Can Online Yoga Classes Replace The Real Thing?
The Good & Not So Good Of Online Yoga Classes
Since the coronavirus pandemic has swept the globe and social restrictions have been imposed, yoga schools and studios have been forced to stop running face to face classes. Consequently, there has been a boom in the offering of online yoga classes. As a yoga teacher, I had always been sceptical about the benefits of learning, or even doing, yoga classes online. However, since taking all classes online through force of circumstance it has become clear that this offering has benefits for the time-poor and those living more remotely.
The Big Advantage Of Online Classes
Time is a precious resource for most people, and often the investment of time not only in attending a class, but the travel to and from the studio (not to mention the effort and expense) can make regular physical attendance problematic. The ease and comfort of rolling out a mat and turning on a device from home can, for a lot of people, outweigh many of the less than ideal factors around learning and practising yoga online. The reality is most yoga practitioners have other commitments revolving around work and family life, and just want to enjoy the physical and mental benefits a yoga practice can offer. Online classes make this aspect a whole lot more accessible.
What Online Classes Can’t Replace
There are certainly more than a few benefits that you just cannot beat by attending a regular yoga school. First and foremost is the connection between the teacher and the student. The yoga texts emphasise, in genuine teaching and learning, the importance of this teacher/student relationship. BKS Iyengar says 'the relationship between a teacher and a student is a very special one, transcending that between parent and child, husband and wife or friends’ [1]. Face-to-face communication allows for this bond to be developed in a way that is not possible online. It allows for clearer communication and connection. In addition to being able to read facial expressions, body language, and inflection, in-person communication feels more credible and sincere. That said, I was pleasantly surprised at how much one can form a ‘relationship’ with newcomers online.
As a beginner yoga student, physical attendance at a studio is more fundamental than for an experienced student. Those starting out often need more 'hands-on’ corrections and adjustments, and more overall supervision. More practised students have the experience to be able to adjust themselves more skilfully and be directed through verbal only instruction. So, from my observation, it seems that the online format is more suitable the more experienced you are. Again, however, I was surprised at how much a teacher is able to see and modify online. The corrections can only be verbal, but there is ample opportunity for personalised instruction throughout a class.
While the need and use of equipment can vary according to what type of yoga is practised, it seems that most yoga these days has at least a minimal use of props, even if that is just a yoga mat. When it comes to equipment and props, however, nothing beats a fully equipped yoga studio. Not only does a dedicated studio have all the equipment you might need, but the energy of a committed yoga space is also important. One has the physical space required to practise and is more likely to be able to focus and not be distracted by mundane household objects in the room if practising at home.
Finding A Balance Between In-Person And Online Classes
If you want to establish a genuine yoga practice and make it a central part of your lifestyle, time needs to be set aside to attend a dedicated yoga studio on a regular basis. To be able to practise in a fully equipped studio free from physical and mental clutter is helpful in working towards this, and the ability to formulate a sincere relationship with a teacher, and receive the art of physical corrections and adjustments, is something that just cannot be achieved online. In the end, however, a combination of both in-person and online attendance could be an ideal middle ground, especially as one develops into a more matured practitioner.
Classes at Central Yoga School can be attended in-person or online.
James Hasemer
James Hasemer is the Founder and Director of Central Yoga School and a Senior Iyengar Yoga Teacher, Assessor, and Moderator. He is also currently a Teacher Director on the Iyengar Yoga Australia Board
References
[1] Light On Yoga BKS Iyengar p.30 (2nd edition)