We have been thrust into the world of online yoga classes!
Every yoga teacher under the sun now offers live online classes through zoom. At the same time, the studios and gyms raced to be the first to provide an online experience.
Is the online yoga experience what you expected? Are you practising as much as you thought you would?
I’m not!
There is so much choice. Do you do a pre-recorded class on youtube, or do you do a live virtual class over zoom? They both have their pros and cons, but here is why you should choose a live class over a pre-recorded one.
Accountability
Pre-recorded classes are a major test of your will power. My experience with pre-recorded classes always starts with good intentions. Still, after the first 5 minutes, my patience is tested, and I begin to stray from the path.
A half-hour workout ends up taking close to 2-hours because I keep pausing and distracting myself with trivial things.
Oh, a phone notification.
Oh, I’m tired and need to catch my breath.
Oh, a dog with a puffy tail.
This is not the case for live classes. The biggest pro to joining online live yoga is the accountability it gives you. There is no pausing the class when you’re feeling lazy. Just the sheer knowledge that the instructor can see you keeps you on your toes. No slacking off here.
I am NEVER in the mood for yoga at home. The chances of me turning a lesson are pretty slim. Signing up for the live class gives you that set time to commit to yourself and your practice.
Advice
Sometimes, it is hard to follow a pre-recorded class. Either the instructor goes to fast for you, or you don’t quite understand what’s going on. Maybe there is an injury you’re trying to workaround.
The real beauty of the live online yoga classes is that you can ask questions. Ask the instructor for advice. Ask how to work around specific injuries. Ask how you can make things easier or more challenging for yourself. Get the most out of your workout by getting tailored advice to your skill level.
Getting advice from your favourite instructor: Priceless.
Community – stay local.
Live classes build a sense of community. You are there, in real-time, with other people, practising together. You are not alone, and it is a chance to keep in touch with the people around you. Not to mention, you are also supporting local businesses, teachers and studios.
I teach some live online yoga classes at the refinery. check them out: https://therefinerye9.com/choose-your-class/
Not sure what yoga is?
Take a short but interesting deep dive into the meaning of yoga:
What is Yoga? A Short yet Fairly Interesting Explanation
How do you find online classes?
Let me know if the comments, or feel free to get in contact through email or social media.