10 reasons you should practice yoga online
I think we can agree that there is something really magical about being in a yoga studio full of people, moving and breathing together. The power of being amongst community is an incredible part of our human experience, and group yoga classes offer such a beautiful experience. But what about a home practice? Maybe a little bit different, but it comes with just as many incredible benefits.
Commute.
I find that sometimes going to a studio to practice yoga can be a big event. There are a lot of logistics you need to figure out to make it happen: you have to carve out the time in your day, leave your house on time, navigate traffic, find parking. You have to make sure you brush your teeth, and hair… and look like you didn’t just crawl out of bed.
But at home? All you have to do is get down on the floor. You don’t even need to have a yoga mat! You don’t need to brush your teeth, or look approachable. You don’t need to wear matching clothes. You don’t need to worry about the stress of getting there, and then drive back in your post-yoga daze.
You don’t need to talk to anyone.
Introverts, rejoice! You show up just for you. No obligation to talk to anyone, no need to put on a brave face if you haven’t had a good day. No need to worry if you didn’t brush your teeth. You don’t need to explain the tears. You can be completely alone with yourself and deep-dive into introspection.
There is no judgement, and no comparison.
Often, it is easy to become competitive or compare when in a room of people. When you’re practicing at home, there is none of that. It’s much easier to truly focus on yourself - what you feel, how your body works, what you need. Yoga is so much about the functional movement of your unique body, and when you’re alone, you can truly focus on that.
Autonomy over your practice.
You can tap out early, stay in savasana the whole time, take childspose when you need, stay longer in postures if you’d like and truly take what you need, when you need it! You get to control the length of your practice. If you don’t have the energy that you thought you did when you started, or if you realize you need something a little more energetic, or if you get so relaxed that you fall asleep - no problem. You have the ability to simply close the computer and finish your practice when it feels right to you.
Privacy to truly experience your practice.
Yoga is a cathartic practice. This means that it releases a lot of what we hold onto. When we move our bodies and give ourselves the time and space to really let go, it can be emotional. And sometimes not the prettiest. When you’re in the privacy of your own home, you have the full ability to shamelessly process all that comes up.
Pets.
Need I say more?
No need for child care.
You don’t need ensure you have your children looked after. Perhaps they’re already in bed, and you’re just down stairs. Or maybe they join you and it becomes a new experience for you both.
Atmosphere.
You can practice in bed. You can practice outside. You can practice truly wherever you’d like to. You can light all the candles and incense you want. You get to control the temperature of the room and how much light there is. You get to create the perfect environment for your practice.
Affordability.
Often, online yoga classes are priced differently. This means that they are likely to be more affordable than in-person, in-studio classes.
Accessibility.
You can practice anywhere. As long as you have internet, or maybe even if you’ve downloaded the classes, you have the ability to practice when and where you want. Are you on vacation? Are you going camping? There is no need to disrupt your yoga routine! You can take it with you.
The list truly goes on. It’s different than practicing in a studio, but it serves so many benefits.
What are your favourite things about practicing at home?
