Let's yoga at home: 6 things to remember before starting

Kayla Gulec Kayla Gulec
Appartement Paris 11ème, Sandra Dages Sandra Dages Salas de estilo ecléctico
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The benefits of yoga have been long established over the past decade. Yoga does more than just burn calories and tone muscles – it's a total mind-body workout that combines strengthening poses and stretching with deep breathing and meditation for the ultimate workout. There are more than 100 different types of yoga, ranging from gentle and relaxing to fast-paced and intense. The only drawback to the fabulous life of yoga is the amount of money that adds up from taking classes as the gym. But we at homify have a surprise for you – you don’t even have to leave your home to achieve that same sense of bliss that you get in the yoga studio!

Making space in your home for your yoga practice can have a profound effect on your life. With a yoga room of your own, an hour to practice means you can actually spend the whole hour working out. You won’t be skipping sessions because there’s no time to get to a studio. A designated yoga area can also help you improve your overall awareness – as you practice in the same area day after day, you will begin to notice how the light shifts in the space during different seasons, how your body feels as each day passes, and how your mind welcomes the same space with new thoughts. 

How to choose the perfect space

There is a common misconception out there that the only suitable place for yoga is in a yoga studio or gym. What we can tell you is that could not be further from the truth. Although yoga studios and gyms provide excellent space for training, sometimes it's just easier to do a workout at home. But for that, you need to find the perfect space, otherwise you run the risk of knocking over shelves or hitting chairs as you're trying to unwind. So just how do you choose the perfect space? Well, there are a few key factors to consider. The truth is, you can turn just about any room in your home into a yoga room, you just need to make sure it includes minimalist furniture, has adequate lighting, that you incorporate suitable sounds, smells, and plants, and you need to be mindful of the types of textiles you use. 

We'll go over in more detail just what you need, so keep reading!

Use minimalist furniture

private apt in Milano, StudioCR34 StudioCR34 Salas de estilo minimalista

The mantra of any minimalist inspired interior design is less is more, and nothing could hold more truth when designing your perfect space for yoga. Tons of accessories and loads of furniture in your yoga space only amount to clutter and prevent you from being able to comfortably complete your yoga routine, hindering your performance. That's why a minimalist design scheme in your yoga room will really pay off. 

If we look at this image here, this living room is the perfect space for yoga practice. The area is wide open with a nice big area rug underneath the workout space, providing comfort and balance, in case you haven't invested in a yoga mat yet. And what's more, because there is so little furniture in the room, each piece can easily be moved to create more space, meaning you can invite your friends over and you'll all have adequate space for building up those muscles.

Think about lighting

When attempting to balance the inner and outer you, proper lighting really comes into play and should not be underestimated. Proper lighting is incredibly important because it has a huge impact on your mood and well-being. Natural light is always the best lighting option, so if you have a room in your house with a big window or perhaps large sliding glass doors, then you might want to think about setting your yoga mat down here for your daily practice. Add some lightweight cotton drapes over the window or doors to help with light filtering and privacy, as well as adding softness to the space. If that's not an option for you, install dimmer switches on overhead lights and purchase lamps with a 3-way switch for endless light source possibilities.

Don't forget sounds and smells

The perfect yoga space doesn't start and end with space and lighting. On the contrary, in order to fully transform your body and mind to a relaxing place during yoga, sounds and smells are of vital importance. Pay special attention to the sounds you can hear in your yoga space, as very sound has a physiological effect. When you listen to a beautiful piece of music or inspirational words, a cascade of pleasure-producing chemicals course through your body, supporting health and wholeness, so making sure that you can't hear passing traffic or loud neighbors will benefit you immensely. If you can't seem to escape those outside influences, simply put on a relaxing yoga or meditation CD to drown out the outside hustle and bustle.

And then there's the smells. Smell connects us directly with our memories, emotions, and instincts, and when we smell something, we are actually absorbing some of the molecules, which makes aromatherapy a form of natural medicine. Incorporating fragrances such as lemon, orange, clove, or cinnamon will invigorate you, while scents like jasmine, lavender, rose, and sandalwood are cooling and calming scents. You can swap out the scents depending on which yoga style you intend on practicing that day.

Add some plant life

Purity of mind, body, lifestyle, even purity of breathing leads you to greater health when practicing yoga. As you even and broaden your mind during yoga practice, you can bring oder to your life, clearing the way for energy to flow around and through you. As part of this flow of energy, the additon of vegetation can aid in the purity of your yoga space. This is possible not just from a metaphysical standpoint, but also a scientific one. While there is much to be said for the placement and types of plants in such a space, the clear scientific fact is that plants purify the air, creating a more unadulterated space for your relaxation.

Ferns, areca palms, and the peace lilies are some of the most versatile and resilient plant to have in your yoga environment, as they convert volatile organic compounds into fresh, clean air. 

The textiles you should use

The textiles in your yoga room are also of great importance when trying to design the perfect yoga space. Soft, neutral textiles help to promote and maintain the calm atmosphere you have been working so hard to achieve. Softness of tone and softness of touch bring a calming, inviting vibe to your space. The textiles should be breathable, meaning you haven't furnished your new yoga studio with loads of leather or slippery satin. With breathable textiles, there is a greater flow of air and energy throughout the space. Bright colours and loud patterns will only distract you from your yoga workout, so avoiding those kinds of textiles altogether will only benefit you. 

Climate and ventilation

Last but not least, we want to focus on your individual climate and the ventilation of your new yoga studio. If you live in a warmer climate, you will naturally want to make use of any windows or large open areas to the outdoors so that you can maximize ventilation. This creates a greater flow of energy, bringing in fresh air from the outside to revitalize your body and mind. But if you live in an area that is subject to colder climates, there is a way to achieve the same energy flow without freezing during your workout. About ten to twenty minutes before your routine, open up the window, and then close it again just before you start. This will air out the space, getting rid of any stuffy air, and bring fresh, new oxygen to the room, allowing you to find your center easier.

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