Zoom Tips for Live Online Yoga on Zoom

Scroll down for Yoga Props

Zoom is a web-based video conferencing platform.

It’s easy to use and ideal for a live, online yoga class where we can practice together in the comfort of our surroundings.

HOW DO I ACCESS THE CLASS?

  • You’ll be notified via email 24 hours and 60 minutes before the session’s scheduled start time. The email will contain a Zoom link you can click when you’re ready to join.

  • Add jeannine@studio71yoga.com to your contacts list to ensure you receive the emails. This will prevent them from landing in your spam folder.

WHAT ELECTRONIC DEVICE WILL I NEED?

  • You can access Zoom from a desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone.

  • You should use a device with a bigger screen, like a desktop or laptop, to get a better view of the teacher (me).

  • If you’re using a device with a smaller screen, consider using “mirroring” to display the video on a larger TV monitor.

What about my INTERNET CONNECTIOn?

  • Verifying that your internet connection is stable before using Zoom is essential. If you’re unsure about the capabilities of your broadband, please contact your internet provider to determine if your network can support Zoom.

NEVER USED ZOOM?

  • Before joining Studio 71 Yoga live classes, download the free Zoom app on your device. If you’re using an iPad or smartphone, you can find the app “Zoom Cloud Meetings” in the App Store. For computers and laptops, go to zoom.us on your browser.

  • Once you’ve downloaded the app, create a free account by following the instructions provided by Zoom.

  • To explore the features, you can host a meeting with only yourself as the participant.

    • To do this, select “Host a Meeting” and choose “With Video On.” Once the system is ready, you’ll be connected to the meeting. Click on the video camera icon to start the video and adjust the settings for a better experience.

  • You can click on the link provided in the notification/reminder that will be sent to you at least 60 minutes before the start of the class. This link will take you to the Zoom web page, where you can download the app for your device.

BEFORE THE CLASS

  • Find a suitable space for your yoga practice with ample room to move around safely, good lighting, and minimal interruptions. Please read the Disclaimer before proceeding.

  • Collect any necessary yoga props and accessories as listed below (see Yoga Props).

  • For optimal viewing, position your device horizontally with the long side parallel to your yoga mat.

  • To ensure the best experience during your class, place your device on a table, chair, or stand at hip height, approximately 8-10 feet away from the edge of your mat.

  • Adjust the angle of your device screen so that you are visible from your feet to your head while sitting or standing, and ensure that you can see the screen clearly. If needed, you can adjust the tilt of your device screen during the class.

  • It’s best to position yourself where you can easily hear the sound from your device.

  • Ensure your device is fully charged or easily plugged in to recharge.

  • Please set your device(s) to DO NOT DISTURB mode to minimize distractions and disturbances.

  • To ensure you’re visible on the screen, it’s best to have a light source facing you rather than behind you.

  • Familiarize yourself with the video settings (Speaker View, Gallery View), test the audio settings (speaker, microphone mute), and practice muting and unmuting yourself by clicking the red microphone icon.

JOIN AND PARTICIPATE IN THE ONLINE CLASS

  • Before joining the class, prepare your practice space. Adjust the lighting in the room so you are visible on the screen. If you have a dark background, wearing light-coloured clothing is helpful, and vice versa.

  • Roughly 15 minutes before the class begins, click the Zoom link in your email and follow the instructions on the screen.

  • To ensure the safety and security of the virtual online space, you will be placed in a Zoom “Waiting Room” until you are manually granted access to the Zoom “meeting” by the teacher (me).

  • TURN ON YOUR VIDEO & AUDIO by clicking the respective icons.

  • Once the class/session begins, I may be unable to help with technical issues, so familiarize yourself with Zoom and sign in early.

    • If you lose connection during class at any time, as sometimes happens, you can rejoin the class by clicking on the link again in the email.

  • To interact with fellow yogis, select “Gallery View” and switch to “Speaker View” when the class begins, especially if your device has a smaller screen.

  • During savasana (Corpse Pose), I will mute each student’s microphone to minimize disturbances.

  • After the class, the Zoom room will remain open for 5-10 minutes for questions. However, you can leave at any time by simply ending the meeting.

  • Please note that classes are not recorded, and recording any classes or sessions is not allowed.

SET YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS

Prepare with good intentions and be gentle with your expectations.

If you have a “tech frustration moment,” BREATHE.

  • Be patient, be flexible, explore options, and access your resources (inner and outer).

If something doesn’t work, BREATHE.

  • Try again, refresh, or log out and in again.

If nothing seems to work, BREATHE.

  • And restart your device.

Yoga Props and Accessories

At Studio 71 Yoga, in-person yoga classes/workshops, yoga mats, props and accessories are provided at no extra cost for your ease and comfort.

Props have a few main functions, and in general they:

  • Enable you to practice a pose with more comfort and ease;

  • Assist with functional alignment in a pose based on your body;

  • Provide a sense of grounding and anchoring.

When participating in live online yoga classes or practicing at home, you can often use items you already have, like blankets, pillows, rolled towels, or stacked books. However, since we will likely continue our live online classes for the foreseeable future, you should consider investing in better-quality props and accessories.

One essential item is a good-quality sticky yoga mat.

Additionally, there are some non-essential items to consider:

  • Blocks: Two (2) blocks of the 4” size. The smaller 3” blocks can also be helpful for yin yoga classes. Cork and wood are natural options but are often expensive and quite heavy. Foam blocks are inexpensive and softer on the body. Stacked books of the same size and weight are another option.

  • Blankets: Two (2) firm blankets. High-quality cotton, wool, or Mexican blankets are ideal. Soft, fluffy thermal blankets are okay, but only to cover up.

  • Belt: One (1) 8-foot-long, 2-inch wide, D-ring yoga belt. The 6-foot-long belt is also okay but often too short for many of us. A housecoat belt or something similar can also work well in a pinch.

  • Bolster(s): One or two firm rectangular or round bolsters (they each have different advantages and sizes). If you Google “Make your yoga bolster,” you’ll find several videos that might be helpful.

  • Eye Pillow: One (1) lightweight silk- or cotton-covered eye pillow. A little weight on the eyes and forehead allows for a more profound, fuller relaxation in savasana (Corpse Pose).

Please make your props or order them well before you need them to avoid disappointment. If you choose to invest in any of the items listed above, below are some leading Canadian suppliers:

  • b, halfmoon: This is a favourite supplier of yoga props and accessories.“We are inventors, makers and curators of the best yoga and meditation products. We hand make yoga bolsters, meditation cushions, and other beautiful props in Burnaby, Canada, where we fill them with natural materials and send them out the door to you.”

  • Healthy Life Cycle: Yoga and Meditation Props and Home Decor, particularly Yogavni products such as eye pillows, Mexican blankets, standard/small round bolsters, and inspirational banners.