What You Need to Do Yoga at Home + My Best Tips
Hiya! I’ve been looking forward to bringing you guys this post because it’s something I get a lot of questions and messages about: what do I need to do yoga at home? You really don’t need a lot, but of course I have a routine I’ve developed over the years that I’m very happy to share with all of you. One quick thing to remember though before I dive in is that everyone’s practice is going to look different! If you try some of the tips in this post but they’re just not working for you, don’t sweat it! It might take some trial and error, but once you start to get into a groove, you’ll discover what works for you. But for anyone who is knew to yoga, or just looking to mix things up, here’s what I like to use to practice at home and my best tips!
WHAT YOU NEED
Yoga Mat
If you’ve followed me for any amount of time, you’ve probably heard me talk about my Liforme mats. I use the regular size mat at home and the pad for handstands or core work. I also love the travel mat for handstands because it’s a little thinner and removes some of the unneeded cushion under the wrists.
Clearly I’m a huge fan of this brand and highly recommend it for anyone looking for a quality mat for in-studio work or at home. You can use code CHELSEASYOGA for 10% off entire purchase on Liforme’s website!
Music
I always practice to music and live on Spotify. My account is Chelsea Williams if ya want to follow along! I make new playlists every month, so you’ll always see new artists and songs popping up. If you watch my videos on IG or have ever wondered what song is playing, you can find everything on my Spotify.
Yoga clothing
I linked all of my favorite everyday activewear in this post. Anything linked there will be perfect for your at-home practice. I also try to link anything I wear in the LiketoKnow.it app, so follow me there to see my recommendations for yoga clothing, items I love from my home, the equipment I use in my videos, etc.
Something I didn’t specifically mention in the everyday activewear post though is my love for joggers and bodysuits. I love wearing joggers because they’re perfect for practicing at home in a non-heated space. I will throw them on over bodysuits or I’ll practice in just the bodysuits. A lot of the time I sleep in a bodysuit and go straight into my practice right out of bed in the morning. Linked some of my go-to joggers and bodysuits below!
TIPS
1. Make things as easy as possible for yourself
I try really hard to not give myself any excuse to not do my practice for the day. One of my biggest tricks is to unroll my mat right next to my bed the night before. That way I’m ready to go without any time to talk myself out of it.
2. Heat your space
I have a space heater plugged in next to my mat to help encourage me to to get out of bed in the morning. WARMTH! It’s a powerful thing - especially in the winter! This one is similar to mine.
3. Stay off your phone
When completing my drills before the kids wake up, I don’t allow myself to use my phone until after my 30 minute Rising Up Stronger Drills are completed. And if you don’t know what Rising Up Stronger is, find more info here! ;)
4. Sleep in what you’ll practice in the next day
I hinted at this one above! I sleep in what I practice in for my morning drills. This is why I love bodysuits! Then I don’t need to change and it’s one less excuse to stop me from getting my practice in.
5. Follow the 5 second rule
This is a trick I recently learned. This is “The 5 Second Rule”:
“The moment you have an instinct to act on a goal you must count 5-4-3-2-1 and physically move or your brain will stop you.”
For example, if you’re feeling fatigued and not in the mood to practice, count backward from 5, then just roll out of bed. Eliminate the possibility to come up with more excuses by acting instantly. I swear it has helped me so much!
6. Schedule it
If I know what I am going to do it is waaaay easier to stick to it. For example, M,W,F = booty band days. Five days a week = dedicated handstand practice. W-Su = Morning Drills etc. Make a plan for yourself and stick to it!
