What’s the difference between taking classes online and in-person right now?
Online classes are super convenient. There’s no commute time and no need to arrival early to set up. You can wait until 5 minutes until class starts, then stop what you are doing to join the class. If you can’t stay for the full class, you can slip away without disturbing anyone. You can build confidence in your practice from the comfort of your own home. You're able to connect with others in the community while staying at home. Online yoga is an amazingly easy experience!
Taking in-person yoga classes is truly a great experience. You have face-to-face interactions with teachers and fellow students. Teachers can offer more specific, individual suggestions to improve your practice. You have the support of the yoga community to keep you focused throughout your practice. There is a greater sense of connection when you can participate in in-person classes.
Since Covid-19, in-person studios have had to limit attendance for social distancing which has resulted in decreased income. Instructors are working hard to keep studios clean and safe while ensuring enough participation so the community has a place to return after the pandemic. For those that feel safe practicing in a studio setting, it’s such a gift to the yoga community to support studios right now!
For those that prefer to stay home during the pandemic, they can connect with their teachers who have shifted to online classes. These online classes provide safe social interactions outside a studio setting. Online teachers offer additional verbal cues, variations, and demonstrations to help students successfully maneuver through online practices. Even if you don’t have access to yoga props, teachers will suggest alternatives to help you effectively practice from home.
Just because we are in the middle of a pandemic doesn’t mean that your yoga practice has to stop. Some students have discovered taking online classes gives them greater confidence as they explore yoga from their home.. Many students invite out-of-town friends and family to online, live classes to connect during the pandemic. Some students have chosen to wait for an effective vaccine to continue in-person classes. Some are able to motivate themselves to practice at home using prerecorded videos or their own yoga experiences. While others have found that they need scheduled, live online classes to keep motivated. I know I need that to ensure I do yoga every day! Knowing how you are motivated is half the battle to healthy living!
It’s a whole new world right now with coronavirus. No matter whether you feel more comfortable practicing in-person or online, find a way to incorporate yoga into your life. It may be 5 minutes of movement, 10 minutes of meditation, a 30 minutes practice, or a 1 hour practice. Whether you prefer in-person or online classes, just embarking on the yoga journey is all it takes to kickstart your way to healthy living!
(Update 2024) I'm offering in-person Yin Yoga, Meditation, and Gentle Chair Yoga at Full Distance Physical Therapy & Wellness in Mariners Landing at Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia. I offer daily on-demand classes, live online yoga 2x/week, and monthly prerecorded classes on Burnalong.
Check out the schedule:
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