Beginning a home yoga practice is easy and convenient. It allows yoga to be practiced anywhere and at any time without leaving home or seeking out a new yoga studio when on the road or in a new place. Finding the motivation to begin a home practice can be challenging but with a little discipline the benefits of a daily yoga practice will help keep the practice going.
How to Begin a Home Yoga Practice
Before beginning a home yoga practice supplies must be gathered. A yoga mat is helpful but not completely necessary, depending on the style of the practice sometimes a towel or blanket on the floor is enough. At least one yoga block (two is preferable) is again helpful but a large book can also suffice for someone just starting out and not wanting to spend any money just yet. Lastly, a strap or a belt will also be helpful for challenging poses.
Creating a routine is helpful, set aside a specific time and place for practice. The yoga area does not have to be large but it should be big enough to lay out a yoga mat and props and be free from distraction such as the computer, television and phone. Commit to practicing at a certain time, write it on the calendar and keep it a priority. When life gets crazy it can be challenging to stick to a home practice but if it is a high priority it will be easier to stick to plans.
Building a Home Yoga Practice
Every yoga students wants something different from their yoga practice. Take some time to explore what the focus of the practice should be. Some are looking to reduce stress, or build strength and flexibility, to find a moment of calm in an otherwise hectic life, these reasons vary from person to person and must be decided on an individual basis.
Once it has been determined what the focus of the practice will be it is easier to plan a sequence to support that focus. Look to online resources to research poses that help to achieve a certain effect. Yoga Journal is a wonderful resource and even has a list of yoga sequences for all different needs and there are many other sites that offer sequences as well. For someone that has been practicing yoga for a while think of the poses that are most helpful and work them into routine to make the practice truly individual.
Sustaining a Home Yoga Practice
The most challenging thing about a home yoga practice is sticking to it. Life can become stressful, travel and work can interfere with routine and yoga can be pushed to the wayside. However, the more the practice routine is followed the easier it becomes to sustain. Once the benefits of the home yoga practice begin to take effect it will become more and more of a habit to come to the mat everyday.
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If an extra push is needed to get to the mat sometimes a yoga CD or DVD by a favorite teacher can help by having a routine to follow and another voice to listen to. Finding a friend to practice with or hiring a yoga instructor to teach an at home private to start things off can also be helpful. Eventually however, it is the practice itself and the effects it has that will keep the practice going.
A home yoga practice allows for yoga to be practiced anywhere and at any time. Overtime, a home yoga practice may become the most deeply joyful and satisfying part of the day. It takes a little time and a little discipline to begin but sticking with it offers many rewards including reduced stress, increased strength and flexibility, and an increased feeling of overall wellness.
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© 2010 Kaitlyn McConnell Share Article
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