We all know the benefits that a regular yoga practice can bring you, like improved sleep and mood, increased mental function, better bodily flexibility and mobility, and deeper spirituality. But, are there differences between taking online classes versus traditional in-person ones?
This guide will explain what you can expect from each modality of yoga class and help you make informed choices about enrolling in a class, as well as what to look for in yoga studios, schools, and teachers so you can practice yoga in the ways that work best for you.
Let’s explore the things to consider when signing up for yoga classes!
The Benefits of Taking Yoga Classes
Most people look at yoga as a form of stress-busting exercise that improves health and physical fitness. However, for most of its practitioners, yoga becomes a way of life, a practice that is at once spiritual and motivational as well as beneficial to the body, heart, and mind.
Find private teachers for online yoga classes here on Superprof!
Health Benefits
The health benefits of yoga are very real. A published study in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology establishes beyond a doubt how useful yoga can be in reducing the risk of heart disease.
Practising yoga asanas and pranayama is a scientifically proven way to improve your whole-body health including:
- Losing and maintaining weight
- Building strong muscles and bones
- Relieving muscle and nerve pain
- Increasing flexibility and mobility
- Improving cardiac, circulatory, and respiratory functions
- Boosting the immune system
Increased Self-awareness
In today's increasingly fast-paced world where people are always rushing from this moment to the next without pause, yoga helps to connect us to who we really are deep within.
It helps us pause, remember to take a deep breath and become present, instead of living in the future (anxious) or in the past (depressed). With continued practice, we can extend this feeling of mindfulness to our daily life off the mat as well.
This helps us feel less anxious and depressed, have better clarity in stressful situations, and improve our ability to navigate our relationships better. As a result, all areas of our lives can improve because we are less reactive in ways that lead to negative outcomes since we are better able to think and see the bigger picture.
When breath control is correct, mind control is possible.
Pattabhi Jois
Why Take Online Yoga Classes?
In this day and age, it can be complicated to fit yoga into your daily routine, especially if you are already very busy or don’t live close to a yoga teacher you want to be a student of. Enter: online yoga classes! These are a great way to learn from anywhere with teachers who are also located anywhere!
So, what exactly are the benefits of taking online yoga classes? Here are the biggest advantages of logging in to your next yoga class.
Convenience and Flexibility: One of the foremost advantages of online yoga classes is the convenience they offer. Practitioners can participate from the comfort of their homes (or even their office break room during lunch!), fitting sessions into their schedules without the need for travel. This flexibility is especially beneficial for busy professionals, parents, and those living in remote areas.
Access to a Variety of Instructors and Styles: Online platforms provide access to a diverse array of instructors and yoga styles. Whether you are interested in Hatha, Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Kundalini, or a really niche style, you can find a class that suits your preference. You’re also better able to find a teacher who speaks to your heart and soul, rather than being restricted to only the yoga teachers in your area who you might not resonate with. This variety can enrich your practice, exposing you to different techniques and philosophies.
Affordability: Many online yoga classes are more affordable than their in-person counterparts since teaching an online class is more affordable for the teacher than renting or owning a studio with all the associated costs. With options ranging from free YouTube videos to subscription-based platforms, there’s a cost-effective choice for everyone.
Comfort and Privacy: For some yoga students, being in a group setting can feel too intimidating. Beginners might compare themselves to more advanced students, those with body differences might feel out of place, and people with injuries might be fearful of maladjustment from the teacher. Although you should always feel welcome, comfortable, and respected in a yoga class, sometimes you want to be able to figure out the foundations on your own before joining in with others in person. Also, you might want to just take a nap after savasana, which you can do while you’re at home (not so much in the studio).
Find the best yoga courses near you easily on Superprof.
Top 5 Places to Take Online Yoga Classes in India
- The Yoga Institute: As one of the oldest yoga schools in the world, The Yoga Institute offers a range of online classes catering to different levels. Their comprehensive programs include yoga for health, stress management, and even specialized courses for ailments.
- Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers: Known for its holistic approach, Sivananda offers online classes that encompass asanas, pranayama, and meditation. Their sessions are designed to provide a balanced practice that integrates physical and mental well-being.
- Art of Living: Founded by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Art of Living offers various online yoga programs, including Sri Sri Yoga, which combines gentle asanas with breathing techniques and meditation. Their courses are accessible to all levels of practitioners.
- Iyengar Yoga National Association of the United States (IYNAUS): Though based in the US, IYNAUS has a significant following in India and offers online classes focusing on the Iyengar method. This style emphasizes precise alignment and is suitable for practitioners seeking a detailed and methodical approach.
- Yoga With Adriene: While Adriene Mishler is not based in India, her popular YouTube channel has a vast Indian audience. Her approachable and inclusive teaching style makes yoga accessible to beginners and advanced practitioners alike.
The Benefits of In-Person Yoga Classes
One thing that’s important to remember is you don’t have to limit yourself to one form of yoga class with the same teacher forever! You are free to explore different yoga studios, teachers, yoga styles, and more in both online and in-person settings.
So, while you can enjoy the benefits of online classes, you can also immerse yourself in in-person yoga classes for these benefits, too!
- Personalized Attention: In-person classes offer the advantage of direct interaction with instructors, who can provide immediate feedback and adjustments. This personalized attention ensures proper alignment and technique, reducing the risk of injury. It’s great for beginners who may not know about the subtle nuances of asana practice.
- Community and Motivation: Being part of a physical class creates a sense of community and accountability. Practising with others can be motivating, fostering a supportive environment that enhances the overall experience.
- Enhanced Experience: The ambience of a yoga studio, with its calming atmosphere, props, and equipment, can significantly enhance the practice. Studios often have a tranquil setting that is hard to replicate at home.
- Focus and Discipline: Attending in-person classes helps cultivate discipline and focus. The structured environment of a studio minimizes distractions, allowing practitioners to fully immerse themselves in the practice.
Many people who regularly attend yoga classes in-person feel that the yoga studio is like another home, where they can let their guard down and feel completely at ease.
Find amazing yoga classes today when you search on Superprof.
Top 5 Places to Take In-Person Yoga Classes in India
If you’re looking for in-person yoga classes in India, here are some popular studios to check out.
- Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram, Chennai: Founded by the legendary T.K.V. Desikachar, this institute offers personalized yoga instruction rooted in classical teachings. Their emphasis on therapeutic yoga makes it a sought-after destination for those looking to address specific health concerns.
- Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute, Pune: Established by B.K.S. Iyengar, this institute is a pilgrimage site for serious yoga practitioners. The institute's rigorous training programs and workshops attract students from around the world.
- Ashtanga Yoga Institute, Mysore: Renowned for its Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, this institute follows the teachings of Pattabhi Jois. Mysore-style practice, characterized by self-led sequences under the guidance of a teacher, is a unique feature of this institute.
- Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh: Situated on the banks of the Ganges, Parmarth Niketan offers a serene setting for yoga practice. Their comprehensive programs include daily yoga classes, teacher training courses, and the International Yoga Festival.
- Kaivalyadhama Health and Yoga Research Center, Lonavala: This institute combines traditional yoga with scientific research, offering classes, workshops, and residential courses. Their holistic approach makes it a hub for both practitioners and researchers.
And if you’re in Bangalore, you can find excellent yoga classes Bangalore to get started with experienced teachers nearby.
Popular Yoga Retreats with Fees
Unsurprisingly, India is home to many yoga retreats, drawing in yogis from all over the world all year round. There are so many to choose from, but here is a short list of just some of the amazing yoga retreats in India 2024 and 2025 that you can attend for amazing in-person yoga experiences!
- 7-Day Yoga Retreat at Rishikul Yogshala, Kerala (Available Several Times per Year): Join small batch sizes for a more personalized yoga experience on your rejuvenating yoga retreat. Deepend your yoga knowledge with philosophy, practicum, and anatomy classes in addition to Hatha, Ashtanga, Pranayama, and Nidra practices. The daily schedule is full of opportunities to relax and immerse yourself in yoga. Rates start at USD$550 (INR 45,000) and there are some full scholarships available.
- 14-Day Beginner & Intermediate Retreat at AyurYoga Eco Ashram, Karnataka (Available Several Times per Year): This retreat is a great opportunity to get in touch with nature and yourself while leaving technology behind for a while. Through yoga and meditation practices and a simple, nourishing daily schedule of activities, you can get some much-needed relief from modern-day stress. The ashram also offers opportunities for Ayurvedic practices and yoga studies. Rates start at USD$800 (INR 66,000) but there are scholarships available for Indian residents.
- International Yoga Festival at Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Rishikesh (March 2025): Held every year in Rishikesh, the International Yoga Festival attracts people from all over the world for a week of yoga classes taught by global gurus, cultural performances, Satsang, Ganga aarti, and community. In 2024, the ticket cost started at about INR 5,000 per day, with different packages being made available.
Looking for a yoga class near me? Discover your perfect yoga teacher with Superprof.
Choosing Between a Private Yoga Teacher and a Yoga Studio
The next question to tackle in your search for yoga classes is: Should I join group classes or hire a private yoga instructor?
The Perks of Being Part of a Yoga Studio
When attending in-person classes, it can be really special to become part of a close-knit community of other yogis who show up for practice with you each week. Even online classes can be a way to become part of a community, although there are typically fewer opportunities to talk with the other students in a virtual setting.
Being part of a group means you can connect with like-minded people and share happiness as you develop your yoga practice together.
The gift of learning to meditate is the greatest gift you can give yourself in this lifetime.
Sogyal Rinpoche
Private Yoga Lessons
If you feel hesitant to join a big class of students, have specific yoga goals in mind, or simply want more focused attention from a yoga teacher, then private classes are the way to go. Whether online or in-person, a session with a private yoga coach means you’ll receive personalized feedback in the moment, so you can better improve your yoga practice and understanding with a teacher (or guru) who you have a deep understanding with.
Where can you find the perfect private yoga instructor? Right here on Superprof, of course!
With Superprof, you can discover yoga teachers for in-person and online classes, or even a mix of both!
Steps to Find a Yoga Teacher on Superprof:
- Visit the Superprof Website: Go to the Superprof website and enter "yoga" in the search bar along with your location or specify if you prefer online classes.
- Browse Profiles: Review the profiles of available yoga teachers. Pay attention to their qualifications, experience, teaching style, and reviews from other students.
- Contact Potential Instructors: Reach out to instructors who seem like a good fit. Discuss your goals, availability, and any specific requirements you may have.
- Schedule a Trial Class: Many instructors offer a trial class, allowing you to assess their teaching style and see if it aligns with your preferences.
- Begin Your Yoga Journey: Once you find the right instructor, you can schedule regular sessions and embark on your personalized yoga journey.
Ready to begin developing your yoga practice with a qualified yoga instructor? Begin today with yoga classes on Superprof!
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