The 7 best online yoga classes to help boost your mental health as we head into a second lockdown
Lockdown 2.0 is upon us and this time we're far more prepared. As our favourite gyms sadly close again and the weather turns more wintry (throwing our outdoor workouts out of the window), it's time to take up a plethora of at-home workouts.
As many of us learnt last time around, trying to fit home workouts into a new isolation lifestyle can feel like a lot of pressure, especially if there are one too many friends bragging about their new routines on Instagram, but you don't have to undertake crazy cardio or HIIT to keep fit. Online yoga classes are the ideal way to squeeze some exercise into your daily routine for years. Just throw down a mat (or a towel if you don't have one, just watch your knees), grab a pair of leggings and settle in for a session of calming exercise, where the challenge is what you make it.
Yoga is also the perfect form of exercise for these tumultuous times, as you can practice mindful breathing and meditation, helping to calm down an anxious mind.
There are also a lot of benefits to at-home practice, as Chatty Dobson, owner of FLEX Chelsea studio, says: "Without a class full of other students you become a lot more focused on yourself; your own breath, how you feel. With no instructor physically in the room, there are no hands-on adjustments, so you have to rely upon yourself to become more aware of your body, your positioning, your alignment. Yoga is a mind-body connection, and now that the mind is free of additional distractions, it becomes much easier to focus on that connection."
Whether you're a complete beginner who's never tried yoga before and are thinking this might be a good time or are a seasoned yogi desperately missing your go-to yoga studio in London, you're in luck - there's absolutely an option for everyone, from luxe studios who are taking to free Instagram lives to showcase their skills to one-to-one trainers coming at you from across the globe with a personal routine, beginner's tutorial programs on YouTube to relaxing yin yoga with your favourite cult fitness brands.
A top tip? If you want to get your Instagram live on your Mac or laptop screen, so you can see those moves a little better, you'll need to download a free Google Chrome extension. Namaste.
Yoga With Adriene
The O.G. online yoga sensation, Yoga With Adriene is the YouTube channel with a whole wealth of programs to get you started - whether you're brand new or are back to do 30 Days of Yoga for the umpteenth time. This Texan yogi will put a smile on your face and has a whole range of videos for different abilities, from learning individual postures to programs targeting specific muscles and areas, Adriene's your gal.
Cost: Free
FLY LDN Online
One of London's best yoga studios, FLYLDN may have gained fame for their immersive screens and gorgeous settings, but their teachers are also top-notch. The subscription-based, virtual platform featuring an extensive, on-demand workout library and daily live classes costs £9.99 a month.
Cost: £9.99 a month
triyoga Zoom
While you can't experience the wonderful zen feeling of stepping (bare) foot into one of triyoga's studios right now, you can get the experience from your own living room, making sure not to miss your weekly session with your favourite experienced guru or instructor. From ashtanga to pregnancy yoga, triyoga are offering a full spread of their usual program, so there's something for everyone and their usual "levels" make it clear who each professional class is aimed at.
Cost: £9 per class with a 10 class bundle option for £70
HelloYoga App
One of the best yoga apps available, HelloYoga offers the unique experience of one-to-one yoga classes with tutors all over the globe. Select a time, flow style and instructor that suits you, then simply tune in for a personalised class. They may not be able to make adjustments through a screen, but if you're after perfecting your technique and learning from international experts this is definitely the option for you.
Cost: Free for a 7 day trial before classes are available in packs - 2 for £39, 4 for £49 or a cost-saving 6 for £89.
Core Collective CCTV
Hit fitness studio Core Collective were priming their online subscription service at just the right time, and have launched a brilliant service of classes just in time for your at-home workouts. Their yoga classes range from Power Yoga (expect a fast flow and some real strength-building) to relaxing yin, and my personal favourite, with panic that working at home is inducing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, a specific shoulder opener video - all you'll need is a mat and a block.
Cost: The annual price is £90 per year for CCTV membership. Monthly unlimited access can also be purchased for £10 per month.
1Rebel Rebel TV
Known for their cult spin classes and Reshape offering, 1Rebel gyms have now launched their own at-home workout service called Rebel TV, but they also have yoga classes available. Supplementing their more dynamic workouts, their yoga classes help to build additional strength and stretch you out good and proper.
Cost: Free for your first five day trial, then £15.99 a month with a £25.99 3 month saver plan available.
