Hello everyone

I hope you’re all keeping well and safe. And that means looking after your mental health as well as your physical well-being. Losing gigs, being isolated and fearing infection as well as the future can do a lot to dent your mental and emotional state – so please, look after yourself, keep in touch with others via phone / email / online chats, and seek help if you need it.  It’s becoming a bit of a cliché, but “we are living through extraordinary times”.

I know many people are turning to online health videos to maintain fitness practices at home.  There are some excellent yoga videos and they range from simple to quite advanced.  I’d like to set out some pointers so that you can practice safely in the comfort of your home, whether you are in isolation or not.

1. Do some background research

Don’t just go with the first video / teacher you find online.  Read any feedback by others, find out the teacher’s background and qualifications.  As you know with singing as well, not all great practitioners are good teachers! Try a few different styles and teachers and find one that really feels comfortable with you.  See if there are particular teachers who may have a singing background or good awareness of the needs of performers. Happy for you to contact me if you would like me to “assess” based on your personal needs.

Yoga instructors have had setbacks similar to performers in that their work in studios and gyms have been decimated by COVID.  Many have taken their teachings online.  See if your favourite teacher has started doing this. Take time to wade through the numerous offerings out there.  Remember, it is a livelihood for many, so be wary of those who are just out to make money!  Make sure they are qualified teachers.

2. Check the level and style

Even if you find a really good teacher, chances are, they aren’t teaching at a level that is appropriate for what you need.  This is particularly so if you’re only starting off, or have any medical conditions that need attention. This includes injuries, existing conditions, and pregnancy. You may be able to “chat” with a teacher to see if there are any contraindications (“things you shouldn’t do”) with any conditions you have. You can also message me and ask, too!

Style – well, there’s a lot, and each teacher has their own style. And some styles are technically quite difficult. For example, I wouldn’t jump into an Ashtanga practice if you haven’t been introduced and instructed in person (but it is a wonderful form if you are experienced!).  Read up on the different styles.

3. Note the differences

You may have noticed that different teachers have different ways of teaching. They may also have different instructions which may seem confusing. Often there is no RIGHT way of doing things.  If you stick to the fundamentals such as always breathing freely and avoiding pain (as opposed to discomfort), you should learn to adapt to different styles and teachers if you want to mix them up. One teacher may say to breathe in while you do a movement / pose; another teacher may say to breathe out.

I would warn against teachers who are ADAMANT that they are doing the RIGHT thing and that others are WRONG, if they don’t have anatomical knowledge and good experience. Remember, each person has their own practice (that includes you, not just the teachers). Teachers should be open to people adapting practices to their own needs.  At the same time, any major modifications to a practice may merit from having a teacher “have a look” to ensure it is still a safe, effective practice.

4. Online and virtual but not robots

Good instructors will allow for feedback and questions, either in the session or through other methods. We’re not automated bots. Don’t be shy, ask! We are here to help, to spread well-being.  That is, I hope that’s the intention by most.

5. ALWAYS do what feels right for you, right now

This isn’t just for virtual practices. Whether you’re following a video or practicing in a studio with a teacher, make sure that it feels right for you – level, style, teacher.  Yoga may require discipline and a level of discomfort, but it should never be painful in a way that can lead to injury. Let teachers know of any injuries or conditions before you start; even check with your doctor, personal trainers, physios if you can. If you don’t feel well, you don’t need to push yourself to do a physical yoga class.  Maybe it’s enough to sit quietly and meditate – that’s yoga, too. And remember: some of the more challenging poses such as arm balances and inversions, whilst having their own benefits, are not MANDATORY in a yoga practice. It’s not a competition; it’s not about being able to do something, it’s the journey.

6. Keep it going!

Regular practices are good to keep you disciplined and focused during these times. Even 15 minutes set aside each day to do something along the lines of yoga, stretch or meditation is beneficial, and takes you away from the more mental or mundane activities you need to do each day.  Keep moving, keep warm (or cool, depending on where you are – it’s winter here where I am), keep hydrated, eat good foods (everything in moderation), treat yourself now and then (yes! very important) and keep positive.

ENJOY!