Doing Zoom Yoga: Know This…

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Millions of people literally overnight have started doing what I call “Zoom yoga.” With the pandemic, leading yoga studios like mine are looking at months of closure. This new reality has led yoga teachers to think outside of the box about how to continue to serve their communities. In this new normal, Livestream yoga classes are now simply a click away. And it’s not just yoga—it’s everything from dance, to Pilates, weight training, painting, and so much more… 

I’ve been using this time to practice on Zoom with some of my favorite teachers as well as teaching my own classes. I know it can’t be easy for everyone who is juggling work from home, keeping up with chores, trying to maintain a routine in this new normal, and maybe even homeschooling kids at the same time. So, I’m giving you some zero-fuss, easy hacks to make sure you get the best and most out of your time doing Livestream Zoom yoga with us. 

Tip 1: Schedule ahead of time 

THIS is gold. I know you want to feel healthier, happier, and more grounded during this time. The easiest way to get yourself to commit is to book your classes ahead of time. I don’t mean a few hours or a day ahead. I’m suggesting a week in advance, if possible, and definitely at least 48 hours ahead. 

You’ll notice two things will happen: You’ll feel instantly better as you know your “wellness appointment” with yourself is already scheduled. And, more importantly, you can arrange everything else you do around this. Today I was reading Marie Forleo’s book, Everything Is Figureoutable, and I really resonated with everything she wrote about the choice we have every day to make decisions or to make excuses. 

Tip 2: Deeply connect with the “why” 

Knowing the “why” behind everything you do is key. We do a great job of this in many aspects of our lives but may fall short when prioritizing things for ourselves. A lot of women I meet are guilty of this. Are you someone who loves to give—to your children, your partner, your loved ones? But who’s taking care of you? 

For me, my “why” has always been my mother. Ten months ago, she passed away, but before that, she spent many decades struggling with health issues. I always wished growing up that she had made herself a priority—and, even more deeply, I wish I could have helped her sooner to take time for herself. It’s important for us women, especially, to create space in our lives for spending time just with ourselves, away from the rest of the world, and with opportunities to connect with like-minded beings.  

But regardless of gender, we all need to find our “why.” And I urge you to go beyond, “I want to lose weight” or “I want to be healthier”—those are outer wishes. I want you to dig deeper and look at what’s underneath those aspirations. What’s really at stake if you don’t commit now? If, 10 years into the future, you could look back at yourself today, what would you wish you had done differently.

Don’t wait for your life to be perfect to get started.

Tip 3: Stop shopping around 

There’s SO much noise online now. Especially in the fitness and wellness space. It’s easy to become numb and overwhelmed with all the choices out there. Do yourself a favor: Pick one or two yoga instructors, or a single yoga studio—or something else completely—and stop hopping around from one workout to the next. This will help you drown out all the noise and distractions. It’s also better for your mind and body to pick a couple of things and go deep instead of broad and shallow. 

More importantly, by focusing you’ll become a part of a virtual community and that is priceless in times like these. 

Tip 4: Reward yourself (literally)—but do it wisely 

I learned this from Gretchen Rubin: She talks about the ways that rewards can be productive or not. I’ve been trying to adopt and use this strategy. An unhelpful reward is ultimately counterproductive, but a well-thought-out reward will help you attain your goals. It’s best if the reward is related to what you’re doing and the all-important why. For example—doing an hour of yoga and then eating a big bowl of ice cream right after as a “reward” defeats a part of the purpose. Whereas, doing a few yoga classes a week for a month and, say, rewarding yourself by ordering a better yoga mat or a cute pair of yoga pants will help you commit more strongly to your ultimate purpose. 

Let me end with this: We’re living through unprecedented times. The world is changing right before our eyes. While it’s a painful time for so many, it’s also a time for us to really focus on wellness because this will help us cope better both day-to-day and in the long term, whatever the future holds. Livestream yoga classes are perfect for this. You will help save a small, local business. You will invest in yourself and, in return, that benefit will extend to your family and community 🙂 

So, if you’re ready to jump in, here are details for how to join us for Livestream yoga classes right away 🙂