Yoga at Home: Live Classes Versus Pre-Recorded Videos - Which is Best for You?

I’m a sucker for in-person classes. I love to teach them and incorporate them into my own practice. However, I understand that these classes don’t make sense for everyone. While being in the same room together offers a greater sense of community and hands-on assists from seasoned instructors, some are not comfortable trying something new or practicing in a group setting. Others have little time to incorporate the travel to and from along with the expense of it. So instead, the search begins for pre-recorded yoga videos. Been there, done that. A daunting task if I do say so myself. So, where’s the happy medium? If you haven’t tried yoga online with a live instructor, you’re missing out! While pre-recorded yoga is accessible 24/7 and typically doesn’t cost anything, the benefits are limited. Let me explain.

You can find a pre-recorded yoga workout video pretty much anywhere nowadays. Some target specific problem areas while others are focused on building flexibility, strength, and endurance. With an endless amount of videos to choose from, any style and time of day, it can be convenient with a busy schedule and cost effective if you’re on a tight budget. For those who find a video that's liked, pre-recorded does provided an option for playback. Unfortunately, the downside is that it can become quite overwhelming trying to search through videos to meet your specific needs and to find an instructor that you jive with. I will admit, pre-recorded videos have come a long way and offer more benefits than in the past but trying to find a “good” one takes time. While there are a lot of them out there that lack luster, they can also lack the overall concept of yoga, to yoke or unite.

I’ve said it before and I’m going to say it again, yoga is more than just postures or movement of the body. However, as I say that, movement is still an important piece that should not be overlooked. While a pre-recorded video has the ultimate benefit of convenience, streaming yoga live, gives you an opportunity to learn more about uniting the mind, body, and soul. It provides tools to help deal with everyday stressors. Not only does it connect the mind, body, and soul, but it also gives you an opportunity to build connection to a community. While typically you do not directly speak to or visually see the class group, you have an opportunity to connect through chat before and after class if you choose to. That also includes the instructor. Not to mention, you will be sharing and receiving the profound energy among all that are practicing together. Yes, energies are shared even through distance.

Here are a few additional things you can look forward to in live classes. Many live classes begin with intention and breathwork, the foundation to move prana (life force energy) throughout the body. Because we move the body in a way that connects with intention and breath, it becomes more than an exercise. Again, it becomes a tool to live a healthier more balanced life so that everyday stressors can be managed with ease. For example, the breath is connected to each movement in a slow flow. In addition, static holds within certain postures may be integrated to maintain that breath regulation. Your breath is a vital part of living which is why it should be a huge focus and cued often during class.

Often times, during these classes, you are reminded to listen to your body and not the mind. When the ego rules your practice, you could end up hurting yourself doing poses that go beyond that line of comfort and cause pain. Live classes typically give an opportunity before and after class to connect with your instructor to share any concerns you may have. Practices can often be adjusted to offer additional variations of poses along with adding or removing certain poses that would not be beneficial for you or the group. Special note - your instructor whether live or not, is just your guide. Ultimately, you know your body best. Instructors cannot feel what you feel. So, while a cue may be given, if it causes pain, try something different. It's more about how it feels rather than doing a posture "correctly" or challenging yourself with the "no pain, no gain" mentality. Also note that instructors are not physicians. While they can give you basic ideas to try, it may be necessary to talk with your doctor first before trying any postures to alleviate minor and/or chronic pain. Instructors want you to feel your best. To feel balanced. To feel at peace. Building a connection with your instructor before and after a class can help to build your own confidence and abilities. For example, if you heard a cue and didn't quite understand what it meant, you are able to ask for clarification after class in the chat box. If you were in a pre-recorded video, you'd either stay confused or begin a quest to find out more through a search on the internet taking up time that you may not have.

Because live yoga has a set schedule, it helps to set a routine and stick to it. Especially if you’ve paid for multiple classes in advance. If opted in, you’ll get class reminders, class updates along with a calendar invite. It can also be perfect opportunity to share with a friend, family member, or co-worker to aide in accountability and motivation. Live classes can be done anywhere and on any device that has capabilities for streaming. Home, office, outdoors, literally ANYWHERE! You’ll just want to find a peaceful space where you are able to focus preferably without interruptions. Although practicing with your kiddos and animals can also be rewarding and motivating as well!

If you find that even after switching to live yoga classes, you need something more personal, one-on-one sessions may be your next go-to. One-on-one offers a different kind of benefit and a much more personal approach. Movements, breathwork, meditations, etc., are specifically created for you. Your specific needs and any areas of concerns that you may have are discussed before any type of movement begins. For example, if you have problems with your wrists, a one-on-one session is created with specific movements to stretch and strengthen based off of the specific needs that your physician has discussed with you. Because your needs will vary from other individuals who have wrist concerns, a pre-recorded video will give you only generalized movements that may or may not benefit you.

Yes, there are many good reasons to practice yoga using pre-recorded videos. If you’re looking towards enhancing your practice on a deeper level, I suggest giving live yoga a try. The good news is, if you don’t like it, typically, there is no obligation to continue. Yoga in itself is a rewarding practice. Because there are many styles, those who begin with an open mind, typically continue making yoga a part of their lifelong journey. No matter what option you choose, it’s most important to find one that calls to you. And remember, give yourself grace. Learning something new takes time and consistency. While there are many styles of yoga, there are also many instructors who have different ways of teaching. Try multiple times before giving yoga the boot. Lastly, it's not about what it looks like, it's about how it feels. EVERY - SINGLE - DAY your body will feel and move differently. There is no room for judgment in a life of peace. Let that sh*t go.

If you’re one who loves supporting small businesses or just loves yoga, I’d love for you to join me Monday nights at 5:30p and/or Thursday mornings at 6:00a. While teaching yoga is new to me (I've been teaching regularly since April), I am very passionate about it and continue to increase my knowledge through hands on experience, additional studies, and through my client's feedback. Eventually as things progress, my goal is to have two-way video where you can turn your camera on if you choose and to have a membership program that has additional content available for those who subscribe. This could include session discounts, recorded live sessions to playback at your convenience, special edition articles, etc. Who knows, I may even offer up a live meditation here or there. As of now, my online classes are live and cost $8 for an hour-long session. You can pay for each class individually or by purchasing a punch card for either 5 or 10 sessions. Purchasing a 10-session punch card gives you a discount as well.

Don't be shy! I'd love to hear your feedback whether you practice yoga at home, in a studio or one-on-one with an instructor. You can always reach out directly if you don't want to leave your comment in view of the public.

✌️🤍

Karen