When the lockdown was first announced in New Zealand, I had envisioned a sudden surge of extra time stuck inside. I imagined all the yoga sessions I could offer online. But like many of us I am still adapting to this new normal and it’s unexpected changes.
I have decided not to offer live classes online. Instead, taking the spare time to go for walks, read books, connect with family and friends (virtually) and just do yoga at home for me.
I know for many of us, the idea of doing yoga at home is not the most inspiring. But we are all learning to adapt. After 2 years of thinking the deck in my back garden would be a great spot for yoga, I finally got there this morning – the view from savasana:
Below you’ll find some videos and articles to help you get started. But before you start reading the list, don’t forget that doing yoga at home is really just as simple as doing what feels good when you have a few minutes – you don’t actually need a video or live class to do yoga at home. And I also think this NZ Herald article You do not need to get fit during lockdown has some pretty good messages.
Lastly, I do still plan to offer classes in person again when I can. Yoga passes will be held in credit or can be refunded (just let me know).
Try free videos online:
- I have 13 yoga classes online plus heaps of tips and how to’s for some of your favourite stretches on my YouTube Channel for free.
- Try these free videos from Baxter Bell Yoga.
- You can search for free yoga (or tai chi or salsa…) classes on YouTube and Google generally – you’ll find heaps.
- The Down Dog app is offering their app for free until 1 May. I haven’t tried this one but have heard good things.
Pay-per-class or subscribe to online classes
- With the sudden closure of all non-essential businesses in New Zealand and many other countries, local yoga studios and gyms are launching classes online. You can support your favourite teacher or studio if they have gone virtual like these guys in Wellington: Urban Yoga (yoga) or HealthFit Collective (fitness and yoga) or Tiaki (pilates).
- YogaLight is a NZ website owned by a NZ yoga teacher that offers online yoga classes for a monthly subscription. You can try their classes for free.
Step-by-step written instructions
- There are lots of articles and books online with step-by-step instructions.
- For an example see this guidebook from Boston Medical Center on easing back pain with yoga.
- Check out these 9 different sequences from YogaInternational for free.
