Gain Confidence – Learn How to Take an Online Yoga Class
If you’re considering trying yoga, consider trying online yoga! It’s very easy to join an online yoga class, and with this handy checklist, you’ll feel confident enough in your tech skills and yoga etiquette to join in a live online class.
How it Works Here at ANY
Get tech savvy
Let’s get the tech part out of the way first. Every online yoga teacher probably has a different combination of software they use to register students and broadcast their classes. I can’t speak for all teachers, so this article addresses what we use here at Andrea Neil Yoga. Even so, you can take the tips you learn here and apply the basics anywhere you attend a class (although I sure do hope you’ll try one with us!)
Here at Andrea Neil Yoga, we use software by Acuity Scheduling to schedule classes, and Zoom to access the “virtual yoga studio.” Fortunately, everything works together and you can access everything you need from a central location—this website.
So there’s no need to feel intimidated by the process! It’s a simple, seamless process, if you follow a few easy steps. Here are a few tech-savvy points to keep in mind as you get ready for class.
How to sign up for a live class
Head over to the page where all the online classes are located, and select the name of the class you want to attend. If it’s your first visit, you will be asked to choose your time zone. This is so all the times listed will be correct for where you are! We have students as far away as London, so it’s important to get the software set up for your specific part of the world.
Next, you’ll choose the date of the class you want to attend, and then you’ll be able to see what time the class is offered in your time zone. Hit “Continue,” and fill out your info, including name, email address and phone number (in case we need to contact students last-minute before class!). Be sure to read the Agreement and click your approval at the bottom.
Lastly, you’ll pay for your class. ANY accepts PayPal, or credit cards are directly processed with Square, a trusted secure company.
Once you pay for your class, you will receive a confirmation email which will show that your payment has been processed. This email will also contain a link to access the class. If you don’t receive this email within a few minutes, check your Spam Folder. If it’s there, be sure to add the sending email address to your Contacts list, so you’ll be sure to get future emails. If for some weird reason you don’t get any email (which hasn’t happened yet, to my knowledge), contact me and we’ll look into it right away.
Easy Peasy!
What to do before class
Approximately 24 hours before class starts, you’ll receive a reminder email from Acuity, once again providing the time of your class, and the link to access it. you’ll also receive another reminder approximately one hour before class. So you’ll receive the link three times before class starts!
The virtual studio opens up 5-10 minutes before the start of class, so you have plenty of time to click on the link and find the class before we start. It’s wise not to wait till the last minute to check into class, just in case you do have any difficulty. If you start the process early, you won’t feel rushed. And class always starts exactly on time, so you also won’t be late if you’re already there!
Have all your props ready to go. If you’re coming to a chair yoga class, have your chair set up and in place. If you’re taking a mat yoga class, the I’ll let you know before we start what props, if any, we’ll be using that day. Keep reading for tips on what yoga props to have handy.
Unsure what to do once you log in early? You can keep your camera off if you like, but if you want to say hi, turn on your video and also your microphone, and feel free to visit with other students, or me. If you’re shy, don’t worry – you can remain silent or unseen if you want to! But now at least you’re set up and ready to go.
Right before, and during, class
Classes start right on time. However, in this age of technical proliferation, glitches can occur that might cause us to start a minute or two late – but this is the exception rather than the norm. It’s important to me to give you a class that’s the length of time you signed up for.
Once we begin, I will mute all students, so that no one can hear you. If you wish, you can turn off your camera, but if you want to leave it on, I can take a peek at you while we’re practicing. I won’t call you out individually, but seeing what you’re doing can help me give better verbal cues for all students.
I’ll also set up the broadcast so that you’ll see me as the largest frame on your screen.
To Savasana or not to Savasana?
Chair yoga classes have no formal Savasana at the end, since the class is only thirty minutes long. Mat classes are sixty minutes long, and have a short Savasana, so come prepared to relax at the end!
Yoga Studio Etiquette
Staying quiet in class allows for other students to have their own uninterrupted experience. Therefore, it’s customary to save questions and comments for after the end of a yoga class, when you can approach the teacher without disturbing the other students. Unless asked to do otherwise, you’ll keep your mic muted through the class. Usually there is an opportunity to ask your question, and if not you can email me anytime.
Props
For chair yoga class, all you need is a chair, ideally with no arm rests. I’ve been using this type of yoga chair for a few months now, and I really like it! (this is an affiliate link, so I may receive a small commission if you click through and purchase it. Thanks in advance!)
Mat yoga classes require a yoga mat of some kind (I love these), and possibly a block or two, a yoga strap, or a yoga blanket or large beach towel. I’ll be sure to let you know what we’ll be using in each class at the start of the class, but have some props nearby just in case!
I hope this post helps you feel more confident to come and try an online yoga class with us. Once you get the hang of it, it’s super easy – and fun! Come and make new friends with us!