What’s an online yoga class like?

2020 - the time where everything went online. From working to socialising - I for one become quickly over being at a computer screen (or any screen, really).

Sure, I’d practised yoga on YouTube before - who hasn’t enjoyed a bit of Yoga with Adrienne? But, I hadn’t been part of an online class before and I was a little apprehensive. Yet, when I started teaching online that all changed. Here’s how.

Benefits of teaching and learning yoga online

You get to see and talk to different people

Sounds obvious and simple, but I'd sort of forgotten that teaching online doesn't mean you can't see people.

When you're out of your usual routines and you're not getting a lot of social interaction - it is SO lovely to see and speak to people in the class. Online yoga doesn't limit or stop this, I now find that people want to chat a bit more - and make more of an effort to text or email after class to say what they enjoyed - which is just lovely.

It's also a very different vibe from the usual work from home office meetings or even social events. For one, you get to see the whole person - but you're also experiencing something together; learning, connecting and taking time for yourself.

Traffic, parking, baggage - what?

Whether teaching or attending a class, you've always got to contend with outside factors. Standstill traffic on the A1, finding a parking space in Stamford or lugging a suitcase full of mats upstairs are all regularly featured in my previous weekly routines. I'm not saying that teaching online comes without any outside interference (queue my cat scratching at the window) - but there can be fewer barriers to actually getting on the mat.

Record and rewatch

So this is applicable to both my teaching and learning experiences. In March 2021, I did my pregnancy and postnatal yoga teaching with Sally Parkes Yoga, which was absolutely outstanding. In fact, I'll do another blog dedicated to it.

Staying on topic, one of the great things about doing it online is you get the recordings. Every single second of the training. Absolutely ace. Instead of contending with the usual toss-up of 'should I take part in this sequence or try my best to scribble down what the heck we're doing in a hope that I can read my scribbles later' - because I could do both, as many times as I want. That meant that throughout the six days, I could really take part in the live sessions. And I can go back to specific parts now to recap.

I should say this is also relevant if you're attending a weekly class. If you're busy, poorly or would just like to try the class again, then I offer the weekly recordings to students!

Now for the reservations...

I'll keep this balanced because as fabulous as I've found teaching and learning yoga online, I appreciate that I totally did not feel this way before I tried it. I basically had a lot of what-ifs and wonders before doing it.

A few of my concerns, and some quick answers.

Will I really be able to see people?

Yes, I can see everyone, it's lovely. Some students were worried about others being able to see them, but I make sure to put myself on spotlight view and they now enjoy being able to chat with each other!

Do I feel comfortable being on screen?

I feel fine being on screen now. The first week it was strange. Especially watching it back. But, I got my mic and set up sorted - and now it's great.

Do people actually want to learn yoga online?

Yes - it allows like-minded people to come together and be part of a community, and you can learn very well online.

What if my internet/laptop/mic/living room all breaks at once?!

So pretty much all of this happened to me. Well, not at yoga - but we know what it’s like when the internet is dodgy at work or during our friend’s birthday call to New Zealand, or at that crucial moment during Bake Off.

Oh, well actually my cat did bring a live mouse into the living room on my first ever class. But, guess what? It was actually okay. We're all human - teachers, students - everyone. We've got cats, dogs, children, partners, housemates, neighbours. What we need to do is minimise distractions to the best of our ability. But, if BT is on the blink, or someone pulls out the router, then just log back on when you can - or I'll send you the recording.

What if someone knocks on the door, or next door suddenly take up playing the drums?

Next door, thankfully, has never played the drums - they're lovely.

Can I do yoga online when I have zero space?

Space was my biggest barrier and excuse for a long time. Turns out, taking my sofas out into the kitchen doesn't actually take that long - it's now part of the yoga routine!

Is teaching yoga online for me?

I’ve got to admit, I’m converted. If you’re like me and resisted the online yoga movement because you were worried about space or whether you’d enjoy it, then my advice is to give it a go or you’ll never know the answer.

Ready to give online yoga a go? Head over to our classes to sign up - or send us a message to find out more.