Do you find it difficult to go to a yoga class every week? Or maybe you find that one or two yoga classes are simply not enough? Well, luckily there is a completely free way to practice yoga… all you really need is yourself and maybe a yoga mat. This post is there to help you get started with a personal yoga practice at home.
Why should you start to practice yoga at home
Not everyone has the luxury of time and money to attend a group yoga class 3 times a week. Especially if you have kids chances are, that there is very little time to go anywhere you really like and even the shopping trip that you previously enjoyed has been reduced to online shopping or “click on collect”!
I want to talk about the importance of a home yoga practice in this post. Going to a group class is great and it’s a great experience to practice with a room full of people. Nothing can beat this energy.
Private classes are great when you want to work on something specific – a specific condition or maybe a challenging pose like headstands. Or if you simply want to start yoga but want to the guidance and full attention from a teacher.
Your personal home practice can offer something that you will not be able experience in a group yoga class or even a private class. It’s 100% personal, it’s completely tailored to you and it’s yours! You are your best yoga teacher because all you need to do is listen to your own body which only you can do!
Tips for starting your yoga practice at home
Find a time to practice everyday: the biggest excuse is of course “I don’t have the time to…”! Well if you really want to you will make time for yoga! Have it on your to do list for the day. Set your self an alarm. Set yourself a fixed time when you want to practice. Whatever works for you. Just 10 minutes a day are a lot better than nothing at all!
Have your yoga mat rolled out: I do this and it works for me. I have my yoga mat rolled out in my bedroom (to the annoyance of my husband) and whenever I have 5 minutes here or there I do a little bit of yoga!
Accept that there are not perfect conditions for your practice: Read this post  if you have kids you will understand what I mean. I’ve chosen the picture above on purpose! If you are waiting for the perfect time to start yoga then you might wait for a long time…
Create a nice ambiance: I have to admit that I don’t do this enough but it really helps to make your practice enjoyable and special. Clear the room from clutter (note to self), light a candle and an aroma lamp with lavender oil or anything else you enjoy!
Get some yoga videos you enjoy: If your excuse is that you don’t know where to get started then have a look on YouTube! There are millions of yoga videos! You can try my 20 minute beginner’s practice or check out Yoga with Adrienne or Kino Yoga if you like Ashtanga Yoga.
Take a few private lessons: If you’re a complete beginner and you’re not confident following YouTube videos because you’re not sure if you are doing things right then take a few private yoga lessons with a teacher in your area! Just 5 or 6 lessons will help you get started with a home practice.
Do what you enjoy and then what you don’t enjoy:Â Once you get started do lots of poses that you enjoy and that you know really well. Once your practice is more established you can start doing things that are more challenging for you and I would also encourage you to do the things that you don’t enjoy so much. Yoga is all about balance and you want to create a balanced practice that takes you further rather than just do what’s easy.
Listen to your body: Your body is your best teacher. It will always tell you what you need! I can’t say this often enough as it’s so so important. Have a look at my post Why don’t we trust our bodies to understand why.
I really hope that you find this list useful and if you do make sure to share it on Facebook or Twitter! Let me know in the comments if you already practise yoga at home or what’s holding you back if you don’t.
