.
Personal Trainer
A personal trainer designs and implements exercise programs for clients. This course, which emphasizes short, effective yoga sessions, may be useful for a personal trainer to incorporate yoga into fitness regimens. The course contains varied yoga sequences that build core strength and improve mobility, which nicely supplements strength and cardio exercises. A personal trainer can use the course to offer clients routines to practice on off days or when time is limited, and also learn to integrate yoga into training programs.
Physical Education Teacher
A physical education teacher educates students about physical fitness, health, and wellness through various activities and sports. This course, emphasizing simple and effective yoga practices, may be useful for a physical education teacher looking for short routines to incorporate into class. The course offers sequences that can quickly improve student mobility and reduce stress. As such, the physical education teacher can integrate these classes to show students how to take care of their bodies and minds even with little time.
Stress Management Consultant
A stress management consultant helps individuals and organizations develop strategies to cope with stress. This course, with its focus on short, effective yoga practices, may be useful for a stress management consultant looking for accessible relaxation techniques. The classes integrate physical postures with breathwork, providing a method to reduce stress and enhance overall well-being. The stress management consultant can use the course as a practical resource for clients seeking to manage stress through regular exercise.
Recreational Therapist
A recreational therapist uses recreational activities to improve the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of individuals. This course, focused on short, effective yoga classes, may be useful for a recreational therapist who wants to incorporate adaptable physical activities into treatment plans. The classes offer a range of sequences, from gentle spinal preparation to back strengthening, that can be tailored to individual needs and limitations. The recreational therapist can use this course to provide accessible exercises for clients to improve their health and well-being.
Mindfulness Teacher
A mindfulness teacher guides individuals in developing mindfulness practices to reduce stress and improve well-being. This course, with its emphasis on breath and movement, may be useful for a mindfulness teacher seeking to integrate physical practice into their teaching. The course provides sequences that focus on breathwork and mindful movement, creating a link between physical postures and mental calmness. The mindfulness teacher can use the course to offer students a tangible way to connect with their bodies and minds, especially when time is limited.
Athletic Trainer
An athletic trainer specializes in preventing and treating injuries for athletes and those engaged in physical activity. This course, with its emphasis on flexibility, core strength, and safe movement, may be useful for an athletic trainer to incorporate yoga-based exercises into rehabilitation and injury prevention programs. The course provides a variety of sequences that can improve range of motion, balance, and body awareness, all essential for athletes. The athletic trainer can use these practices to enhance athlete recovery, reduce risk of injury, and improve overall performance.
Meditation Teacher
A meditation teacher guides individuals or groups in developing meditation practices to reduce stress and improve mental clarity. This course, focusing on simple and effective yoga practices without music, may be useful for a meditation teacher wanting to incorporate physical movement to prepare the body for meditation. The course allows one to create a connection between physical postures and mental calmness. The meditation teacher can integrate the classes as a means of relaxation especially for beginners.
Pilates Instructor
A Pilates instructor guides individuals or groups through exercises that focus on core strength, flexibility, and body awareness. While distinct from yoga, this course, with its emphasis on posture and controlled movement, may be useful for a Pilates instructor seeking to enhance their understanding of body mechanics and flexibility training. The course provides a variety of poses and sequences that promote core stability and spinal alignment. The Pilates instructor can use the course to gain new insights into complementary exercises.
Massage Therapist
A massage therapist manipulates the soft tissues of the body to relieve pain, reduce stress, and promote relaxation. This course, emphasizing stretches, flexibility, and body awareness, may be useful for a massage therapist improving their understanding of body mechanics and flexibility training. The course provides a variety of poses and sequences that promote core stability and spinal alignment. The massage therapist can use the course to gain new insights into complementary treatments.
Dance Instructor
A dance instructor teaches various dance styles to individuals or groups, focusing on technique, rhythm, and expression. While not directly related, this course, emphasizing body awareness and flexibility, may be useful for a dance instructor to improve their understanding of movement principles. The course provides sequences that enhance range of motion and core strength. The dance instructor can use this to improve their own physical condition and help their students avoid injury.
Ergonomist
An ergonomist designs and evaluates workplaces, systems, and products to maximize safety, efficiency, and comfort by aligning them with human capabilities and limitations. While seemingly unrelated, this course, with its emphasis on posture, flexibility, and stress reduction, may be useful for an ergonomist gaining insight into exercises and practices that promote physical well-being in work environments. The ergonomist can use the course to recommend practical stretches and movement routines for employees to improve their comfort and reduce the risk of musculoskeletal issues.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Yoga for Busy People and Busy Days.
Comprehensive guide to yoga asanas. It provides detailed instructions and illustrations for a wide range of poses. It valuable resource for understanding proper alignment and technique, and can add depth to your understanding of the postures used in the course. It is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions.
Provides a detailed understanding of the anatomy involved in yoga postures. It helps you understand which muscles are being used and how to avoid injuries. It is more valuable as additional reading than it is as a current reference. It is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions or by industry professionals.

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