Starting a Home Yoga Practice

Starting a home yoga practice can be a transformative journey for your mind, body, and spirit. Starting a yoga practice at home also offers numerous physical, mental, and emotional benefits.  However, like starting anything, it can be scary and uncertain. By understanding a few tips to get started, you can begin with a little more knowledge and courage.

Here are some tips for beginners:

1. Set Your Intentions

  • Decide why you want to practice yoga (e.g., stress relief, flexibility, strength, or mindfulness).
  • Keep your goals realistic and focus on enjoying the process.

2. Start Small and Simple

  • Begin with shorter sessions (10-20 minutes) and gradually increase duration.
  • Focus on basic poses like Child’s Pose, Downward Dog, Warrior I, and Cat-Cow.

3. Choose the Right Style

  • Explore styles like Hatha (gentle and beginner-friendly), Vinyasa (flow-based), or Yin (deep stretches).
  • Experiment with different classes or teachers to find what resonates with you.

4. Create a Comfortable Space

  • Set up a quiet, clutter-free area with enough room to stretch and move.
  • Use props like a yoga mat, blocks, and straps to support your practice.

5. Wear Comfortable Clothing

  • Choose clothing that allows free movement and doesn’t restrict your breathing.

6. Listen to Your Body

  • Avoid pushing yourself into pain; yoga is about progress, not perfection.
  • Use modifications as needed and honor where your body is each day.

7. Practice Breathing Techniques

  • Focus on deep, steady breathing (like Ujjayi breath) to calm your mind and enhance your practice.
  • Pair your breath with your movements for a meditative flow.

8. Stay Consistent

  • Try to practice regularly, even if it’s just a few minutes daily.
  • Consistency is key to building strength, flexibility, and mindfulness.

9. Seek Guidance

  • Consider joining a beginner’s yoga class or using online videos/tutorials.
  • A qualified instructor can ensure proper alignment and provide personalized tips.

10. Be Patient and Kind to Yourself

  • Yoga is a journey, not a destination. Celebrate small progress and enjoy the learning process.
  • Remember, everyone’s practice looks different—focus on your unique path.

Check out these additional tips for beginning a home yoga practice. If you don’t think you have the perfect space, maybe this article will help you get started!


Here are five basic styles of yoga, each with its unique focus and benefits:

1. Hatha Yoga

  • Focus: A gentle introduction to yoga postures and breathing techniques.
  • Best For: Beginners or those looking for a slower-paced practice.
  • Key Features:
    • Combines physical poses (asanas) with breathing (pranayama).
    • Emphasizes balance, alignment, and mindfulness.

2. Vinyasa Yoga

  • Focus: Flowing movements synchronized with breath.
  • Best For: Those who enjoy dynamic, dance-like sequences.
  • Key Features:
    • Smooth transitions between poses.
    • Often set to music, creating an energetic atmosphere.

3. Ashtanga Yoga

  • Focus: A structured sequence of poses performed in a specific order.
  • Best For: People who enjoy discipline and a physically demanding practice.
  • Key Features:
    • Follows a set series of poses.
    • Builds strength, flexibility, and stamina.

4. Yin Yoga

  • Focus: Deep stretching and relaxation, targeting connective tissues.
  • Best For: Those seeking stress relief, flexibility, and a meditative experience.
  • Key Features:
    • Long-held, passive poses (2-5 minutes).
    • Encourages stillness and introspection.

5. Restorative Yoga

  • Focus: Deep relaxation and stress relief through passive, supported poses.
  • Best For: Those seeking rest, recovery, and a calming practice.
  • Key Features:
    • Long-held poses (5-20 minutes) with extensive use of props like bolsters, blankets, and blocks.
    • Activates the parasympathetic nervous system for deep relaxation and healing.

Check out this for more on several styles of Yoga

If you are ready to experience gentle yoga virtually, check out my new online weekly LIVE class! All Fromm the comfort of your own home!


    Stacie believes that it is her life purpose to share the gift of Yoga with anyone who is willing to say yes. In addition to raising a family and being an advocate for those with disabilities, Stacie is founder of Embracing Spirit Yoga which specializes in bringing adaptive Yoga into community centers and rehabilitation clinics. Bringing her depth of compassion to the mat–or the chair–she offers students the opportunity to grow as an individual in all aspects of their life.

    With over seventeen years experience, Stacie Wyatt is an experienced 500 hour Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance, Certified Brain Injury Specialist, Certified Trauma Informed Coach, Life Wellness Coach, Senior YogaFit Instructor, Mind/Body Personal trainer, Stress Reduction and Meditation Instructor, Pilates Instructor, and Barre Instructor. Stacie is also certified in Integrative Movement Therapy™and is also a believer in the power and application of essential oils for health and wellness and proudly shares doTERRA essential oils.

    Beginner Yoga

    For newcomers, yoga serves as a gentle introduction to holistic health and wellness. Starting with basic poses and breathing exercises sets the stage for more advanced practices and lifelong benefits. Practicing beginner yoga offers a wide range of physical, mental, and emotional benefits. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how it can positively impact your life:

    Physical Benefits

    1. Improves Flexibility
      • Yoga stretches the muscles gently, increasing range of motion over time.
    2. Builds Strength
      • Basic poses like Warrior and Plank engage muscles, helping to tone and strengthen.
    3. Enhances Balance
      • Poses like Tree Pose improve stability and coordination.
    4. Boosts Posture
      • Focus on alignment helps counteract slouching and improve spinal health.
    5. Increases Energy Levels
      • Gentle movements and deep breathing can combat fatigue and increase vitality.
    6. Promotes Better Sleep
      • Relaxation techniques calm the nervous system, improving sleep quality.
    7. Supports Joint Health
      • Yoga moves the joints through their full range of motion, reducing stiffness.
    8. Aids Digestion
      • Twisting poses and mindful breathing can stimulate the digestive system.

    Mental Benefits

    1. Reduces Stress
      • Mindful breathing and relaxation techniques lower cortisol levels, the stress hormone.
    2. Increases Focus
      • Yoga teaches concentration by focusing on breath and movement.
    3. Promotes Mindfulness
      • Encourages living in the present moment, enhancing awareness and gratitude.
    4. Improves Mental Clarity
      • Regular practice can help clear mental clutter, improving decision-making and creativity.

    Emotional Benefits

    1. Enhances Mood
      • Yoga releases endorphins, improving mood and reducing feelings of anxiety or depression.
    2. Builds Self-Confidence
      • Achieving poses and practicing self-compassion can boost confidence and self-esteem.
    3. Develops Patience
      • Learning to hold poses and practice regularly teaches patience and persistence.
    4. Fosters Emotional Resilience
      • Yoga encourages letting go of negative emotions, creating space for calm and positivity.

    Holistic Health Benefits

    1. Improves Breathing
      • Breathing exercises (pranayama) strengthen the lungs and improve oxygen flow.
    2. Supports Immune System
      • Stress reduction and improved circulation can enhance immunity.
    3. Balances Hormones
      • Yoga can help regulate the endocrine system, promoting hormonal balance.
    4. Encourages a Healthy Lifestyle
      • Yoga often inspires better habits, including mindful eating and regular exercise.

    Join Me!

    Subscribe to my YouTube channel to get first access to Yoga for Beginner’s series that is coming soon!

    With over seventeen years experience, Stacie Wyatt is a E-500 hour Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance, Certified Brain Injury Specialist, Certified Trauma Informed Coach, Life Wellness Coach, Senior YogaFit Instructor, Mind/Body Personal trainer, Stress Reduction and Meditation Instructor, Pilates Instructor, and Barre Instructor. Stacie is also certified in Integrative Movement Therapy™and is also a believer in the power and application of essential oils for health and wellness and proudly shares doTERRA essential oils.