Tap that App: Down Dog
By Jocelyn Richards
Tap That App is a monthly segment where we feature an app our editors think is cool.
We know, we know: yoga falls right after gluten allergies on the list of things we’d rather not talk about at parties. Or maybe ever.
But this app is different, and not only because it’s been downloaded half a million times and maintains a 5-star rating on both the Apple App and Google Play stores. It’s unique because it will make people like us – who haven’t practiced ‘vinyasa yoga’ since it was mandatory in eighth grade gym class – actually want to fire up the app again for a second practice.
From an amateur’s perspective, three of the most attractive points of Down Dog are its clarity of instruction (both vocal and visual), the voice (it’s not irritating!) and the music.
Our first session, which we set at the shortest length option on the 10-80-minute spectrum, unfolded to the peaceful beats of ‘Divinity’ (Porter Robinson), ‘Give Me One Reason’ (Tracy Chapman) and ‘Aftermath’ (Vancouver Sleep Clinic). The playlist was so good that family members previously oblivious to what we were doing on the ground perked up to inquire about the music.
For yoga gurus, Down Dog is appealing because no two practices are ever completely alike – even if you choose the same settings of level, sequence type, duration and pace every time. Seattle-based founders Ben Simon and Carlos Ormachea explain the app is powered by roughly 18 hours of recorded content, which is used to deliver nearly endless amounts of customizable classes.
Though this kind of yoga is known for emphasizing strength, balance and flexibility, it also features a calming ‘restorative’ sequence, which is great as a bedtime ritual.
Paid membership is available, but you really don’t need it to see why Down Dog is everyone’s go-to yoga app.
Available for both iOS and Android devices; visit downdogapp.com.
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