Having lived in many flats and houses of different shapes and sizes, I think I have tried every floor surface and small room arrangement imaginable. I have practised headstands, pregnancy yoga, yoga with my children, partner yoga and even acroyoga and figured out what the dangers are that are worth worrying about. Although the ideal is to have a space equivalent to an empty room permanently available, don't let the lack of one put you off.
According to the NHS, "Yoga-related injuries are uncommon." However, as homes are rarely intended as mini yoga studios, here are some tips on assessing your space for a suitable home yoga spot, whether it is a hallway, bedroom or office. How can I be sure how much space I need? Do these 3 quick tests to find out.
> If it is a tight squeeze; go slow, avoid fast movements and take great care coming out of balances in case you bump into something. Radiators and coffee tables are the most painful things to crash into when coming out of a headstand. If your space is tight and you're surrounded by hard furniture, go carefully or, better still, find another spot. In my experience, the main dangers of doing yoga at home are in falling onto something. > If there is ample room beyond the reach of your fingers and toes, and not a radiator in sight, you can be more ambitious with your flows. Remember, a wall is your friend, but a wall with a radiator is not. What kind of floor can I use?
Housemates, family or pets in residence
*As a guide, the Yoga Professionals Association in "Setting up Your Online Course" recommends allowing about 2 feet (approx 60cm) around all sides of the mat. __ Photo by Zen Bear Yoga on Unsplash
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In Madrid some years ago, a young, artist from LA told me she started each day with a regular home yoga practice of about 90 minutes, because if it wasn't daily, then what was the point.
I imagined this woman's flat to be an airy, white-washed, sunlit apartment with a simple altar and her waking serenely before gracefully executing amazingly choreographed sequences in silence. I have no idea how close that was to her reality. Back then I stood in awe of people who said they regularly practiced yoga at home at all, let alone on a daily or near-daily basis. I could not imagine how I could take that initial step from zero home practice, or what it would look like to be able to say confidently that I regularly practice yoga at home. This seemingly unattainable mix of free-time, self-discipline, physical space and yoga sequencing knowledge lingered in the back of my mind until more than a decade later, I realised that I actually now had a home yoga practice of my own, which had little to do with the image I'd had in my head, but that that had emerged reasonably effortlessly and was totally accessible to anyone. I still do admire people's discipline, dedication and determination to find time for yoga in busy times, but like most things, it really comes down to just one thing: Being ready. If you're anything like me, my first reaction to being told I need to prepare for anything is to think that's so boring and to try to jump straight in. However, a little planning will mean you're set up, well, forever. Give it a go and let me know how you get on. Whatever your level, no matter how busy you are or how many kids, pets or housemates you may have:
Barracks Lane Community Garden is a lovely community oasis in East Oxford.
Off to yoga is back there this summer on one of their open mornings (see their other news and events here). Come along, join in some yoga and enjoy the garden. There is a sand pit too! Entry to the garden is free. It's a great place to go and suitable for young and old alike. In principle, the first group at 11am will be yoga for parents/carers and toddlers - so that the tots can nap afterwards. At 12pm: nature mandalas in the garden (weather permitting), and then another yoga session for slightly bigger kids at 1pm. This is because we are likely to use the cabin so space is limited to about 12 people to keep things safe and comfortable. If possible, to better manage timings and groups, please book in with me directly or on bookwhen.com/offtoyoga The yoga is free of charge, but if you can manage it, please make a donation to the garden as it is volunteer-run and all funds go towards keeping it open for everyone to use. So you want to invest in a yoga mat. Simple right? Until you come to choose one... I recently revisited this topic when asked by students new to yoga at a corporate yoga class and thought I'd share my recommendations. Also see my original post on whether you can manage with out a yoga mat in case you're wondering that too: Can I do yoga without a mat? https://offtoyoga.weebly.com/blog/can-i-do-yoga-without-a-mat
Sunday 4th March 2018, East Oxford.10am - 5pm.
Yogific festival with many classes, talks and stalls. Children welcome. Find out more here or on Facebook Book online (and save ££) here So I'm stepping in last minute, but really happy to be participating and hopefully to see some of you at this family- and animal- friendly yoga festival on our doorstep! - A lot more reasonably priced than a lot of the national events (£5/adult online or £8 on the day, children go free - yay), and with tons of classes, I'm sure you'll find something you like. Just bring a mat. I'm teaching at 11am in the Lil Yoga Room. Hope to see you then! If you're wondering if you should come to the "Mum is off to yoga" classes, then you probably should :) Can you identify with any of the statements below?!Mum is off to yoga is for...
Did I miss someone? Let me know! Book now! 5 class passes offer flexibility and will run on after Easter too, no pressured expiry dates! https://bookwhen.com/offtoyoga Fridays during term time. 8-9pm Tara Yoga Centre, Cowley Road, Oxford, OX4 1UT. Read more about Mum is off to yoga classes here The other day I rushed out the house, - last minute as usual,- trying to get to a yoga class on time (as a student). I had booked my spot the day before, but was worried because cancelling meant being penalised as I had recently learned the hard way. 2 strikes and you're blocked off the booking system no matter what. I threw something on and everything was looking fine until my 2 year old looked at me with big, sad eyes and clung onto my leg "Mummy, mummy, mummy." Heart sinks. Torn between missing my yoga class and leaving the little chap feeling a little sad (he wasn't ill or desperately distraught. He'd had his tea. Dad was home. All was good). Dilemma under time pressure: If I stay, I can cheer him up and play, but maybe feel disappointed and, let's be honest, frustrated that I can neither get to yoga for the good it will do me or get my money back. Plus, there's pressure to both use up my pass as well as follow the yoga studio's rules. Enter the scene big bro. "Come on little bro, don't cry. Tickle, tickle, tickle", and the little chap is back to being a smiley little fella and they're running about as usual. They should probably be going to bed, but hey, it's the weekend and that's another issue. Phew. My hero. I'm off the hook but now I'm probably a little late. Yikes. Run, run, run. All the way I'm anticipating trying to have to talk my way in as surely they will have already started. I'm really expecting to be turned away, but I'm half way now, might as well try. Lock up bike. Run in. Pheeew. They're still setting up when I get there. I throw my coat in a corner and plomp down on a mat. Yay. Made it. But I don't feel great, a bit sticky and the adrenaline is still flowing. Of course this will quickly pass and I'll enjoy the class. It is not a big deal in the grand scheme of things, but it did make me reflect on how I want people to feel when they come to my classes: Getting to yoga class should not be stressful because of the yoga class "rules" for want of a better term. Life throws enough at you on the way, we're all grown ups trying to manage our time as best we can. So here are my class "rules" :)
***Update: the following class I tried to squeeze in I was 4 MINUTES late to because toddler fell off a chair and had been ill all weekend and I lost my money!!*** Also check out below a snippet from : Stress-free yoga for mums (whether you should come to Mum is off to yoga classes) If you can identify with any one of the statements below, then you are very welcome :)
Did I miss someone? Let me know! Book now! 5 class passes offer flexibility and will run on after Easter too, no pressured expiry dates! https://bookwhen.com/offtoyoga Read more about Mum is off to yoga classes here Winter is the toughest time of the year, not just because of the risks posed by cold weather, but also because of the reduced hours of daylight and the effects on the body and mood.
As I was online reading this weekend, it struck me how, as for so many things, it's the attitude you have towards something that reflects back in how you experience it. Winter gloom is upon us! So how can we put our best foot forward? Globalisation can bring wisdom from far flung exotic corners of the globe right into your living room. Whether the application is or is not what was originally intended, I don't see the harm if it is used for keeping you sane and well. Cabin fever can be especially troublesome in a small house with little ones. Personally, I'm quite relieved by the popularity of hygge and the fact that it approves of staying home snug, doing something educational, enjoyable or productive (I'm a do-er by nature and can't sit still for long!). So I thought I'd share my favourite winter plans for the cold weather and small children combination.
I'd love to know what you enjoy about the winter. Share and comment! Also check out: Ayurveda Guidelines for Winter from Cate Stillman yogahealer.com/portfolio_page/ayurveda-guidelines-for-winter Hygge - What is hygge? Things to know about the Danish lifestyle trend The Little Book of Hygge Hygge, Huh? (keeping it in perspective!) Unusual soulful and artisan gifts with a yoga themeStill unsure what to buy for a loved one? Besides the very simple, yet wonderful and ecological yoga class gift idea :) here are a few choices for yoga gifts from small businesses with a sustainable, cruelty-free and ethical philosophy. I hope you find something you like! Yoga jewellery Sterling silver chakra necklace from House of Kind. Unusual pieces with a yoga theme; obvious for those in the know, pretty jewellery for those that aren't. Inspiring prints and cards Search Etsy for fabulous handmade items. The C. Sheehan Art shop is no exception. Pretty designs with mandalas and positive affirmations adorn cards to send, display or carry along with you! A Life More Inspired also offers affirmation cards, jewellery, inspiration boxes as well as free gifts such as affirmations (via email) and journaling prompts; an unusual one, but what could be better than helping someone figure out their dreams?! Eye pillows and hot compresses to relieve neck and shoulders A European "brand with strong focus on durable design" is Blästa Henriët. They offer chemical-free, hypoallergenic wheat bags for eyes or shoulders. Perfect for Savasana relaxation or to ease tension in the shoulders and neck. |
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