The beauty of yoga lies in its simplicity.
You only need to roll out your mat, anywhere, anytime for the magic to happen. Yoga is such an accessible practice that it’s no surprise that online yoga classes have become increasingly popular. While practising with an instructor in a studio setting has huge benefits, it may not always be possible, so that’s when home yoga comes to the rescue because it is:
- Free – as long as you have
internet connection and a mat, obvs - Convenient – can be done any time
- Comfortable – practice in your PJs or in your undies
- Private – it’s just you and
you, unless it’s not - Location-independent – can be done anywhere (within reason)
If you’re completely new to yoga, I’d recommend you to attend a few classes before moving into an independent home routine. If that’s not possible, the majority of the well-established YouTube channels will follow a similar format. One that offers introductory foundation classes in order to help build your practice gradually.
So these are 5 of the best Youtube yoga instructors out there. Roll out your mats and get flowing!
Yoga with Adriene – for the absolute beginners
Adriene is just that type of person you’d like to have as a mate: she’s authentic, quirky, goofy and to top it up, she has a four-legged friend called Benji, her blue heeler canine co-star. Many were brought to the mat because of the lightheartedness and down-to-earth easiness with which she approaches yoga, turning her into the sensation she is today.
Any of her nearly 500 videos dominate the search results and you’ll definitely find something that is suitable for your level and preference. If you’re feeling particularly grumpy, for example, search for “grumpy” and “Adriene” on Youtube and you’re likely to find a class to help you lighten your mood. Alternatively, you can use her playlists which are easy to navigate, organised by levels, duration and themes.
Yoga with Kassandra – for gentle stretching and relaxation
Kassandra is the queen of online Yin Yoga and while restorative classes are her strongest point, her channel isn’t restricted to it. Kassandra’s soothing voice helps to quieten the mind and maintain focus on her clear, easy-to-follow guidance. Her classes are suitable to all levels and her playlists are divided by focus, duration and style.
Yoga TX – for targeting specific body areas
YogaTX is a channel hosted by a number of incredibly knowledgeable instructors who teach in a very casual private 1-to-1 format. They take a holistic approach into explaining the poses making sessions not only personal, but very informative and easy to follow. I stumbled upon the channel when I was suffering with my lifelong-recurring neck pain and was looking for a sequence to give me some relief. That’s when I was introduced to ultra-cool Cole Chance who became my pain-free-neck fairy godmother and my fave YogaTx’er. Free classes are suitable to all levels, last up to 40 minutes and playlists are mainly divided per instructor.
Fightmaster – for intermediate to advanced yogis
Lesley Fightmaster always sets the intention at the beginning of every class and her sweet voice, which I could be listening to all day, just puts you in the right mood for the practice ahead. A lot of her classes are recorded outdoors which can inspire you to follow suit and take your mat out for a more wholesome practice once in a while. There’s definitely something for every taste, skill and type amongst her 500+ classes on Youtube, but her challenging sweat-inducing full-length flows are just the best. You can easily find the videos by searching for the duration of classes in her playlist.
Cat Meffan – for those with a ting for the British accent
I only discovered Cat’s channel very recently so I’m not sure whether the algorithm lords have been working in favour of the North American teachers or they just dominate the online yoga market altogether. Cat’s expertise and charisma combined with the pace in which she conducts her classes are a winning combo. She uploads lots of personal vlogs and product-review videos and her classes playlists are arranged mainly by duration.
These are the ones I find to be 5 of the best YouTube Yoga instructors but there are so many other talented ones that come to mind: Erin Sampson, Brett Larkin, Maris Aylward, Kino Yoga just to name a few of those who have been contributing to spread the healing powers of yoga and helping improve people’s wellbeing.
What about you? Do you think I left any important yogi out? I’m curious to learn more about your views on online yoga classes, your favourite teachers and what type of practice you prefer.
Namaste.
