How to get the most out of your virtual yoga class

Like many business, when lockdown hit we swiftly moved all our workplace wellbeing services online. Unsure how receptive our clients would be to replacing their regular ‘in office’ yoga class with an online alternative, we were overwhelmed (and super impressed) by their dedication to keeping up their regular classes, albeit via Zoom.
 
With online yoga, Pilates and HIIT classes likely to be the norm for the foreseeable future, we’ve compiled our top tips for getting the most of our your virtual yoga class during lockdown:
 
1.      Don’t be shy, switch on your camera!

If the idea of switching on your camera and sharing your yoga moves with your colleagues makes you want to hide away in child’s pose, then by all means, do whatever makes you comfortable and keep the camera off. However, if you’d like to get more involved and benefit from some interaction with your fellow class-mates, we really encourage you to switch on your camera and stretch alongside everyone else joining the class. We run a number of online meditation classes for our clients each week and usually start the session with cameras on to all say hello, but then switch them off once we’re ready to close the eyes and immerse ourselves in some online meditation.
 

2.    Create a make-shift home yoga studio

You don’t need a fancy studio space or lots of sqm to practice yoga, Pilates or HIIT at home. We recommend starting with a decent yoga mat (we like these from Yogamatters), but other than that, you can use:
–      Pillows and cushions instead of a bolster.
–      The belt of your dressing gown works well as a yoga belt for stretching out the hamstrings.
–      Switching the lights off and putting a lamp on the floor can create a peaceful ambient glow.
–      Tins of food (or wine bottles!) work as weights in a HIIT class.
 
 

3.    Use the opportunity to try out some other styles and classes

Participating in virtual classes mean you’re no longer limited to the timetable of your local studio. You can practice any class, any style, with anyone in the world. Perhaps use this time to try out some styles you wouldn’t usually explore. We think some slow, stretchy yin yoga is the perfect class for a Sunday evening, or a high-energy HIIT class is a great way to start a working day. We’ve also been relying heavily on regular doses of online Pilates to help look after our postures and back whilst working from our home offices during lockdown.
 
 

4.    Something is better than nothing.

During lockdown, some of us have more time on our hands than ever before, whilst others can barely grab 10 minutes of ‘me time’ amongst work and family commitments. Don’t be put off from doing an online yoga class if you think you need to dedicate 60 or 90 minutes to a practice. You really don’t! We offer a clients shorter classes, such as a 15 minute stretch to start off a meeting and there are plenty of 10, 15 or 20 minute classes online.
 

5.    Get in your flow

If you’re new to yoga or Pilates, it can be good to repeat the same class a few times to really grasp the moves, follow the flow and track your progress over time as you become more familiar with the routine. Another great way to get in to the flow of a class is to accompany your practice with music. Some people prefer the silence of just the teacher’s instructions, whereas others (ourselves included) find practicing yoga with music makes for much of an immersive experience. There are loads of brilliant yoga playlists on Spotify. RY X, LANY, The XX, Max Richter, RITUAL are just a few of our favourite artists to stretch along too.
 
 
If you’d like to organise an online virtual yoga class, Pilates or HIIT class for your team, click here to find out more, or drop us a line.