How To Set Up A Good Yoga Space - The Aligned Hygienist
How To Set Up A Good Yoga Space
Yoga Therapy

How To Set Up A Good Yoga Space

I want to teach you how to set up a good yoga space. One of the biggest reasons people don’t do yoga is because it is intimidating. Determining what style of yoga to pick is one just one challenge, for instance. The next challenge I see is what yoga clothes to wear and how to find the perfect yoga mat and props you will need…

I want to make it easy for you. Let’s ditch the worries about finding the perfect outfit, and dive into what really matters. I’m here to make it easy, and that’s exactly why I created this post.

To me, there are three major things to account for when setting up a yoga and meditation space. I will share all of them with you below. You may feel called to put more emphasis on one thing or another, and that’s totally fine.

Creating A Safe Space

The first place to start is determining the location. Whether you have a small quadrant of space next to your bed, a space outside or a whole room dedicated to yoga, find a location where you will feel comfortable.

Don’t stress about making this perfect… something is better than nothing especially as you get started.

Remember, you want this to be a space where you can slow down, relax and unwind. After all, that is the point of yoga!

Here are some things to keep in mind as you find a space:

  • Does it feel comfortable and safe to relax in?
  • Do you have enough room for your mat and props? Do you have enough space to spread and reach in all directions?
  • Is it safe from distractions from yourself and others?
  • What is the temperature like? The light or shade of the area?
  • Do you have the proper space to set up a computer or something to stream your practice?

The next step is setting up your space. For example, it is ideal, but not mandatory to have a place to store your mat and props nearby. That way you don’t have to set up and break down every time you want to practice. Instead, everything is readily available.

Less problems = less excuses! Less excuses = more consistency!

The next piece to set up a centering piece, or an altar of some sort. This is where you will keep things of meaning to you. This will look different for everyone. Whether it’s a shell you found on the beach, a feather from a bird, a stone, a picture of a loved one, etc. Maybe just a candle or incense. This will help you feel comfortable, safe and supported.

Some people prefer their altar to be aesthetically pleasing, while some people want it simple. Some people feel more connected with something simple, like one candle, a rock, or a picture of a loved one. Start small and add things accordingly when and if it feels right!

I added a photograph of my old altar for reference. It has some of my favorite things. Three stones, candles, incense, a beautiful mantra and reminder, and it’s usually adorned with flowers and/or an auricle/tarot card deck of choice.

Gather The Tools You Need!

how to set up an at-home yoga space

There is nothing worse than hitting play on your computer then realizing that you forgot some of the props you need for class! Be prepared so you don’t get pulled out of your center.

As a yoga therapist, and someone who specializes in pain, posture and injury recovery, I strongly believe that props can enhance our yoga practice tremendously. Whether you use them to modify a specific pose, create more space in areas of tension, to increase stability and strength in your body, or to relax the body fully, props are the bees knees!

Props To Enhance Your Practice

Because I highly recommend using props into your yoga practice, here are some of my favorite ones:

1. BLOCKS: for me, blocks enhance the practice in creating space and creating stability within the body. If you are going to purchase blocks, I highly recommend getting two. They can be used in so many ways within your yoga practice–I personally use them all the time in my practice, and with my students inside of Aligned Online, my monthly yoga therapy membership program.

Here is a link to my favorite blocks from Manduka – you can use this link to find them + get a discount.

2. YOGA BLANKET: Blankets are extremely useful in a yoga practice. Whether you want a blanket to keep you warm or for support behind the back of your head, knees or to put on top of your abdomen to help you feel more grounded, I highly recommend a good blanket for your space.

Here is a link to my favorite blocks from Manduka – you can use this link to find them + get a discount.

3. YOGA STRAP: A strap for your yoga therapy practice is a must! The material that a yoga strap is made of is ideal for many of the therapeutic yoga classes I teach. With that being said, a strap is the easiest prop to substitute out for something around the house. You can grab a belt, rolled towel or long socks as a temporary fill-in.

Here is a link to my favorite blocks from Manduka – you can use this link to find them + get a discount.

Those are my top 3 props. If you asked me for one more, I’d tell you to buy an eye pillow to further support relaxation. For eye pillows that are made from sustainable material, check out Projectfull here!

Technology

how to set up an at-home yoga space

My best advice is to ensure you’re all set up and ready to go ahead of time when it comes to technology. What I mean is, if you’re streaming your yoga practice or downloading it from one of your devices, make sure it works effectively before you sit down to hit play on your first practice.

 One of the biggest reasons people don’t practice yoga or meditation at home is because they aren’t set up properly. Whether you’re streaming a practice from my online membership program Aligned Online, or you have something downloaded on your computer or from YouTube, make sure it’s able to play in the comfort of your new yoga home!

For on-demand therapeutic yoga classes and weekly live yoga classes, check out Aligned Online. Aligned Online is a monthly membership program to help ditch pain, manage stress and anxiety, and improve your overall wellness–all in the comfort of your own home. Check out the details here.

1, 2, 3, Go!

As you can see, there are a few important steps if you want to set yourself up for success. Once you create a space once, it’ll be easy to add on, change it up or replicate it in the future. 

1, 2, 3, Go!

When you have everything that you want and need in your space, you’ll be ready to enjoy your yoga class. What a great gift you have given yourself!

Set yourself up for success by creating a beautiful at-home yoga space then watch your body and mind drift into relaxation. If you want at-home yoga classes that range from beginner-based therapeutics all the way to strong and active, consider joining Aligned Online, a monthly yoga therapy membership where you get unlimited access to 125+ on-demand classes and trainings, plus live classes every week, and so much more.

Aligned may be your go-to hub for health and wellness! If you have questions for me or you wonder if it’s a fit for you, click here and let’s chat.

Enjoy your new space!

Caitlin

Ready to learn yoga poses for back pain, heal chronic pain & feel your best?

Aligned Online is a monthly membership program for people that want to lead a pain free life and ditch chronic pain aches, & injuries by improving posture, building strength & mobility & managing stress through guided yoga therapy classes.

Free Healthy Posture Masterclass

Register to join me for a free Healthy Posture Masterclass! I’ll teach you tools to help improve your posture and feel better throughout your daily life!

About the Author

My name is Caitlin, I’m a chronic pain survivor, Certified Yoga Therapist, Registered Dental Hygienist, and founder and CEO of Caitlin Parsons Yoga Therapy, a yoga therapy and wellness company. I recently made my dreams a reality by quitting my full-time job as a dental hygienist to pursue my passion and purpose helping others get back into alignment.

Now I use my personal and professional experiences with chronic pain, stress and anxiety, and injury recovery to help women step back into their own alignment – in their bodies, minds and throughout their lives. I help empower women to create balance in their bodies and minds so they can access greater levels of freedom in their lives inside my monthly membership program (Aligned), group coaching program for hygienists (The Aligned Hygienist), a Yoga + Coaching Program for Dental Teams, and private yoga therapy coaching.

I love to share my knowledge and expertise on mindfulness and therapeutic yoga for back pain through my blog and social media platforms as well as guest appearances on other inspiring and like-minded podcasts.

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Client Success Stories

Cary

“I started working with Caitlin because I was tired of being in pain all the time and had learned about yoga therapy from a friend. I had such bad hip pain, it hurts to sit down, get up, exercise and walk around. The pain moved down my leg sometimes and up into my low back.

Now I feel amazingly strong, am able to actually bend down and reach my shoes so I can tie them! I gained an immense amount of strength in my hips as well as have learned many things I can do on my own to keep going in the right direction.  I really enjoyed the one on one time!  And the fact that Caitlin came to my house was amazing. I had no excuses to not show up for myself and the results paid off! I have already recommended Caitlin to my friends and will continue to do so.” – Cary

Ania

“I started working with Caitlin because I had recently gotten surgery from a brain tumor. I had very little mobility in my shoulder and arm. I was concerned that the lack of mobility, discomfort and reduced strength would increase chances for more pain and injury. Working with Caitlin was amazing, I would recommend her personal approach to anyone. She is dedicated to her work, has great knowledge and communication. Caitlin does a wonderful job guiding you back to your body and yourself.” – Ania

Russ M.

“I started working with Caitlin because I had chronic low back pain and regular flare-ups. I was told by multiple doctors that I would always be in pain and my posture would never improve unless I had surgery. The pain got so bad that I couldn’t play volleyball anymore, which created a negative spiral in my mood, energy and throughout my life. The results I got with Caitlin was amazing. I no longer have chronic pain or chronic acid reflux which I was on medication for.  I’m much healthier and happier now than I ever have been!”  – Russ M.

Donna

“I started working with Caitlin because I had neck pain, shoulder pain, neck congestion and ringing in my ears. I was working a lot, taking care of my family, and I was beginning to spiral downwards in a state of stress and pain. With all of that, life became a chore. I wanted to learn how to take care of myself so I could live a happy life and take care of my responsibilities from a place of joy, not dread. I wanted to get my neck to a place where it wasn’t painful and tightening every time I was stressed.

Now I no longer have neck pain or tightness, I’m stressed and ear ringing has greatly reduced. My body feels so much better as a whole. Caitlin helped me find peace. Caitlin has an innate sense of knowing how to tailor each session to fit how I’m feeling in my body and what I need. Caitlin helped me change the way I react to stress; now I’m more mindful of my reactions and the way I take care of my body. I’m stronger in my body and mind now which has positively affected my entire life.” – Donna M.

Hayley

“I started working with Caitlin because I was completely disconnected from my body because of a genetic disease, having constant, chronic pain, extreme trouble sleeping and anxiety living in my own skin. I wanted to feel better- I wanted to have less pain and have a better quality of life–building strength and reconnecting with my body were a bonus. Working with Caitlin exceeded my expectations- I sleep so much better now and my pain has improved significantly. I’m less anxious and have practices to help when my symptoms flare. I’m more grounded and embodied, I have a daily yoga practice that continues to build on the foundation Caitlin helped me create.

Caitlin is incredible, she validated me and helped me work on my whole self. She customized everything to work specifically for me. I 100%  recommend working with Caitlin. She believed that healing was possible and she held that vision for me and brought it to each session, and eventually I believed and embodied it too. She helped me find the power in every single baby step towards a more whole and healthy life, and I am completely transformed by it. This work isn’t the quick fix, it’s deep, holistic, soul-led healing.” – Hayley

Joan

“Working with Caitlin was the best thing I ever did for myself. I thought that I would always have pain because I’ve done so many things to try and help but they haven’t worked, until yoga therapy with Caitlin. Now I am living with less pain, my posture has improved, I am getting stronger, and my clothes are getting looser.” – Joan

Kim Ponzio

“Before I came to Caitlin, I was taking Motrin and Tylenol on a daily basis like clockwork. I would skip going to the pool or out with my family after work due to the pain in my body. I was very depressed and isolating myself from activities that I really enjoy doing with my family and friends. I had pain on a daily basis in my lower back, shoulder blades, hips and left knee. Some days I had so much pain and inflammation in my body I felt like I couldn’t make it through the day.

Since starting FTF I am slowly starting to get control of my pain and inflammation through the online program one-on-one sessions with Caitlin. Inflammation is decreasing, I’m sitting up taller and I’m more aware of my posture both at work and in my daily routines outside of work. I am no longer having to take Motrin and Tylenol on a daily basis and I am able to walk longe distances without pain in my knees. “

Russel

“I never thought I would get out of back, knee, and postural pain. I also have a curvature in my back that I have been told most of my life cannot be changed. When I came to Caitlin, I wasn’t playing my favorite sport and I was miserable at work. Even doing simple things was really painful. Caitlin completely personalizes her services based on your needs. She takes considerable time to answer all of my questions and targets my sessions for exactly what I need that day and what my goals are. Caitlin always asks me what is going on and listens really well. She is a wealth of knowledge about yoga, human anatomy, and how humans should move. No two sessions are the same. We changed the way I move while doing simple things like sitting in a car or at my desk, putting dishes away and bending over to clean dog poop so that my back is protected from re-injury. I am healing my back partly to return to playing volleyball. I now understand how to be in my volleyball stances and movements so that I can avoid injury when I get back to playing. I am already standing up much straighter and feel more confident. I never thought I would feel this good in my body and I am so wow-ed by Caitlins mastery of her craft.” – Russel

Dan Greco

“Caitlin really knows how to curate yoga program for sustainable strengthening. My shoulders and core used to be weaknesses but after a few sessions I see my posture has improved and the range of motion in my shoulders. She’s caring, fun, and a pleasure to work with. I’d recommend her to anyone interested in trying yoga therapy.”

Site Optimization Manager

Tracy Ring

“Caitlin is fantastic. I’ve gone to many of her classes, specifically those with a focus on healthy backs. I’ve worked with her as a therapist on issues I have with my neck and shoulders from work. She’s patient, attentive and offers focused one-on-one sessions. The exercises I’ve done really help me combat the negative effects of sitting at a desk all day, highly recommend working with this lovely and professional woman!!”

Senior Administrative Assistant

Aly

“Caitlin has helped me grow and learn a lot about myself. She helped me realize the strong power of breath when I was over stressed and unaware of my mental needs. Caitlin helped me focus my energy, both good and bad, on my breath. With every deep inhale and cleansing exhale, I felt my stress and anxiety lessen and lessen. Eight years later, my main mantra is to ‘just breathe.’ It has literally changed my life. Along with the power of breath, Caitlin has helped me keep a constant awareness of how I physically hold myself. Not only has my posture changed, but I have also become stronger and my confidence has increased. I recently began running and was having pain in my hip and side leg. Through working with Caitlin, my pain subsided. She put together an easy to follow yoga sequence that helped my muscles and ligaments heal. I fully trust in Caitlin as a yoga professional, and recommend her gentle way of teaching to anyone.”

Dental Hygienist & Photographer

Jade 

“This program has been so amazing for my pain. In just one class, my neck and shoulder tension released more than it has in years. This program has been so instrumental in managing and controlling my stress. It’s so easy to be “on the hamster wheel”. I look forward to my yoga time and meditation and have noticed a huge difference in my pain level. My family has even noticed my calmer demeanor. I couldn’t believe how much my pain was linked to my stress.”

RDH
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