Home Yoga Practice Vs Studio Yoga Practice

For lots of us we’ve always had the luxury of choice in our yoga practice location, being able to choose to either practice at a studio, at home or even better - both. Not everyone does though, whether it be because of not having time to get to class, or space to practice where they live - due to COVID-19 most of us over the last 12months or so have been left with no choice. Hopefully for us in England at least this will soon be changing and studios will be able to re-open, and we’ll be back to having a choice again.

For many however the idea of actually practicing in a studio, around other people, is a scary thought. This can work both ways, in that practicing at home for some people can be a really daunting task ..so much so it can sometimes end up being quite a disjointed practice.

Here’s some pro’s and con’s to both, and some tips on how to get the best out of both options.

Home Yoga Practice

Practising yoga at home has lots of benefits – it’s a great way in which to keep your mind and body active, you can practice where ever and whenever, day or night, wearing whatever you like!

It doesn’t have to cost, there’s no travel required and probably the best bit of all, yoga at home teaches you to pay attention to your own body, to understand what it needs each day, so you can tailor your practice to you! You can plan your whole practice, focussing solely on what you need and want.

You’re able to set your own scene with music and lighting. You decide how long you practice for and also how you practice. You can experiment with different styles, different postures, and ultimately take the time to revisit postures more often than you might in a planned class, being taught by someone else.

Although there’s absolutely no element of competition within yoga, practicing at home also means you’re able to practice alone, so there’s no one to secretly compare yourself to, and no one watching you if you feel like you’ve messed something up.

You also have the option of joining an online yoga class, of which there is now a huge selection due to COVID-19 - I think COVID-19 has changed and shaped the way we will live forever, and I believe this is one of the better changes, as it has opened the door for lots of people to practice with a teacher who might have otherwise never come to a studio. 

So if practicing at home is so great, why do so many of us choose a studio, what is lacking from a practice at home?

The first stumbling block people tend to come across is actually motivating themselves to roll the mat out. It’s easy to click a button and book on to a class, and once you’ve done it, that booking is almost holding you accountable to actually go to class. Whereas at home, no one knows you were going to practice, so no one will know if you don’t - it’s easy to just stay on the sofa.

Sequencing yoga postures together, and remembering what you did on one side so you can do it again on the other is a real skill. Doing this at home, as well as trying to concentrate on your breath so you can find that balance between concentrating and letting go can be really tricky. 

Practicing at home can also lead to at home distractions! Pets are usually the main culprits who just don’t ever seem to understand that just because you’re on the ground, it doesn’t mean you’re asking them to play. Then you’ve got the possibility of the phone ringing, someone at the door, children ..the list is endless. 

Here’s some of tips to help you succeed with a practice at home.

Tip 1) Time

Set aside some regular time to practice and put these dates in your diary as if you would a studio class.

Tip 2) Repeat

If you’re someone who struggles remembering postures and the order you did them, write down your practice and do the same sequence for three to four sessions so you reach the point of not thinking about what’s next, and you can focus on the moment you’re in.

Tip 3) Help

If you’re really struggling with what and how to practice, there is hours upon hours of free yoga content online on YouTube where you can just press play and follow along. Or join a live online class.

Tip 4) Distractions

Like we said, it’s easy to be distracted at home unlike a studio environment, so make things a little easier on yourself by choosing a time that is likely to be a quiet one - either first thing before the birds are up, or last thing at night. Close the door on those pets if you can and pop your phone on silent - it’s your time. 

Tip 5) Plan

Plan your music, plan your space ..get everything sorted before it’s time to practice so you don’t delay getting yourself on the mat.

Studio Yoga Practice

Practicing in a studio gives you the opportunity to completely switch off. All you have to do is turn up and the rest is done for you. The class, music and the studio set-up will be ready and waiting. A qualified teacher ready to guide you through your practice, but also there to assist and adjust you if required. 

Once that studio door closes there’s no distractions to worry about, other than perhaps your busy mind, but you’ll have that whenever you practice until you bring your attention elsewhere - but in the studio, no pets, no phones, no doorbells and no children. 

Most studios will have mats available if you don’t have your own, but as well as mats, there are blocks, straps, blankets and bolsters - everything you need to make your practice a comfortable and enjoyable experience. 

The additional bonus to practicing in a studio is you’re there with a group of likeminded people. You have the opportunity to make friends, practicing with them and learn from each other. 

However probably one of the best aspects to practicing in a studio is other than you and your mat - you don’t have to tidy up a thing!!

So why do some people stay away from the studio?

Theres lots of reasons studios aren’t for some people, but mainly it’s the people! Whether it be practicing in-front of others, thinking you’re being watched or feeling under pressure, they’re all natural feelings that everyone has, that can ultimately stop someone from booking a class at a studio.

One of the other reasons is wondering what the teacher will have planned, is there going to be a posture that you feel you can’t do, or a posture you don’t like. 

The pressure of a studio class can also start before you even get in the room - are you going to make it on time, will there be somewhere to park, are you going to be back in time to pick the children up, to do the dinner ..the list can be endless. 

Here are some tips to help you when taking the first step to a studio practice.

Tip 1)  Plan

If you fail to prepare, you’re preparing to fail - when you book that class make sure you can fit it into your diary and make sure you can arrive in time. Plan something for tea that you can prepare the day before, so you know when you get home, if it needs to be done quickly, it can be.

Tip 2)  Attention

Remember where your attention should be when practicing. It should be on you, your breath and your mat. That’s the same for everyone else, so remember no one is looking at you, everyones too busy with their own practice to be concerned with yours.

Tip 3)  Modify

You should never be pushed into any postures in a yoga class, so if your teacher cue’s something you’re not comfortable with, either modify yourself or ask for a modification - however most teachers will always offer modifications. If the posture just isn’t for you, take a Childs Pose and re-join when you’re ready - remember Tip 2 here. 

Tip 4) Friends

Going it alone can be a scary thought, so take a friend and practice together. If no ones free and you have to go it alone, remember there will be others there in the same boat, or others that have been in the same boat - smile, peace begins with it.

Tip 5) Yours

Time in class is so sacred - it’s your time and only yours. There won’t be any distractions for you to consider - your focus can just be on you.

So there is it, all the tips and tricks we have for enjoying a practice at home and in the studio. We hope that whenever you choose to practice our tips will be useful for you.

Want to know more about our yoga course?

For more Yoga content - have a look over our previous blogs covering a wide variety of topics on the blog section of our website www.yoagcourse.com.

If you’re looking for online live yoga classes our founder Director Rachel Park, has a full schedule of online classes through Eden Hot Yoga Cannock, and hopefully from the 17th May a full in person schedule should you be local and want to attend. In person classes will be available to book from Monday 10th May!