10 Steps to Starting a Home Yoga Practice

Whether you're just starting your yoga journey or have been in the game for years, a home yoga practice can be very rewarding. With apps, video platforms and eBooks, there are still a growing number of resources available to start and maintain a consistent home practice. Just like choosing the right studio and yoga instructor for you, building a home practice can take some time and experimentation. We've put together a list of tips to get you started:

1. Define your goals and intentions

A home exercise can be many different things - it can even be different things on different days - but it's a good idea to define what you want from this new habit before you start. Find your why and set some intentions for what type of practice you want to create. Are you doing this for your mental or physical health, or perhaps both? How much time do you want to spend on this? Then set some goals for your practice. These could be goals for a pose you want to master, how many times a week you want to practice, being patient with yourself, or something else. Make sure you set gentle and realistic goals so you don't get discouraged. You are starting something new and that is an achievement in itself!

2. Do a little research

With all the resources available in the form of video classes, eBooks, and yoga apps, there is so much to choose from no matter what level your practice is at, but just as it can be trial and error to find a studio and teacher for you to connect with, it will most likely take a little time and try a few different things to structure your ideal home practice. If you're fairly experienced, you may prefer to practice to your own beat, but if you want guidance, a little research is probably required.

Although it's always great once you've taken a few classes and gotten a feel for your body's boundaries and alignment in a safe, guided space, you can start a home practice without ever taking a yoga class.

3. Choose your mat

Now this is exciting – sure, you can start your practice at home on the carpet or on a towel, but a yoga mat not only makes practicing easier and more comfortable, but it also instantly creates a space where you can feel calm and safe, even if you don't have a lot of space to create an entire "designated yoga area." Depending on your practice style, there are many different options at different price points and materials: The Sticky Mat is a great option for a first mat; the Eco Everyday Mat is the most sustainable option and made from tree rubber; the Studio Mat is a sturdy, versatile mat for different types of exercises and the Everyday Wellness Mat offers a little more cushion.

4. Create your practice space

It would be ideal if you were able to set aside a corner or room for your home practice as this will mean you can leave out your equipment and probably practice more frequently, but it is not necessary to have a lot of space to practice at home. Depending on the type of exercise you want to get into, you may want to get a few props to help you along. A bolster and a soft blanket are a great starting kit for a recovery practice, while a belt and a few bricks will help you with tricky poses in a more dynamic practice.

Whether you have the space to create a soft and plush space with cushions, blankets, candles, and room to move around, or you've simply rolled your mat under your bed and unrolled it in front of your TV when it's time to practice, it's a good idea to set the scene: eliminate distractions by putting your phone on airplane mode and let your family know that you're taking up the living room and will close the door for the next half hour or so. Next, make it your spot, light some candles and maybe put some essential oil on your wrists and temples and play some music if you feel like it. Finally, make it a safe place and sit on your mat for a few deep breaths before you begin your workout.

5. Schedule time for yourself

Some days you crave time on your mat and other days you have to drag yourself onto it - and that's okay! Unlike when you signed up for a yoga class or class, no one will be waiting for you to show up - so you have to show up yourself. This may be easier if you schedule time for your practice by actually putting it on your calendar, setting your alarm, putting it on the to-do list - whatever works for you!

6. Find your teacher

Because of the large number of resources available for a home yoga practice, you also have many teachers to choose from. It may take some time to find someone who resonates with you and your practice style. Especially if you're new to yoga, give it some time, just because you may not have particularly enjoyed the first few online classes you tried, it definitely doesn't mean yoga isn't for you. Take some time and try different approaches!

7. Keep it simple and be gentle

It may take a while to find your groove. So be patient and forgiving towards yourself. You're starting something new, and even people who have practiced for years still find that they go through phases where getting up on the mat requires more effort and doesn't happen as often as they'd like. It takes time and effort to create a habit. If you don't get on your mat for a while, don't beat yourself up, just get back on it and take it one day at a time.

8. Listen within

This one is especially important if you're new to yoga, but even if you're an experienced yogi, a home practice is very different from attending classes. There is no teacher at home to watch over you, make adjustments and protect you. Therefore, it is very important that you listen to your body. In class, the teacher is also there to challenge and push you forward. So it goes both ways: Make sure you not only respect your boundaries, but challenge yourself and explore your limits.

9. Remember Savasana

Don't skip Savasana just because you're home and could be doing laundry or cooking dinner. Savasana is your time to enjoy the aftereffects of your practice and take a moment to just be!

10. Stay inspired

Go in for the occasional tune-up. Even if you manage to establish a consistent home practice, reading books, listening to podcasts, and chatting with teachers with more experience will help you feel inspired and may encourage you to try new things and practice outside of your normal boundaries.