In an ideal world, we’d all be heading daily to our favorite yoga studio, where we can practice with our beloved instructor, the one who is creative, intuitive and knows how to describe each movement so well.
There are many reasons that doesn’t work for a lot of people. Time or money constraints is a common explanation. A private studio can be pricey, and adding the time to drive there and home can make it difficult for a busy person (and aren’t we all?) to get there. Yoga classes are usually included in your gym membership, but even that has its downside. Classes are frequently very large, leaving the instructor unable or unwilling to offer in-depth instruction or corrections.
On the other hand, practicing yoga at home is both inexpensive and convenient. You can pick your own time, wear what you like, and even pick the length of your class. My favorite at-home option is YogaDownload.com because it has great teachers, a wide range of choices, and it’s very affordable.
If you have ever thought that an at-home yoga practice might not work for you, here are a few tips that can help you make the most of it.
How to Get the Most of Your At-Home Yoga Practice
Find your space
Even more important than a yoga mat, finding a quiet space for your practice will help you focus on your workout. I have been known to put up with doggy kisses (and my pups outright stealing my mat!), phones ringing, and other distractions, but tranquil is much, much better.
Make it your time
This is your workout. Let go of the outside world for as long as it takes. Just as you would in a studio, turn off your phone and email, have your partner watch the kids (or practice during nap time), and just focus on you.
Get outside
Outdoor yoga is awe inspiring! You don’t have to wait for a yoga in the park class to enjoy the beauty of taking your practice outdoors. Grab your mat and your phone or tablet and you’re good to go. No internet connection? No problem. You can download your class and use it any time.
A little. Or a lot.
Chances are if you only have a half hour to spare you’re not going to make it to the studio. Definitely not enough time to drive to class. At home, you can choose a 30-minute class and get it done.
Join a challenge
If you find your motivation waning, joining a yoga challenge can help you get inspired to stick with the program. There are tons of challenges available, on Instagram, Facebook, and even on Yoga Download.
Find a great teacher
Finding an instructor that you like is so important, whether it’s for your studio or at-home practice. The best teachers are motivating, clear, concise, fun, and creative.
Why I Use YogaDownload.com for My At-Home Yoga Practice
I’ve been a member of YogaDownload for several years. It has been my go-to choice for my at-home practice for many reasons.
In addition to the convenience factor, you can pick the type and length of class that you want at any time. Need a little pick me up? Try a 20 minute Sun Salutations class. Need to slow down and focus? Guided meditation would be a great choice. Want to really work up a sweat? Oh, a 90 minute Power Vinyasa class would be just the ticket. Or make it an hour if that’s how long you want to work out. There are even Restorative classes that can help you relax and settle down for the night.
One of my favorite things about YogaDownload is that with most of the classes you can choose either video or audio. Video is great for beginners and visual learners who feel more comfortable watching the class. I myself prefer the audio classes because I can focus on my practice without having to turn my head to see what the instructor is doing. Audio classes are a great choice if you have some yoga experience and feel comfortable with the poses. And most of the classes come with a free pose guide if you need a little extra guidance.
Finally, if you ever thought that an at-home yoga practice would be boring, think again. YogaDownload.com has 1000s of classes available, with all types of yoga, excellent instructors, and levels from beginning to advanced, so your classes can grow as you do.
At-home yoga is fun, convenient, and inexpensive. Even if you are able to make it to the studio, a home practice and YogaDownload.com are a great complement to your studio classes. There are a variety of pricing options starting at $10 a month. Or you can try it for three months for only $24! All options include unlimited streaming of all the classes.
Do you practice yoga at home? Why or why not? Do you have any tips to add?
This post was made possible by Blogger Babes and contains affiliate links. I received a
complimentary subscription to the YogaDownload service in exchange for my honest
review. Thoughts are 100% my own.
I’m. Sold.
I just started back to yoga last week after a close to four-year hiatus.
Today I’m leaving town for a bit to help my parents. This is exactly what I need during my travels.
Yes, I know. After seeing your Facebook post the other day I knew this was meant for you.
Great post! i love being able to take it outside to the backyard.
At home yoga videos are great! I find them less intimidating than some of the NYC studios, and like you said, it saves time and money!
I need to do more at home yoga. I go to a class once a week that I love and do some yoga post running but not a full session at home.
That looks really interesting. I am trying to maintain a regular home practice but find it very challenging. Thanks for posting!
I don’t really do yoga at home but I could! In this heat I can even do my own hot yoga 🙂
I don’t yoga but this is a great program if I did. Thanks for sharing
I’ve really embraced doing my home yoga practice, taking it outside to the deck this summer. I’ve heard of Yoga Download but haven’t tried it yet!
I need to check this out! I would love to add another yoga session to my weekly routine but can’t seem to make it to the studio. Thanks for sharing!
My biggest obstacle? Just getting back into doing it. And figuring out what is working for my body at the moment. I used to practice so much… and I love it when I do. But I just can’t keep myself doing it right now. Kind of sad, actually.
Very cool. I have done My YogaWorks online yoga before and I really liked it. At home yoga is a great option for people who don’t have a yoga studio nearby or need to squeeze in a quick workout while baby is sleeping (like me!)
Yes, I practice at home…but unfortunately I’m not very consistent with it. Even though I’m not doing yoga as often as I’d like, I still can feel the benefits of it….mainly my balance. I can actually hold a Warrior-3 forever (well, ALMOST forever).
I used YogaDownload from a Groupon and I loved it! I never thought to practice yoga in my yard but it would be a lot of fun now that I have a house 🙂
The few times that I’ve consistently practiced yoga have been when I’ve participated in challenges. And then my yoga practice goes to the wayside once the challenge ends. Sounds like I need to join another yoga challenge…
This is SO up my alley! I rarely have time (or I’m too tired) to make it out for a yoga class. I love doing yoga at home and this looks like a great set up! Thanks for sharing, I will look further into this. Yoga has been so good for my running…
This sounds like an awesome website, especially if you’re like me and get bored easily doing the same DVDs over and over. 😉 Not a bad price either!
I love my home yoga practice because I can practice every day, and I really see improvement more than if I was just going to a class once a week.
Aaaah I used to do a bit of Yoga in another life. You look super flexible and fit woot. Well done you!