Visiting your local yoga center has many benefits, but you don’t need to leave home to practice. Online yoga classes have become popular in the last few months, especially after Covid-19 forced many to practice from home. If you want to take online yoga lessons, you need a reputable and experienced teacher offering such classes. It can also help to research what online yoga entails to be best prepared before the first class. Here’s what you should know:
Yoga Classes and Styles Are Different
Beginners should understand that yoga is more than a mere workout. It shares many aspects with conventional workout programs. You’ll encounter various types of yoga, including some that are advanced and more intensive and others focusing on relaxation. Each yoga class is unique and features special movements and practices.
If you seek lots of activity, options like Yin yoga may not be suitable because they focus on calmness. Classes such as Power Vinyasa and Ashtanga involve intensive and advanced moves, so they may not be the best if you are a beginner.
Researching the different styles of yoga and available online lessons will help you find the best classes for your needs. You can inquire about beginner classes, yoga styles, and what’s involved in online lessons. Most online yoga teachers are happy to explain their practice to help you decide and prepare for your first lesson.
You Need a Quiet Space of Your Own
Yoga moves require focus and mindfulness to follow the movements. As a beginner, you may not be flexible enough to achieve the elaborate moves seen online. Don’t stress if you can’t complete the action. You’ll learn more and become flexible with time. You must find a quiet space, a safe haven where you can focus on the practice.
Before you enroll for a lesson, determine where you’ll be practicing. Stay away from busy roads with loud cars and too much noise. You can use a patio, rooftop, or extra space in your living room or bedroom. Try to limit sound and visual distractions. Be mindful of your thoughts to avoid thinking about work or other distractions. The goal is to pay attention to the present moment. Let your family know beforehand to limit interruptions.
Equipment for Live/Recorded Classes
Yoga is one of the practices with very few requirements. All you need is a yoga mat, towel, a water bottle, and comfortable clothing. Online classes are slightly different because you practice remotely. You’ll need a laptop/desktop or other devices to connect to the online class. Online yoga classes also require a camera to allow the teacher to observe your moves and provide instructions. You can also ask the yoga teacher for insights on what to purchase.
Yoga clothes are primarily flexible and conform to your body. Invest in comfortable outfits that allow a full range of motion. Most yoga teachers offer live classes, but you can practice using recorded lessons. Live classes are more effective because they forge accountability and keep you less distracted. You’ll also have live access to the instructor and can confidently follow the moves. Recorded sessions are also great for self-practice.
Group Classes and Direct Access Lessons
Many instructors offering online yoga classes also have brick-and-mortar studios you can visit for one-on-one practice. Some teachers provide direct access schedules, so you can have a personalized training session with audio and video streaming. Before you start your classes, introduce yourself to the instructor and discuss your goals. The best yoga teachers are happy to explain everything to help you understand the practice and how to achieve your goals.
If you have any past injuries or specific concerns, let the instructor know before the lesson. You should also inform the instructor if this is your first time taking a yoga class. Good yoga teachers will guide you through the practice and personalize the lesson for your needs through direct access. You can take group lessons, but one-on-one classes help build confidence and skills. The instructor will help you work through the reservations to make the most of your practice.
A Few Tips to Have a Successful First Class
Now that you know what you will need to be able to do an online yoga class, a few extra tips will help you know what to do during the class. If you have time before starting your first class, look up a few different beginner poses. Doing so will help you see how to do the pose properly. As a beginner, you don’t have to be able to do advanced poses. Learning how to correctly do simple poses first will allow you to do more difficult poses later.
Do not eat heavy meals before the class starts. Instead, eat a light snack, like fruit and peanut butter or a sports bar, an hour or so before the class starts. Avoid greasy food and thick liquids like smoothies.
Once class starts, watch the instructor closely. Watch how they flow into each new form. The movements between poses should be fluid. If you’re confused about alignment, take a look at the instructor to see the correct form. Yoga should not be painful, so trust your judgment. Listen to your body and do not force yourself into positions that hurt or you do not feel comfortable getting into.
Key Takeaways About Online Yoga Classes
You can take positives from each session of your online yoga lessons. Understanding the practice and challenges involved in trying to learn online will help you make the most of your time. The best yoga classes meet specific minimum requirements, including excellent sound quality. The instructor should be able to communicate clearly with students. You should also clearly communicate your needs to the instructor.
Great camera quality allows you to see the instructor clearly and vice versa. You should choose attentive teachers who themselves are students and practitioners of yoga. Some teachers offer online and in-person training. Find teachers offering online yoga classes and try out varying classes to choose what best fits your needs. Also, be mindful of the instructor’s energy and choose your favorite one to get the most out of your experience.
