How to Start Your Own Yoga Home Practice

Tips for Starting Your Own Yoga Home Practice

There are just seven weeks left before I leave for London! My 200-hour teacher training course with YogaLondon begins on 1 June. The college recommended that I establish my own yoga home practice, and given that I will complete 200 hours of practical and theoretical training in only four weeks, it seems like very sensible advice.

Practising at home helps you become familiar with routines while developing stamina, strength and flexibility. These are all essential elements in making sure I am as prepared as possible when I arrive in London.

These are a few helpful tips that have enabled me to bring yoga practice into my own home.

Learning safely alongside home practice

1. I continue to go to regular classes taught by qualified instructors.
2. I regularly look through different YouTube videos and yoga websites.
3. For more advanced yoga postures, I aim to attend workshops or dedicated classes so that I can learn the fundamental techniques and sequences. You should never simply launch into a headstand or crow pose: as well as your body, your mind must be properly warmed up before trying more complex postures. Visit www.yogaworks.co.za for forthcoming workshops.
4. I discovered the hard way that headstands need to be practised in a safe area. If you do not have someone to assist you, use a wall!
5. Although I am practising in the comfort of my own home, I still put on my yoga kit and make sure that, at the very least, I look like an accomplished yogi 🙂

Creating the right Yoga Home Practice space

1. I am lucky enough to live in a light, roomy flat with an outdoor balcony looking out over the Johannesburg Gas Works. Practising outside in a bright, airy and zen environment helps keep me motivated. Incense and candles are not really for me, but the important thing is finding what suits you. Pick a place without distractions, away from your mobile phone, television and any clutter.

Finding time for yoga during the day

1. I know that many people prefer to wake up and get straight onto their mats. My first clients can start as early as 5.30 am, so that approach certainly is not an option for me. I have unusual breaks between clients during the day that give me time on the mat. On some days I focus on flexibility work; on others, I do Sun Salutations alongside foam roller exercises; and on other days, I work on overcoming my fear of being upside down in headstands.
2. My husband is excellent at discovering fresh, alternative music for me to play in the background while I train.

Hopefully, all of this effort will pay off when I get there!