As we slowly adjust to a new normal, and regular gym sessions grind to a halt, finding a way to be active while staying indoors can be tricky. The government may have closed leisure centres and gyms, but it’s still important to still keep active in order to maintain both physical and mental health. Regular exercise can be a great stress reliever, mood booster and aid in helping you sleep better, which is exactly what we all need in these uncertain times.
For those of us who don’t have the luxury of a swish private at-home gym, then it’s time to get creative and turn your bedroom, hallway or living room into your dedicated workout space. If you’re looking to raise your heart rate, but are limited on space and equipment, then yoga is perfect.
Perhaps you’ve always thought of signing up to classes but never got round to it or are looking to dip your toes into the fitness sphere now you have ample time, now is the best time to start. It can be daunting to get started without the help of a physical class to attend and a teacher’s instructions to follow face-to-face, so we’ve created a helpful guide for beginners.
Firstly, find a space. You need just enough to lie a yoga mat down, plus a little added extra around the edges in case you stretch out slightly. Secondly, grab a mat. It’s really the only piece of equipment you need. You can forgo a mat and lay down a towel instead if you don’t have the budget or want to try a few poses out regularly before investing.
If you don’t have a big TV to connect your yoga classes too, use your iPad or phone propped up on the mat instead.
So, you’ve got your space, a mat and a bottle of water nearby to stay hydrated while you work up a sweat, what next?
Try a few beginner moves if it’s your first foray into yoga. The first is the cat/cow, with hands and knees firmly planted on the floor, while you arch your back, keeping your arms straight - It’s great for spinal health, mobility and is easy to learn. The plank is also a simple move to practice that will build core strength. To round the short routine off, try a downward dog. It brings additional blood flow to the brain, increasing energy and reducing stress.
However, if you’re looking for some guidance or to feel part of a community, there’s an abundance of online classes here at Dragonfly. We offer easy to follow, at-home workouts led by experienced trainers, and the yoga sessions that are comprised of bodyweight moves and practicing breath work.
Joining an online community via live streams or Facebook groups, such as Dragonfly’s are another way to participate in a class from the comfort of your living room, you can join before you sit down to work, on your lunch break, and once your workday is over with, accompanied remotely by hundreds of others tuning in too, while still going at your own pace.
Don’t be too hard on yourself if you’re new to practice. Yoga is as much to do about being present and therefore doing what feels good for that exact moment. Try and tune into what feels good for you immediately, versus what you think you ‘should’ be doing that day.
And remember, Dragonfly is here to support you on your yoga journey both now whilst your at home, and when this is all over, back in the studio with the rest of your online community.
