Online yoga means – your time, your place … and you can wear what you like!
Practise anytime, anywhere – Vinyasa in your bedroom in your PJs, follow a short meditation class in your lunch break at work, try out AcroYoga in the park with your friends or use Yoga Nidra to help you get back to sleep in the middle of the night…the opportunities are endless!
But… Commitment issues
For some people, this freedom makes it harder to commit to practise compared to a studio class at a specific time and place. If this is you, try scheduling in a couple of your practise times at the beginning of the week.
Online yoga means you can learn from the best teachers
Practise with a wide variety of high-quality, experienced teachers. With EkhartYoga you get access to classes with some wonderfully talented, senior teachers from around the world. So you can learn from the best even if you’re miles away from anywhere.
But…there’s a lack of quality control
Not all online yoga is created equal. While most studios will (or should!) require teachers to have an accredited training qualification, anyone can post a class on the internet. At EkhartYoga we have set guidelines to ensure high quality but it’s a good idea to check your teacher’s credentials before leaping into that Handstand video.
Practising at home means you can trip, fall and laugh!
Experiment at home with new poses. Often half the battle with new or challenging poses is our ego. Practising at home on your own can help – plus you can always pile up the sofa cushions around you if you’re worried about falling out of Bakasana!
But…you can build ‘bad’ habits
The flipside is not having support from a teacher to check you’re doing the poses safely and correctly. We recommend you compliment your EkhartYoga membership with live classes or workshops from time to time if you can.
Online yoga offers a vast array of choice
Experience a wide range of styles of yoga to try out new styles and find what suits you. Pick specialised classes and programmes or use the search filters to find a class with a specific use.
But… there can be a lack of continuity
Some people prefer one teacher and one style to progress with. One of the reasons EkhartYoga posts so many classes each week is so that you can stick with one style if you choose to.
Online yoga means you can practise in private
Practising on your own gives you the chance to really tune into your own body without making comparisons or worrying about what you look like in a pose. This is ideal if groups are not your thing.
But… you can miss the group energy
You’re less able to share the energy of a group which can sometimes be really profound. That’s why we love your questions and comments so much – especially in the guided programmes!
Online yoga means you can take your yoga on the road
There’s no disruption to your yoga if you travel or move house a lot. Take your favourite teachers and classes with you.
But technical issues can be frustrating
Technical issues can thwart your good intentions. Check our tips for streaming and make use of our offline app for members if you know your internet connection isn’t so reliable.
Practising yoga at home means you can personalise your space
Set up your practice area at home just how you like it. Pick your own music, use candles, incense or symbolic objects or photographs that inspire you – or choose to keep it simple – your choice!
Family distractions can interrupt your flow though
It’s easy to get distracted at home by family members, the doorbell, your phone, that pile of paperwork, or the cat or dog deciding they want to join in…!
Online yoga is more affordable
It’s cheaper than attending a studio class and there are no travel costs – EkhartYoga works out at around 33 cents per day for as many classes as you like!
But you don’t get any added extras
You miss out on the added extras studios can offer such as specialist equipment or a nice cup of tea afterwards – sorry, we are still working on this one!
We’d love to know how you like to practise; please let us know in the comments below.
