Breathe easy. Why you should exercise with plants.

Written by Rachel Heward
Illustration by Kate Costigan

We’re not talking about using your potted plants as makeshift weights here. Although you could.

This is all about making the best of whatever space you have (or don’t have) to exercise in. 

The majority of people aren’t blessed with a vast room that they can paint white and strip back to the floorboards. The likelihood is that you’re squatting between a pile of clothes and a bed, or doing downward dog next to a dishwasher. Whatever your set-up, there are a few things you can do to help create a chilled environment that will boost your workout...

Take a moment to tidy the room, de-clutter as much as you can, and open a window to let in some fresh air. For yoga or meditative practices, lighting a scented candle or incense will invigorate your senses and help you take a step back from the day to day.

Inviting plants into the space is one of the simplest ways to soften up the setting and bring some natural, visible tranquillity. They’re also brilliantly beneficial, creating an oxygen-rich environment that will help focus your mind so you can breathe easy. As air purifiers, they absorb ‘volatile organic compounds’, the chemicals that are found in plastic, fabrics and in the air, including benzene, formaldehyde and cigarette smoke. So which ones do the job best? Here are a couple of our recommendations:

Areca Palm:

Extremely effective at removing toxins from indoor air, the Areca palm also emits large amounts of water vapour— brilliant for indoor locations with dry air. Make sure you mist regularly to avoid those brown tips, and enjoy their large green fronds whilst in a zen mindset.

Rubber Plant:

The rubber plant is especially effective at removing formaldehyde (present in anything from paints to some flooring & fabrics or even big bags) from indoor air. They have been an indoor favourite since the Victorian era, and while rubber plants prefer dappled sunlight to semi-shade, they will tolerate dim lighting, making it extremely easy to place in your most relaxed corner of the house.

Ready to add to your collection? Our partners Leaf Envy have fantastic plants so you can start creating that yoga space. Once they arrive we will be more than happy to be on hand with any tips, so make sure you share your spaces with us on Instagram.