How to start practicing yoga at home

 How to start practicing yoga at home

There is a lot to be said about practicing yoga in a local studio. Get personalized feedback from coaches, learn about other yogis in your community, and learn more about the practice from people around you. All of these benefits are important and should not be ignored or underestimated.

But if you don't live near a studio or are the type who struggles to find time for a regular class, practicing yoga at home can help you seamlessly integrate the practice into your life. For example, you don't have to wait for a specific time for a lesson or commit to a one-hour session; You don't need to pack your bag, go to the studio, or spend extra time talking to other yogis. Just choose the time and duration of the session that suits you and receive an "om" at home.

Get your gear

Technically, you don't need anything but your body to practice yoga. However, having equipment that you really enjoy using, especially one that you are proud of, can help create the "space" and atmosphere in your home that encourages constant practice.

Additionally, investing in a good yoga mat and some props may make you feel like you need to follow through on your good intentions and get back the money you invested in your home practice.

Veronica Parker, Kundalini Yoga teacher and meditation coach, suggests that you have the following materials on hand before beginning your practice:

• yoga mat
• Some yoga blocks.
• Yoga belt or strap
• Pillow or cushion for sitting and meditating

Of course, there are hundreds of brands and styles to choose from, a fact that can be overwhelming for a new practitioner. The yoga mat is likely to be your biggest expense. For a quality mat, you can expect to pay between $60 and $120. Check online retailers like YogaOutlet.com and Amazon for deals from reputable brands like Jade and Manduka.

And while it might be tempting to buy a thicker, padded mat, Parker suggests sticking with a thinner version because it's easier to practice balancing poses. Look for supports 3 to 5 mm thick. For example, the Jade Yoga Elite S natural rubber yoga mat is 5 millimeters thick and costs just under $100.

Pair your mat with two less expensive blocks, like the Everyday Yoga 4-inch Foam Yoga Block, which retails for $8 each, and a grip, like the B Yoga Stretch Trainer, which retails for $18, and contains just about everything you need. for your practice at home. Use a pillow on hand as a pillow, or buy an eye-catching yoga pillow like the Chattra Oval Bolster, which costs just under $80.

Over time, and as your practice deepens, you may decide to purchase more props or supplies for your studies, but it is not necessary to purchase more at first. Parker has another tip. "If you don't consider yourself very flexible, it helps to have a chair handy so you can use it for extra support."

Choose your space

Just as you don't need a lot of equipment for doing yoga, you also don't need a lot of space, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't take your space seriously. "It's ideal to have a clutter-free space," Parker says. "It could be a bedroom, a basement, or a living room. Try to find a room where you won't be disturbed while you're working out."

You want the space you choose to feel like it's meant for yoga, so if you can, pick a corner or room where you don't do anything else. It should be big enough to fit your rug and have freedom of movement, so plan for at least 2 square metres. Even if you can't dedicate an entire room to your practice, consider using visual cues to define your yoga space.

"I love creating an altar where I put things that inspire me in my work. For example, I have my favorite scented lavender candle, a picture of a Gurmukh yoga teacher, a picture of a yogi bhajan, and three energy amplifying crystals." Parker says, "Basically anything that will inspire you to perform and keep up with your yoga practice."

Finally, if you plan to stream a course or watch a DVD, you'll need to have access to the right technology. The good news is that there are countless apps and audio drives out there