How to Start a Home Yoga Practice
Yoga is a complete exercise for the body and mind. Those who practice yoga daily report less stress and anxiety, freedom from chronic pain, and happier moods. To reap the benefits of yoga practice, there’s no need for a yoga studio membership, expensive private instruction, or travel to a far away retreat. Yoga is accessible and available to you in your own home. All you need is the space, the time, and a source of instruction. Learn more about how to start a home yoga practice with the best app to practice yoga at home.
Create a Home Yoga Space
Setting aside a sacred space at home in which to practice yoga can motivate you to spend time on your mat every day. A dedicated space is nice, but it’s also easy to create a temporary one. Just move your coffee table to the side when it’s time for home yoga.
Set up your yoga mat on a smooth and firm surface. Leave about four feet of space on each side of your mat as a buffer to stretch out wide. You might invest in yoga props such as blocks or straps, but you can certainly do yoga without them.
- Choose a dedicated or temporary space
- Leave extra room around your yoga mat (and overhead too!)
- Place your mat on a firm, stable surface
- Purchase yoga props, or use pillows and a belt from your home
Make Time for Yoga
Anytime you learn something new, it’s best to establish a consistent practice routine. The same is true for yoga. A daily yoga practice is of great benefit, even if you practice for just 20 minutes a day. 20 minutes of daily yoga can lower your heart rate and blood pressure, boost your immune system, and help you sleep better.
Everyone’s schedule is unique. Some people enjoy yoga first thing in the morning, to wake up the body and build energy for the day. Others enjoy yoga at night, to de-stress and prepare the body for sleep. Experiment with different times to see what works for you. Once you find a class time that works, commit to it!
- Prioritize consistency over intensity. 20 minutes per day is fine
- Find the time that works for you, then add it to your calendar!
- Set an appointment with yourself to help keep your commitment
- Remember, there’s nothing more important than your personal health and wellness
Find a Home Yoga Instructor
There’s no need to create your own yoga routine. Even advanced practitioners enjoy following a guide. You can find free or low-cost home yoga instruction by following a local yoga studio on social media, by searching the type of class you’d like on YouTube, or through various yoga and fitness apps, including FitAtom, the best app to practice yoga at home.
Set up your phone, computer or television so you can see and hear it clearly, without straining your body. Turn up the volume or use bluetooth headphones, which won’t interfere with your range of motion. If you’re using an app like FitAtom that offers feedback and correction, set up your phone so it can see you as well.
- Find yoga classes on social media or YouTube
- Use a yoga and fitness app like FitAtom
- Choose a live class or instructional app if you’d like feedback and corrections
- For feedback, make sure your app or instructor can see your full body in the frame
Be Safe and Have Fun
Finally, yoga at home should be fun! In the privacy and comfort of your own space, you don’t have to worry about looking silly, falling from a balance pose, or keeping up with a fast-paced class. Move as you’d like to, as slowly as you want to.
There’s no such thing as right or wrong in yoga, but there is safe and unsafe. If you’re new to yoga, avoid injury through corrective instruction. The best apps to practice yoga at home will help you with alignment and connect you to a community of like-minded others. It’s an excellent addition to your home yoga practice, and keeps it both safe and fun.
