Getting started & FAQs
Yoga is ideal to practice at home or wherever you are. You do not need a lot of space or equipment and it is super easy to get started.
How do I get started on Zoom?
We offer live streamed classes wherever you are in the world. Maybe you do not have time to go to a studio or prefer to practice in the comfort of your own surroundings. We have a full schedule of classes where we can practice live together online. We work with independent expert teachers offering a range of styles for you to choose from, wherever and whenever you want.
How do I sign up?
Before you can book your first class you need to ‘Sign up’ on our site.
Step 1 – Sign up for your account here:
Step 2 – Click on ‘Create Profile’
Step 3 – Complete the form with your login and personal details
Step 4 – Agree to the Yoga Practice Online liability waiver
Step 5 – Click on ‘Create Profile’
Step 1 – Book a class through the YoPO website
Step 2 – To access the class, click on the class invite link emailed to you at the time of booking
You do not have to download Zoom, you can just click on the link we send you. If, however you do want to download it, this is how:
Instructions for a mobile device:
- Download the Zoom app from your app store by searching for “Zoom cloud meetings”
- Click on the “sign up” link
- Ensure you activate your account by clicking on the email link you are sent from Zoom
- Test sign in to Zoom on your device
Instructions for a laptop or computer:
- Click on this link to go to the Zoom registration page
- Click on the “sign up” link and follow the on-screen instructions
- Ensure you activate your account by clicking on the email link you are sent from Zoom
- Test sign in to Zoom on your device
- Click on the invite link we automatically sent you when you booked the class. This will take you in to your Zoom class.
- Alternatively, you can go onto Zoom and enter the code and password included in the class invite.
- Click on the “Dial-in using audio” option. When you join the class, you may see a message to say you are in the waiting room and the host will let you in to the session a few minutes before the class is due to start.
- Once you are in the session you have an option to turn your video on or off, either bottom left or top right of the screen depending on your device.
- You also have an option to turn your audio on or off, please note before starting the class the teacher will mute all participants to ensure the best sound quality for the class. If you need to speak to the teacher during the class, for example, if there is an issue with the sound, you can unmute yourself to speak to them.
- There is a chat box facility once you are in the class, you can choose to send a message to all or privately to the teacher.
- Please note we are always on hand to help you. You can contact us here.
How do I choose a class?
Yoga can help to build strength, increase flexibility, and reduce stress and fatigue. It can benefit everyone of all ages regardless of level of fitness or body type. We offer a range of styles to suit your needs. These include both relaxing and more dynamic and energising styles dependant on the needs of your mind and body at that moment in time.
To choose your class type please click here to read more about the styles we offer.
What space do I need for my yoga practice?
For most classes, you’ll need a space that is a bit longer than yourself lying down and about as wide as the reach of your arms stretched out. Typical spaces are in sitting rooms, hallways, bedrooms, even kitchens and if your internet signal and screen visibility is good, you may like to try an outside space like a balcony, garden or patio. If you don’t have a yoga mat yet, you’ll find a hard floor is best for standing poses, but you’ll need towels or blankets for comfort when you’re on the floor. If possible, you might like to have some wall space available to give you support during balances.
How do I create the right ambience for my class?
Some people like to practice in one space and make it special with meaningful objects and photos nearby and maybe a scented candle or incense. Others will practice in different spaces depending on what else is going on in their homes at the time. Privacy to help focus on yourself is nice, but often not possible and in the real world it’s common for small children or pets to wander into a home yoga session. If you enjoy music while you practice, most teachers will have playlists on Spotify and will recommend one at the beginning of their class for you to play on another device, or of course you can use your own selection.
How do I choose a yoga mat?
Once you get into a regular home yoga practice you may prefer to use a yoga mat. A good mat can be purchased at a reasonable cost online. Things to consider are:
- Is it eco-friendly? If this is important to you go for a mat made from natural materials such as rubber, jute, cotton, or cork
- How thick is it? Thickness typically varies between 1mm and 6mm. The thinner the mat the more portable it is – important if you need it for travelling. The thicker the mat, the more cushioning it will provide – important if you have sensitive knees. A thickness of around 4mm is probably typical for an everyday mat.
- How sticky is it? Particularly if you like a dynamic practice it will be important to have maximum grip. Most good quality mats will be designed to be sticky – but read the product description to make sure before you buy.
- What size is it? A typical mat will be a bit over 180cm long and 60cm wide, but longer and wider sizes are available.
Do I need any other yoga equipment?
Many yoga classes may recommend the use of bricks, blocks, or straps to make poses more accessible and enjoyable. These are easy to source and relatively low cost. If you don’t have them, plenty of substitutes are available with some creative thinking:
- Yoga bricks may be used to “bring the floor up” to your hand in some poses, if you don’t have these you could use thick books.
- Yoga blocks are often used to sit on or to rest a foot on in a standing pose. Cushions for sitting and a large thick book for standing could provide substitutes
- Yoga straps may be used to wrap around part of the body and provide leverage in certain poses – if you don’t have one, a dressing gown belt, a thin towel or a non- stretchy scarf could work.
For yin and restorative yoga classes, yoga blankets and bolsters may also be used. Standard pillows, cushions and blankets will provide substitutes for these, but if you are a regular practitioner, investment in the versions specifically designed for yoga will be well worth considering for a more comfortable practice.
What do I need to wear for my practice?
You can wear anything that is comfortable, breathable and that you feel good in. This will vary according to the type of class that you are doing and to the temperature in the room. If in doubt, wear an extra layer or two that can be removed if you get too warm. For the more dynamic classes you may want to wear clothes that fit snugly to the body and move with you.
What are the health benefits of yoga and Pilates?
YoPO classes provide a way for you to schedule some time into the day as a firm appointment to support your own wellbeing and to join into a group activity. Although the group is together only virtually, practicing yoga and Pilates together gives a real sense of sharing an experience with others and increases motivation to fully engage with the class.
Yoga and Pilates can provide many benefits to your physical and mental wellbeing depending on your needs. Here are some examples
Physical health:
- Improves general fitness – the more active classes on the schedule act as a good general workout, building heat and increasing the heart rate
- Improves posture – relieving back and neck pain and helping with stiffness or postural issues arising from too much time at the desk or on mobile devices
- Improves flexibility – reducing the risk of injury when running, playing sports or being active in daily life
- Builds muscle strength – many classes include weight bearing poses and can be as effective in building strength as working with weights in the gym.
- Builds core strength.
Mental health and wellbeing:
- Improves your mood – after practicing yoga and Pilates many people report feeling happier, more optimistic, and more motivated
- Improves energy levels – practicing yoga and Pilates can increase energy and give added zest for life – if this is your objective look particularly at our Rise and Shine or Energise flow classes
- Helps focus and concentration – yoga and Pilates keep you in the moment during class and many people report that having a break enables them to better focus and concentrate on their work
- Reduces stress – yoga encourages a slowing of breath and a calming of the mind. If stress reduction is your objective, it will be worth trying both active flow classes and slower more restorative classes
- Improves sleep – especially when practicing restorative poses and Yoga Nidra
