New and challenging times we have all recently experienced, and perhaps are still experiencing and adjusting to, have led me into teaching yoga online. 

I am using the Zoom platform which is very easy to use. You don't even need to have a Zoom account, as once you receive the link for a class you can open Zoom in your internet browser and join the class from there. 

My experience is that doing an online class is very similar and in fact not as far removed from doing a studio class as you would at first imagine. I am there and observing you at all times to correct and guide you through the postures. You can even see the other participants on your screen (or not if you wish!) and can chat and ask me questions and interact as you would in a studio class. I guess the only difference is the home furnishings, gardens and furniture and fittings we all see in each others backgrounds, and the pets that join us whether invited or not! But we are all in the same boat in this respect - myself included. We are all in this together.

In order to create the best possible experience for these online classes, here are some suggestions:

• Before the class gather as many "props" as you can find. I am discovering this new way of practicing yoga is bringing out our collective resourcefulness! Sofa or armchair cushions can be used as substitutes for yoga bolsters. A pile of books can replace a stack of yoga blocks or bricks. And any kind of belt can be used if you dont have a "yoga" belt (a bath-robe belt is actually soft and easy to use, and possibly nicer to hold and manoeuvre than a trouser belt!).

• Be prepared to experiment with camera positions for the best vantage point. I too am working from a small space in my home, and especially for the Hatha classes find that we all have to move the camera to different positions during the class depending on whether we are doing ground level or standing postures.

• Participants are joining the classes from further and further afield, and Zoom does have a function that allows you to write and show your location on screen. It is of course completely optional, but if you'd like to use it here's how... First move your curser to the top right hand corner of your screen until three dots appear. Clicking the three dots reveals a drop down menu with the option to "Rename". Mine usually displays "Simon Bradley Highbury London". Surnames are optional but an initial is helpful as there can be more than one participant with the same first name!

• Background noise can be distracting, so when you first enter the class, your microphone will be automatically muted. Please stay muted otherwise it is difficult for others to hear instructions. Once the class commences, you will have the option to unmute your microphone whenever you need to.

If you have have questions about online classes, how they work, how to set up zoom, or anything else at all, please dont hesitate to call or message me.

Email: info@simonbradleyyoga.com or call Simon on +44 (0) 7900216005 or use the contact form...