So here we are, it's 2021, in the middle of a pandemic and there's a lot of services that are going virtual. We are literally the pioneers of a more advanced digital age, thank you for being a part of this journey and contributing to the madness...I mean fun! :)
With many services going online/virtual these days, it may be great to know how to get the most out of your virtual sessions so, here I am sharing some tips below for you to get the most out of taking yoga classes online, even if you're a total beginner!
Tip #1: Location, Location, Location!
Find a spot at home (inside or outside if the weather is nice) where you can comfortably lay your mat down. Obvious enough right? Haha yes but even making sure that you find a spot that is "safe" where it's not too cluttered where you can bump into the wall or anything laying around that you don't want broken. Not saying that you have to HUGE room to practice with it being just you but also enough space where you you're not knocking things across the room. Here's an example of my happy place :)
Note: I find it easier for me to practice on a hard floor than carpet when it comes to some poses (especially balancing) but also close to a wall in case I would like to make use of it as a prop for more assistance. If carpet is all you have to work with then honey...that's totally fine and we can make it work!
Tip #2: Set the Mood
So you found your area to practice, now let's make it fun and set the mood! This is something that you can take 10 minutes to do before each class or keep the area set up for next class! It'll make for fun décor over time in creating your sacred space! How can you set the mood? Well, besides having your mat, you can turn on your diffusor with your favorite relaxing or energizing essential oils! You can set up candles (caution!!! Do NOT) somewhere in your room where they are not too close to your yoga mat/practice area that can result in it being knocked over! That would NOT be a fun situation so please be extra cautious and mindful there! Maybe finding little spiritual home décor to set up and spruce the area up? There's so many fun creative ways to set the mood for your online yoga class even at home! Make it YOUR sacred space and keep it nice and tidy!
Tip #3: Prep the Props!
Using props is a lifesaver in any yogi's practice whether they are beginner to advanced! There's so much fun to be had when adding props to your practice so get them ready BEFORE your class begins! Your instructor (like myself) may demonstrate how to get into poses properly using different props. Personally I like to show how to use props in ALL of my online yoga classes as there are different level yogis that join! The choice is yours to use or not so have them ready and right next to your yoga mat before class begins. You want to do this before class so you're not distracted running around your room trying to find the props lol
Note: Useful props to have ready:
Yoga Blocks (or a pillow in some cases) - great for helping with alignment
Yoga Strap (or a sock/belt) - helps with alignment and binding
Yoga Bolster (or a pillow) - great for gentle/restorative classes
Yoga Blanket (or your blanket! not super huge though haha) - great to use for savasana or placing under knees
Tip #4: Stream to Your TV
Here's a biggie! iPhone or Android users, you have the option to stream your phone or laptop screen to your tv in 3 ways explained below:
1. Wireless - Using Google Chromecast (Android & iOS)
Google is greatness where we can "mirror" our phone/laptop's screen to our TV! The trick here is to go into you Google app (literally called Google lol) and find your Chromecast device, cast to your tv and WahLah! You should see it all on your TV so go ahead and join Zoom and see that is all on your lovely tv!
Note: If you have a Roku TV, this can work in the same way as Chromecast.
2. Wireless - Apple TV (iOS Only)
Apple has a wonderful app called "AirPlay" where users can "mirror" their screen onto their TV as well! Simply go to your Settings --> Control Center --> select "Screen Mirroring" and you shall see it via Apple TV on your TV!
Wireless - 3rd Party Streaming Apps (Android & iOS)
There are a few apps that you can install on both your mobile device/laptop and Smart TV.
Wired - HDMI Cable
When all else fails, go wired! There are plenty cables that you can purchase on Amazon that have great ratings and won't break your pockets!
Android Users - If your charger port is USB Type-C, find a cord that has 1 end being USB Type-C and HDMI connector end.
You can purchase a "USB-C to HDMI adapter" as well if you already have an HDMI cord handy to use!
iOS Users - You can purchase an "Apple Lightning to HDMI adapter" to hook up to your TV as well!
Tip #5: Listening is KEY
Naturally one disadvantage to online classes is that you're not there for your instructor to make physical adjustments (some don't want to be touched so even better haha) or have a super clear sight to see how we can help guide more. So with the great distance between the teacher and student, the BEST thing that both can do is to listen. Especially for the student to HEAR the teacher safely guide them into each pose and go with the flow. Some teachers teach the same flow each class and others do something different each time. The best way to keep up and get the best benefit from the class in either scenario is to LISTEN is all.
Left vs Right - maybe your instructor will say something like "place your left hand down and reach your right hand up" and you're looking at the screen like...that's your right hand down and left hand up!! It's easy for this to happen but think of it as "my left your right" when looking at the screen but even then, if you're standing and they say put the left hand down then put the left hand down :) Look to the screen as additional guidance yes but don't be fooled as the camera can flip the view slightly in that sense! Even if you do put the right hand down first instead of the left, that's totally fine, you'll do the opposite side next so be mindful there as well!
Cueing - key to know when your instructor is ready to move to the next asana or bring your awareness to something related to your practice. The instructor would "cue" you and give further instructions on how to move your body next. If you happen to miss the move (let's say the class is a little fast paced and you're getting used to the cueing thing), just take a look at the screen (mindful of the left vs right) situation and hop into the pose. Personally with my virtual classes, we won't move at the speed of light for you to miss out on the real fun!
Bam there you go! 5 tips in taking yoga classes online and how to get the most benefit from them at the comfort of your own home! So now, there's no excuse as to why you cannot work on your physical health! You can take a yoga class online...with me!!!! haha
Now that you got some helpful hints for taking classes online, I would like to invite you to take a yoga class...online...with ME!!!! I would be totally honored to have you! Here's a quick little sign up link to 2 classes that are held online EVERYDAY!
Sign up below or check www.justjassi.com/yoga for a full schedule of daily online yoga classes, as a way of working on all mind, body and spirit healing through yoga!
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this blog! I hope to see you soon!
Check out www.justjass.com for more yoga classes, holistic life coaching, handmade crystal jewelry and much MUCH more.
I do host virtual events and announcements are made on below social media pages:
Instagram: @iamjustjassi
Facebook Group: Spiritual Journey and Healing
Wish you love, luck and growth in your journey.
Love Always,
Jas ღ
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