Have you thought about starting a yoga practice?

 

Don’t think yoga is for you? You’re wrong!

 

Yoga can be a great way to get yourself on a regular exercise routine. There are so many benefits of yoga. You can use yoga to gain strength, to lose weight or to tone muscles. It is a great way to maintain a healthy mental state as well, as you bring awareness to the poses and your breathing.

I know, it probably sounds cooky and crazy with people breathing deeply, meditating and becoming one with the poses…but here’s the thing; it is cooky and crazy and it totally works!!!

 

 

 

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Yoga has many benefits and uses

I first started my yoga journey a few years ago. I was definitely needing to incorporate some type of exercise routine into my daily routine, and I stumbled upon yoga. I am NOT a huge fan of gyms, so I knew that I was not joining a gym. I did a little research on yoga and found that there are many levels of yoga, for all ages and stages in the practice. I was intrigued enough and almost compelled to go to a trial class. I went with a friend and had no idea what to expect. What I found is that I love it! It is very calming and easy on your mind, body and soul. I found going to a class after work really help me wind down from the day and release some of the tensions that I had carried from the stresses of the day.

Fast forward to the present, where I have phased out attending an actual yoga class and have now created an at home yoga practice routine. I have created a daily/weekly yoga routine that I feel works best for my current schedule and lifestyle. It is very simple and easy to create a yoga practice routine that you can do at home. All it takes is a little time and research to determine your personal routine.

Before you jump right in and begin your yoga practice at home, you must equip yourself with the proper tools and necessities. These items are actual items I use on a regular basis. I found these resources on my own, and I only see it fitting to share my finds with you! I hope you absolutely love these items as much as I do!

 

5 must have items for yoga at home

1. Yoga mat

One of THE most important items you must have if you’re going to practice yoga. Yoga mats come in a variety of materials, sizes and thicknesses, so you can choose what you like personally. SECRET: I actually use 2 yoga mats, for added padding when holding those poses longer! Check out these yoga mats.

 

2. Yoga block

Yoga blocks are amazing to use when you are needing a little help getting into some of the deeper stretches. They are made of a thick foam, and can be used horizontal or vertical, depending on how deep of a stretch you would like. SECRET: One of the great things about yoga is you do what poses you can. You can challenge yourself when you feel comfortable with each pose.  Check out yoga blocks.

 

3. Yoga strap

The yoga strap help with stretching and holding poses longer, especially those poses that work on strengthening the legs. It is made of easy to clean fabric and is a must have for any yogi; beginner or advanced. Check out these yoga straps.

4. Yoga Videos

Yoga videos are important and they are so easy to follow.  You can find yoga videos for beginners, advanced, for weight loss, for strength; pretty much anything you can think of.  I normally use YouTube to find videos, and my favorites yoga videos are Yoga With Adriene and PsycheTruth.

 

5. Music app

Once you get a fairly regular routine down and you know what poses you would like to do, you could create your own thirty minute to an hour yoga sequence and have music playing to help you focus on the moment and the poses. I use this app a lot and it is great because it has a variety of meditation music to choose from, so you are not listening to the same music over and over again. You can find the app on google play and the app store.

 

These five items are a must have to have a successful, productive yoga practice at home!

 

But wait…there’s more! I have thrown in a bonus!!! As you may or may not know, I am an avid essential oil user. There is a collection of oils especially made for yoga! The yoga collection from doTerra contains Arise, Align and Anchor. Find out more about the benefits of these oils below!

BONUS

doTerra Essential Oils Yoga Collection

**Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. The information and products described are for information purposes only. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition.**

The doTerra Yoga Collection is a trio of oils that are designed for the yogi!  The three oils, Arise, Align and Anchor each enhance your yoga practice. These blends provide aromas to steady, center, and enlighten your spirit through every breath while strengthening and stretching your body.

 

Arise

Arise helps to instill feelings of happiness, clarity, and courage.  Arise Enlightening blend supports your stability as well as your freedom. Arise inspires moments of reaching for your highest potential.  It is a blend of Grapefruit, Lemon, Osmanthus, Melissa, and Siberian fir essential oils.

 

Align

Align encourages harmony and calm process.  Align helps you to trust in yourself and stay open to all possibilities.  Align It is a blend of Bergamot, Coriander, Marjoram, Peppermint, Jasmine, and Rose essential oils.

 

Anchor

Anchor promotes feelings of completeness, calmness, and courage.  Anchor Steadying Blend brings a firm trust in yourself so you can approach your practice and life with calming strength.  Anchor supports your connection to yourself and your innate wisdom.  It is a blend of Lavender, Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Cinnamon, Frankincense, Black Pepper, and Patchouli essential oils.

To find out about more about the doTerra Yoga Collection, please click here.  To find out about other great essential oils, please click here.

 

I hope that you are able to create a great zen area where you will be able to practice yoga at home!

Do you practice yoga? What are your thoughts on yoga?

Namaste!

Anitra J.