Ten tips for beginning online yoga classes
Online yoga classes mean your yoga practice is only ever a few clicks away and can be done when and where you choose. If you’d like to see how yoga can improve the way you move and feel, but haven’t practised before or have had a break, here are ten tips for getting started.
1. Just start
Don’t be tempted to put off yoga until you’re more flexible (really, we hear this a lot!) or have more time. Start slowly, meet your body where it’s at and build from there. Nearly all our classes are suitable for beginners – short sessions like Morning Mobiliser or Yoga Quick Fix are the perfect starting point. To look at specific poses in more depth, try some of our short tutorials.
2. Be comfortable
PJs, favourite old t-shirts, holey leggings – anything goes! Just wear something you can move freely and comfortably in. Layers are good as we often warm up during sessions, and you might like to have socks or a blanket handy for relaxation.
3. Little and often
Your body and mind will benefit more from a few minutes every day than infrequent, hour-long yoga classes. Even just a couple of favourite stretches or some breathwork can improve your day and get you used to moving and breathing more mindfully.
4. No comparisons
Yoga isn’t about replicating shapes – how a pose feels is infinitely more important than how it looks. Comparing yourself to the teacher, other yogis or even yourself on a different day is never helpful. Instead, just notice (without judgement) how you feel before, during and after practice.
5. Use props (and improvise)
Using props can make yoga poses more accessible and alter your experience within them. You don’t need to buy proper props – use scarves as straps, books or cushions as blocks and pillows or rolled-up blankets as bolsters.
6. Take ownership of your practice
Always move in a way that feels good in your body. Your yoga teacher will offer different variations of poses and it’s up to you to take the option that feels best on that day. If something feels too strong, painful or just not quite right, then back off. Rest whenever you need to.
7. Mix it up
There’s a yoga practice to match every energy level, mood or duration of time. If you’re stressed or low on energy, then yin yoga, breathwork or meditation could be just what you need. For a fierier session, try Asana-inspired Core or a hiit-style Asana Sweat class.
Perhaps try some live online yoga classes alongside library sessions and see how that alters your experience.
8. No judgement
Inevitably there will be sessions where you feel particularly uncoordinated, inflexible or distracted – it happens to us all, even after decades of practice! Just appreciate each session for how it is: what’s important is that you took the time to practise, anything else is irrelevant.
9. Build the habit
Part of the beauty of yoga is that you can do it anywhere, but it can help to establish the habit if you find a regular time of day and/or space to practise. This trains your brain to recognise ‘yoga time’ and helps you mentally settle into the session.
10. Stay safe
If you’re working with injuries or ongoing conditions of any kind then check with your healthcare professional before beginning a new yoga practice and, if you’re joining live classes, share this information with the teachers in advance.
Most importantly, enjoy the journey and take time to thank yourself for showing up for each session.
See you on the mat!