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2020 was a year that changed the world as we knew it. When it came to yoga, I’d started the year just as I’d always known it\u2014beside friends and acquaintances under the heatlamps of the hot yoga studio and amidst the watchful eye of my teacher. That all changed however, with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. I learned the power of virtual online yoga.<\/p>\n
I remember the day I made the decision to forego my in-person classes to roll out my mat on our patio and attempt to recreate some version of the yoga I once knew. I’d spent so much time obsessing about how awful I perceived it was going to be that I forgot to consider that this might open up a world of opportunity.<\/p>\n
So, if you haven’t yet considered online yoga as an option\u2014what better time than in the middle of a global pandemic? But really\u2014there are lot’s of conveniences and opportunities that await on the other side of your technology, are you ready? But before you get started\u2014here are 5 things you need to know:<\/p>\n
This seems like it would go without saying, but the class\u00a0type<\/em><\/a> especially for beginner yogis is everything. If you’re someone looking for lots of movement, selecting a Yin yoga class\u00a0probably\u00a0<\/em> isn’t the best place to start. Perhaps you’re looking for something a little more beginner, selecting a Power Vinyasa class also might not be the best idea. When selecting a class to start, it is important to consider a few things:<\/p>\n All of these questions are great places to start. Personally, an online yoga class streaming live holds me both more accountable and less likely to be distracted by outside stressors (my dogs, work, etc). I also did a lot of research to understand which class worked best for me on that particular day. A\u00a0power yoga class<\/em> might not be the best idea for those looking for something less intensive.<\/p>\n Yoga classes can range in pricing\u2014anything from free to upwards of $30. In my personal opinion, yoga should be available and accessible to all\u2014so there are very rare occurrences where I’m willing to pay top dollar for class. With lots of available recorded yoga online for no cost, consider your options before going into your next class. Often, paying a small fee helps both the yoga instructor and your own personal yoga journey. You’re more likely to get more from a class where you’re able to interact with an instructor.<\/p>\n I find that many of my students often grapple with the idea of turning on a camera. To many, I believe, turning on the camera can be a very difficult challenge to overcome and a lesson in self confidence. We worry about who “might” be watching and what they might be thinking of our practice. The truth is\u2014they’re too busy worrying about their own practice to care. …and even then, most of the time, you’re taking class with absolute strangers that in many cases, you might not ever see again.<\/p>\n If you can get past the crippling idea of turning on your camera\u2014I promise, there are some amazing benefits. As an online yoga teacher, the camera is my only lens into knowing how my students are feeling and doing in their class. Without a camera\u2014I’m truly flying<\/em>\u00a0blind.\u00a0<\/em>I’ve taken many classes where the yoga instructor was even able to offer modifications or suggestions to improve my practice\u2014something I missed about taking class in-person.<\/p>\n So, stop thinking about what others will think, and start thinking about how turning on your camera could help you improve your practice in more ways than one.<\/p>\n I mean this one. Although it\u00a0may\u00a0<\/em>be challenging to find a quiet space, having a safe place to go practice is essential. For me, my patio is my spot to let it all out\u2014there are often distractions of cars, airplanes, neighbors, or nature sounds but yoga is all about\u00a0mindfulness<\/em> so quiet doesn’t have to just mean sound. Quiet, to you, could mean finding a spot\u00a0without<\/em> distraction.<\/p>\n For example, quiet, for me<\/em>, means that I find a space where I don’t think about work\u2014of any kind<\/em>. I’m free of things that pull my attention from the present moment. Although there are certainly classes where\u00a0quiet<\/em> literally means\u00a0stop talking<\/em>\u2014we have to accept that that isn’t always possible. I challenge you to\u00a0give yourself space<\/em>, set the stage by\u00a0talking it out<\/em> with others\u00a0 and communicate\u00a0<\/em>what you\u00a0need\u00a0<\/em>for a successful class. If you find it challenging to get into your moment\u2014consider alternative spaces, music, or having those difficult conversations that you just need time\u00a0alone<\/em>.<\/p>\n This was something that took some time for me to learn. Unlike in the in-person yoga classes, online yoga challenged me in new ways. I wasn’t in the studio under the watchful eye of my teacher. I had to take my own risks and rely on my own internal self-talk to push myself in times where I really wasn’t sure.<\/p>\n Pre-COVID, I had friends that cheered me on when attempting a handstand or new inversion. I’d also have the teacher watching and able to demonstrate her own suggestions for improvement. Now, communication was shorter, less in-formal, and more abrupt. This is where using my camera came in extra handy.\u00a0I’d made the pact with myself to keep the camera on, and as a result, have received lots of helpful feedback from my teachers online. I’ve also made friends all over the country that I am still able to connect with.<\/p>\n With the new online platform, I’d also expanded my knowledge of classes, teaching styles, and more. Prior to the pandemic, I’d been limited to my experience in my local area and those that taught within it. Now, I was taking a variety of class styles from teachers\u00a0all over the world.\u00a0<\/em>Taking risks can be a challenge, but there’s no better way to grow than to take a step outside of your comfort zone.<\/p>\n If I told you that every yoga class I’ve taken since the start of the pandemic began was perfect…I‘d be lying.\u00a0<\/em>Not every online yoga class you take will meet your every need. The sooner you find acceptance in that, the better your class experience will be. For me, I try to take every new class or style as an opportunity to grow and learn from the experience.<\/p>\n For example, I may not particularly like a specific teaching style, or in some cases, don’t particularly connect with a teacher. Sometimes, I have difficulty with the challenges we face in a virtual setting. Maybe the sound quality isn’t up to par, the camera isn’t working, or sometimes\u2014I’ve shown up to an empty class.<\/p>\n Choosing to focus on the positive and find ways to take each experience as a unique opportunity to grow as a student will provide you with the best possible outcomes. A great online yoga class should include:<\/p>\n As someone that has experienced firsthand the benefits and impact that yoga has made on my life, I firmly believe that yoga should be available to all.\u00a0Availability<\/em>, to me, means providing those that may not be able to access yoga in-person to have the same opportunities offered online. For this reason, I began teaching yoga classes online<\/a> at no-cost to those near and far. As a student of yoga myself, I know the power and impact that a great\u00a0<\/em>online yoga class can have for a student. I encourage you to join me on my mat sometime soon to see for yourself!<\/p>\n\n
2. Keep Your Camera Turned On…No One is Watching<\/h3>\n
3. Find a Quiet Space and Make it Your Own<\/h3>\n
4. Don’t Be Afraid to Take Risks<\/h3>\n
5. Online Yoga is What You Make of It<\/h3>\n
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Online Yoga is\u00a0<\/em>for\u00a0Everyone<\/em><\/h2>\n