No time for class? Design your own beginning yoga routine at home. It's easy to practice yoga at home and you don't have to obtain a yoga certification or special yoga instructor. With the right yoga basics and a yoga mat, you are sure to find a yoga home practice that is right for you.
Choose a Style of Yoga to Embrace as Your Own Practice
There are many different forms of yoga, so you will want to investigate the different practices. You may want to read online, visit yoga classes or rent DVDs from your local library so you can experience the different methods. If you are looking for a gentle, spiritual practice, consider Hatha or Anusara Yoga. If you want to focus on the physical benefits without going into the spiritual or philosophical teachings, consider Power Yoga. If you want to experience a more rigorous, predictable yoga routine, invest in learning the primary Astanga Yoga series.
Gather the Needed Equipment
You'll want to purchase a good yoga mat, blocks and/or bolsters, a yoga strap and either a yoga DVD or a good book depicting the proper asana, or yoga poses, through photos and written descriptions. These items will carry you through years of practice, so it will be a small investment that will bring you years of healthful experiences.
Learn How to Perform the Asana Properly
Take the time to watch the DVD without practicing the postures or take a few classes in order to learn how to do the basic asana. Study poses in a book and try out the postures in front of a full-length mirror to make sure you learn the proper form. Use the bolsters, blocks and straps to help you assume correct poses without injuring yourself or compromising your form.
Commit to Practicing for a Set Amount of Time Each Week
You may find it difficult to find motivation to practice often and for a long enough time if you practice at home. Following an instructor on DVD may help you since you won't have to come up with the asana yourself and you will be more likely to practice for the full time of the show. Set a goal for yourself as to how often you practice yoga a week and for how long each session should be. It is completely healthy and reasonable to practice yoga every single day, but only you know how much exercise you can commit to. It's best to make sure each session lasts at least 30 minutes, and it is advisable to set a schedule for yourself, such as pledging to practice every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Seek Continuous Motivation
You will need to find ways to motivate yourself. Invest in new books and DVDs or invite a friend or neighbor to practice with you in your home. Reward yourself at the end of each practice with a time of relaxation and affirmation, and remind yourself of how much good comes out of your yoga practice.
 | Hatha Yoga was developed by Yoga Swatmarama in 15th century India. When most people think of yoga, it's Hatha Yoga that they're thinking of; it forms the basis for several other types of yoga including Bikram Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, Ashthanga Yoga and its Westernized cousin Power Yoga. |
 | Generally speaking, yoga inversion poses are asanas where your feet are raised above your head like headstand and shoulder stand. But milder inversions, like downward facing dog and legs up the wall are accessible even to beginners. |
 | Restorative yoga postures are performed with the intention of relaxation and rejuvenation. These active relaxation beginner yoga poses are specially crafted to help you when you feel exhausted or tense |
If you're looking to give up a smoking habit, head to your neighborhood yoga studio for some Hatha yoga therapy. |
Those who live with diabetes are quite familiar with the rigors of treatment for their disease - daily finger sticks to check blood sugar, careful monitoring of food intake and, in some cases, insulin pills or injections. However, there is a growing number of the diabetic population that is finding the benefits of alternative medicine to be an accepted, if not preferred, way to help deal with the disease. |
