5 Easy Ways to Start Your At-Home Yoga Practice Today

Building an at-home yoga practice can be simple, but let’s be honest, it doesn’t always feel that way. Personally, I leaned heavily on physical studios for years—even as a yoga teacher—because practicing yoga at home felt challenging. My home practice was sporadic, mostly because life kept getting in the way, and I felt the only way to stay consistent was by attending a class.

That changed when I began to rethink what a yoga practice could look like. Instead of rushing to class, turning off my brain, and following along, I started listening to my body and figuring out what I truly needed.

Through a bit of trial and error, I discovered that doing yoga at home isn’t just possible—it’s incredibly rewarding. Whether you're figuring out how to do yoga at home because, like me, you live in a smaller community, or you simply prefer practicing in private, here are five things that helped me fall in love with yoga at home. If you're wondering how to begin an at-home yoga routine, you’re not alone—many find starting a home yoga practice intimidating at first.

But first, let’s talk about commitment.

1. Create a Comfortable At-Home Yoga Space

I’ll admit it: I’m a sucker for a good atmosphere, and it was one of the main reasons I paid so much to attend trendy studios. But when I stepped back and thought about why I loved those spaces, I realized it wasn’t that hard to recreate a similar vibe at home.

So, I designated a small corner of my bedroom as my personal at-home yoga studio, making it easier to commit to a consistent yoga practice at home. A little rearranging, a closed door, my favourite candle, and voilà—a cozy, inviting at-home yoga space.

Choose a quiet spot in your home where you have enough room to stretch and move freely. A clutter-free space is ideal for focus, but it doesn’t have to be perfect. Whether it’s a corner of your living room or a nook in your backyard, make it your sanctuary.

Pro Tip: To enhance your at-home yoga experience, use simple props like a yoga mat, blanket, or cushion, and add some ambiance with a candle or calming music. The key is to feel comfortable in your space so you can keep showing up on your mat regularly.

2. Start Small and Be Consistent

I promise, even 10 minutes counts as at-home yoga! You don't need an hour-long session to reap the benefits. Start with short, doable practices—just 5 to 10 minutes a day can make a world of difference.

Setting realistic goals helps you build a habit that sticks, allowing you to gradually increase the duration and intensity of your practice. That’s why in our Whole Body Habits program, the first week includes only short classes under 15 minutes.

Pro Tip: Pick a time that works for you, whether it’s first thing in the morning or during a break in the day. Set a reminder on your phone or calendar to help you stay on track.

3. Use Online Yoga Resources for Guidance

Guess what? Even as a yoga teacher, I still love using online yoga resources to guide my practice. I don’t always want to think about what comes next, and following along means I can focus more on listening to my body and being present, rather than planning my next move.

There are countless online yoga classes that cater to every style, level, and preference, making it easy to find your ideal at-home yoga flow. From beginner-friendly videos to more vigorous flows, there’s a wealth of content to suit your needs.

Pro Tip: Don’t get overwhelmed by the variety. There’s no perfect class—just the right one for you at the moment. Try hitting play on whatever catches your eye first rather than endless scrolling. A structured program, like the Whole Body Habits, offers curated classes that guide you through different styles, teachers, and durations.

4. Listen to Your Body and Modify as Needed

Here’s the deal: Your at-home yoga practice doesn’t have to look the same for everyone, or even for you, day-to-day. Some days you’ll crave a restorative class, and other times, you might modify poses due to injury or simply because it feels right. What matters is understanding that yoga doesn’t need to match what you see on Instagram.

Early in my teaching career, I severely injured my hamstring. I went from feeling like a pretzel to barely being able to pull something out of the oven without aggravating my injury. It meant no forward folds for months, and when I returned to a dynamic practice, I embraced props and modifications.

For your at-home yoga practice, modify poses to suit your comfort level and focus on what feels good. If you’re unsure how to modify a pose, many online yoga classes offer variations, or you can use props like blocks, blankets, or even books.

Pro Tip: Pay attention to the signals your body sends and avoid pushing yourself too hard. The Whole Body Habits program encourages you to adjust your practice to fit your needs, making it sustainable and enjoyable.

5. Make Your At-Home Yoga Practice Enjoyable

The most effective at-home yoga or online yoga practice is one you enjoy and look forward to. This may sound obvious, but I’m often surprised by how many people dislike yoga because they chose a style that wasn’t right for them. Maybe they thought it was too slow or not challenging enough. There’s a class for every mood!

If I had only ever taken hot yoga, I might never have fallen in love with the practice or become a yoga teacher. Be open to experimenting with different styles and teachers to find what resonates with you. You might love some and dislike others, and that’s perfectly normal.

Pro Tip: Celebrate small milestones to keep your motivation high. Notice how you feel after each practice—whether it’s calm, strength, or joy—and use that feeling to keep coming back to your mat.