As a yoga teacher, it's not unusual to hear I'm too old or not flexible enough to do yoga. These are just excuses. Yoga is for EVERYONE! When I sit in front of newbies in my class, I simply say: "If you can breathe, you can do yoga". Starting a yoga practice at home does takes discipline, but totally doable.

Here are 5-tips to get you started.

1. Create a comfortable spot for your yoga practice.

A small corner of our living room or bedroom will suffice. A spot where it’s peaceful and quiet, with enough space to stretch out your arms and legs. An empty piece of wall can be useful too since the wall is a great prop. Create a sacred space with an atmosphere conducive to peace and calm. Add some favourite items e.g. a candle, incense, photos of loved ones, crystals etc...Be creative - the aim is to get on your mat no matter what.

2. Invest or create your yoga props.

It can be overwhelming with the amount of yoga props out there. All you need to begin with is a good non-slip yoga mat. I've had my yoga mat for over 20 years, and I love it. It is also useful to have a couple of yoga Blocks (you can also use thick books). A yoga strap (a long old scarf), a bolster is also nice to have (can replace with a stack of pillows and blankets) and loose comfortable clothing. If you're low on cash, be resourceful.

3. Choose your yoga style / routine.

Perhaps you've heard of yoga, or a friend has told you about their experience? Maybe you're going through some kind of physical ailment at the moment or just need to relax and take time out? Whatever your reason, it's all good. A good question to begin with is: What does my body and mind need in this moment?

There are many varieties of yoga out there. This is what makes yoga exciting and I invite you to explore them all. The more you experiment with yoga, the more you will connect, and discover what you need, in each and every moment for your body, mind and soul.

Try a yoga class, program or challenge to get you started. Pick a duration that suits your lifestyle, look for a title that resonates with you in that moment.

4. Return to child-like innocence.

We spend so much time trying to figure things out. Have you ever noticed how present a young child is? They are very much in the now and just focused on the excitement of the moment – the WOW, the AWE - like experiencing something for the very first time.

When we start moving back to the wonder of the moment, everything we see appears new; we begin to feel the excitement and remember the newness and the aliveness of life. This natural state of being is contagious. When you’re experiencing this feel-good vibe, you want more of it, people want to be in the presence of this state because somewhere buried deep in our subconscious; it is very comfortably familiar. And this is how you motivate yourself (and others) to keep going with your yoga practice. This is your why of getting up in the morning, rolling out your mat and moving into presence.

If your yoga practice appears to be challenging, bring a sense of lightness into it.

Play with these questions:-

• What is play?
• How can we bring playfulness into our practice?
• How can I play with my yoga rather than focus on the discipline of practice?
• How is it that I might be able to play with each pose? How can I bring a sense of lightness into each limb and each breath during my practice?

5. Keep it consistent.

Be honest and realistic and do what works for you! How much time can you spare for your yoga practice, what time in the day can you do it, and what do you need to do to get that done? Set yourself that goal, and complete it. You will feel proud of your achievement and you will notice differences in your mental health and wellbeing. Yoga should be something you look forward to, so enjoy. When you enjoy something it becomes effortless!

As Yogi Bhajan used to say: "Keep up and you'll be kept up".

Your practice is not just on the mat. It's off the mat too. Yoga teaches you to let go of control, surrender more and more. Resist less, live more. The peace you connect to, will be so rewarding and life changing and will keep on giving more and more. I promise.

Ready to get started?

Try this SLOW FLOW RISE & SHINE class for free

A perfect morning class for the first day of many! Gentle, all over body stretch to get the energy flowing and to wake up the body. Everything you need to start your day off right is in this class, including setting an intention.

Enjoy!