How To Start With Yoga At Home
Whether you’ve recently read an article or watched a video that motivated you to try it, you probably already know that practicing yoga will keep you healthier, more productive, calm and generally happy. This is the exercise that will not only help your body on the outside but also on the inside.
Of course you can start going to your local gym and learn how to do yoga with an instructor, however, let’s be honest, working out at home removes the obstacles that appear when you have to pack your gym gear in advance, head to the gym and be there at a certain time every week. Since you don’t have to leave your home and you can choose the length and intensity of your practice, you can adapt the workout to suit your needs and create an atmosphere that will help you focus, relax and make it a pleasant experience.
What Will You Need?
You don’t need almost anything to start with yoga since it’s only about you and your body, but there are a few things that are great to have to enjoy your workout more.
Enough space: This might seem obvious but make sure you have enough space to move in any direction. It could even involve moving some furniture but don’t let that discourage you.
A yoga mat: Although you can practice on your carpet or floor if it’s clean and you feel comfortable lying on it (meaning you for example have a no-shoe policy in that area), a mat will help you define your space and it’s simply more comfortable to lie on.
The right clothes: You’ll want stretchy, comfortable clothing that is not loose and will not distract you during the practice. Also, if you keep putting off the day you will do yoga for the first time, lay them out the night before. In the morning, when you’ll be changing from your PJ’s, put your sports clothes on straight away and start your workout.
More equipment: It’s not necessary to buy any equipment when starting with yoga but if you like to have all the options covered and be prepared for just about anything, these might come in handy: a blanket (to keep you warm during e.g. savasana), a prop, a brick or a block (great for providing extra support, lift or grounding in various postures) and a strap to ‘bind’ in a pose and extend your reach.
Guidance and inspiration: Join a virtual class for beginners, find a yoga instructor on Youtube and follow the video or print out a page with the basic poses you want to learn, search the internet for yoga websites that will provide you with daily sequence for your level. Find out what kind of guidance you personally find the most inspiring.
And one more tip – start small. It’s much better if you commit to a shorter period of time but more often. Even 15 minutes a day will make a difference. After a few days, lengthen your practice by five minutes and do the same thing a few days later. That way you’ll get into a routine more easily and you’ll figure out the length that suits you the most.
Now you have everything that’s necessary. So get on the mat and practice. I’m sure you’ll love it!