Trying to fit home workouts into a new isolation lifestyle can feel like a lot of pressure, especially if there are one too many friends bragging about their new routines on Instagram, but you don’t have to undertake crazy cardio or HIIT to keep fit. Online yoga classes have been helping me get exercise into my daily routine for years. Just throw down a mat (or a towel if you don’t have one, just watch your knees), grab a pair of leggings and settle in for a session of calming exercise, where the challenge is what you make it.
Yoga is also the perfect form of exercise for these tumultuous times, as you can practice mindful breathing and meditation, helping to calm down an anxious mind.
How do you take care of your mental health during the Coronavirus pandemic?
There are also a lot of benefits to at-home practice, as Chatty Dobson, owner of FLEX Chelsea studio says: “Without a class full of other students you become a lot more focused on yourself; your own breath, how you feel. With no instructor physically in the room, there are no hands-on adjustments, so you have to rely upon yourself to become more aware of your body, your positioning, your alignment. Yoga is a mind-body connection, and now that the mind is free of additional distractions, it becomes much easier to focus on that connection.”
Whether you’re a complete beginner who’s never tried yoga before and are thinking this might be a good time or are a seasoned yogi desperately missing your go-to yoga studio in London, you’re in luck – there’s absolutely an option for everyone, from luxe studios who are taking to free Instagram lives to showcase their skills to one-to-one trainers coming at you from across the globe with a personal routine, beginner’s tutorial programs on YouTube to relaxing yin yoga with your favourite cult fitness brands.
A top tip? If you want to get your Instagram live on your Mac or laptop screen, so you can see those moves a little better, you’ll need to download a free Google Chrome extension.
The O.G. online yoga sensation, Yoga With Adriene is the YouTube channel with a whole wealth of programs to get you started – whether you’re brand new or are back to do 30 Days of Yoga for the umpteenth time. This Texan yogi will put a smile on your face and has a whole range of videos for different abilities, from learning individual postures to programs targeting specific muscles and areas, Adriene’s your gal.
Cost: Free
One of London’s best yoga studios, FLYLDN may have gained fame for their immersive screens and gorgeous settings, but their teachers are also top-notch, and now offering an entirely free daily program of yoga on Instagram lives. From their signature dynamic FLOW45 vinyasa to candle-lit CHILL classes with their head of yoga Fi, it’s that extra push you need to get out of bed in the morning. Plus, they’re also now expanding to YouTube.
Cost: Free
New fitness studio FLEX Chelsea have always had yoga on their class roster, but now they’re adapting to these new times by bringing it online via Zoom calls. You can use your Classpass credits or book through their timetable as normal, picking from their Power, Chill, Revive and Yin options. Revive is perfect for people returning to the mat and working out old injuries or feeling a little out of the fitness loop at this time. Each 60 minute class fee goes towards supporting their self-employed trainers at this difficult time.
Cost: £5 per class
While you can’t experience the wonderful zen feeling of stepping (bare) foot into one of triyoga’s studios right now, you can get the experience from your own living room, making sure not to miss your weekly session with your favourite experienced guru or instructor. From ashtanga to pregnancy yoga, triyoga are offering a full spread of their usual program, so there’s something for everyone and their usual “levels” make it clear who each professional class is aimed at.
Cost: £9 per class with a 10 class bundle option for £70
One of the best yoga apps available, HelloYoga offers the unique experience of one-to-one yoga classes with tutors all over the globe. Select a time, flow style and instructor that suits you, then simply tune in for a personalised class. They may not be able to make adjustments through a screen, but if you’re after perfecting your technique and learning from international experts this is definitely the option for you.
Cost: Free for a 7 day trial before classes are available in packs – 2 for £39, 4 for £49 or a cost-saving 6 for £89.
Hit fitness studio Core Collective were priming their online subscription service at just the right time, and have launched a brilliant service of classes just in time for your at-home workouts. Their yoga classes range from Power Yoga (expect a fast flow and some real strength-building) to relaxing yin, and my personal favourite, with panic that working at home is inducing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, a specific shoulder opener video – all you’ll need is a mat and a block.
Cost: Free for a 7 day trial before £12.99 a month or £9.99 for an annual subscription.
Known for their cult spin classes and Reshape offering, 1Rebel gyms have now launched their own at-home workout service called Rebel TV, but they also have yoga classes available. Supplementing their more dynamic workouts, their yoga classes help to build additional strength and stretch you out good and proper.
Cost: Free for your first five day trial, then £15.99 a month with a £25.99 3 month saver plan available.
Yogi2Me usually offers an amazing service of sending a certified instructor to your door to tailor a class to you. However, needs must, and they’ve now adapted their service to function similarly online, booking classes as normal and providing a streaming link. Think personal attention and advice, no matter your level, customised to you. They’re also running a free daily class with suggested donations to Beder charity, mixing it up with a different daily schedule!
Cost: Free once a day with suggested donations to Beder charity, or from £24 for their normal one-to-one instructor time online.
Source Credit: Glamour Magazine
