You might think after months of lockdown we’d all be Zoom geniuses and totally au fait with online yoga classes. But actually I don’t think this is true! So don’t give yourself a hard-time if you’re not completely comfortable in online class, or you’re still figuring out the best home set-up, or perhaps you’ve not dared yet and you are starting to feel left behind.
Here are my top tips for getting the best from your online class experience (remember I’m a student too as well as a teacher, so I have experience on both sides of the camera!).
1 Book your class well in advance
Get a date in your diary and make a commitment to show up for yoga. It’s all too easy when we’re at home to lose track of the hours and the days. If you can make a regular commitment with a teacher it might structure your week and guarantee you some time for yourself between balancing all the different roles you play at home (professional, parent, spouse, home-schooler, car mechanic or cook….)
2 Check your tech
Be sure you know how to access the class. I know that tech difficulties are stressful and frustrating but I can’t help you if you email me one minute before or after the class start time. For my classes you’ll get a zoom link 15 minutes before the class starts. You will need to log into your zoom account to access the class (a zoom account is free).
If you have two devices you can play your favourite playlist at home if you enjoy music with your yoga. I mute everyone during class, so you won’t bother anyone else. Just ensure you won’t be disturbed by emails or text messages.
3 Make space
Not all of us have the luxury of a fancy yoga space at home, but you might be able to set aside a corner where you can roll out your mat. Have your props available, yoga blocks or a bolster for example (or a couple of big books and a pillow). If you can create a calm and quiet environment, you’ll be able to focus better. Ask anyone you share the space with if they can allow you an hour or so to yourself. This is especially important for restorative class. Equally, there’s no need to get flustered if pets, children or spouses make a surprise appearance on camera!
4 Turn up early
I usually open our zoom studio 10 minutes before class. This is my favourite time as I love to see everyone arrive. You’re welcome to have camera on or off while you set yourself up and begin to get settled. You might enjoy turning on ‘gallery view’ so you can see other students and feel a sense of connection. We are a small friendly group with many regulars coming every week so you might begin to make some new corona-yoga friends. I also love chatting with you and hearing how you are so do give me a wave and don’t be shy to turn your mic on before we start the class.
5 Position your camera
If you are new to class you’ll likely want to position your device so you can see the screen without craning your neck. I demonstrate some parts of class, but not all. ‘Speaker view’ will allow you to see me most clearly. When you’re more familiar with my teaching try to look at the camera as little as possible, so you can focus more on your own movement and the feeling of your body. Learning to trust yourself is an important aspect of a maturing yoga practice. Gallery view during class can also work well for flow class.
If you place your device so that I have the best view of you on your mat, I can offer verbal instructions or encouragement specific to you. If you set up the camera so I can see your Warrior 2 from the side, that’s a good rule of thumb.
Of course you’re welcome to turn the camera off if you prefer. I always appreciate it if you let me know you’re choosing to do this, so I know you’re doing OK.
6 Remember: it’s your yoga practice!
One of the benefits of online class is that we feel less drawn to comparison with the person on the mat next to us who seems to have an effortlessly graceful practice (we’ve all been there!). Use this opportunity to focus on yourself and practise being in the present moment, without judgment or fear or comparison. Yoga is a journey inward, not a performance.
If you’re not sure about a pose, please ask me after class or book a private session with me when we can take time to address your questions and ensure your safety and enjoyment. Understanding any modifications or variations you might want to make will keep you safe for many years of yoga and allow you to make the practice work best for you.
7 Better together
And here’s the final secret: whatever worries and doubts you have about online yoga class, I’ve probably had them at some point too! As a teacher I have to figure out the best camera angle to show you some pose or movement without forgetting my left and right, I can get stressed about sound quality and internet stability, and I’ve long ago stopped worrying about pointing my rear end at the camera or about you seeing my morning face and hair! Sometimes we need a sense of humour and perspective. Whatever happens, it’s just good to be together and share the experience — my home to your home.
Victoria Jackson Yoga 