EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR YOUR At-Home Yoga Studio

YOGA IS FOR EVERYONE. The physical benefits of a yoga practice can help you as a runner, not to mention the calm, clarity, and mental focus it can bring to your active lifestyle. Actually getting to your mat is sometimes the biggest hurdle, but you can eliminate that with the convenience of an at-home yoga studio.

- Jennifer Vafakos

Unlike a home gym that can be costly and require a lot of space, an at-home yoga studio is a more affordable and accessible endeavor than you might think.

Your home yoga studio should delight, inspire, and engage all your senses. That's the ultimate goal, but the first step is figuring out where in your home you can put down some roots. You won't want to be in a high-traffic area where you can be disrupted, and you won't want to be in some dark, dreary garage, either. Your studio doesn't have to be its own room; it can be an alcove in your bedroom or a quiet corner of a finished basement.

Once you've chosen a spot-a minimum of 21.5 square feet is generally recommended-use nature and minimalism as design guides.

Don't overlook ventilation. The whole practice of yoga is centered on controlled breathing, so it's important to have a window you can open for fresh air, or a dehumidifier or fan. For many yogis, a wall for contact serves as an additional prop, providing stability and leverage in many active and passive shapes.

THE EXPERT

When Jennifer Vafakos reached her 30s, a number of substantial injuries from her active lifestyle, which included running marathons and triathlons, had taken their toll and led her to yoga. In 2016, she left a corporate career to become the owner of Inlet Yoga, a studio on the Jersey Shore. As a certified E-RYT 500 teacher through Yoga Alliance, she leads public and private yoga classes, yoga teacher training programs, and workshops.

For lighting, consider the time of day you practice (or want to) and your circadian rhythm. Natural lighting is always preferred, but the next best option might depend upon the time of day you practice. Circadian-based lighting is a good option, especially if you're an early-morning or late-night practitioner. It might be as easy as changing your light bulbs.