Why go to a live, in-person yoga class (instead of practising online)

Many people ask me, what’s the difference in practising yoga in a class as opposed to from a YouTube video at home? Why would I bother going to a class when I don’t even need to leave the house?

Practising yoga at home is wonderful. You can get up in the morning, stay in your PJs, pop on the TV or IPAD and have a quick session before shooting off to work. Thanks to the global pandemic, there are even more opportunities to learn and practise yoga online - with many teachers offering live online classes still.

The beauty of coming to a real, in-person, group yoga class is that you get to soak in the atmosphere. Whether there’s 5, 20, 50 people in a yoga class, they are all (mostly) there for the same reasons: to relax, to find calm, to release stress. No matter how bad your day, a yoga class will lift you up with all the positive energy the class is creating!

Sometimes we need to get OUT of the house as well right? Joining a yoga class can make you feel a little anxious or nervous sure, but once you’ve done it a few times you’ll feel just as comfortable as you are at home, minus the PJs. You’ll be joining a community of like-minded people, whether or not you want to socialise and meet new people or just soak in the atmosphere and keep to yourself. A yoga class is a little sanctuary away from chores, responsibilities and demands where you can just BE yourself.

Another benefit of in-person, group yoga classes, is that you have a real teacher in front of you to guide, support and encourage you. If your mind is wandering, their pointers about coming back to the breath or feeling into your body will help draw your concentration back to the present, back to practice. An on-screen teacher whether recorded or live can’t see your body in each pose, whereas in a live group class your teacher is always watching. They can see if you are aligned safely in each pose or give verbal cues about how you might enhance or get more out of each shape or movement. Your teacher will get to know you and your body. If you have any injuries or health issues you can discuss them with your teacher and they’ll advise how to adapt everything to suit you. They’ll also be able to watch you change and grow and guide you to challenge yourself if you want to.

Carve out an hour or so of your life each week and you will reap the benefits for your body, mind and soul. Book a class today or contact me to talk more about hat you want to get out of your practise.