Yoga, Health, and Wellness Articles + Recipes

I remember walking into my first yoga class 14 years ago. The teacher greeted me warmly and told me to grab a mat. I told her it was my first time. I didn't recognize anyone. I was worried I might be taking someone's usual spot. I had no idea what to expect. There were white Christmas lights along the front of the room, and when the teacher dimmed the lights, I remember thinking, This is going to be way too easy for me. At the time, I was a 43-year-old runner and spin instructor. This was not what I considered exercise. But I was nursing a running injury, so I kept going back. Twice a week. About five weeks later, I was settling onto my couch at home. I threw my legs up and crossed them, and stopped. I couldn't believe how comfortable I felt in my own body. Oh my God. It's the yoga.

Whether you’ve been practicing regularly with us for years or you’re dipping your toe into a home practice for the first time, rolling out your mat at home offers a myriad of benefits. Being able to click play whenever you want allows you to choose when and where you do yoga. We have more than 1,700 classes, so even if you’re stuck inside, you won’t run out of yoga. In this current global pandemic, it’s more important than ever we focus on mindfulness. You might be young and healthy, but many people in our communities are vulnerable, especially the elderly and those with compromised immune systems. Many of the external events swirling around us are beyond our control, but we can control our reactions to this temporary new normal of “social distancing.” Yoga studios are closed or limiting classes, but you can continue to practice with us. Here are a few of our favorite reasons to take advantage of your home practice right now:

Practicing yoga at home is a great way to get some exercise in if you can’t make it to a class. All you need is a mat! However, if you’re trying to master some tricky yoga poses and you just can’t get over that hurdle, being on your own can be a hindrance. Here’s our top 8 tips for practicing and mastering hard yoga poses at home. 1. Create the right space Having a dedicated space for yoga will make practicing at home so much easier. Try to find a space to unroll your matt that’s quiet and peaceful, with plenty of space around to move your body freely. Remove any obstacles if needed. Try to find an empty wall that you can use as a prop for poses that require a bit of extra support. Maybe you’d like to light a candle to make the atmosphere even more relaxing and inviting.