  @MinnesotaYogini SUP yoga headstand at sunset. Photo by @elizabeth_camp. Instagram and Yoga. Some people like it, some people hate it, some people are completely unaware of it. Nonetheless, it’s there, and it’s a huge community. I actually have Instagram to thank for the fact that I’m sitting here writing this blog, I met Elizabeth Camp, the founder of Yoga Camp, through an Instagram connection and now I am the Yoga Camp Travel and Media Specialist. Who knew?! Amazing! You can probably guess that at Yoga Camp we are fans of mixing Instagram and yoga. While we could go on forever about this subject, we are choosing our top five reasons why you should think about joining the wonderful world of IG yoga! 1. It encourages you to practice daily or perhaps gets you outside daily, whatever way, it gets you movin'. – One of the most popular things in the Instagram Yoga world are the challenges. In these challenges, you take a photo or video of yourself practicing a pose or something assigned daily by the challenge hosts. This gets you to get up and do at least one pose a day (and hopefully some warm up). There is a challenge for everyone, from moves like arm balances, heart openers or twists, yoga with your child or dog, to yoga based on lyrics to your favorite song – There are PLENTY to choose from!  @MinnesotaYogini in Utkatasana 2. You can learn SO MUCH on Instagram - I have improved my Sanskrit tremendously by making sure I hashtag the Sanskrit name for each of my posts. I also learned the majority of the arm balances I can perform by seeing them on Instagram and then trying to recreate them in the privacy of my own home or yard. You may see a new transition in a video post or hear a new song to use during your own practice. You also learn a great deal from the words of the people you follow about different philosophies and ways of life. You learn about the places your Instagram friends live and the places they travel. You learn new brands of clothing, gift ideas and studios.  @KB_Sculpt & @MaestraLindsey 3. You make real connections - The more you engage the more this is true. There is a beautiful community on Instagram to be a part of. People are nice, encouraging and loving. When you participate in a challenge you can cheer on fellow contestants and feel a sense of connection working towards the same goals together. You can meet people in your area, including local teachers, people who have information about local yoga retreats, and like minded people who have the same passions and humor as yourself. I have made so many lasting friends on IG and it seems like each day I am connecting with someone new who inspires me.  @KShayYogini 4. It is a great form of self-expression and self-discovery - Your account is all up to you! Show the world what you want! For one thing, taking photographs of your poses may actually help you with alignment. I have certainly thought I was doing a pose correctly only to see my alignment was way off. You may discover things about yourself you are proud of and things you are insecure about. You may step outside your box and try something new (maybe post a “fail” video!) or you have the right to only post success, it is all up to you. It truly is what you make it. People make their photographs into beautiful art, show off beautiful landscapes and cityscapes. Users can write their own words to go along with posts or use quotes/lyrics from others. 5. You can win yoga gear or be sponsored by companies- I honestly cannot remember the last time I bought yoga pants! There is a lot of sweet yoga gear to be won on Instagram! Connect with companies, it’s fun!  @RealWomenRealWorkouts @Elizabeth_Camp & @Marjorie_Fit at Athleta Mall of America. We know this isn’t for everybody, but if it sounds fun to you, we urge you to check it out! Follow us on Instagram at @yogacamp and get started by participating in one of our monthly challenges. Our next challenge, the #YogaCampOlympics is starting August 6th! If Instagram yoga is already something you love, or something you know is right up your alley check out our Photo Journey Retreat to Madeline Island this fall! Join us for a long weekend of autumn bliss, yoga, great food and a lot of fun photography – Follow link for more details and registration: http://www.yogacampmpls.com/photo-journey-retreat.html We look forward to connecting with you! Learn more about our Yoga Camp Photo Journey Retreat
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