Yoga is a very popular form of exercise: research from 2019 by Yoga Online shows that about 1.6 million Dutch people practice yoga. A flexible body, more peace of mind, or a spiritual impact: there are many reasons to do yoga.
While some do it mainly from a sporting point of view, others see it as a true lifestyle. There are therefore numerous yoga studios and gyms that offer yoga. But have you ever thought about home yoga? Yoga in the studio is nice for many reasons: there is a teacher who looks after you, the environment is stimulating and you can keep yourself motivated by going with your buddies. But home yoga also has a number of great advantages.
You have no distractions from others
Taking a class with others is fun, but can also cause a lot of distraction. Some live yoga classes are so busy that you practically lie mat to mat. It can then be difficult to fully focus on yourself, especially if you accidentally get someone else’s arm in your face.
in addition, you can easily get distracted in a studio by sounds from others. Especially as a beginner, the sound of a fanatical Ujjayi breather can be quite disturbing. In a home situation, you usually do not suffer from all these factors. You can find a quiet place in the house (or in the park) where you will not be disturbed by children, partners, or other housemates. But of course, you can also choose to let them join in the fun.
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You have no costs for a studio
Yoga in a studio can be very pleasant, but it is also often very expensive. So it can save you quite a lot of money if you follow an (online) lesson at home. It is useful to purchase a yoga mat. This offers more grip and is usually more comfortable for the knees than a hard floor. There is also a very diverse online offer of yoga classes, both paid and unpaid. Some teachers also offer lessons on a donation basis. You can then pay as much for the lesson as you can spare.
You can practice wherever and whenever you want
Instead of dragging yourself to a studio, you can do your exercises in the safe environment of your own home. Maybe you have a garden to roll out your mat in the summer, or you like to do yoga on the beach. Everything is possible. In addition, you are not tied to the lesson times of the studio or gym. So you can practice at whatever time of day suits you best. 
You may want to include yoga in your morning routine. There are several online yoga teachers who offer all kinds of ‘challenges’, for example for 30 days. Such a challenge can help you make a habit of a daily yoga moment.
You are not watched by anyone
You do yoga in your own home, so no one can see you (okay, except maybe your partner, roommate, or child). That means you can make it as comfortable as you want. Why wear a fancy yoga suit when you can practice in your pajamas?
Moreover, you can make yourself as comfortable as possible if you want, but challenging yourself is of course also an option. You can try out that difficult position extensively, but you can also stay in a child’s pose for as long as you want. No one you see, no one who thinks anything about that.
You can practice as short or as long as you want
Do you find it a disadvantage that classes at a gym always last an hour or more? Even then home yoga offers a solution. Whether you want to take a half-hour class or just do a few poses: it’s up to you. Moreover, it does not cost you extra travel time for the trip to the gym or studio. An additional advantage of your home practice is that you can do it completely at your own pace. Is it going too fast for you? Then put your online video on pause. Don’t like a certain attitude? Then skip that one.
Some tips
It can be difficult to set up a home yoga routine. Because which postures should you do, for how long, and in what order? Of course, you can find a wealth of online lessons on YouTube, but if you would like to get started without a screen: some tips to get you started.
- Start your series with a short meditation. Feel your body and become aware of your breathing. This way you focus completely on the now.
- Then start with a series of sun salutations. This basic series is perfect for warming up your entire body.
- Do yoga before bed. A number of poses that are pleasant to do in bed are, for example, the broken candle and a lying twist.
Broken candle
Lie on your back with your buttocks against the wall and stretch your legs out against the wall so that your body forms a 90-degree angle. Lie down for as long as you like.
Lying twist
Lie on your back, spread your arms and bring your knees to your chest. Then bring your knees to the left and keep breathing calmly. Then switch sides.
