Worth leaving the sofa for? Putting virtual one-on-one yoga sessions to the test

WFH yoga HIGH REVOLVED LUNGE

One thing the lockdown didn’t put a stop to is the yoga boom. And with many of us still working from our homes, we have been turning them into gyms in a bid to retain a semblance of fitness. Yoga is uniquely suited to this: it requires minimal equipment, though a mat helps, limited space, and, via videoconference apps like Zoom, it’s simple enough to connect with teachers. I’ve practised yoga for a while – and though am still very much a beginner, I’ve done more recently, searching for ways to eat up the hours. Helloyoga, which launched last year, seemed like a good way to fit it into my day.

What is Helloyoga?

Its founders claim Helloyoga is the first digital platform allowing customers to book live, private one-to-one sessions online. This marks it out from some of internet yoga’s big hitters, like Adriene Mishler, the Youtube sensation with more than seven million subscribers. While her videos are watched by millions – and, having tried them, are of a high quality – they are not personal. No teacher correcting your downward dog, no consideration taken of a dodgy shoulder.

What level is it and how does it work?

After signing up for a trial, I was presented with several options on a user-friendly portal. Sessions are either 25 or 55 minutes, the former perfect for those with a short attention span for yoga, like me. Simply pick a time, choose your preferred yoga style – all the big ones are covered, except

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Bikram, for obvious reasons – and you’ll be connected to one of many teachers from around the globe.

Did you enjoy it?

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I limited my trials to hatha yoga, the gentler style. The first lesson was positive. I was asked how familiar I was with yoga and what I wanted to gain: I’d been at my home desk all day, so was looking for something to alleviate the stiffness. The session, incorporating a variety of classic routines and stretches, working primarily

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on the neck, shoulders and back, was smooth and relaxing. One gripe was that the teacher spoke constantly, negating the mindfulness aspect.

My second session, however, wasn’t without a hiccup. Technology brings inevitable issues and in this case, it took five minutes for the instructor’s audio to kick in. Not a problem, necessarily, except the sessions run on a countdown timer, meaning I’d lost a fifth of my class – an option to only begin a session when both sides are ready wouldn’t go amiss.

Yoga mat, £62, Yoga Bloke (yogabloke.co.uk)

Was it worth it?

It isn’t cheap, but it’s not so bad if you consider a private session with a yoga instructor prelockdown could cost you £65. It’s certainly preferable to blindly following videos, and you can choose specific instructors, thereby building a relationship with them. Connectivity issues aside, I was highly impressed.

Helloyoga is free for a three-day trial, then classes are available in packs: two 55-minute sessions for £39, four for £69 or six for £89 (helloyoga.com)