Having taught live, online Dru Yoga for almost a fortnight I wanted to share some tips on getting the most out of your Zoom classes.

A big thank you to everyone who has taken part and to those who’ve taken the time to share their experience of what it’s like as a student.

I look forward to practicing Dru Yoga together soon.

Test everything out before joining your first class.  It’s always good to have a practice run to see if the technology is working and you feel comfortable, etc.  You could try ‘meeting’ with a friend or family member using Zoom - even if it’s just from another room in the same house as you!  Can you see the screen clearly, do you need to turn the brightness up, can you be seen clearly, do you more lighting?

Check the space.  You need to be somewhere quiet, where you won’t be disturbed and that gives you enough room to move.  It’s a good idea to stretch your arms out in all directions to check that you’re not going to hit the ceiling, table or wardrobe.  Try out using a yoga mat, if the room you’re using has a comfortable carpet you might find that the mat slips around and you’re happier without.

Be bright, be seen. Make sure that there’s a good source of light in front of you – from a window as the days lengthen or a lamp - so that you can be seen. If the light is just overhead or behind, you’ll may well be in darkness and therefore harder to see.

Avoid distractions. Be sure to turn your phone or device onto ‘silent’ and/or ‘do not disturb’ to avoid phone calls or alerts during the class.  Do this for both the device you’re using to join the class as well as any others.  (Of course, there may be times you need to be contactable and keep your phone on.  That’s fine.)

Save your passwords. These classes are set up as recurring meetings, which means the links and passwords will be the same each week. So save these details from the email you receive from me confirming your spot in class.

Be on time. Just as you would with an in-person class, please try to be prompt; arrive a few minutes early to check-in and get settled.  This way I can start on time and no-one need miss out.

Choose how to watch.  You can view the class in ‘Speaker View’ (you only see me or whomever is speaking) or ‘Gallery View’ (you see everyone taking part in the class).  I would suggest ‘Speaker View’ will be both easier to see me and far less distracting.

I can see you, so can everyone else.  I will be watching in ‘Gallery View’ so I can see you and how you’re getting along with the postures.  Other people may be able to see you too, either when you speak or if they watch in ‘Gallery View’.  So, take note of anything you wish to keep private when choosing the space you’re going to use to practice in.  (Yes, you can turn video off) but for safety reasons I need to be able to see you doing the practice.)

I can’t hear you.  I will mute all students taking part in the class before we start, this is so that you can concentrate on my voice without distraction.  I will unmute you at times to check-in to see how you’re getting on.  If you have any questions or concerns during the class, raise and wave your hand.  And if I ask any yes/no questions whilst teaching and you want to respond, simply signal with a thumbs up or thumbs down.

Let your family, friends or housemates know. You don’t want someone interrupting you in the middle of class, so let anyone who’s in the house know not to disturb you during your yoga. (You could pop a sign on the door to remind them).  And if possible, ask someone to play minder to any children or pets who will be absolutely desperate to wonder in and distract you! (Given half a chance, my sausage dog Lennie will always try to join in with my yoga practice).

Play your own music.  I can’t play music during the classes because Zoom is cleverly designed to focus on speech and filter out background noise.  So, any music I did play would either be removed or sound very, very odd.  I will look to create a suggested playlist that you could put on during the class.  In the meantime, play whatever feels right. Just make sure you can still hear me.

Share the benefits. Anyone who takes part in the class needs to complete a Health Questionnaire beforehand.  This is both to keep you all safe and to comply with my insurance.  So, whilst I would encourage you to invite friends and family to take part, please don’t invite them to do the class along with you, without having registered with me first.

Keep in touch. Let me know how you’re getting on. Tell me what worked well, what could be better, what you want more of, and if there any specific challenges (physical, mental or emotional) you’d like yoga to help with.  That way I can ensure the class is meeting all your needs.  Send me an email. And if you haven’t already, sign up for my monthly newsletter and follow me on Facebook.