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Dream Spaces: Sink Into a Yoga Room
For many, yoga is a way of life. So why not create your very own yoga haven at home?
Whether you practise Hatha, Ashtanga, Bikram or Vinyasa, one thing that all yoga has in common is that it is good for your body, mind and soul. Yoga is incredibly versatile in that you can strike a pose anywhere you feel like it – at your work desk, at the bus stop or even after an intensive cardio work-out at the gym. But having your own little slice of yoga paradise at home can be the best place of all.
Nurturing your very own yoga dream space is a long-term investment in terms of your health and wellbeing. Having a welcoming place to just “be”, may just be the best gift you have ever given yourself. Also, having a yoga space that’s just a hop, skip and a jump away can provide you with encouragement to get your Downward Dog on or to Salute the Sun. After all, packing a bag and going on a trek to the gym, or driving to your favourite class, can sometimes feel like too much on those lazy days. But with your own practice space you don’t even have to get out of your pyjamas if you don’t feel like it. Take a look at these rooms for divine inspiration…
Nurturing your very own yoga dream space is a long-term investment in terms of your health and wellbeing. Having a welcoming place to just “be”, may just be the best gift you have ever given yourself. Also, having a yoga space that’s just a hop, skip and a jump away can provide you with encouragement to get your Downward Dog on or to Salute the Sun. After all, packing a bag and going on a trek to the gym, or driving to your favourite class, can sometimes feel like too much on those lazy days. But with your own practice space you don’t even have to get out of your pyjamas if you don’t feel like it. Take a look at these rooms for divine inspiration…
If Vinyasa is your yoga of choice, make sure your yoga space has enough room for the fluid series of movement-intensive poses that this form demands. Having a large space will allow you the freedom to concentrate on your movement, without having to worry about hitting yourself against the wall or a piece of furniture.
Natural light is a blessing, but on days with excessive glare it can be a bit much. If you are lucky enough to have floor-to-ceiling windows, the addition of louvres, blinds or curtains will allow you to control how much light comes through, as you don’t want to be squinting through your Warrior poses.
What could be more inspiring than looking out onto an expanse of blue sea? Connecting with your body and breath is key to yoga. Having natural elements in your line of sight as you practise can help to keep you centred.
Without a teacher to guide you, it’s sometimes hard to tell if you are positioned correctly. Placing a mirror in your yoga space can really help you to see what you are doing, particularly with Iyengar yoga. This style of yoga is very meticulous and focuses on finding the proper alignment of a pose.
If you are a devotee of Japanese yoga, why not take it one step further and create a Japanese-themed yoga room? The minimalist approach to this space paired with the sliding doors makes you feel as though you could be in Japan.
Having a view of nature can be incredibly grounding and help you to relax. And what is better inspiration for a Tree pose than a view of stunning green trees?
A yoga room doesn’t necessarily need to be indoors. Getting in touch with nature and breathing in the fresh air can make for an incredibly rewarding yoga experience.
Having a lack of space doesn’t mean you have to go without your dream yoga space. Arrange your furniture so that you can move it easily to the side to create ample floor space for stretching. The simple design pictured means all you have to do is move the table and meditation pillow before you practise.
If you have an attic area that is just a place for old things to collect dust, clear away the cobwebs and turn it into a yoga space. Adding a series of skylights and windows will keep things light and help to open up the space.
Sometimes all you need is an open space and a yoga mat. Having a large room also means that you have the space to invite a few friends over to practise with you, which can help you to get out of your regular yoga routine and learn new tricks.
If you are a devotee to Bikram or Hot yoga, instead of a heater or hot air-conditioning, try doing your yoga in a room with a closed fireplace in order to turn up the temperature. There’s nothing like a real fire for all-encompassing heat and ambience, and you might just save on your electricity bill as well.
If Restorative yoga is your thing, ensure you have enough space and storage for bolsters, blankets and blocks. Restorative yoga props you up so you can experience the benefits of a pose without having to exert a great deal of effort.
In most yoga spaces it’s common to have bare floors, but adding a large rug (if you’re not doing a heat-based style of yoga) can help create an intimate and welcoming atmosphere. A rug or carpet can also provide you with an extra bit of cushioning.
If yoga truly is the most important activity in your life, why not go all out and give your dream yoga room some va-va-voom? If minimalist simplicity isn’t your style, embellish your room with decor and finishes that make you happy.
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