Yoga At Home Guide

Thinking of practicing Yoga at home? You are not alone! According to a recent study of the yoga market, released by Harris Interactive, of the 15 million people in America now practicing yoga, 8.7 million are beginning students, and of that group, 82%—or more than 7 million—practice at home.

Many people have a flourishing practice of Yoga at home for the following three reasons:

1) Time Crunched: While taking classes locally is a good idea, sometimes our schedule is so busy we cannot spare that extra time it takes to travel to and from a local studio. It’s challenging enough to set aside the time to do the practice!

2) No Local Yoga Studio: Depending on where you are located, there may not be a yoga studio. Or if there is, their schedule does not work for you or you do not 'connect' to the instructor or class sufficiently.

3) Least expensive: With a DVD/Book or two, plus a mat, you could be have a great yoga practice without paying for ongoing Studio classes.

Yoga `Newbies’ can begin almost immediately by using DVD’s and Books created for the beginner. Here are some of the advantages:

Variety of Styles and Sessions: If you have a few beginner Yoga DVD’s and books you will have a choice of routines and postures to focus on, depending on what you feel like using at the time. If your collection of instruction material spans yoga styles, you can take your time and compare and contrast them and figure out what style best suits you.

Not sure of the Yoga Style that Interests you?: Read the `Yoga Style Guide' to locate the style or styles that you resonate with. Find instructional DVD's and Books for each style by reading TAKETIMEYOGA'S Reviews.

Access to Yoga Masters: Although there are many fabulous teachers in local studios, this is a great way to experience the instruction of Yoga Masters while in the intimacy of your own home. You can see them and practice along with them up close. You can pause and rewind when needed.

Specialty needs: Maybe you have a need to focus on Pre or Post Natal, or Yoga for Kids or Yoga for Seniors.

Occasionally take Studio Classes: Even if your main practice is at home, when traveling or on vacation you can take take classes at yoga studios as those opportunities occur. Or take classes from visiting Yoga teachers.

Yoga at Home Practice Guidelines

BEFORE YOU BEGIN
	Select a secluded place and time during your day so as to not be interrupted or distracted.
	Practice the same time each day, but if not possible, find any appropriate time.
	It is best to not have eaten 2 hours prior to the start of the session.
	Wear comfortable clothing. Although loose clothing will work, you may not be able to check your alignment in a mirror. See the clothing section on the right menu for more details.
	Drink water prior to the start of the class (and after). Depending on the style of yoga, drinking water during your session might be discouraged.
	If you do a style of Yoga that causes you to sweat, such as Ashtanga, Power, Bikram, you might want to get a rougher mat instead of slicker one, (or perhaps a `Yoga Towel'). Click the Mat item on the right menu.
	Turn off cell phones, iPods, take off belts, watches and jewelry.
	Pregnant women must check with their doctor before starting yoga and should inform the instructor in advance. Generally do not push yourself and do not do deep twisting postures, lie on your stomach, do inversions or put tension on your stomach. (Iyengar) Check with your doctor about doing yoga prior to beginning. Especially if you have any physical or medical issues, injuries or concerns.
	Take your shoes off, take out your Yoga book or turn on your DVD and begin!
DURING YOUR PRACTICE
	Beginners usually have shorter sessions, about 20 minutes. For regular practitioners, most sessions are about an hour to an hour and a half.
	This is the time that you have set to honor and discover and strengthen yourself.
	Breathe into your belly, not with your chest. Breathe deeply and freely through the nose if possible, let your breath deepen the posture. Do not hold your breath.
	The class may start off briefly chanting ‘OM’ (Sanskrit unity mantra) or some other action to separate this time from the rest of the day. You can participate or not in that. Followed by some stretching, warm ups.
	Use a yoga (sticky) mat to increase your foot traction.
	If you have it, use a full length wall mirror to visually check your alignment.
	Honor yourself. Although you are encouraged to follow the instruction and align your body to the poses, exact alignment is not going to be possible for you, and that is OK. You WILL experience the benefits of the posture just by attempting to align even if your alignment is not exact.
	You are responsible for your body’s well being. What is important is not to hurt yourself by pushing too much. Listen to your body and back out of the pose at any time you need to. This applies to everyone, but particularly for beginners.
	Fatigued? Select an easier routine from your book or DVD. Focus on restoration rather than strengthening.