Yoga can be one of the most liberating and freeing things we do in our lives.

It strengthens our bodies, calms our mind, and truly is one of the ultimate self-care acts you can give yourself.

Can I get a “Namaste” from the crowd on that one?

Well, it’s no wonder then that 1 of 3 Americans have tried yoga. And with over 6,000 studios in the U.S.A. alone, yoga is increasingly becoming more and more available.

In fact, make that 6,001 yoga studios. Because your home is your next yoga studio to take your self-care to the next level.

Why start a home yoga practice?

The benefits of yoga continue to produce impressive results in increased flexibility, stress management, better sleep, and overall physical and mental wellness. Read more about the key benefits of yoga here.

But I know just as well as you do that life happens, and we are pulled in a million other directions on the daily to give to those in our lives. And sadly, sometimes our yoga practice takes the back seat

I am constantly reminding myself of this:

You can’t take care of others if you don’t take care of yourself. You’ll have nothing to pour if your cup is empty.

So, when making it to the yoga studio is looking to be a challenge, consider that a home yoga practice may just be the solution you are looking for.

Yoga at home can:

  • Save you money. Save on classes or membership fees, gas, perhaps even parking.
  • Save you time. Make your own yoga schedule that conveniently fits with your lifestyle.
  • Create a customized yoga practice just for you and what your body needs. This can mean focusing on building low back strength, opening your hips, or workshopping the inversion you saw on Instagram.
  • Give you the freedom to try new postures and build confidence in them on your own turf.
  • Give you time to practice Svadhyaya, or self-study, to check-in with YOU.
  • Relieve you of excuses that you don’t have time to do yoga. You can undoubtedly commit to the self-care goal you dream of.

It’s time to fill your cup with yoga goodness, all in the comfort of your own home.

What you need to start yoga at home


Find your space
  • Pinpoint an area in your home where you know you can absolutely roll out your mat. Ideally, it’s on a hard floor to help you balance better, but carpet is ok too. Identifying your space takes one more distraction out of the self-care formula for you to properly plan.
  • If your home allows for a dedicated space to spruce up your own yoga sanctuary, do it! Even if it’s a little corner in your living room, use plants and candles to invite a calming atmosphere.
  • But truthfully, any space is fair game. I can’t count how many yoga video’s I have seen of people practicing their Sun Salutations in the middle of their kitchen.

 

Get the essentials

  • You. Truly all you need is yourself to practice yoga.
  • Yoga mat. Find one that fits your budget and desired mat thickness (especially if you have tender knees).
  • Blocks. Even the most flexible yogi’s use blocks. They help us find more length and provide support for when we need it. Some of the yummiest yoga postures are done with blocks.
  • Yoga strap. Straps also give us the ability to find more length in our arms and legs.
  • Bolster. If a more restorative yoga practice is your jam, this will be your best friend. This giant and supportive pillow will feel like a dream when you’re breathing deeply on your mat.

Find the time

  • If you need more energy – consider a morning practice. Diving head first into your day with time on your mat will help clear your mind of what may be weighing you down internally, and give you natural energy in your body physically. It will set the tone for your day and offers the opportunity to take your yoga intention with you off your mat.
  • If you need more grounding in your life – consider an early evening practice. If you know your days are crazy and when you get home and you just can’t turn your brain off from work, roll your mat out. Your practice will feel like a fresh shower, cleaning whatever happened in your day, that you don’t need, right off.
  • If you (think) you don’t have time – Keep your yoga mat out and handy and do a three Sun A’s quickly every time you pass your mat at home. Or any other movements that your body needs. Just move a bit and breath. It’ll do wonders.

Schedule and commit to when you will practice. Remember, even 10 minutes is better than nothing. Consistency is what will show you the results you are looking for.

Be excited about when you get to do yoga! It’s your “you time”. Make it all about treating yourself.

How to practice at home

If you are new to yoga, don’t worry, the yoga community has your back. There are countless free yoga videos on YouTube and at home subscriptions you can purchase to access some of the world’s most well-known teachers. Find a teacher that fits your style and what your body needs.

Be aware of safety and alignment. If anything doesn’t feel good, stop.

Free yoga on YouTube

  • Yoga with Adriene
  • The Journey Junkie
  • Rachel Brathen Yoga
  • Kino Yoga
  • And MANY others

Paid Yoga (but affordable)

  • Yoga Glo
  • Alo Moves
  • DOYOUYOGA
  • Yogiapproved
  • Corepower Yoga
  • And MANY others

If you have an established practice, find a class online or put on some good music and just move on your own. Move to however your body wants and where it naturally wants to go.

Some of my most rewarding practices have been doing just that. You find a sense of fluidity and freedom to your own personal dance.

For a bit of structure and safety, below is a template for you to sequence your time on your mat to make the most of your time.

Yoga Practice Template

  • Integrate into your practice – child’s pose, cat/cow, gentle forward fold, down dog, organic movements that begin to wake up your body
  • Sun A – find a breath to movement flow
  • Sun B – begin to work in postures to help address whatever it is you want to get out of your time on your mat (I.E. Hips)
  • Standing series – twists, balancing, inversions, workshop postures you are working on
  • Backbends – only do this before hips if you’ve spent time opening up your hips earlier in your practice. If not, do hips first.
  • Hips
  • Surrender – seated forward folds, legs up the wall, supine twists, savasana (corpse pose)

The hardest part of a home practice is actually stepping on your mat.

So, when you feel the urge to skip a yoga session to take care of other to-do’s instead, remember that once the soles of your feet press down onto your mat, you’ll begin to feel more alive with every breath that you take.

You will always be grateful when you do yoga. And often regret when you don’t do yoga.

Fill up your own cup first. The people in your life will thank you for it.