Yoga at home: anyone who can breathe can do it

At the beginning, if you don't have much yoga experience, online portals such as Yoga-Easy can help. There you can watch exercise videos that you can practise without any special prior knowledge or physical requirements. However, videos for advanced practitioners assume that you have mastered the basics. As a general rule, never go beyond the natural limits of your body. Always practice each exercise with the intensity and duration that you and your body feel comfortable with. As soon as you feel pain, always move out of the position.

Neither age, flexibility nor common complaints such as back pain, headaches or nervousness are an obstacle. However, there are illnesses that require consultation with a doctor.

When should caution be exercised?

After prolonged illness, such as flu, if you feel very exhausted, in the event of circulatory fluctuations (especially if your blood pressure is very high), in the event of any pain, severe signs of wear and tear on the spine or joints, asthma or during menstruation or pregnancy. If you are not sure whether yoga is good for you, simply ask your family doctor before you start practicing yoga.

You should not practise if:

- If you have an acute infection or inflammation
- Acute pain or back problems (e.g. in the first few weeks after a slipped disc, acute lumbago, etc.)

What do you need for yoga?

- Comfortable clothing, e.g. gym shorts, soft yoga pants, a T-shirt or sweatshirt and possibly socks for the relaxation phase. Important: The clothing should neither be too tight nor so baggy that it gets in your way

- Non-slip mat, e.g. a yoga mat

- A blanket that you can place under your knees and hips if it is more comfortable. For seated exercises, you can simply roll up the blanket and sit on it. And you will need it for meditation afterwards

- Meditation cushions - or benches. The latter is helpful if you have knee problems or circulatory problems in your legs (varicose veins). Again, the cushion should not be too high or too firm. The entire equipment costs around 100 euros

How to practise with yoga video

To prepare, you should first watch the entire video. Practice as far as you can the first time. And be patient: learning takes time and practice! The more often you use the same video as a guide for your yoga practice, the quicker you will be able to follow the exercises just by listening to them and may be able to do some of them effortlessly on your own. If you don't understand something, repeat the movie at this point until you have understood everything. As all the exercises are tried and tested and come from yoga classes, you can assume that they will work. Sometimes it helps if you breathe more often for your own rhythm or bend your legs more than the video instructor demonstrates.

Yoga at home - how to practise without a teacher

Of course, no video can replace a yoga teacher. It is therefore advisable to take lessons in a yoga studio from time to time as required. This is the only way an experienced teacher can intervene and correct any small mistakes that have crept into your yoga practice. Incorrect movement patterns are difficult to remove from the body's system and can damage it in the long term if they are not discovered.

Is practicing without a teacher dangerous?

No! But you must listen to your body and never go beyond the natural limitations of your body. Practice each asana in such a way that you feel comfortable in your body. Feel free to set yourself challenges, but don't overstrain yourself! As soon as you feel pain during some exercises, make sure you get out of the position.