Doing yoga at home is one of the best ways to stay grounded and stay active when you’re self-isolating. Not only does yoga keep you fit and toned, it comes with mental health benefits such as decreased anxiety and depression. Starting yoga at home is also one of the most affordable ways to stay in shape. Below, learn about the gear and technology you can use to have an uplifting and wallet-friendly yoga practice at home.
Get Set Up for Streaming
If you regularly go to the yoga studio, you probably know how much it takes out of your budget each month. However, there are numerous ways to stream sessions at home. Many yoga sessions can be viewed for free by using YouTube or other services that you already pay for, such as Amazon Prime.
If you have a smart TV, Roku stick or other smart tech, you can usually stream videos by downloading the YouTube app on your device. This allows you to watch videos on your TV rather than looking at your phone. If your devices are paired, you can even use your phone as a remote to select videos you want to cast to your TV. When you already have the tech, this is a completely free way to bring yoga sessions into your living room.
Take Advantage of Apps
Like streaming services, you can also get guidance for your home yoga practice by using apps. Women’s Health ranked these apps as the best ones available. Yoga apps are usually free to download and come with a selection of free content. However, most require paying a monthly subscription in order to access all the available content. Be sure to check the monthly fees in ord
er to get the best deal.
Before downloading any new apps, it’s a good idea to take a look at your current tech. Having an outdated phone or tablet can make it difficult to use certain applications, which may take up too much room or require a newer operating system than you currently have. New smartphones are expensive, but you can save by purchasing a certified refurbished phone.
Get Your Studio Set Up
Just as costs vary for yoga apps and streaming services, you could easily spend a lot on gear for a home yoga practice. Before stocking up your home studio, be sure you look at all the types of gear available to make the best purchases.
The exact equipment you need will depend on the type of practice you want to have. In most cases, though, you can get away with just a yoga mat and comfortable clothes. You can save on gear and y
oga clothes when shopping at retailers like Lululemon, and your dollars can go even further if you use Lululemon coupons and promo codes.
If you want to try out more advanced yoga or enhance your practice with deeper stretches, there are countless accessories and props to try. Buying every accessory can quickly add up, but it’s also possible to use household items as a free substitution.
In addition to getting a mat and other gear, you will need a place to actually practice yoga at home. Ideally, you will have a spot that’s quiet and free from clutter. The area should be large enough that you can move freely without bumping into furniture, walls, or other items.
For an immersive yoga experience, you can set the mood with scents, music, and soft lighting. Yoga Basics explains that there are many good essential oils to help you feel more centered or grounded in your
practice. While essential oils will cost a bit, keep in mind that just one drop goes a long way. Getting an inexpensive diffuser is a great way to set the tone in an entire room with just a few drops of oil.
When you’re stuck at home self-isolating, it’s important to stay active and find an outlet for any anxiety you may be feeling. Yoga is one of the best ways to achieve that. With just a few essentials, you can set yourself up for a great home practice on a shoestring budget.
Sheila left the corporate world and long hours behind to start her own business. She’s looking, feeling, and working better than she has in years. She’s seen so much personal success with her health and wellness routine that she wanted to share it with others. By creating this website, she hopes that sharing her story will help you, too.