Yoga can be a great way to relax, de-stress, and stay fit, but it can also be intimidating to get started or expensive to join a studio. If you want to try yoga but don’t want to break the bank, consider starting a home practice. With a little creativity and some basic equipment, you can create a fulfilling yoga practice right in your own home.
Here are a few tips to get you started:
Find a space to practice
You don’t need a dedicated yoga room to practice at home. A corner of your living room, a sunny spot in your bedroom, or even a small balcony can be a perfect place to roll out your mat. Just make sure you have enough space to move freely and comfortably.
Creating a dedicated space for your home yoga practice can be very beneficial. It can help to create a sense of ritual and routine, allowing you to establish a regular practice that feels more meaningful. A dedicated space also allows you to create a peaceful and distraction-free environment, helping you to get the most out of your practice.
Having a specific place set aside for your practice can also help you to feel more motivated to make time for it and stick with it. In addition, a dedicated space can be more comfortable, as you can set it up with things like blankets, cushions, and other props to make it more supportive and enjoyable. Overall, using a dedicated space for your home yoga practice can help to create a more meaningful, peaceful, and comfortable practice, as well as help you to feel more committed to your practice and establish a regular routine.
Invest in a good quality yoga mat
This is probably the most important investment you’ll make for your home practice, as it will provide a comfortable and stable surface to practice on. Look for a mat that is durable and non-slip, but don’t feel like you need to splurge on the most expensive option. There are plenty of affordable options out there that will get the job done.
Check out online resources and apps
There are tons of free yoga resources available online, including YouTube videos, podcasts, and streaming services. Some of my favorites include the YouTube channels of Yoga with Adriene and Fightmaster Yoga, and the apps DownDog and Glo. These resources offer a wide range of classes at various levels, so you’re sure to find something that works for you. My favourite is DownDog, which stitches together instructional yoga videos on the fly, based on parameters that you set such as time available, muscles/areas to focus on etc. It really does feel like you’re getting a custom workout each time and the videos flow beautifully.
Use props creatively
You don’t need to go out and buy a bunch of fancy props to have a successful home practice. In fact, you can probably find most of what you need around your house. For example, you can use a blanket for support in restorative poses, or use a chair as a prop in standing poses. Get creative and see what you can find!
Optional: Find a community
Practicing yoga at home can sometimes feel isolating, so if you miss the camaraderie of yoga classes you should find ways to connect with others who are also interested in yoga. This could be through online forums or social media groups, or by attending local classes or workshops. Not only will this help you feel more connected, but it can also provide an opportunity to learn from others and get new ideas for your home practice.
Lauren Gamble is an author, mompreneur, co-founder of Naturally Made Essentials. She is on a mission to help thousands of women across the world achieve a healthy, happy lifestyle through teaching natural health practices.
