How to Create a Mini Yoga Studio at Home
Designing your own mini yoga studio in your home or apartment may seem like a daunting task, but designing a space for yoga may not take much more thought than just rolling out a yoga mat. However, there are a few things to consider to make your home practice more enjoyable and fulfilling.
First, and foremost, if at all possible, your home yoga space ideally has a hard floor. Natural elements, like wood and tile are best. A hard surface is important for proper balance and alignment. The muscles used to balance on a hard surface are different than those used on a carpeted surface and if using a yoga mat, the mat will be more likely to slip on a carpeted surface. Trying to concentrate on yoga postures is just more difficult if your mat is slipping out from under you.
Another reason for a floor made from natural materials is from the spiritual aspect of yoga practice. Yoga takes advantage of the earth. In balance poses we are often instructed to imagine our balance coming from our solid foundation of the earth and to tap into that power to maintain balance. I've always found that instruction a little disingenuous when the practice is on an upper level of a building, but I digress.
If possible, your mini yoga studio should have at least one large mirror. Especially in a home practice, mirrors allow you to review your alignment and positioning. Mirrors can provide the same function as a yoga instructor, providing you a tool to adjust your body to the proper position. Some of my most difficult practice sessions have been at home in front of my mirrored walls, constantly reminded of where I needed to correct my alignment.
Make every effort to remove clutter from your yoga space. One of the foundations of a rewarding yoga practice is the ability to clear your mind of everything but your breath and the posture you are trying to maintain. It is hard enough to suppress or eliminate the clutter of the mind, so maintaining a minimalist space with no clutter will allow you to focus on your breath and your body instead of the cleaning you have to do when the practice is over. With the additional stress of clutter, relaxing during yoga will only be more difficult.
Lighting for your mini yoga studio is ideally a natural light. I've found that a room with windows that let in lots of natural light energizes me. Alternatively candle light provides some of that same natural energy, but don't overdo the candles. You may find yourself thinking about putting out a fire instead of balancing your half moon pose.
If you must have artificial light, avoid fluorescent lighting. Fluorescents tend to put out a harsh light that does not have a lot in common with the natural light of the sun and in my experience causes instability. It must be because of the way the brain interprets the light and the resulting reaction of the balancing mechanism of the inner ear. Whatever the reason, fluorescent light has never been conducive to my yoga practice.
Your mini yoga studio should be warm; probably warmer than the rest of your home. Using space heaters for your yoga space can provide that warmth your muscles need to relax and lengthen. Just remember to turn them off when you are done.
The last consideration is sound. The more natural sound the better. Remember, yoga relies on your connection with the earth, so having the sounds of nature are important to helping you achieve that sense of connectedness. If you don't have natural sounds available to your mini yoga studio, find a recording of them, such as Echoes of Nature: Morning Songbirds, or make your own. Natural sounds during your earthy yoga practice will result in a greater sense of relaxation and a more fulfilling yoga practice.
Creating your own mini yoga studio is not something to fret about, your space should be a reflexion of what works for you. As you continue to practice in that space, it will evolve into a relaxing, peaceful place for you.
Namaste.
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Last Updated : May 22, 2010
