For many reasons, including cost benefits and convenience, many people have moved their yoga practice out of studio and gym settings and into their homes. Many of us yogis have no choice but to squeeze our yoga and Pilates workouts in wherever the mat can fit — from bedrooms, lounge rooms to hallways.
In order to get the most out of you’re at home yogalates practice or online class it’s important to create a yoga and Pilates space that is uniquely yours and allows you to immerse your body and mind into the practice.
There’s something soothing about the ambience and calming zen of a Pilates and yoga studio … such as the subtle meditative music, tranquil lights, aromatherapy scents, and the mindfulness it all helps to cultivate. At a studio there’s also the convenience of having yoga mats, blocks, balls all the other props (tools) they need at hand.
With a little bit of thought and planning it is possible and affordable to transform your home into a yogalates studio. There are a few simple ways to allow you to transform your chosen area into your personalized yogalates oasis, even if only for the 20 minutes while you’re taking a class.
Here are six tips for creating a fabulous at home yoga and Pilates space
Having instructed mat-to-mat classes and practiced myself in countless tiny spaces like walk in robes, hotel rooms, clubhouses, and physiotherapy clinics I can tell you from experience that all the space you need to do yogalates is the length of your mat.
Tip 1: The space;
The main key is the mind body connection…This also means making a commitment to yourself that anything that exists off the mat must fade into the distance for the length of time you’re doing yogalates …Think of it like “aeroplane mode” on an iPhone.
That basket full of washing, the email to respond to, the kids school lunches, the dog barking!….
Try to ignore it and focus on what’s in front of you. Literally. Arrive and settle your body and mind onto your mat and into your space. This is often referred to as a ‘landing practice’ at the commencement of a yogalates class.
Tip 2: Light;
Lighting is important. If you feel like an airy practice open a window or pull up the blind. A lamp can provide a gentle subtle light if a low wattage globe is used. Candles dotted around your space also provide a lovely ambience. If using candles choose ones with an essential oil scent.
Try to Avoid super bright lights and natural light is always better than artificial light where possible.
Tip 3: Smell;
Our (olfactory) sense of smell can also be a great adjunct to enhancing focus, mindfulness and a calm mood.
A Scent can calm or heighten our nervous system. You can add some essential oils to a diffuser, oil burner or dab some onto your neck and wrists.
Tip 4: Sound;
Meditation music or soft tunes can add a certain ambience to your yoga and Pilates practice. The style of music you choose should match the style of yogalates workout you do. Slightly faster paced for power flow yogalates and slow and gentle sounds (such as sound of flowering water) for yin and restorative style yogalates. There are plenty of playlist options on the internet.
Tip 5: Props;
If you don’t have access to yoga and Pilates specific props like yoga blocks, or bolsters you can utilise rolled up towels, cushions or even books for support where needed
Tip 6: Pace;
The only person you have to answer to is yourself, so feel free to pause, rewind, switch the online class. It’s a great idea to save the ones you like into favourites so you can refer to them. Do the parts that enable you to feel good and achieve your goal
Once you’ve created this special yogalates Space all you need is a great online class the right frame of mind…
See you on the mat,
Lisa x
