Why sign up for a yoga class if there’s so much free yoga online? I think this is a valid question considering the amount of video content out there. You can find a class of any type of yoga, any duration and for any level of experience on social media. So why do you have to pay to go to a yoga class anymore?
Here are 4 reasons you might consider:
A dedicated time for your practice
If you have tried practicing at home using a prerecorded video you know that it is actually quite hard to do it consistently. Because the option is always there, it is never a priority and can easily be pushed back by other things in our day. While if you have signed up for a yoga course, either online or in-person, you need to show up at a certain time and it is less likely to skip classes.
Motivation and Community
Yoga classes can be a great way to boost motivation and build community. Being around others with similar goals can be inspiring. It can significantly boost your confidence and motivation and can foster a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of isolation.
Challenge
One of the goals of yoga is to introduce us to new ways of moving, standing, breathing, relaxing.. And this can be uncomfortable simply because of the novelty. As we generally tend to avoid discomfort, doing yoga on our own might mean we only choose to do the things we like and do well already. And this means that yoga is not serving us well. We need a challenge to grow and to change ineffective or harmful patterns of movement.
Guidance and Feedback
For me, the most valuable aspect of attending a yoga class is the personalised guidance and feedback you get from the teacher. Having someone observe your practice allows them to identify areas where you can improve and deepen your understanding of the poses, and prevent potential injuries. A teacher who can actually see you can provide modifications and adjustments tailored to your needs and limitations.
Practicing yoga in a live class provides an irreplaceable level of interaction and personalised support that can significantly enhance your experience.
Related articles:
How Yoga Helps Us Move in a More Coordinated Way
Celebrating slow movement in a fast paced world
The story my knees have to tell
