Yoga, in the last decade, has become more popular across the globe as people aim to attain its physiological, psychological, and spiritual benefits. The excellence of technology has shifted our preference greatly towards Yoga classes on online platforms. These yoga classes are flexible, convenient, and have many options that meet individuals’ experiences and preferences.
Over the few minutes of readership, we will discover the top 5 online yoga classes of 2024, their features as well and the benefits they hold for us.
What is an Online Yoga ?
An online yoga class can be described as a class that people attend through the Internet. Ever since the introduction of online yoga classes, we have had the convenience of practicing Yoga whenever we want and wherever we are. In an online yoga session, an instructor directs them on the yoga poses, breathing, and relaxation practices on a video call during classes, which can be conducted in real-time or recorded in advance, giving us the opportunity to practice yoga at home at our feasible hours.
Types of Online Yoga Classes
Online yoga classes have evolved in regard to different aspects and types that can be selected according to user preferences. Here are some common and popular types:
1. Vinyasa Flow
Vinyasa yoga is an aerobic type of yoga in which you can transition from one position to the next in harmony with the breath. Such a flow of movements assists in improving strength in muscles, flexibility, and the body’s circulation system.
Features:
- Breath-Synchronised Movement: Each and every movement is accompanied by inhalation and exhalation, thus making the whole practice smooth and fluent.
- Variety of Poses: Comprises a lot of positions that can be performed in numerous variations for those with any fitness level.
- Creative Sequences: In classes, trainers can also differ. They try to come up with changes in the sequence of exercises for the practice.
- Focus on Transitions: Equal stress is placed on how to transfer from one position to another.
2. Hatha Yoga
Hatha Yoga is another type of Yoga that is again rather conventional and encompasses simple poses and breathing exercises. This style is less intense than Vinyasa Flow and is more suitable for beginners.
Features:
- Basic Postures: Stress on correct executions of simple postures before the complex ones are attempted.
- Breathing Techniques: The application of pranayama helps regulate or control the stream of energy.
- Alignment Focus: Concentrate on each pose and maintain the correct body position in each movement.
- Meditative Aspect: Sometimes involves aspects of mediating and relaxation.
3. Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga Yoga is aligned and tough, and it incorporates a certain series of positions. It is a physical method that has some demanding sequences and is, therefore, best suited for individuals who like to practice yoga as part of their routine.
Features:
- Set Sequences: It consists of six series of poses that you must do in a specific order.
- Focus on Breath and Bandhas: Concentrates on the use of the breath and the Bandhas or energy locks.
- Progressive Practice: The practitioners progress to a new series only after excellently learning the previous one.
- Self-Practice Encouraged: Often practised in a self-guided manner, known as Mysore style.
4. Yin Yoga
Yin Yoga is practised at a decreased or slow pace, unlike other types of yoga, and you need to hold the poses for 3 to 5 minutes or even more if you can. This type of yoga works on your connective tissues that lie deep, making them more flexible and relieving tension for the betterment of your physical health.
Features:
- Long Holds: Postures are maintained for several minutes with your connective tissues to increase tissue suppleness and elasticity.
- Passive Postures: Involves movements that are mainly exhibited by little to no energy.
- Meditative Approach: Helps you to enhance self-awareness.
- Deep Relaxation: Helps relieve stress and provide a good rest.
5. Restorative Yoga
Restorative Yoga is a slow-paced practice that involves holding specific poses with the help of props. It will engage the action of the parasympathetic nervous system to create a state of deep relaxation and recuperation.
Features:
- Use of Props: Objects that are placed on the body, such as bolsters, blankets and blocks, can be used by you as support.
- Extended Holds: You need to remain in the same position for some time so that the muscle fully relaxes.
- Focus on Rest: Stresses on relaxation and recuperation period, which can contain exercises like listening to relaxation tapes.
- Gentle Approach: Applicable for beginning, intermediate, or advanced training, good for rehabilitation from injuries.
6. Power Yoga
Power yoga can be characterised as quite intense, at least in comparison with other schools of yoga. It is a more demanding version of Vinyasa that concentrates more on the development of muscular and cardiovascular endurance.
Features:
- High-Intensity: High-impact movements that awaken the muscle membranes.
- Strength-Building: The concentration of the exercises in this group is on the strength and endurance of muscles.
- Cardio Benefits: It can be used for cardiovascular training combined with flexibility exercises.
- Dynamic Movements: Incorporates motions of different types and intensities to vary and make the practice fun and interesting.
7. Yoga for Different Categories
These are special training given to particular groups, such as the elderly, expectant women, and kids. They consider the unique needs and restrictions of each group during online yoga classes.
Categories:
- Pregnancy Yoga: Concentrates on positions and breath works that are helpful to pregnant women.
- Seniors’ yoga: Easy postures that suit the limitations associated with age, focusing on agility and balance.
- Children’s yoga: Interesting classes designed for children who want to know about yoga.
- Yoga for Sportspeople: Training aimed at complementing athletic workouts done in order to improve people’s performance.
What is The Future of Online Yoga?
With the COVID-19 pandemic, the domain of online education has seen a significant change
and that includes the fitness industry. Yoga instructors are using audio-visual aids to teach
people yoga. Besides meeting their daily commitments, people can now easily access online
yoga classes from any place on the earth. In addition to this, since mental health is now
given so much importance, online yoga classes are also gaining popularity. The public is
now switching to online yoga classes because they are in such interactions.
Changes in work patterns and work-from-home ambiance have allowed millions of people to
pursue their physical and mental health fitness, and what better way to do that than yoga?
Thus, the convenience and privacy of online yoga will allow the stiff, timid, and yoga-curious
to finally give it a try. Giving importance to physical and mental fitness, the online yoga
business will continue to grow. Furthermore, the future possibilities of online yoga will be
more personalized, immersive, and, most importantly, more accessible than ever.
Best 5 Online Yoga Classes of 2024
There are plenty of great online yoga platforms where you can start or improve your yoga practice. Here are some of the best ones with something unique to offer, thereby making it easier for you to find your ideal yoga class that satisfies your individual needs and goals.
1. FlexifyMe
FlexifyMe offers various kinds of online yoga classes intended for different purposes, such as weight loss, stress management, and pain relief, among others. They have tailored programs meant for specific objectives, which means that they are perfect for anyone looking for therapeutic yoga. Also, FlexifyMe gives an opportunity to try their customized sequences and well-qualified trainers before subscribing.
Meet our Online Yoga Trainers – Industry-Leading Certified Experts
Yogacharya Koshal Singh Rathore
HOD Yoga, FlexifyMe
E-RYT 200- Yoga Alliance USA,MSc – Yoga Therapy in
Chronic Pain,PhD in Chronic Pain Therapies.
We Have 100+ Yoga Teachers With More Than 5+ years Of Experience
Morning Timings | Evening TImings |
5 AM to 6 AM | 4:30 PM To 5:30 PM |
6 AM To 7 AM | 5:30 PM To 6:30 PM |
7 AM To 8 AM | 6:30 PM To 7:30 PM |
8 AM To 9 AM | 7:30 PM To 8:30 PM |
2. HealthifyMe
Among all platforms, HealthifyMe is famous for its amazing health and fitness solutions, which include a variety of yoga classes on their platform. These sessions are created in line with its broader health and nutrition offerings, thus taking a more holistic approach towards fitness. HealthifyMe provides not only yoga but also personalised diet charts and health tracking within a larger scheme aimed at all health enthusiasts at once.
3. Yoga Vidya School
Yoga Vidya School is a favourite among yoga enthusiasts as it offers holistic health programs. From short online sessions to long-term workshops, this institution from Rishikesh, India, offers invigorating classes for a profound experience.
4. Glo
Glo offers a variety of yoga classes to help you with mindfulness and stress relief. Among their services, they have Yin Yoga and meditation practices, which are perfect for you if you are looking to deepen your yoga experience in a more relaxed way. Glo has suitable options for students of all levels, from beginners to advanced.
5. Yoga International
Yoga International has all types of classes, like prenatal yoga and gentle sequences for seniors. This platform is focused on accessibility and inclusivity, making sure there’s a class for everyone according to their capabilities and stages in life. All of their classes are led by experienced instructors who may offer you modifications and one-on-one attention.
Advantages of Online Yoga Classes
Online yoga classes have several benefits, as described below.
1. Convenience and Flexibility
You can attend online yoga classes anytime from anywhere as long as you have an internet connection. This takes away the necessity of having to travel all the way to a physical studio which makes it a good fit for you if you have busy schedules.
2. Variety and Choice
Different types of yoga are usually available on online platforms, and they are needed for your different skills, preferences, and goals. Some like fast Power Yoga workouts, while some may love calm Yin Yoga lessons, among others.
3. Cost-Effective
You will find that several online yoga websites provide free classes or low-cost subscription models. This increases the number of people who can engage in yoga since this caters to those who are unable to afford studio membership expenses.
4. Personalisation
Typically, these online platforms have features that can allow you to customise yoga, including creating personalised playlists of your favourite classes or following certain programs designed for your health goals.
5. Comfort and Privacy
Practising yoga at home provides a comfortable and private setting, which may be particularly advantageous to new practitioners who might find it awkward in a studio. They are able to stop, rewind or replay parts of the class so that they grasp the poses clearly, thus facilitating deeper and safer practice.
Disadvantages of Online Yoga Classes
There are a few disadvantages of online yoga classes as described in the following points.
1. Absence of Personal Interaction:
Online lessons lack the immediate feedback that an instructor can give in a studio environment. This makes it difficult to correct alignment and form, which is essential for safe yoga practice.
In the absence of an instructor, your poses cannot be adjusted in real-time, or you can’t have hands-on interventions, which are particularly critical to newcomers or people learning new postures.
2. Potential for Incorrect Form
The chances of you practising poses wrongly increase when there is no direct supervision, leading to injuries. Proper positioning and technique are important in yoga so as to avoid strain and maximise benefits.
Practitioners require a higher level of self-awareness and understanding of their own body’s limits, which is not easy without assistance.
3. Technical Issues
Problems with internet connection can interrupt your yoga sessions, making you annoyed and breaking mindfulness in the practice.
Not every learner has quality gadgets or good internet access, which can impact the overall experience and class quality.
4. Sense of community is Lacking
The feeling of Yoga-studio, in which you can expect a sense of belonging and vigour shared by others, is usually missing from online lessons. Consequently, this may reduce the drive to go to group classes for social and motivational reasons.
In an online setting, there would be less chance to connect with other yoga practitioners, develop friendships or take part in community activities.
5. Self-Motivated
If you choose to practice yoga at home, you must have high levels of self-discipline and motivation to continue practising the taught lessons for a long time.
Conclusion
Online yoga classes are becoming a favourite and have changed how people practice yoga, giving them unparalleled freedom and excellent teaching. Notwithstanding the setbacks associated with online yoga classes, they make a worthwhile source for anyone intending to fit yoga into their way of life. These online yoga platforms are created to support your yoga practice at your convenience and help you reach your wellness goals, irrespective of whether you are just starting or an experienced yogi looking for inspiration.
Checkout other blogs that could guide you through your online yoga journey
Cleint Testimonial
Commonly Asked Questions for Online Yoga
Is online yoga effective?
Yes, online yoga is effective. The key factor is to find a good platform that conducts yoga sessions. Once you have connected with a yoga teacher and started regular classes, you will realise the efficacy of yoga.
Can I start yoga online?
Yes, you can start yoga online at your convenience. Fix the days and time slots that suit you for online yoga sessions and start the classes.
Are there free online yoga classes available?
Absolutely! Platforms like doyogawithme offer a vast library of free classes for all levels. However, for those with specific needs like pain management or beginners seeking safe and tailored practice, consider platforms like FlexifyMe. Their free trial allows you to experience their targeted sequences led by qualified instructors, ensuring proper form and modifications for individual needs, something free classes might not always provide.
Are online yoga courses worth it?
Yes, online yoga classes are absolutely worth it. The convenience of doing yoga from the comfort of your home and saving time is helpful. The main thing is to be regular and follow the yoga instructions carefully to get long-term benefits.
Is 20 minutes of yoga a day enough?
Yes, even 20 minutes of daily yoga can be effective, provided the exercises are followed carefully. Regular yoga, even short sessions can help achieve core strength and flexibility in the body.
Which online yoga classes are best?
There are several online yoga classes; you can choose the one you prefer:
- Flexify Me
- Yin yoga
- Hatha Yoga
- Ashtanga Yoga
- Power Yoga
How much to charge for an online yoga class?
Charges will depend on your experience level. For affordable and customised yoga classes, you can contact Flexify Me.
What are the benefits of teaching yoga online?
There are several benefits of teaching yoga online. Firstly, you can reach a wider audience. This also means a diverse group, irrespective of age, gender or other factors. Online yoga is time-saving, as classes can be scheduled at the teacher's and student’s convenience. It is cost-effective also as there are no travelling expenses.
What is the best age for yoga classes?
Yoga can start at any age, but children should start only after 5 years of age. As beginner yoga level starts with easy exercises and breathing methods, adults can begin at any age, after consulting a medical practitioner.
Are there platform features that help me track my progress?
Platforms like Flexifyme offer personal progress reports if you sign up for their yoga program. Look up the various yoga options on Flexifyme today.
Which style of yoga is best?
Every yoga style has its benefits. Some styles are good for developing core strength, some for restoration after an injury, and some like hatha yoga, are for improving breathing patterns and for stress relief. Check on the platform the various styles and choose what works for you.
What is the best free yoga app?
Flexifyme is considered among the top yoga apps which offer a free trial for beginners. With Flexify Me by your side, you can opt for yoga sessions at attractive prices.
Do online yoga platforms offer classes in Indian languages?
Yes, we at FlexifyMe offer yoga classes in Hindi and other Indian languages.
Do online yoga platforms in India offer live classes with Indian instructors?
Yes, there are numerous yoga platforms in India offering live classes with Indian instructors. Flexifyme has qualified and experienced yoga instructors who take online sessions.