Namastay at Home

Headstand resized.png

Practising at home is a great way to deepen your yoga practice and take it to the next level but whether it’s having the confidence to know what to do, the habit of rolling out your mat or finding the time that’s holding you back, know that we’ve all been there and there are some practical things you can do to switch this up.

Cut yourself some slack

Firstly, don’t feel that your practice needs to look like a studio class –a full 60 minutes and a seamless sequence. Your teacher has hundreds of hours of practice and teaching behind them to create this, so try not to compare yourself.

Going through a few rounds of Sun Salutes, working on that tricky transition from Side Plank to Wild Thing or simply taking some deep breaths in Childs Pose, it’s all yoga!

Make it a habit

Knowing you don’t have to commit to a full class at home makes starting a little easier. Have your yoga mat in an accessible place so that if you have a spare 20 minutes, you’re more likely to reach for the mat rather than your phone. Once it becomes more of a habit, the yoga world is your oyster (or more like your Cobra? Down Dog?!)

Get inspired with a live class

There have been so many great teachers and classes on YouTube for years but I find I often don’t finish these videos and get distracted too easily. It’s a totally different experience taking a live online class as you get some of the community vibes we’ve all been missing, interaction with the teacher and the knowledge that you’re supporting them and the studios at this difficult time. Some of my favourites include the classes at Breeze (where I did my teacher training), Indaba and Union Station. Of course you can also join my Tuesday 5:30pm class ;) The perfect time to switch off from the working day and transition to the evening. It’s definitely one of the highlights of my week and there’s something really special about practicing with familiar faces from across London, Kent, Dorset and beyond.

Know that your practice may go in cycles

You may have a few months where you’re all about a sweaty dynamic practice or you’re really enjoying the strong static holds of the Hatha tradition. For women in particular, this may even change throughout the month. Go with the flow and do what your body and energy feels like doing, rather than what you think you ‘should’ be doing. If you’re forcing yourself to do something that doesn’t feel right, then your home practice will dwindle. It’s your time to enjoy and connect back inwards. If it feels like a chore and just another thing on your to-do list, then you’ll only feel a disconnect.

A note on space and props

While having a dedicated yoga space at home sounds dreamy, for most of us that’s not the reality and that’s ok. I mostly practice from my kitchen (I do get distracted by snacks sometimes) and use cookbooks as props for balances etc. That said, taking the time to clear a space and make it yoga does make a difference. If practicing in the evening, it’s particularly nice to dim the lights, light a scented candle (at a safe distance please!) and put on a good playlist. A yoga mat is really all you need space and props wise.

A simple sequence

So you’ve rolled out your mat but are not sure where to start? Try this simple sequence below. If you’re unfamiliar with any of the terminology then either google or let me know. Take your time with it, hold the static poses for around 5 breaths each and add in anything else that feels good.

  • Cat / Cow

  • Downward Dog (walk feet to the top of the mat and roll up to a standing position)

  • Half Sun Salutes X3 (raise arms to sky, forward fold, halfway lift, forward fold, rise to standing)

  • Low lunge Sun Salutes (raise arms to sky, forward fold, halfway lift, forward fold, plant hands to mat and step right foot back for a low lunge, arms to sky, plant hands to mat and step back to plank, lower to the ground and into cobra, move into downward facing dog, step right foot between your hands and lower left leg to ground for a low lunge and raise arms to sky, plant the hands and step left foot to join the right, forward fold and rise to standing. Repeat with the left leg leading the lunge)

  • Warrior 2

  • Reverse Warrior

  • Triangle

  • Side Angle

  • Wide Legged Forward Bend (then repeat sequence from Warrior 2 on the other side followed by a second Forward Bend)

  • Transition to the floor and move to Cobra followed by Locust Pose

  • Turn onto your back for Bridge Pose X3

  • Hug knees into chest and take a supine twist on both sides

  • Happy Baby

  • Savasana

Most importantly a home yoga practice is a bit of time out for you. A time to get out of your head and into your body. There’s no pressure, do what feels good rather than what looks good. Your home practice will then become something you really look forward to.

Enjoy!

Hannah Legg