11 Perks of Online Yoga

Post Author: Gillian Ebersole, Images by Tippy Dringman

There is something about taking a yoga class packed with people, uniting breaths as one, feeding off the energy of those around you. When wellness transitioned online, it brought up a lot of questions. How could this communal asana be replicated? In a lot of ways, it can’t. But online yoga offers a lot of perks that in-person yoga does not – and many of these encourage us to make our practice kinder, gentler, and more inclusive.

1) You can take class at any time of the day (or night).

 When you register for a Lila Flow livestream class on Union Fit, you have 24 hours to take it after the livestream begins. The class is yours to take as much as you want for a whole day! In addition, you can browse past classes and replay a class at any time. 

2) You can practice at your own pace.

Working on your inversions? Pause the livestream to give yourself more time to explore. You are free to work on a slower or faster vinyasa flow – take that liberty! There is no pressure to achieve a certain pace in online yoga.

3) You can jam out to your own music.

All Lila Flow classes include a playlist link for you to pull up on another device. If you don’t want to listen to music, you don’t have to play it at all. Feel free to play whatever music you like!

4) You can wear whatever you want.

When you’re doing yoga in the comfort of your own home or backyard, you can re-wear that t-shirt from yesterday and practice with no judgement. There is no need to worry about fixing your clothes or appearance – it is just you and the mat.

5) You can practice with your pets/kids/family.

There are no limits to who can participate in class! Practice Cat Pose (Majaryasana) with your kittens and Downward Dog (Adho mukha svanasana) with your puppies. Your kids can join you and follow along. Everyone is welcome!

6) You can rest or take breaks as much as you want.

If you want to stay in child’s pose (Balasana) and focus on breathing, you can do that. Online yoga classes give you the space to take any sort of break without judgement. Yoga is better with a glass of water and even a snack! And you can stay in Savanasa even after class is over.

7) You can take any alternative poses/modifications or use any props you want.

Sometimes the collective energy of a group yoga class can push us to try new poses. Sometimes that same collective energy can prevent us from listening to our own bodies. Feel free to adjust the poses as needed. Use all your props and make your body feel good!

8) Nobody is watching you.

Lila Flow believes in judgement-free yoga for everyone. This online platform gives you the freedom to be yourself in yoga class – whatever that may mean to you. Let go of the comparisons and make all the noise you want. Nobody is judging what you are wearing or how your practice looks. Take that as an invitation to let go of self-judgement as well.

9) You can make your space your own.

Since many are still confined to their private spaces, consider a little yoga remodel. Decorate your area with candles, dim the lights, use some essential oils. Bring all your plants near your mat or practice outdoors. Your space is so important. Let yoga bring some peace into your home.

10) You don’t have to drive or commute to class.

Roll out of bed right before class. Take a walk around the block. Drag your mat to your living room. It’s all right here. 

11)Mask free

A coronavirus bonus – online yoga allows you to practice without a mask and frees you from the worry of social distancing. Enjoy your breathwork (Pranayama) to the fullest extent.

What’s your favorite part about online yoga? Leave a comment and let us know!