Creating a Studio for Home Yoga Practice
More people are doing yoga at home these days. Removed from studio crowds and generalized classes, a home yoga practice gives you the opportunity to move at your own pace and practice in the privacy of your own space. Creating a home yoga studio, whether it’s a dedicated or temporary space, can make your yoga practice more comfortable. Learn more about what to consider when following the top yoga apps at home.
Choosing Your Yoga Practice Space
Having a dedicated space for yoga is ideal, but it doesn’t have to be that way. If your yoga space is temporary, choose an area that’s easy to set up. You’re more likely to practice yoga daily if all you have to do is slide your coffee table to the side. If your yoga space requires a helper to move heavy furniture, you’re much less likely to do your yoga daily.
- Is your yoga practice space big enough?
- Is the surface level and stable?
- Do you have the right yoga equipment?
- Have you downloaded the top yoga apps?
The Size of Your Home Yoga Space
You need enough space for your yoga mat to lie flat, but that’s not all. Some yoga postures may require you to step sideways off your mat, or stretch your arms out to the right and left. Leave at least 4 feet of space around each side of your mat. Consider the space above you too. Have enough overhead room to stand on your toes and reach your arms to the sky.
Your Yoga Surface
Even though you’ll be practicing on a yoga mat, the surface below you matters too. Placing your mat on a plush carpet can make it unstable, while some mats will slip and slide on a concrete floor. Consider what type of flooring is underneath you, and set up in an area that offers you the perfect balance between a little padding and stability.
Equipment Needed for Yoga
All you really need for yoga is yourself and a yoga mat. If you’d like, you can also add props. Some yoga classes will make use of yoga blocks and straps. Yin and restorative yoga frequently rely on yoga bolsters and blankets. If you don’t have these props, don’t worry. At home, you can often replace yoga blocks with a few stacked books, or grab a cushion or pillow instead of a bolster.
Your Home Yoga Teacher
As you progress in your practice, you might enjoy a self-guided class. Most of us, however, need a teacher. At home, consider where this teacher is coming from. If you’re watching yoga videos on your computer or your television, think carefully about where these devices are located. Set up your home yoga space so you can easily see your screen from your mat without straining.
Volume is just as important as the visual, and sometimes more so. If you can easily hear the teacher, you’ll eventually be able to flow through most postures without even lifting your head.
Following Along with the Top Yoga Apps
If you’re streaming yoga classes from your phone, find a small table or shelf that allows you to place your phone waist-high, instead of on the floor. This prevents you from constantly straining your neck by looking down. Bluetooth headphones are ideal. They allow you to hear the class clearly, without compromising your range of motion.
If you’re using one of the top yoga apps, like FitAtom, your phone needs to see you as well. These apps provide feedback in each posture to ensure you’re doing the pose safely and correctly. Use the same waist-high setup you would use for your computer. When standing in mountain pose with your arms overhead, make sure your phone can see you from your toes to the tips of your fingers.
For even greater clarity, keep the space around you minimal. Not only will the FitAtom app see you better, but less clutter in your space leads to greater peace of mind.
