Yoga is so much more than just a workout, as it provides a holistic experience and a moment to breathe. This is especially valuable in a world increasingly shaped by information and devices.
Naturally, many yogis are now wondering whether technology can truly benefit their practices or not. Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of the matter.
What’s Your Purpose When Practicing Yoga?
When you have a purpose, it’s easier to set a direction for your energy rather than simply moving your body like you would in a gym. This intention can be anything, from physical to emotional aims, to a desire, or gratitude.
Once you know exactly what your purpose is, it should be easier to think about whether tracking and wearable devices are good for you. While these tools promise insight and improvement, they can sometimes pull your attention outward. Understanding this balance can make it easier to choose between all the available options, if any.
Wearable Devices for Yoga
Wearable devices have become as popular and nearly as integrated into our routines as smartphones. It’s not unusual to see people wearing these devices, and the recent data support this trend. The global wearables market continues to grow, with a reported 9.6% year-over-year increase from 2024 Q2 to 2025 Q2.
You may already wear a smartwatch throughout the day just to track your steps or your heart rate. Naturally, bringing that same device onto your yoga mat can feel convenient.
Many yogis choose to include wearables because they want a clearer picture of how yoga affects their bodies. These devices can also help integrate yoga into a broader health routine, like diets or sleep routines. It’s easier to track your goals when using a device to help with the data.
However, yoga is not meant to be quantified in the same way as running or weight training. At some level, it’s like trying to measure results when doing therapy or practicing a new hobby; it feels a bit unfair, as the numbers cannot quite capture the full experience.
This doesn’t mean you can’t use wearables or that they will ruin your practice in any way. It only means that you will need to be more conscious about how you engage with them.
How to Positively Support Your Practice
Raising awareness and avoiding competition or pressure should be your primary focus. For example, reviewing heart rate data after a session using wearable devices like smartwatches, fitness trackers, or heart rate monitors can help you understand how different styles of yoga affect your nervous system.
This kind of insight can support more intentional choices while also encouraging consistency. Seeing your yoga sessions tracked alongside other forms of movement may reinforce the idea that yoga “counts,” even when it feels much lighter than running or weightlifting.
Be Mindful of Tracking
Despite their benefits, if you’re not conscious enough, wearable devices can shift your focus away from presence to pressure. If you find yourself feeling disappointed by low metrics after a practice, you might need to rethink your focus. Remember that yoga asks you to listen inward, while devices constantly invite you to look outward.
The reliance on external validation can change how you experience any practice. Not everything meaningful can be captured by data.
Nevertheless, tracking can still serve your goals if approached with mindfulness. If you decide to track, keep in mind that fitness devices collect a lot of important personal information that can be shared beyond the app itself.
The data in your device syncs and travels through your home or yoga studio network. If you’re not sure about the safety of those networks, it’s best to get familiar with what is a double VPN to understand how it can add a layer of encryption to protect your data stream, allowing your information to flow safely. Being in control of where your health information goes is another act of mindful intention.
Evaluate Your Approach
Your relationship with wearable technology can change over time, just as your yoga practice does. It’s a good idea to periodically check in with yourself and ensure you stay aligned with intention.
Take a moment to analyze if tracking supports self-compassion or fuels self-judgment. You can even do little test practices, with and without wearables, to see which session made you feel better and more present. These are valuable insights you can use to enhance your practice and overall well-being.
Final Thoughts
There’s no such thing as the right answer for this dilemma; however, one thing is for sure, and that is that wisdom comes from experience. Encourage yourself to try new things, and you might find new solutions. Your yoga practice, ultimately, is an inner dialogue between you and yourself, and wearable devices can offer information where the dialogue becomes clearer.