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Today, yoga may seem like it has been around forever, but it is a relatively modern newcomer to the western world, having only gained popularity in the 1950s, according to YogaOutlet.com but yoga has been around for thousands of years. And you can use modern approaches when it comes to yoga practice. In fact, you can bring yoga into the 21st century more easily than you might think possible with the addition of just a few key tools. Fromgirltogirl shares some here.

Smartphone Support

The most ubiquitous symbol of 21st-century technology is undoubtedly the smartphone. Thanks to its iconic ability to improve our lives through connectivity, it can boost your ability to practice yoga. From guided meditations and pose instruction to the ability to stream soothing sitar music to your exercise studio, Marie Claire points out that yoga apps of all kinds are available in both free and paid options, making them perfect exercise companions. 

If you are in the market for a smartphone, make sure the one you pick is packed with all the features you want to fuel your yoga practice. With a reliable device, it is like having a personal yoga assistant right in your pocket. If you are going to practice yoga in an area without Wi-Fi (e.g., outdoors), look for a wireless carrier with far-reaching coverage and a reputation for high-speed connectivity. 

Stream from Home

Of course, not everyone wants to use their phone to support their yoga practice. But what if you want to practice at home and need guidance? Turn to your streaming device to connect you with a variety of yoga streaming classes. They cost a fraction of what you would spend on a studio session, and some are even free. Best of all, you can sneak in some asanas. Just remember to set aside some space in your home where you can practice without distraction — and remember to keep it stress-free by eliminating clutter and chaos.

Analog Adaptability

Smartphones are great tools to support your yoga practice, but there are plenty of modern tools you can use that do not require a charging cable. These tools are modern with decidedly low-tech origins. An excellent example of this is the humble yoga towel. You would think that a towel is a towel, but this simply is not the truth. Yoga towels are engineered with ultra-absorbent materials and can cleverly provide you with additional grip as they become more damp, making sure you do not slip, fall, and possibly hurt yourself during hot, sweaty Bikram yoga sessions.

Other modern approaches to yoga tools include the yoga bolster, designed specifically to provide stability and support for yoga practitioners recovering from mobility injuries. A yoga bolster is so much more than a pillow, thanks to its careful design and construction. Many yoga pillows are specifically shaped and use specific types of memory foam to provide just the right amount of back support to keep you from doing yourself harm while you seek to heal. Such a tool would have been impossible to design without modern approaches to ergonomics and orthopedics, making it as 21st century as a smartphone.

Opening Yourself to Infinite Possibilities

It often feels as if there are as many ways to practice yoga as there are drops of water in the ocean, and that can be intimidating. Yet getting a handle on this ancient fitness art does not mean you need to become a master overnight. Embracing modern approaches to practicing yoga through things like smartphone apps or other tools scientifically engineered to make yoga easier can help your confidence soar. These 21st-century tools can open yourself to the infinite possibilities yoga provides to you, helping you live the happy, healthy life you deserve.