Teaching Yoga Online: The Ultimate Guide for Yoga Teachers

The best practices that help you create an impactful online yoga teaching experience.

Conducting successful and engaging online yoga classes requires careful planning and adaptation. Here are some tips and tricks that you can take into consideration while setting up your online business:

1. Create a Professional Teaching Space:

• Background: Choose a clean, clutter-free background. A plain wall or a minimalistic setting works best to avoid distractions. Ensure your yoga mat fits on the screen in case you need to show a certain asana.
• Props and Setup: Have all necessary props (blocks, straps, cushions) within reach. Demonstrating during online live sessions is optional; I personally prefer to guide students with my voice and not pause the class in order to show something.
• Lighting and Audio: Use natural light whenever possible; however, if I had to to choose where to invest, I would go for the lights first. Ensure your audio setup is clear and free from background noise, using a microphone if necessary to enhance voice clarity.

2. Invest in Quality Equipment:

• Camera: Use a high-definition camera to ensure clear video quality, especially if you do pre-recorded sessions. Position it to capture your entire body during the practice.
• Back-up Memory Card: Keep at least one back-up memory card if you do pre-recorded sessions or film online courses.
• Back-up Camera Charger: A must-have if you plan long hours of filming.
• Microphone: A good-quality microphone will ensure your voice is clear and instructions are easily heard. Consider using a wireless headset for better mobility. (It's okay if you are not ready to invest in an expensive microphone; I actually recommend you not buy a fancy one if you are just starting; instead, you can purchase a $20 small microphone and voice over your filmed classes during the post-production stage.).
• Lighting: Ensure your space is well-lit. Natural light is ideal, but if that's not possible, use soft, bright lights to illuminate your teaching area.
• Wi-Fi: Ensure you have very stable Wi-Fi if you stream live classes.

3. Plan and Structure Your Classes:

• Class Outline: Regardless of your class type, prepare a detailed class plan. Proper preparations will help you avoid delays, especially during pre-recorded sessions. 
• Theme: Consider having a theme for each class, whether it's a specific focus on a body part, a type of practice (e.g., Vinyasa, Yin), or an intention (e.g., relaxation, energy boost).

4. Use Technology Effectively:

• Platform: Choose a reliable platform (Zoom, Skype, Google Meet) that suits your needs. Familiarise yourself with its features like screen sharing, muting, music sharing, and breakout rooms.
• Recording: Consider recording your sessions (with student consent) for those who can't attend live or for future reference. Ensure you have enough space on your Cloud or computer to record your sessions.

5. Engage with Your Students:

• Pre-Class Interaction: Start the session a few minutes early to greet students as they join. This helps create a welcoming atmosphere.
• Feedback: Encourage students to ask questions and provide feedback during and after the class. Use this to make adjustments and improvements.
• Personalisation: Address students by name and offer personalised modifications and encouragements.

6. Promote Your Classes:

• Social Media: Marketing is your key to success. Please don't sit and expect that people will show up. Actively use platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube to promote your classes. Share highlights, testimonials, and short videos of your online classes and courses.
• Mailing List: Maintaining an email list is another key to your success. It is a great way to create a loyal client database and another opportunity to sell your upcoming classes, workshops, and events.

7. Continual Improvement:

• Feedback Loop: Regularly seek feedback from your students about what they enjoy and what could be improved. 
• Professional Development: Invest in ongoing education and training to enhance your skills and knowledge.

Teaching yoga online can be incredibly rewarding, offering flexibility and the chance to connect with a diverse community. With the right approach, you can create a meaningful and impactful virtual yoga experience that resonates with students across the globe. Adapting to the digital space not only enhances your professional growth but also enriches the lives of your students.

Remember that you are making changes in people's lives, bringing a positive impact into this world through the power of yoga.