Start a Home Yoga Practice
You want to do some yoga at home but are not sure how to begin. Here are some tips and ideas to help get you started.
First, don’t worry about setting up a dedicated space in your house or ordering mats and yoga props. Start first and then buy what you need. It doesn’t have to be perfect.
If you have a mat. Unroll the thing and get on it. If you don’t have a mat, a towel rug or carpet will suffice for now. After a toe-dip into yoga, you can check out my article on yoga mats and get ordering.
Suggestions to avoid being distracted by the chaos around you.
Move through your practice and shut your eyes when you are in the poses. This allows you to connect with your body and breath. It also allows all the household distractions to just melt.
Light something smelly if you have it. When I close my eyes and light something as simple as a Prices Chef’s tea light candle, it can almost transport me to Bali. It also rids any lingering whiff of running shoe or cooking smells.
Online yoga to try
Flexibility yoga
If you are new to yoga, I think Rodney Yee has some wonderful flexibility yoga for beginner links on you-tube. He also has a great voice.
Simple sequence
I also like this 15-minute yoga journal sequence from Jason Crandell. I think you could repeat this daily. Then spend 5 minutes meditating. That would be a good, well-rounded practice.
Getting the pose right
You don’t need to get too caught up in the overall look of the yoga postures. Focus on your breathing and be present to any sensation. Notice how that feels in your body. Only you know if something feels right.
If the stretch feels too much, ease off. Move to where sensation starts, play around a little with more or less intensity, and find your sweet spot. A simple side stretch or twist can open up layers of sensation and interest if you spend enough time paying attention.
If you are not breathing freely you could be trying too hard. Ease off and relax into the pose.
Don’t be afraid to use yoga props or cushions to make the pose more accessible.
Some more ideas
Explore what local teachers are offering online. You might get hooked and want to visit in person. It supports your local community.
Yoga Journal is a great resource and has lots of information on how to do a yoga pose with step-by-step instructions.
Yoga streaming apps like Gaia. are good value, offering tons of videos and all styles of yoga.
