Attending a live yoga class or session is a great experience. It brings people together and establishes a connection to the practice that is like no other. But thanks to the novel coronavirus COVID-19, many of us have had to forego our in-person yoga routines. We have put our gym bags away and have pulled out our workout tools we use at home.
Now, many yoga instructors are holding classes online, where students can join via live-feed and connect from wherever they are. Of course, this lacks some of the human connection that we all love about yoga, but it does help instructors stay connected to students and other practitioners.
While it is certainly different practicing yoga at home, there are some things you can do to get the most out of your virtual yoga experience.
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Making The Most Out Of Your Virtual Yoga Experience
Put together by a yoga studio in Portland, we hope that you will find at least some of these tips helpful. Together, we can all try to make the most of the situation in front of us.
Create A Yoga Space
If possible, create a dedicated space in your home where you can join a virtual class and participate. Maybe you have an empty nook or a corner of your office that would be perfect. Clean out this space and set up your yoga gear however is most comfortable and useful for you.
Yoga studios are designed to be warm, inviting, and relaxing. Recreating this feel at home can be a challenge, but it is worth it for the experience that results. To really set the mood, add some candles or incense, dim overhead lights, or open the blinds for natural light only.
Find The Right Platform
If you are new to virtual yoga or your favorite instructor isn’t offering online classes, take the time to find the platform that works best for you. Many studios offer a free class or trial, and may offer discounts for students. Try several studios to see what works and feels best for your body and mind.
Getting the most out of exercises doesn’t depend only on the activity itself or much you like to practice it. Where you practice and how you go with it also matter. If you are serious about yoga, make sure you grab a good pair of shoes. One of the best things about practicing yoga is that you’re not obliged to do it in a specific area. If you decide to go out, you can do it. That said, make sure you take a closer look at what you can find on shoeadviser.com to filter your options.
Make Time For Pre- And Post-Workout Quiet
When you go to a yoga studio, you have a bit of time before and after your workout to relax and enjoy the experience. When you are practicing at home, you may feel rushed, or feel like you have to immediately jump back into whatever responsibilities are waiting for you. Avoid feeling rushed by scheduling time for pre- and post-workout quiet time. Let your partner and children know that this block of time is off-limits (except in emergencies). Turn off your cell phone and use this time to truly unwind.
Consider Private Sessions
Because gathering and social distancing is a concern, you may be able to participate in a smaller class or session, or even attend a private session. Some yoga instructors are doing private sessions with one or a handful of participants. This reduces the risk of people exposing one another to germs or violating current healthcare guidelines.
Closing Thoughts
Of course, yoga is better in real life when you can connect with like-minded people and enjoy the art and practice. But right now, we all have to make concessions and find alternative ways to enjoy our favorite workouts and hobbies.
While you may feel a little disheartened about doing virtual yoga, remember that you can feed your body and mind anywhere. You have the power to create a space in your home that can offer the same benefits of a traditional yoga setting. With a little creativity and collaboration with your family or housemates, you can have an amazing virtual yoga experience.
If you are interested in even more lifestyle-related articles and information from us here at Bit Rebels, then we have a lot to choose from.
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