What do you need to start yoga at home (for beginners)?

It used to be that your yoga teacher would mention home yoga practice as the next step, and you would say, yes, eventually… and store this notion away in the “odd socks and vague intentions” drawer. So what do you need to start yoga at home?

As we shelter in place to avoid infection, home practice has become about the only practice possible. Now that all of your socks have been matched, there’s nothing to get in the way!

Here are some points to keep in mind about your at-home yoga practice.

1.  Dedicate a space to your practice. If you can, dedicate enough space for a yoga mat and props, maybe a chair if you use one for your practice. Or else a space that is easy to set up. Basically, you want as little fuss and bother as possible between you and your practice.
2. Set up a structure: a time for your practice that makes sense for your schedule and rhythms. Some people really like a morning practice, others prefer a practice to help them sleep.
3. Vary your practice. If there’s a day when you challenge yourself, make the next day gentler. Across the week, a practice that is hard, pushing the edges; and a practice that is soft, gentle and restorative.
4. Examine your intentions. Perhaps you liked to practice because it was also a social event. In that case, join a group online where you can get that connection. Or maybe you practice to relieve anxiety or to go within and get clarity about your own mental process. Or all of the above!
5.  Consider the different kinds of practice that are possible. Research to develop your own practice or find books, videos or audio that meet your intentions.
6. Stay with it. Don’t judge your practice after one day. Give yourself a few weeks, get into a rhythm that works for you. It will be good for you!

Enjoy your yoga at home workout!