Sometimes you just can’t make it to the yoga studio. Maybe the weather won’t allow, or time won’t permit. And maybe you just want the convenience of practicing yoga from the comfort of your living room. Thankfully you can still experience the benefits of yoga even at home.
Is yoga at home effective?
It’s often assumed that yoga outside of a traditional setting just isn’t as effective. But yoga can be just as beneficial when done at home as it is in a traditional yoga studio. However, you need to be sure you know how to perform the moves since you won’t be watching a live instructor.
You also need to ensure your home is a peaceful environment. If your home is loud or filled with distractions, it will be difficult, if not impossible to perform your yoga session.
Another caution of doing yoga at home can be the lack of motivation. If you plan on practicing yoga at home on a regular basis, you need to develop a schedule so you remain consistent. One of the benefits of a yoga studio is that you have a community to provide accountability.
If you’re disciplined, and personal accountability isn’t an issue, maintaining a regular practice won’t be a problem for you.
What do you need for yoga at home?
There are a few things you need to have in order to do yoga at home.
Yoga Mat
You might be accustomed to your studio or gym supplying a yoga mat. But it’s good to have your own yoga mat for a few reasons. First, you want your own yoga mat so you can practice yoga in the convenience of your own home. Secondly, it’s good to have a mat that you’re comfortable with. And lastly, if you have your own mat you can utilize a mat cleaner that doesn’t contain harsh chemicals often used by gyms and fitness centers. Cleaning your own mat will also guarantee that it’s cleaned properly after each session.
Order a bottle of our all natural yoga mat cleaner that will leave you and your mat feeling fresh and uplifted while you do yoga.
Yoga Block
The yoga block is another useful tool for practicing yoga. Yoga blocks help maintain balance, and can also provide support to your back, head, and hips during poses.
Yoga blocks are made of either foam, bamboo, wood, or cork. Corc Yoga’s blocks come in two sizes and are made from 100% natural cork.
Towel
Depending on the style of yoga you do at home, you may end up sweating. You may want to wipe the sweat off your mat during your session to keep it from getting slippery. There’s no need to overcomplicate it though – a hand towel will work to soak up the sweat. If you prefer, you can also purchase one of our yoga-specific towels, which fit the entire length of your mat.
Comfortable Clothing
Street clothes are not ideal for yoga. Whether you’re at the yoga studio or at home, you’ll want to wear clothing that is comfortable, breathable, and isn’t distracting during your different movements.
Ideally, you’ll want clothing that allows for flexibility, but not too loose at the same time.
Water Bottle
Hydration is an important part of a good yoga session. Hydration will keep your joints and muscles healthy and prevent many other negative side effects associated with dehydration.
Find a water bottle that is easy to drink from and holds enough water to keep you hydrated during your workout.
Music
This is a personal preference. Some people prefer not to use music at all. But if you enjoy background music to help guide your yoga session, then be sure you have appropriate music ready.
Stress-Free Environment
The last thing you need to practice yoga at home is a stress-free environment. Yoga is about finding inner peace and calm. Unfortunately, our home is often filled with distractions.
To ensure your home yoga session is beneficial, be sure to eliminate all distractions and create a peaceful environment. This could mean closing the window blinds, shutting the door, and eliminating any other distractions. Leave your phone in the other room to be sure you’re not interrupted by a call or update.
7 Simple Yoga Poses You Can Perform at Home
Whether new to yoga and looking to begin in the comfort of your home, or an experienced yogi in need of convenience, you can easily experience the benefits of yoga even at home. Here’s a simple yoga sequence to help you begin your at home yoga session.
Begin the sequence on your right side, then switch and perform it on your left side.
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- 1. Downward dog split: Inhale, reach your left leg up
- 2. Low lunge: Exhale, step your left foot forward
- 3. Warrior II: Inhale, rotate your right heel down and rise to a standing position, reaching your left arm to the front of the room and your right arm back
- 4. Humble warrior: Inhale, interlace your fingers behind your back, exhale, fold forward, your left shoulder coming to the inside of your left thigh
- 5. Chaturanga: Exhale, bring hands to ground, step left foot back, lower your chest toward the floor
- 6. Upward facing dog: Inhale, press tops of feet into the ground, reach chest forward and up as you extend your elbows
- 7. Downward facing dog: Exhale, place balls of feet on the mat, press through palms and feet and reach hips toward the ceiling
Once you’ve completed both sides, finish by moving from downward facing dog into child’s pose. Hold this final pose for 30-60 seconds.
Now that you know how effective yoga at home can be, get everything you will need, make your home a peaceful setting, and begin this simple 7 pose yoga sequence.
