Online Yoga Dos and Don’ts: How to Get the Most Out of Your Online Yoga Class!

Yoga is an ancient holistic system of refining the body and strengthening your connection with your inner self. As you might be aware, this is primarily done through asanas and pranayama. Together, they allow you to challenge your physical and mental limits and attempt to bring some calmness into your life.

Why Practice Yoga?

As a discipline, yoga has multiple health benefits.

Numerous studies have found yoga to be helpful for people suffering from mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, stress, and insomnia. Similarly, regular yoga practice can reduce stress and promote overall relaxation. The asanas can also help open up specific areas of your body and release any long-term stress held there.

Yoga also multiple physical health benefits such as improving your metabolism, regulating your sleep, reducing inflammation, improving your heart health, and even aiding your weight loss journey!

Choosing an Online Yoga Class

After reading all of the above, if you want to start practicing yoga for its many health benefits or that fire Instagram picture, why not sign up for online yoga sessions? These classes allow you to practice yoga with expert guidance AND in the comfort of your home!

To know more, check out the many expert yoga trainers affiliated with Spark.Live - https://spark.live/consult/category/yoga-guru/

Once you’ve signed up for an online yoga class, how do you know what you should do and not do during one? After all, the rules for online meetings, of any kind, are different from in-person meetings.

Well, not to worry!

We’ve made you a handy list of some basic dos and don’ts for every online yoga session!

Dos

• Do come a few minutes early to your session
• Make sure your yoga mat is open and ready. If your instructor has asked for yoga blocks, resistance bands, pillows, blankets, towels, or water bottles — please ensure they’re nearby as well
• Do warm up a little bit before your session. This will allow you to gain an idea of how your body feels that particular day and get mentally and physically ready for movement
• Do listen to your body. Some days your body will feel alert, active, and agile and other days it may want to stay in its comfort zone. Both are completely normal
• Do ask questions if any instructions are unclear or if an asana is completely new to you
• Do ensure there are (ideally) no distractions during your session — physical or technological — and keep your devices on silent
• Do ensure that your device has plenty of battery as a live session can be draining!
• Do make sure that your internet connection supports live sessions
• Do respect the rules of the session. Some instructors may ask you to keep yourself on mute while others may be okay with an open mic
• Do take a break if you need
• Do let your instructor know if you’re going to be late or have to leave early
• Do keep your instructor informed of any health conditions or injuries that might affect your practice
• Do close your eyes if you feel particularly zen and want to become more in-tune with your movements

Don’ts

• Don’t eat 2–3 hours before a class
• Don’t wear jeans or any uncomfortable, stiff clothing that doesn’t allow easy movement
• Don’t disturb the session unless necessary
• Don’t practice yoga in an unclean or smelly environment — this can be a distraction and keep you from tuning into your body
• Don’t attempt to learn through online video tutorials if you’re a beginner. Please sign up for a live session with an expert who can guide you through the flow and correct your posture
• Don’t keep your camera off as your instructor needs to view your entire body to provide corrections and suggestions
• Don’t push yourself if you feel any pinching pains
• Don’t be late for your sessions or always leave early. If this happens regularly, consider changing your online yoga session timing
• Don’t do any strenuous exercise right after a yoga class

If you follow these basic guidelines, you’ll notice your yoga practice having an immediate effect on your physical and mental health. You might also become your instructor’s secret favorite student as well!

So, what are you waiting for? Start your yoga journey today!

Originally published at https://spark.live on October 6, 2020.