How to create space for yoga at home

I love to teach yoga. While it’s sometimes a challenge I also try and get to one yoga class a week for my practice. However, if that fails, I also do Yoga at home. I remember as a girl getting a book about yoga from the library. Standing in my bedroom and doing the poses. And that was the beginning of my home yoga practice.

My bedroom wasn’t large by any means, especially with the furniture in it. But I made it work. Heck, I didn’t even own a yoga mat at the time I just practice on the carpet. Fast forward thirty years and here I am with a whole career based around yoga and wellness.

The video above shows how much space you really need to do yoga at home. Plus tips and tricks to “make it work” . You can also click through to watch the video on my YouTube channel. Most importantly, don’t forget to leave me a comment, like and subscribe!

Why practice yoga at home?

Creating a home practice is a way to stay connected to your practice. Going to a yoga class is great. However, one class a week and expecting results, is like being on a diet only on Tuesdays and expecting to lose weight. Our practice extends beyond the studio, beyond the gym and beyond the mat!

Personally, nothing can beat rolling out of bed, walking across the hallway and stumbling onto your mat for an early morning yoga practice. Or having the opportunity to do some yoga after a long gardening session.

How much space do I need?

A good rule of thumb is: if your yoga mat fits you have space. Heck even if you mat doesn’t fit, you may still have space! Most yoga mats are approximately 2′ wide by 6′ long. Not a ton of space needed really.

I’ve practiced yoga at home in my living room, spare room, garden and kitchen. I’ve also practiced on vacation in hotel rooms. It’s sometimes a challenge to find the space but nobody said this was easy!

Top tip: you can put your yoga mat UNDERNEATH your living room rug. Not only will it help your rug stay in place, but you can do yoga by just throwing off your rug and stepping onto your mat! Living room, and yoga space all in one.

Creating space for yoga at home?

Finding floor space for yoga at home can be a struggle. But the real tricky part is can you find space for your mat AND have room to move your arms? In my yoga space I have plenty of room. Until I want to film a video and have to move my mat to the corner. Then I am restricted by walls/doors. However, it doesn’t mean I can’t practice. Only that I have to be mindful of my space.

The real questions is do you have somewhere you can practice undisturbed? I’m so happy that I now have somewhere with a door to shut myself away! Too often in my practice, I end up with a dog on my mat. And now of the downward or upward kind! I’ll be sharing more of my yoga room remodel soon.

Finding time

Space isn’t always physical. Practicing yoga at home can be a challenge if you have children, pets, or other family members. People at things that want your attention can disturb your practice.

Shut your phone off. Lock the door. Put a do not disturb sign on the edge of your mat. Give your kids “the look” if they begin to bother you. Your yoga practice should be part of your self care routine. Something that you do for your physical and mental well being. Give yourself the gift of a home practice.

Drawing a blank on the mat

So you found some space. You shut off the distractions and you’ve found time to get on your mat. But, your mind has suddenly gone blank. You don’t know what to do! What warm up should you do? Where do you start? What poses you should be doing? If you’re new to yoga at home, my advice is to take away the stress and bring on the experts. Find someone you like practicing with and ask if they have videos! I create videos on YouTube, and exclusive full length yoga classes on Patreon.

Your practice could also just be a 5 minute meditation. A 20 minute savasana or body scan. Some gentle movement to mobilize and stretch after a tough workout. Or a restorative practice to relax and restore your body and spirit.

10 Benefits of practicing yoga at home

From personal experience I can honestly say when I practice regularly I feel amazing. Physically and mentally. Here’s a list of benefits of creating a home yoga practice.

• No commute to the studio/gym
• Fit yoga into your schedule!
• You choose the focus/theme of the class
• Your space = home comforts
• 5 minutes or 90 minutes you choose!
• Builds discipline
• Wear whatever you like!
• Saves money!
• No-one else for comparison
• Personal growth.

Creating a home practice isn’t always easy. There will definitely be times when it’s a struggle to get on your mat. But it’s so worth it! In person classes are valuable. But equally, if not more valuable, is building a home practice.

Questions

• Do you practice yoga at home?
• What struggles do you have finding some “me time”?
• Have you practiced yoga online?