By Angela Watts
Creating an at-home yoga studio can be a creative and fun challenge. Over the last several weeks, I’ve been exploring ways to make the most of my online classes within my home. Here are a few tips to make your experience comfortable, functional, and playful.
- Design your space with intent
When you walk into a yoga studio, what do you notice first? Is it the picturesque artwork on the walls, the low trickle of water you hear from the fountain, the soft lighting of the room? Whatever stands out, try to find little things to add to your space. Maybe print out a photo of monks looking pensively at a lake. Perhaps you could create your own fountain with rocks from your garden. Or you could try drawing the shades and lighting a candle at the beginning of your practice. Just like our thoughts can impact our realities, our outer worlds can influence our inner worlds.
- Treat it like a studio class
Stepping onto the mat is a ritual. In our homes, it can be a metaphorical step, but try to incorporate a rite whenever class starts. Just like in a studio, we want to be on time. It’s nice to arrive a little early to make sure you can say hi before starting. We also want to leave the distractions at the door. Turn the phone on do-not-disturb and try to minimize interruptions. Of course, there will be unavoidable hiccups with children or pets—meet these with love and return to your class when you are able.
- Be creative with props
As Michelle Marchildon, E-RYT 500 alignment teacher at ONE Yoga, says in her classes, the space in our homes is our playground, so have fun! Use pillows for bolsters, dog leashes or robe belts for straps, books or soup cans for blocks. Play around with the dining room chair as a way to assist your pose. Check your alignment by using the wall. If you take a yoga Nidra class, take advantage of your home and maybe even lay on the couch maximize comfort. We have the chance now to really live in our homes, not just use them as a place to crash.
4.Choose your music – or just listen to the sound of your breath
Due to licensing restrictions, most instructors are not able to play music during livestream or recorded classes. This gives us the opportunity to either pick our own playlist or sit with the silence. Many instructors at ONE Yoga are on Spotify and happily share their playlist for the week that you can play on your own. Alternately, you can choose anything from hard rock to smooth jazz and no one would be the wiser.
I also like the opportunity to practice without tunes. While an upbeat song can help raise my energy during a vigorous flow, I find I can focus more on my body, alignment, and cues from the instructor without the distraction of music. And the beautiful part? I can pick something one day and change it up the next!
Although adjusting from in-person classes to an online format can seem daunting, it gives us a chance to practice our adaptability, resourcefulness, and playfulness. I want to hear how you’ve designed your space and modified your practice during the stay-at-home order. Follow us on Facebook or Instagram @oneyogadenver and leave a comment!
By Angela Watts
