6 Tips to Starting a Home Yoga Practice


When you’re brand new to yoga, the idea of starting on your own can seem difficult, or even impossible. I find that there is a common misconception about the practice of yoga. Many people who have never done yoga either think that yoga is simply “just stretching”, or they think that you need to be some sort of acrobat and crazy flexible to be able to step foot in a class. Neither of these above statements are true.

Starting Yoga as an Absolute Beginner
Yoga can be whatever you want it to be. The practice of yoga is personal to you and only you. Yoga can simply be sitting in silence, or it could be moving between three comfortable poses in an hour, it could be a powerful, sweaty flow, or it could be five minutes of stretching on the floor. My daily practice varies between all of the above.
The easiest way to familiarize yourself with the practice is to go to a class, but that may seem daunting to a lot of people who don’t know the first thing about yoga. It can be intimidating and overwhelming even stepping into a beginner yoga class.
Not to mention, yoga studio memberships cost a lot of money. However, with a home practice comes some challenges. Without a schedule, it can be hard to find motivation to get on your mat, or to know where to start.
If you’re looking to learn the basics with no one around in the comfort of your own home, I’ve come up with these tips to start your very own at- home yoga practice!

1. Create a Practice Space

This space can be as lavish or as simple as you choose. Some people may choose to go out and buy decorations for their space, and others may keep it as basic as placing their mat on the floor. Whatever you do, make the space a comfortable, inviting, clutter-free area.

If you have the space, the best option is to dedicate that space to yoga and yoga only. This doesn’t mean you have to have a second bedroom, it can simply be a corner in your living room. However much space you have, that is your new designated yoga space.

Having a dedicated yoga area creates space for you to feel comforted by your practice, and to feel motivated to return to your practice every day. It may take a few weeks to get into the groove, but eventually practicing yoga will become a part of your daily routine that you will look forward to each and every day.

2. Watch Videos

This is an extremely beneficial step for getting started with a home yoga practice when you’re new to yoga. With the technology we have today, we have access to professional yoga teachers all around the world. There are tons of yoga videos that are free on YouTube. I personally like Yoga With Adrienne, as she really lays out the basics in a non-intimidating way at a slower pace that is accommodating for all levels.

Do what you can from the practice, and get a feel for what it’s like to be in a “class.” Another great thing about online yoga videos is that you can find a specific class based on your current needs. In yoga studios, usually there are 3 or 4 kinds of yoga offered, but online you can find more targeted class; “yoga for tight hips”, “yoga for bedtime”, “yoga for your core”, etc. You can pick your style and pace and get exactly what you need out of the practice.

3. Hold Yourself Accountable

This can be difficult for some, as it is entirely upon yourself to dedicate time to practice. Trust me, I know that it can be hard to get yourself on the mat when you don’t have a teacher in front of you or a class that you’ve paid for. For me personally, my first tip is extremely important; creating an inviting and comfortable space that you look forward to stepping into.

If you work a job during business hours, set aside 30 mins every day before or after work to go to your yoga space. Think of it as a class. If you find a yoga video or audio that you enjoy, you’ll have a timed session already set up for you.

4. Set Goals For Yourself

Maybe you want to become more flexible, or lose weight; whatever your goals are, tell your friends about it or ask your spouse to practice with you at home. Track your practices on a calendar and reward yourself at the end of each month for so many practices.

Keep your goals short term and realistic. You want to be able to achieve them, so creating goals in accordance with your schedule is important. Setting short terms goals such as figuring out something you’d like to accomplish in 3 months, whether it’s getting into a headstand or touching your toes.

Finding a way to keep your motivation and hold yourself accountable is very important at the beginning of your yoga journey. Having a consistent routine is key.

5. Find Inspiration

This is a great way to find motivation to keep practicing. It may be difficult to be inspired if you’re feeling like you haven’t been able to hold a pose, or haven’t found any interesting flows.

For many people, Instagram is a great platform to draw inspiration from. I also really like Pinterest, as there are many videos and photos that explain certain poses; how to stretch for them, and the steps to get into them.

Following yoga accounts on Instagram may spark your interest as well; there are thousands of incredible yogis sharing their yoga journey, tips and tricks, and different perspectives on what yoga means to them.
Get connected with people who inspire you to practice. Find something or someone that gives you inspiration to practice!

6. Align Your Lifestyle With Yoga

This one is relevant to any sort of workout or dieting goals. If you’re living a life where you’re drinking every night, or staying up super late binging on junk food; chances are you’re not going to feel like practicing yoga. If you have plans every night after work and are staying out late, you probably won’t get up early enough before work to dedicate time to your practice either.

This goes back to step 3 – holding yourself accountable. If you want to incorporate a yoga practice into your life, you must change things in your life to create time and energy for yoga. Aside from the actual practice, this time that you’re setting aside in your day is for yourself; a chance for “you time.” Self- care is such an important necessity that many people don’t recognize.

This will allow for more time for yourself, your yoga practice, and less time binge- snacking, drinking, staying up late, or any other unhealthy habits you may have in your daily routine.

The best thing about yoga is that it’s accessible to almost anyone. You don’t need really anything to practice besides yourself. That’s the most beautiful part of it all; you don’t need a fancy studio, you just need the motivation to get started. Yoga is so beneficial to our mind and body, so hopefully with these tips you’ll be on your way to a consistent home practice.


Yoga Trade
You might also like...
How To (Actually) Make Money As A Yoga Instructor

Let’s face it, nobody goes into yoga teaching to become rich. But yoga instructors can make money!  It’s true. There are dozens of yoga teacher millionaires and countless more that earn enough money to live comfortably in a first world country… …which, compared to many yoga teaching gigs right now,…

Kāma: Portable Platforms for Mindful Adventures

What a joy to meet Rachel Dobronyi this summer at Tahoe Outdoor Yoga at Kiva Beach!  This very special human is the founder of Kāma Surface Co. Kāma designs origami-style adventure surfaces with intention. Rachel’s roots are the mountains, the sea, yoga, and mindful adventures. She has followed her heart’s calling…

Living in the Flow of Life: Connect to Source

Yoga. Dance. Surfing. Diving. Writing. Meditation. Running. Climbing. Swimming. Chanting. Painting. Breathwork. Hiking. While distinct in form, practices like these (and many others!) have one powerful thing in common:  – from the inside-out – with the sensuous, circadian rhythms of life. Flow experiences can catch us at any time, in…

Find What You Love and Love What You Find

The life of a freelance yoga instructor, self-defense teacher and adventure sports writer involves a lot of free time. I used to devote an embarrassing amount of that free time to trawling the Yoga Trade website. The secret to using the site well is to know when to daydream about…

Yoga Trade Membership

Connect with worldwide wellness opportunities and transformative ways to travel, work, live, and learn.

Membership

Loading...