We all know we should practice yoga at home, but why bother when we can attend class? While attending classes in a local studio may seem more straightforward, practicing at home can be more effective and efficient. Home practice is associated with excellent health and well-being, according to research. This practice can save money, improve self-awareness, increase discipline, and encourage play.
Improve your overall health by practicing yoga at home
According to a 2012 study, the frequency and duration of your yoga practice at home could be vital in reaping maximum health benefits. Researchers randomly selected 4,307 Iyengar students from 18160 teachers in 15 Iyengar studios to receive anonymous surveys. Researchers measured dimensions of psychological, behavioral, and physical well-being.
The results were shocking. The length of time participants practiced yoga seemed insignificant, but the frequency and duration they practiced regularly. The results showed that home practice, including asanas, meditation, pranayama, or philosophy, significantly predicted many health aspects, while class attendance did not. The improvements included mindfulness, subjective well-being, fruit, and vegetable consumption, reduced sleep disruption, BMI, and fatigue. The most likely yoga practitioners at home also practiced a more comprehensive range of yogic techniques and may have gained a greater variety of benefits.
The study’s cross-sectional design does not suggest home practice to be more beneficial than classroom practice. For example, those who practiced more at home were also better at self-motivation and mindfulness. They were motivated to practice at home. Practice at home may have promoted the qualities. Research should therefore investigate these relationships in the long term.
This study’s results seem common sense. It cannot be easy to attend daily yoga classes. Having a routine at home can help you avoid the usual excuses (such as being too tired or broke). This will also remind you of the importance of Yoga practice and all that it entails in your home, where important decisions are taken and habits are formed.
Yoga at home: Other reasons
More time
You will find you have more time to do what you want. You will save time not going to and from classes but waiting for the instructor and gathering your props.
Save Money
The average price of a yoga class in the U.S. is about $12. You will save money even if you buy optional props such as yoga blocks, straps, or bolsters.
Deepen your self-awareness
Many people believe that a yoga teacher present makes the practice more efficient. Often, the opposite is true. The presence of an instructor can be distracting and interfere with the ability of students to concentrate on their bodies. Through the physical practice of yoga, self-awareness is created. This awareness cannot be gained by paying attention to someone else.
Improve your discipline and self-confidence
You build self-improvement and discipline each time you take time out of your busy schedule to complete a routine at home. The yogic power of willpower or tapas is strengthened every time you complete a challenging task. Your home practice will directly affect your life by cultivating discipline, inner strength, and confidence.
Go at your own pace
You are expected to follow the teacher in-studio classes. You can take your time with the poses and the boring parts. Practicing at your own breath’s pace and rhythm is more healing, therapeutic, and calming.
Create a sacred space
The most important thing for me in developing a practice at home was to create a holy and safe area. You may not be able to dedicate a room exclusively for this purpose, but you can use room dividers and other techniques to separate it from the rest of your house. Hang a sign or room divider on the door if children, technology, or other distractions beg your attention. Set a timer and clarify that you will be there in X minutes. Turn off any distractions and enjoy the feeling of being home.
Home and Studio Classes
You can support your home practice by attending yoga classes or receiving private sessions if you are unsure how to perform certain poses or need additional safety and alignment tips. A home practice that is exclusively for advanced practitioners can get stale. Adding classes, workshops, and other experiences to your routine will ensure you continue to grow and evolve.