My yoga practice started in the four walls of my bedroom when I was still living at home with my parents. I didn’t own a yoga mat, so I would roll out a bath towel on my bedroom floor. And this is exactly where my love for yoga began. I literally searched “yoga” on YouTube and came across a 30-day beginner’s challenge. I would wake up each morning, roll out my towel, and prop open my laptop on the floor as I followed along to the short clips—just 15 or 30 minutes at a time. 

My home practice soon became my safe place. I was honestly a little intimidated by the idea of walking into a studio and being around a lot of people who may be more experienced at yoga. I was nervous to share my yoga practice with anyone. I didn’t venture out to a public yoga class until I had been practicing at home for about a year. I finally tried a yoga class at the local gym where I was a member. Since that time, I’ve been practicing in studios too, but I haven’t abandoned my home practice! In fact, I still practice consistently at home. Now that I am years into my yoga practice—and a teacher at Midtown Yoga—I can definitely say my home practice is something that I will forever cherish. 

Why Practice at Home?

Well, let’s just say it. Sometimes life gets in the way and you can’t get to a studio class.

For me, practicing yoga at home also provides a sense of freedom and vulnerability. You are able to move freely, listen to whatever song is on, close your eyes, move to the beat, and just feel. You get to tap into your own intuition and do whatever movement your body craves in that very moment. You can lay in Savasana for as long as you want and practice your breathing techniques. I love knowing that there is no one around to watch you, tell you what to do, how to move, or how to feel. 

How to Practice at Home

Keep in mind that it may take some time to get to this place of freedom. You may feel stuck and unsure on what poses to do, or how long to hold them. Like me, you may have to follow along to a few videos on YouTube to get the creative juices flowing. But trust me… there is no better feeling than hopping on your mat at home—absolutely any time, in your jammies or your sweats, without judgment or expectation. I urge all of my students to take their practice out of the studio and into their homes. 

Here are a few tips:

• Wake up each morning, and do a few stretches that feel good. You don’t even have to leave the confines of your own bed. 

• Start small. Five or ten minutes a day still counts! Gradually your body and mind will crave more. 

• Drop any expectations, judgments, or fears in your yoga practice—at home or in the studio. 

• Limit distractions during your practice. Find a quiet space, if possible.

• Get creative when it comes to props. A water bottle or a rolled up towel might be a great substitute for a block in some poses.

• Follow along with your favorite Midtown Yoga instructors through our MY Home Practice online classes!

MY Home Practice

That’s right! Midtown Yoga is releasing a series of videos to help guide you, your breath, and your heart in these uncertain times. When the world is filled with panic, fear, and doubt, it is more important than ever for us to know and to feel that we are safe. In order to do this, we must remain calm and have faith. We must unite as a community—even if we have to do so from afar. I’m choosing to spread love and faith. Let’s stick together when things get tough! 

At Midtown Yoga, we have come together to give you access to yoga within the confines and safety of your own home while practicing social distancing. We will roll out new classes throughout this week, and we’ll see where this takes us. Look for my first class soon! In the meantime, check out Dakota’s 30-minute MY Flow with breathwork.