For many people, yoga is synonymous with being flexible. Which is why the #1 excuse for not trying yoga is: “I am not flexible enough to do yoga”.
Now, if you think about it, that’s almost like saying you’re not a strong enough swimmer to go to swimming lessons. Building flexibility is one of the many benefits of yoga! If you suffer from tight hamstrings and tense shoulders, even the simplest yoga postures can do a world of good for an inflexible yogi.
But while it takes time to build flexibility in the body, you can start making your life more flexible right now by trying a Live Online Yoga Class – an amazing alternative for busy people who don’t have time or access to a yoga studio. In Yogaia’s Live Classes, you have real-time access to OM-azing teachers who are there to help you with your alignment and answer any questions you have.
So before rolling out your mat and diving into your first Live Class, here are a few tips to make sure you have the best experience possible:
1. Have The Right Props On Hand
The most important step for any yogi is investing in a good quality yoga mat. While it’s fine to practice more restorative classes, such as Yin Yoga, on a regular exercise mat, we recommend that you buy a mat designed for yoga before joining more dynamic practices, such as Easy Flow or Power Flow.
There are plenty of options out there, so choose a mat that has good grip (especially for the sweatier classes) and pick a colour or pattern that inspires you – have fun with it! Try and avoid very thick mat so you can find steady footing in balancing postures, however if you’re a beginner don’t go too thin either – you want to protect your joints from hard surfaces while staying as comfortable as you can.
In terms of yoga props, you don’t need to buy a yoga block or meditation cushion right away. Instead of a yoga block, try using an empty shoe box or a large book. If you don’t have a yoga strap, try a scarf or a jump rope. If you are practicing Yin Yoga, you might want to keep a blanket or jumper around to keep warm.
Make sure you read the class description before you start a class – your teacher will add a note about any props you’ll need!
2. Water Is Your Best Friend
As in daily life, always have H20 nearby. Drink plenty of water before class to keep hydrated throughout the class. More dynamic classes will make you thirstier than restorative ones, so having a glass of water nearby will keep you from missing too much of the class. If possible, avoid eating an hour before class as you might not feel comfortable in some poses (especially in twists and inversions) as your stomach will be busy digesting.
3. Wear Comfy Clothes
Whether you prefer form-fitting yoga gear or looser, more traditional yoga clothing, the most important thing is comfort. In Live Classes, wearing brighter coloured clothing can help your teacher see you more clearly in the camera (it’s harder to help you with alignment if you’re wearing all black!) – plus we are firm believers that bright colours can make you feel happier!
4. Choose Your Device
As you know, flexibility is very important to us, so there are plenty of different ways you can choose to practice with Yogaia!
- If you want to be more mobile, download the Yogaia app from iTunes App Store or Google Play. You can book and join Live Classes, as well as download recorded classes so you can practice no matter where you are – even without WiFi or 4G!
- If you prefer using your laptop, we highly recommend using Google Chrome for the best experience. You even have the option to download Yogaia on your Apple TV.
- If you’re joining a Live Class (yay!), turn up a few minutes early to test the speakers and angle of your camera, play around with lighting and, of course, take a few deep belly breaths before class begins. **Remember: only your teacher can see you, so don’t be shy!**
To avoid any disruptions to your class, make sure your device is fully charged or connected to power.
5. Create A Sacred Space
Transform your home into your very own yoga shala! Create a peaceful space for yourself before you start practicing by lighting a few candles or a stick of incense, clearing your space of clutter, turning your phone on Airplane Mode and turning on some relaxing music.
Practicing yoga at home means that there is a pretty good chance you could be interrupted – whether it’s the doorbell ringing, the kids running past or the dog getting a bit curious as to why you’re hanging out on the floor! If this happens, don’t let it distract you too much. Simply breath through it, and keep your attention focused on your breath and the instruction of your teacher.
