Online yoga for beginners

Online yoga for beginners has been available for many years, but has exploded in popularity recently due to the COVID-19 outbreak worldwide. 

If you are thinking of starting yoga, there are a number of things you should consider:

• Do you want to follow a pre-recorded lesson where you follow an instructor through the various poses?
• Do you want to interact with a teacher online in a group environment where the teacher will be able to monitor your performance for safety and accuracy and also answer queries in real time?
• Do you want private one-to-one lessons with a teacher online, where you will have a personally tailored lesson?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?

Pre-recorded online yoga for beginners

What to expect:

A pre-recorded online lesson is the most basic option for practicing yoga. You can either follow free lessons (usually via a YouTube channel or as an introductory free course on a Yoga website).

Advantages:

• The classes are often free
• You can take the class at a time that is suited for you
• If you need to stop, you can do so at any time, and recommence when you are ready
• You can pause poses to check your position

Disadvantages:

• You may not be able to confirm the credentials of the teacher. Some online teachers may not have the relevant teaching qualifications
• As a beginner student, you will not have feedback on the safety of the positions you are performing and whether you are performing them correctly
• It is harder to remain motivated and committed to the course or class if you are not having any interaction with other students or the teacher.

Group online Yoga classes

What to expect: 

These are often the most enjoyable version of online yoga for beginners. You will join an established online yoga class where there will be a range of experience and abilities. Ordinarily, you would sign up to your class and then be sent a link to the live stream of your class which you can watch on a smartphone, tablet or laptop.  There is often a short period before the class where you are able to meet and chat with the other students (if you want to) and will be able to see how everyone else is progressing too – which can be great for motivation and the feeling of doing something socially. Some online classes are recorded, so if you are unable to make a class you paid for, the teacher can send a recording of the class for you to complete later.

Advantages:

• You will be able to speak with the teacher before attending the class to discuss any pre-existing injuries or concerns you may have.
• You will be able to verify the teachers training credentials and how the class is organised
• Online classes are usually cheaper than studio class prices
• You will exercise with a class, which is great for motivation, socialising and is as close to a studio class as you can get.
• No time is spent travelling to or from the venue
• You can find classes that best suit your schedule and childcare needs (so can even attend later classes when you know you will be home from work or the children are settled or in bed. This also means no babysitting to organise or pay for!)
• If you don’t want the teacher to see you, you can simply turn your camera off
• As there are more students, the teacher will often offer a range of levels for each pose, and often a greater variety based on requests from other students, which can also help increase your range.

Disadvantages:

• It can be just as intimidating joining an online class as a studio class for the first time 
• You may find it difficult to follow the class on a screen 
• There can be interruptions at home

Private online Yoga classes

What to expect: 

If you are interested in private online yoga classes for beginners, there are many teachers who will be willing to do this with you. The class should feel like your yoga teacher is right there with you. They will guide you through each pose through demonstration and also assisting you adjust and correct your position.

Ordinarily, you would sign up to a block of classes and then be sent a link to the live stream of your class which you can watch on a smartphone, tablet or laptop. Your online classes may be recorded for feedback purposes.

Advantages:

• You will be able to speak with the teacher before attending the class to discuss any pre-existing injuries or concerns you may have.
• You will be able to verify the teachers training credentials and how the class is organised
• Online classes are usually cheaper than studio class prices
• You will exercise with the teacher only, so not only will you have precise tuition with instant feedback, this can help with motivation too.
• The class will be tailored exactly to your level and ability.
• No time is spent travelling to or from the venue
• One to one sessions can be arranged according to your exact needs. So any childcare needs or work schedules can be accommodated. 

Disadvantages:

• It will be more expensive
• You may miss out on opportunities to expand your range (see group online yoga class advantages and how this happens)
• Motivation can be harder to maintain

So, you’ve chosen what type of lesson you want to follow. What next?

The beauty of yoga is that you need very little equipment or space. Here is what you will need for your online yoga beginner class:

Equipment:

A Yoga Mat

You are able to purchase yoga mats almost anywhere. Almost all sports stores stock them, as well as specialist outlets. The most popular place to purchase them however, is online. 

There are a number of different qualities you should look for, such as thickness, length and non-slip qualities all of which can make such a difference to the overall enjoyment of your class. Yoga mats can be purchased for less than £10 (and upwards of £200!). I would recommend starting with a basic mat to begin with and upgrading as and when you feel your yoga demands!

Yoga Strap

A yoga strap is particularly beneficial for beginners as it helps you achieve starter positions for some yoga poses when your flexibility may be a little tighter. Yoga straps can be purchased in different lengths and can be a simple webbed canvas strip or can have a D buckle to use the strap with a loop. Yoga Straps can be purchased for as little as £5 however, if you don’t have a yoga strap you can easily use any items around the house such as disused neckties or scarfs.

Yoga Blocks

Yoga blocks (or bricks as they are sometimes known) are also very beneficial for beginners. This is because they will help you position yourself more comfortably during your poses – particularly seated poses. These can be purchased very cheaply and you should purchase two.

Clothing:

The only rules for clothing for yoga is you need to be comfortable and be able to move. So, if you want to do yoga at home in your favourite pyjamas, we’re not going to judge you! Most students will wear a pair of joggers or leggings and a T shirt.

As you can see there are a number of options for online yoga classes for beginners, however, once you know what type of class you want to attend, you will find it much easier to narrow down your search. More and more teachers are moving to online classes and for many students this is now becoming a great way to not only begin your yoga journey, but to make it a part of your way of life.

Learn Yoga with Emma