Whether you are in need of a good stretch, some spiritual guidance or a little relaxation, yoga is a great solution. It’s not only good for your body, but helps keep your mind healthy as well. It increases your physical health, and can improve your internal health at the same time.Yoga provides a little something for everyone.

But sometimes you just can’t make the time to try out those classes at the neighborhood studio. Kids’ homework, dinners, work — there is always a reason to not be as consistent as you would like.

So what do you do when you long to take a class, but just can’t find the time to get there? Can’t find the one location that fits your scheduling? Maybe you don’t like group fitness. Or have had bad experiences in the past. Not to worry, you can do it at home — and that’s not a stretch!

Take a peek at these five tips for getting limber in your abode.

An instructional DVD provides a great starting point for practicing yoga in your home and at your leisure. You can learn the technique without anyone around to judge or laugh. And you can go at your own pace and skill level. If you get stuck (literally or figuratively), you can simply rewind and try it again. It is recommended to purchase a few different DVDs and rotate through them. This will keep your practice fresh and exciting. If you’re new to yoga and not sure where to start, try Rodney Yee’s Yoga for Beginners or Inner Body Flow By Angela Farmer. Both DVDs provide step-by-step instruction along with modifications so that you can practice at your own speed.

A book of yoga asanas is a handy tool to have around the house. Many books go through each posture step by step with accompanying photos. Read through the book and make note of your favorite poses and how to do them. You can try them out and refer back to the book for any questions that may arise. Check out Light on Yoga: The Bible of Modern Yoga… or Yoga as Medicine: The Yogic Prescription for Health and Healing. Both books provide detailed illustrations and instructions, as well as yoga insight, philosophy and history.

3. Bring the teacher to you

If you can’t make it to see the teacher, then why not bring the teacher to you? Many yoga instructors offer private lessons and will come to your home for a one-on-one session. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to get undivided, individual attention, and a regimen that is tailored to your needs and abilities. Ask questions and take notes for when you practice on your own. Your local yoga studio should be able to provide you with a list of teachers who offer private lessons.

4. Create your own routine

Once you have tried the above options, take a shot at creating your own routine. Select your favorite poses (and some of your not-so-favorite ones) and link them together to create a sequence. Keep a journal of each sequence you create, so that you can reference them and alternate through each sequence depending on how you are feeling on any particular day. If you prefer to practice with props, blocks are always a nice addition to help you ease into positions.

5. Get together with the gals

Have your girlfriends over and lead your own class. Alternate through and allow each person to lead. You will learn new techniques and try a variety of things you may not have on your own. Practicing with others can be more inspiring and motivational. You can help your friends by encouraging one another through difficult poses, laughing and making light of your learning process. You can make yoga fun when you can share it with others.

Try out these ways to make yoga more accessible to you. You may find that practicing in the confines of your home can make you and your schedule more flexible!

[Photos from myyogaonline via Flickr]