For the past few years, I have been teaching online for group yoga classes as well as personal yoga lessons. Each new student has questions about how to make the most of their online yoga session. Online yoga is great, but it can present some unique challenges when it comes to trying to get close to that “in the studio” feel.

So here are my 7 steps to reduce the number of distractions that may pull you out of the yoga experience.

1. Find a space in your home or office that is big enough to lay out your yoga mat. (Don’t have a mat yet? No problem, a beach towel can work as well, just be careful not to slip.) It can be anywhere, a bedroom, living room, office space, kitchen or hallway.
2. You will need to be able to stretch your arms up while standing, and while laying on your back. Got space for that? Might need to move some things around.
3. In this space you will want to find a place to set up your laptop, tablet, or phone where you can see it while practicing. Many people place it at the front of their mat on the floor. Make sure you have all the necessary apps/downloads/whatever you need to access the class from the device you use.
4. Plan out what you will wear. Clothing should be comfortable but somewhat form-fitting so it won’t get in the way and distract while you practice.
5. Plan out the time you will practice. This will help you choose which class you want to sign up for.
6. If you have children or pets, make a plan for them too. You will want to practice without distractions, so consider what they might need as well so that you will not be interrupted.
7. In the hours before you practice, drink plenty of water, and consider what food you eat. Heavy food will make you feel uncomfortable and lethargic. If you fast, you might feel fuzzy and drained. A light meal an hour or two before practice is best. If you aren’t sure what to do in this case, please ask. As a support group, we are here to help you succeed!

That’s it!

Thanks for reading. Taking just a few moments to prepare before class will take your yoga practice from okay to great to perfect, just like a studio class.