Summer is a great time for yoga whether it be hatha, power or vinyasa. While I am not a serious yogi, I find that regularly practicing helps with my balance, core strength, flexibility and means I am less likely to experience headaches or aches and pains. I also sleep better and have more energy.
The Yoga Collective is an excellent source of online yoga classes. I previously posted a mini-review of the yoga collective and hosted a giveaway for a one year subscription to the Yoga Collective (see my previous post here).
Now that I have had a chance to follow more of the practices, will review the service in a little more detail.
Subscription Service Summary: The Yoga Collective
Instructors: Anaswara, Andrea Jensen, Gigi Snyder, Kristina Macias, Kyle Miller, Lauren Eckstrom, Mary Beth LaRue, Rachelle Tratt, Shayna Hiller, Steve Jones, Tony Giuliano, and Travis Eliot
Difficulty Level: Ranges from beginner to advanced, they list levels 1, 1+, 2, 2+, and 3
Runtime: Varies by the practice, there are 10 minute, 20 minute, 30 minute, 40 minute and 60 minute classes
Purpose: Varies some are relaxation, some stretching some more vigorous flowing workouts
Sound: In the practices or classes I have followed the sound has primarily been the instructors instruction. I play my own music.
Equipment Used: Varies usually a yoga mat, some use optional blocks, yoga straps to deepen or modify the poses
Menus: The website offers a menu you so you can search classes by style, duration, intensity, instructor, and focus.
Impact Level: Usually none, though I did fall once trying to take a selfie during Crow pose (don’t try that at home!)
Setting: Well lit studio environment usually with the instructor and background exercisers
Styles of Yoga Featured: Hatha, Meditation, Power, Pranayama, Restorative, Vinyasa, Yin
What I Like About The Yoga Collective:
I love the variety found on the Yoga Collective. I found the instructors are excellent and the instruction high quality. I like that I can find a practice that suits the time I have available.
I also like that the studio is well-lit and most of the movements were clearly visible. They do occasionally they would do a facial close-up where a full length shot would be more useful.
I like that I can usually find a practice that meets my needs at the moment. If I feel tight in the hips, I do a hip opening sequence (amazing after hours at the desk!). If I have a headache and nice restorative or relaxing practice helps. If I need a workout I can try a nice power flow.
The Yoga Collective Online Streaming Classes Might Not Be For You If:
There are a lot of fantastic streaming workout subscription services. I sometimes find it hard to focus on online streaming classes. It may not be for you if you really prefer personal interaction in a live class or higher video production values. The Yoga Collective production values are pretty high as far as online classes go, however they are not as high as some of the bigger budget workout DVDs.
The instructors tend to stand or walk around and verbally instruct the class while the background exercisers (students) do the exercises. Sometimes the camera focuses on the instructors and not the students. The truth is I rarely watch the video screen unless unsure what to do. So this is only sometimes an issue and likely won’t bother people with a background in yoga as much as it would a newbie who needs to see a clear demonstration.
This may not be right for you if you need integrated music to enjoy a workout. I admit, I usually need music to stick to a workout. The Yoga Collective classes I tried did not include music. That doesn’t usually bother me as much with yoga compared to other workouts as I don’t usually like the “generic yoga music” many use anyway. However, if I need music I play my own and that works well.
All and all, I am still impressed with the quality of these online classes just as I was in April when I posted the first review.
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