This post is the first in the “Moving on Up” series, a set of apartment posts dedicated to creative and practical uses for a second bedroom space.

After almost a year of attending yoga classes at the Alexan Design District, I have to say I’m a big fan. But attending yoga once a week just isn’t enough to reap the full benefits it has proven to provide. Home exercise rooms have been around for a while, but lately a new trend has emerged with in-home yoga studios, allowing dedicated yogis to practice their flexibility and meditative skills without having to leave home.

Yoga rooms requires little to no equipment and are generally very organized and uncluttered. All you really need is a yoga mat, but some nice subdued lighting, a music player and even a TV (used to play yoga DVDs) are good extras to include.

The simplicity of this space demonstrates how easy a yoga room is to set up.

{Photo courtesy of: Beauty That Moves}

A bit less minimalistic is this Asian-inspired home yoga retreat. I love the zen feeling of this room. A cool blue paint gives a relaxing and meditative calm to the space.

{Photo via Rate my Space}

Lastly, this stylish home yoga room ties in live plants, adding an earthy, feng shui element. Also, the wicker baskets with towels are a nice addition and always good to have on hand after an invigorating yoga session.

{Photo courtesy of: Lowes.com Project Center}

A yoga room is also a good idea for a placeholder space. While I’d eventually love to turn a second bedroom into a guest room or office, buying all that furniture at once can get pricey. A yoga space is a good excuse for a close-to-empty room. (Because, let’s be honest, the main reason I’d upgrade to a second bedroom is to have the second closet!)

Do you or any of your friends have home yoga rooms? Or is it something you would even consider? Share your thoughts in the comments below or pictures of your home yoga space on the Lower Oak Lawn facebook wall.