Practicing yoga in a brick-and-mortar studio isn’t always an option these days. Thankfully, we have more virtual yoga classes at our fingertips than ever before. If you’re eager to continue your spiritual practice at home or you want to get a workout in, you’ll need a few things first. In this blog post, I share with you tips for finding the perfect space, how to set the stage before class, options for winding down after class, and household items you can use as substitutes for standard yoga props.

Practicing yoga at home has become more common.

Why? Well, many studios or gyms require face masks to be worn and/or for members to be vaccinated. For those who would prefer to practice yoga without a mask, taking a class in their living room is most ideal. And if you’re not vaccinated, finding a gym that doesn’t ask for proof of vaccination can be difficult depending on where you live. That leaves us with getting on our mat at home. Plus, doing so reduces the time spent driving to and from, dealing with traffic, or putting yourself at risk for getting Covid-19. However, practicing at home presents its own challenges!

Let’s face it — Getting on your mat is not the same as practicing in a yoga studio. There are more distractions, shiny objects (squirrel!), and never-ending to-do lists at home. How can you recreate the feeling of going to a brick-and-mortar studio in your own home? I have a few tips for you.

Here are a few things to consider:

• Carve out a designated area for your yoga practice. This could be a corner in your office, a spare bedroom, or a living room. Even a hallway works. Make sure you have enough room to maneuver around your mat in all four directions without bumping into an inanimate object. And grab your yoga props. Nothing is worse than starting class without having the right tools within reach.

• If you’re used to practicing with mirrors, invest in one for your home studio. Doing so will allow you to check your alignment versus guessing if your feet are in the correct placement for warrior one (virabhadrasana I).

• If you used to practice in a heated studio, using props like bolsters and blankets might be a foreign concept to you. And that’s ok. Most likely your instructor will know how to guide you. If anything, I invite you to view bolsters and blankets as a way to elevate your practice. Plus, they make resting in savasana cozier because they’re so much softer than the hard edges of blocks. For example, I oftentimes place a bolster underneath my hamstrings and layer a blanket over my entire body before settling into savasana. It’s oh so lovely!

• Again, if you used to practice in a heated space, wear lots of layers. Another option is to turn up the heat or use a space heater (remember: safety first.) Also, wool socks are great for when you’re starting class and I love to put them back on right before settling into savasana.

• Community. Community. Community. If you’re missing the interactions you used to have leading up to and after class, make a point to sign on early to say ‘hi’ or catch up with how everyone is doing. Those extra five minutes you take out of your day might lift your spirits or someone else’s mood.

• This goes without saying, but familiarize yourself with the technical side of taking a virtual class. Test the video and audio. Make sure your entire mat and your full body (when standing and sitting) are in view.

Setting the Stage

Before Class

• Consider asking your family members or roommates to be quiet during class to alleviate distractions.

• Turn off all devices that you’re not using to view the class.

• Reduce distractions further with the use of Bluetooth, wireless earbuds.

• Consider creating a designated space for you to practice in each time.

• Clear away the clutter or mess from the surrounding area.

• Roll out your mat and gather all of your props.

• For live virtual classes, place your yoga mat with the longest edge parallel to the device you’re using to view the class.

• Dim the lights. Light some candles or incense or use an essential oil diffuser to set the mood.

• Make time before class to get still and quiet in your body and in your mind.

After Class

• Consider luxuriating in savasana beyond what is offered.

• Give yourself 5-10 minutes to slowly transition to life off of your yoga mat.

• Neatly put away all yoga props.

• Consider taking another class to extend the soothing impact on your nervous system.

• Have a cup of tea to continue the calming effects.

• Keep all distractions turned off or muted for as long as you would like.

Props, Props, Props

I have so many yoga props that it’s hard to practice yoga without one of them nearby 😂. In all seriousness though, I usually grab two blocks, a bolster, a strap, and a blanket before class. This way they’re within reach should I want to elevate my hips while seated or bring the floor to me in a forward fold because my hamstrings are tight that day.

Don’t have yoga props? That’s ok — improvise! You can use two water bottles instead of blocks. Use a hand towel, belt, or scarf instead of a strap. Grab two large bath towels or blankets to replace a bolster. I’ve even seen someone use two rolls of paper towels instead of blocks. Get creative! Below is a chart that helps you identify which household items to use for which yoga prop.

Give these tips and tricks a try the next time you register for an online yoga class.