How to Practice Yoga at Home

By Sangeetha Saran

Starting tomorrow, many people will be making attempts to practice Yoga at home. Since this is New Year’s Eve and many people will have a resolution tomorrow, let’s consider how many will want to start practicing asana, meditation, and pranayama in 2013. Let’s consider how many of them will be still practicing by Valentine’s Day. There is no need to be in a rush, over do it or get hurt pushing it. The truth is someone new should consult with their doctor and practice with the guidance of a certified Yoga instructor. However, some places still don’t have a studio around the corner. This might be hard to believe if you live near a city, but in some rural areas the big meeting place is Walmart, but it’s a 25 mile ride. There are no shopping malls, wellness boutiques, Whole Foods, Starbucks or tanning salons. So, if you live in a neighborhood with ten local beauty salons and another ten yoga schools, be thankful for what you have.

If you are interested in a physical Yoga training session, but don’t have access to a class, it is definitely possible to start at home. There are many Yoga books and DVDs that are available to help you to start your practice. If you have never done Yoga before or it has been a long time since you’ve practiced, it might be wise to start out with a beginner workout and move up from there.

Unlike many other types of activity, Yoga doesn’t require a lot of money or gear. It emphasizes using the weight of the body, balancing techniques, and concentrating on breathing in order to get the most out of it. Of course, there are props available to those who may need them, such as straps or blocks. There’s no need to buy special shoes, because most people practice barefoot. It is important to wear comfortable, breathable clothing that moves with you and isn’t constricting. Be sure to practice in an area that you will have plenty of space. Buying a Yoga mat is a worthwhile investment, as mats keep your feet from slipping and offer protection from hard floors.

There’s also no hard and fast rule about how often to practice. Some people practice every day, while others may only do it two or three times a week. The good thing about doing Yoga in your home is that you can decide when it is convenient for you. As you get further into it, you may find yourself doing it more often than you originally planned. Also ask yourself what you want to get out of your practice. Are you doing it to get in shape, as a way to relieve stress or as a way to calm your mind? Think about the reasons why and then set goals accordingly.

Practicing Yoga within the privacy and comfort of your own home after a busy day at work can definitely be relaxing. Many people do it directly before bedtime as a way to cleanse their minds and stretch their bodies. Others practice at the start of the day when their bodies are stiff from sleep. There is no right or wrong time to do Yoga; it is up to you to decide when you will get the most benefit from it.

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