Teaching yoga online: setup, cueing and keeping students

Online yoga classes remove the commute, widen your audience and let people practise from home. They also change how you teach. You cannot see the whole room, you cannot adjust hands-on and the connection is only as good as the internet. With a few changes to setup and cueing, online classes can work very well.

Set up your space

• Camera: place it so students can see your whole body when you stand and lie down. A wide view from the side or the end of the mat works for many teachers.
• Light: face a window or a lamp, not the other way round.
• Sound: a clear voice matters more than anything. A headset or clip-on microphone usually beats a laptop microphone.
• Space: keep the floor clear and the mat in view.
• Music: keep it quiet or skip it, because compression makes music compete with your voice.
• Backup: have a phone ready for hotspot if your connection fails.

Do a test class with a friend, checking video, sound and your view of them.

Cue for a screen

Online, left and right can confuse students. Decide whether you will mirror, and say so at the start. Then adapt:

• Describe more. "Step your right foot back, which is the foot closest to the window."
• Name the body part and the action, not only the pose.
• Give landmarks. "Hands under shoulders, fingers spread."
• Cue before you move, so students can follow.
• Repeat important points because some students join late or have delays.

See yoga cueing for the basics, which still apply.

Keep students safe

You cannot see everyone, so you cannot catch every mistake.

• Choose simpler sequences with fewer risky poses.
• State your safety message in each class: "Move gently and stop if anything hurts."
• Ask about injuries before the first session.
• Offer clear options for each pose.
• Encourage students to set up in view if they want feedback.
• Tell students to ensure they have enough space and a non-slip surface.

Create connection

Online classes can feel impersonal. Small habits help.

• Greet students by name as they join.
• Use the chat for a quick check-in.
• Invite cameras on, but never insist.
• Stay a few minutes after class for questions.
• Follow up with a message for anyone who has missed a few sessions. See check-in messages for quiet students.

Live, recorded or both

Many teachers run a live class and share a short recording or a home practice. A short follow-up keeps students practising between sessions. See home yoga practice for students.

Get consent before recording classes where students appear on camera, and say how long you will keep the recording.

Give feedback without being in the room

Short videos from students and a quick written note back can work well. See video feedback for students for how to give clear, kind feedback, and how to ask students to share clips safely.

Technical habits that help

• Start the call five to ten minutes early.
• Mute students on entry to avoid noise, and unmute for discussion.
• Share the class plan or pose list afterwards.
• Keep a simple fallback plan if the connection drops: a message with a short practice they can do alone.

How Abhyava helps

Abhyava lets students send short practice videos and receive notes pinned to the exact moment, all through a private link.

Frequently asked questions

Is online yoga as good as in-person?

It is different. It offers convenience and flexibility but less hands-on guidance. Many students enjoy a mix of both.

What platform should I use?

Any reliable video platform that fits your budget and your students' devices. Test it first.

How many students can I teach online?

It depends on how much interaction you want. Smaller groups allow more individual attention.

Do I need extra insurance for online classes?

Check with your insurer. Policies vary.