Needless to say, there are many benefits to at-home yoga practice. You don't need much equipment and can practice anywhere, day or night, and even in your pajamas.
An added benefit of at-home yoga practice is that you can focus on your own body without being concerned about what others are doing. It helps you become aware of your daily needs and practices in a way that benefits your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Theoretically, it should be simple enough to start an at-home yoga practice, but even seasoned practitioners occasionally struggle with knowing which poses to do and how to combine them.
Fret not. Read on to learn how to get started.
Get Started with At-Home Yoga Practice
As you plan to get ready for your at-home yoga practice, you should:
- Look for a peaceful area in your home.
- Place your supplies for doing yoga here (like bolsters, mats, blocks, blankets, and straps).
- We advise purchasing a yoga mat if this is your first foray into yoga. You can also check out this list of the best yoga mats for hot yoga.
- Make sure you set achievable goals for yourself when you first begin your at-home yoga practice. That lessens the likelihood of disappointment and, most importantly, harm.
Tips for At-Home Yoga Practice
Starting an at-home yoga practice can help you save time, effort, and money. Practicing yoga for 20 minutes at home is frequently more beneficial than making the drive, finding parking, and paying for an hour at a studio.
Here are some tips on how to get going:
1) Fix your time
You are not constrained by a predetermined practice time or class schedule when you practice at home. The drawback of home practice is that you aren't bound by a set class schedule or practice time limit, though.
See the difficulty? Although you don't have to practice yoga at the same time every day, if you aren't intent on a fixed time, it's likely you won't do it altogether.
Examine your weekly plan, and make a decision about when and how long you will practice yoga each day.
2) Start with simple poses
Start with a brief, fundamental, and beginner-level practice, and advance from there.
First, developing an at-home yoga practice habit is more crucial than worrying about how it will appear. Try out longer and more difficult practices once they become a pattern for you.
3) Pick your style
Yoga comes in a variety of forms, each of which has benefits of its own. Stretching and flexibility are emphasized in some techniques, while gaining strength and relaxation are the main priorities in others. Even aspects from other styles can be combined in your at-home yoga practice.
4) Add some varieties
Consider experimenting with various approaches and techniques after you've established a regular routine. Iyengar, vinyasa flow, and power yoga are a few distinct yoga styles to try. Think about including some yin yoga or some restorative stretches.
Think about focusing on a different movement, such as a standing position, backbend, forward fold, twist, or inversion. Pranayama breathing techniques can be added or experimented with.
Learn more about Iyengar yoga, its history, and its benefits.
5) Avoid the 3 Ps
Respect your body's boundaries at all times, and stay away from pinching, pushing, and pain.
It can be tough to tell the difference between pain and pinching if you're new to yoga. Pinching is more of a dull, aching sensation than pain, which is hot and intense. For the most part, stop if it's inside the joint structure.
If you experience pain, exit the stance gradually rather than abruptly. You might be able to soften, adapt, or even use aids to help you if you experience discomfort. Always warm up adequately before attempting difficult postures, and pay close attention to how you move between poses.
Takeaway
Start off by practicing a class or sequence you find enjoyable, so you will be motivated to lay out your mat. Why not play some music or practice with some friends? You can share your experiences with your pals and stay inspired as a result.
Whatever other workout regimen we select, yoga fills in the blanks and keeps us afloat when life gets too crazy to handle.