The coronavirus has shaken us up. Even
if you never get it, and don’t know anyone who has, the virus and our reactions
to it have changed us individually and collectively. I’m an eternal optimist
(my middle name is Hope), and I see one very positive and powerful trend – live
online yoga classes.
We all know that there are a zillion yoga videos on YouTube. At this moment, I see 388,000,000. Sixty and Me created gentle yoga videos. I’ve made some myself. Those videos are a wonderful resource. I’m glad to know I can find so many yoga videos at any hour of the day.
But something new is happening. Plato
said, “Necessity is the mother of invention.” Because many are home-bound, yoga
teachers are offering classes and 1-on-1 sessions online.
Keep reading to find out why live
online yoga lessons are awesome for seniors (and everyone else). I’m offering
my lessons on ZOOM, so any technical references below are for that platform.
Accountability
Something’s missing in those
388,000,000 YouTube videos, and that’s accountability. The lovely yogi or
yogini who recorded the videos might know that you watched it when you press
“like” or leave a comment, but they won’t really know if you did the yoga.
With the coronavirus, or really
anytime, most of us benefit from some commitments in our week. Retirees often
float a while in the bliss of not going to work, but then find they need some
structure to make life work.
We need to schedule time for important
things like exercise and self-care, so that we don’t let it drift too late in
the day and skip it.
With live classes, you generally have
to register in advance and pay a fee. That small commitment makes you far more
likely to continue committing when you put it on your calendar, get ready, and
actually do the class.
I’ve recently started teaching online.
I “arrive” to the video room early and check in with each of my students. I see
them. As we are doing the class, I see them. If it’s a small class, I can notice
when they are a bit off track with their alignment.
I may say their name and invite them
to adjust. This ability will vary depending on the teacher and how many
students are on the video connection. Just like in a local class, I will notice
if a registered student does not show up.
Efficiency
When I started teaching online, I was
extremely pleased with how efficient it is for me and my students. You can put
breakfast, lunch, or dinner in the oven, do the class, and wrap up just in time
to walk straight into the kitchen and eat!
You don’t have to drive in traffic or
park your car. You can fold your laundry or walk your dog up until class time,
and just plop down in your living room to do the lesson.
If you are a caregiver for kids,
grandkids, a spouse, or another loved one in your home, you can take a short
break from being a caregiver without travel time. It is good for your loved
ones to see you doing something for yourself.
Privacy
Live online yoga lessons are ideal for
people who prefer privacy. You may be an introvert. You may love being at home.
Maybe you don’t want to chit-chat with people before or after class at the gym
or yoga studio. You may feel a bit shy about going in public in yoga pants. You
may have cat or dog fur on your yoga pants.
These are all excellent reasons to do
yoga at home, in whatever clothes you want to wear.
If you don’t want anyone to see you
doing the poses, simply turn off your webcam. In Zoom the individual users have
the ability to turn off their audio and video at any time for privacy.
You’ll still benefit from the
accountability because the teacher knows you are there even if he or she cannot
see or hear you. You’re “in the room,” doing the yoga, and getting the
benefits, on your terms.
There’s another element of privacy. It’s mental privacy. When you aren’t
near other people, you won’t watch them do their yoga poses. You can focus
internally, breathe, and feel what your body needs.
Yoga was designed as a personal
spiritual practice and path. Practicing at home is ideal for that quiet mental
space.
Global Impact and Connection
Online, amazing teachers and students
can connect from anywhere. My yoga teacher lives only a 90 minute drive from my
home. I have not made the trip in almost a year. When she offered online classes
due to the coronavirus, I was happy to connect with her in that way.
I am now also taking online classes
with a teacher in California, 3000 miles away. You can pick and choose from the
best instructors in the world!
We can also connect with fellow
students and dear friends. Depending on what video format your teacher uses,
there may be a time and opportunity for students to see each other as well. In
my first few online classes, I cried with joy to see friends and students
joining me from other states and countries.
You can see your local friends at
online yoga class, even if you are still home-bound.
Safety
Online lessons are safe for seniors
because you choose your teacher and your class. You can choose a teacher with
experience working with older adults.
It’s safe because you can stay home if
you have a weakened immune system or allergies. You can stay home if you are
self-quarantined because you’ve traveled.
And finally, of course, it’s safe
during the coronavirus. You practice in your own space, on your own mat, with
peace of mind.
What You Need to Know to Get
Started
You will need some level of technical
skill. You will likely need to register for the class online and feel
comfortable paying online with a credit or debit card. You will receive an
email confirmation. Usually you will have a link to click to view the class.
In my case, I allow 15–30 minutes
before each class to make sure my students have logged on and can see and hear
me.
An added bonus of live online yoga
classes is that you have to make a space and put your mat on the floor. You
have created a space for yoga in your home. This is a powerful step towards
creating a habit!
Eckhart Tolle said, “Adversity is a
great opportunity to deepen spiritual awareness. Use it, don’t waste it.”
Adversity is also a great opportunity to try new things. We will all be glad
when the coronavirus is over.
I cannot see ahead much further than a
few days. I see live online yoga classes as a huge positive that has come from
this situation. I am certainly open to continuing online classes even when we
have the option to go to class locally.
I invite you to join me in online yoga classes and wellness services. Click here to book a complimentary phone or video consultation with me. I look forward to meeting you online!
What are you doing to stay connected
to your favorite teachers and wellness guides? What online classes are you
taking from home? What do you enjoy most about them? Please share with our
community!