In the last two weeks, our society has changed in immeasurable and unbelievable ways – we’ve closed up shops, we’ve locked down communities, and here at ECY, we’ve taken yoga online!
Teaching online has never been a part of what we do at Edinburgh Community Yoga – so much of our work and passion is about face to face interaction, community building and relationships between students and teachers, but we also pride ourselves on our ability to be open-minded and progressive, and our commitment to making yoga accessible to many is more important than our nerves about teaching online.
We’re so glad to be able to offer affordable, live classes with passionate and experienced teachers during these uncertain and trying days. You can check out our timetable here, and please get in touch if you have any questions (admin@edinburghcommunityyoga.co.uk). In the meantime, we have collated 10 reasons why online yoga classes are great! Without further ado….
1. It’s cheaper!
We’ve tried our utmost to make these online classes as affordable and accessible as possible, and have implemented a sliding pay scale – you can choose between three options, no questions asked, depending on how much you can afford. All of our classes are offered at £10, £5 or £1, and we encourage students to pay what they can.
2. No need to travel!
We all know how crazy the Edinburgh roads can get – with rush hour, roadworks, closed streets, it can be a stressful endeavour to make it to your yoga class on time – well no need to worry about that, you can practice in the comfort of your own home.
3. It’s environmentally friendly
With all that reduced travel to and from the studio, we as a society are cutting our carbon emissions monumentally, and are contributing towards the fight against climate change. The heating and lighting usage has decreased, meaning that we are using less energy and not wasting as much.
4. No need to rush
Since most of us are spending a lot of time at home, we don’t have to be rushing to get to yoga – you have time to schedule a class that works for you, and plan your day to make sure you have time to practice. If there’s a class you’ve always wanted to go to, but haven’t found the time, then now is your chance!
5. You can wear whatever you like!
All of our classes take place on Zoom, where you can choose whether your camera is on, so that the teacher can see you. If you prefer not to have your camera on, then feel free to practice in your comfiest, rattiest pyjamas – we’ll be none the wiser and your savasana will be extra comfy!
6. You can still say hi to your yoga pals & your teacher
If you do choose to have your camera on, you’ll have the chance to chat with your fellow students and teacher at the beginning and end of the class. We’re so keen to keep the community spirit of our classes alive, so your teacher will always be available for a chat before and after class, plus you can email us with any queries or thoughts (admin@edinburghcommunityyoga.co.uk).
7. You can choose your own playlist
A lot of our teachers love to play music throughout their in-person classes – it helps to create a relaxed atmosphere, it gives us something to focus on as we practice, and it can be an important part of our yoga. In the online classes, our teachers will not be playing music as it makes the audio a little iffy, so you are more than welcome to play your own choice of music. Once the class begins, all students audio will be muted by the teacher, so no-one will be able to hear you, and you can choose whatever you like, from Britney Spears to Metallica! (just joking, we recommend something relaxed like this!)
8. You can use the wall!
If you need extra support when seated, why not use some handy wall space in your own home! Most of the time in a public class, there is not enough wall space to provide everyone with room, but that’s not a problem any more! You can use the wall for support in loads of different poses, and you could even take Viparita Karani (or legs up the wall) for an extra lovely savasana!
9. You can support your community
By choosing to practice online with ECY, you are helping us to stay afloat in these uncertain times – every penny that we make through our live classes goes towards keeping our organisation running, so that we can bring yoga to people who need it. If you are a student or follower of our work, this is the best way to support us and help us to maintain the amazing community of teachers and students that we have cultivated over the last 5 years.
10. You can start a home practice
Something we hear from students all the time, is that they want to start a home yoga practice, but don’t know where to begin! Well these online classes are the perfect transition – you get used to practicing in your own home, finding a little nook somewhere to lay down your mat, but have the guidance and support of your regular teachers to help you know what to do. The practice can become truly embedded in your everyday life, less as something abstract and detached from the struggles of work, parenthood etc. and more as something that exists in everything you do.
We really hope that you can find the good in this situation, and enjoy practicing online with us. We can’t wait to get back to the studio for face to face classes, but in the meantime, we look forward to seeing you in the virtual world!