Once you become a mother, you need more outlets for your stress then ever before. Despite being exhausted, getting regular exercise is actually the best thing for your body and will help restore energy. Each woman finds release and relaxation from different forms of exercise. Some like to pound the pavement with long runs, others enjoy sports and many like to exercise in the privacy of their own home. Not only can you try many different types of fitness at home, but it’s also very cost effective. With the health and wellness forums growing exponentially online, it’s very easy to find workouts that you can follow alone with, and yoga is no exception. Yoga is a great way to release tension, while relaxing both your mind and body. And in case you haven’t noticed, a membership to a yoga studio is pricey! If you’d like to take advantage of all the benefits that yoga has to offer from your own home, then check out this basic tips for getting started.
1. Set Your Goals
I’m definitely not a yogini, but I do know that yoga is simply not a form of exercise. While each person will set their own goals, the ultimate goal of all forms of yoga is to attain tranquility, achieve and master self-discipline physically, mentally, and spiritually. That being said, much of the art of yoga is overcoming mental blocks that prevent us from achieving our goals. Setting goals for yourself will go a long way when starting and maintaining a home yoga practice. Make sure they are attainable, both in frequency of yoga sessions and physical ability.
2. Find The Perfect Place
As mentioned, yoga is as much as exercise of the mind as it is the body. That being said, you will need to find a place in your home that allows you freedom to perform the various poses, as well as be free from distractions. It could be in your basement, or in your living room with the coffee table pushed out of the way. You don’t need a fancy yoga studio designed room, just a place that’s large enough for those warrior poses and calm enough to focus.
3. Pick An Ideal Time
“Ideal” is being broadly used here, since mothers rarely have an idea anything, much less a time free from distraction! However the great thing about yoga is you should perform it to the best of your body and mind’s capability, and that could mean only 10 minutes at a time! Whatever time you decide, you should do your best to stick to it. If it’s waking up early, staying up late, or during nap time, a consistent schedule will help turn your new yoga routine into a habit.
4. Gather Your Accessories
When I first tried yoga, I thought all I needed was a mat. I was surprised there are actually other accessories that can help you reach certain poses. Blocks, straps and even certain clothing pieces may be included as supplies you need on yoga DVD’s and online classes. Do a little research on whether your routine will need them, and purchase online for the best prices.
5. Take 1 Yoga Class and Use DVD & Online Resources
I personally am a visual learner, and need feedback when I start something new. If this sounds like you too, it may be a good idea to take at least one instructor-led yoga class before embarking on a home routine. Many yoga studios offer their first class free or for a discounted rate. You will get great insight on basic poses, can receive instruction from your yogi and feel confident on starting a routine at home. If you like what you see, it’s also a great idea to take advantage of inexpensive yoga DVD and online courses to follow at home.
6. Take It Slow & Do What Feels Good For You
Yoga is about listening to your body, and it takes many years to become a master. You shouldn’t feel pressured to do a 2 hour yoga routine 4 times a week! Start out slow, with basic poses and stop when it doesn’t feel right. It’s perfectly ok to have just a few poses you enjoy and 1 you don’t like as much, and do those repeatedly until you are comfortable. That pose you don’t enjoy will provide you with some physical resistance that your body is probably craving. Either way, you are your own yogi master, so listen to your body as your yoga practice strengthens.