Finding the Best Yoga Instructors to Follow Online
When I first started practicing yoga, it was intimidating to navigate through the overwhelming number of online yoga instructors. With so many options available, from YouTube channels to paid subscriptions, it took a bit of trial and error to find the right teacher. But over time, I found some incredible instructors whose classes not only helped me improve my practice but also inspired me to keep coming back. If you’re like me and prefer to practice yoga from the comfort of your own home, finding the best yoga instructors online is essential for growing in your practice.
Why Online Yoga is Gaining Popularity
In today’s fast-paced world, online yoga has become more popular than ever. With busy schedules and the need for convenience, many of us prefer the option to practice yoga at home. This shift has led to the rise of many talented yoga instructors offering virtual classes through platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and specialized yoga websites. Online yoga allows you to learn at your own pace, revisit difficult poses, and choose from a wide variety of styles—from calming restorative yoga to powerful vinyasa flows.
What Makes a Great Yoga Instructor?
When searching for yoga instructors to follow online, it’s important to consider a few key qualities that can make a difference in your yoga journey. Here’s what I’ve learned over time:
- Clear Instructions: A great yoga instructor should provide clear and detailed instructions, helping you understand each pose and its benefits.
- Empathy and Connection: The best instructors make you feel seen and understood. Whether you're a beginner or advanced practitioner, they provide the right level of support.
- Consistency: Regular content updates and new class offerings keep you motivated and engaged in your practice. A consistent schedule is also essential to staying on track.
- Adaptability: Great yoga instructors can adapt their teaching to cater to various skill levels, offering modifications for different body types and abilities.
Top Yoga Instructors to Follow Online
Over the years, I’ve followed several incredible yoga instructors who have had a significant impact on my practice. Below, I’ll share a list of some of the best yoga instructors to follow online, each bringing their unique style and teaching methods:
1. Adriene Mishler
Adriene Mishler, the creator of the popular YouTube channel Yoga with Adriene, is by far one of the most well-known and loved yoga instructors online. Her approachable, friendly style makes yoga feel accessible for everyone. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned practitioner, her videos are suitable for all levels. Adriene’s calm presence and clear instructions make her a joy to follow, and her free YouTube content ensures that yoga is available to anyone, anywhere.
2. Tiffiny Hall
Tiffiny Hall is an Australian wellness expert and the founder of Mindspo, a yoga and fitness platform offering online classes, wellness programs, and virtual yoga workshops. Tiffiny’s positive energy is contagious, and her classes combine strength-building movements with mindfulness practices. Her approach to yoga is empowering, making her an excellent choice for anyone looking to improve both physical strength and mental resilience.
3. Rachel Brathen
Known as Yoga Girl on Instagram, Rachel Brathen has built a strong following by sharing not only yoga practices but also her journey of personal growth and healing. Her classes focus on connecting with your inner self and embracing mindfulness. Rachel’s calming presence, combined with her focus on spiritual growth, offers a refreshing perspective for yoga practitioners looking for a deeper connection with their practice.
4. Jeanette Jenkins
Jeanette Jenkins, founder of The Hollywood Trainer, is known for her energetic and dynamic yoga classes. While she’s best known for her fitness programs, Jeanette integrates yoga into her workouts, focusing on flexibility, mobility, and strength. If you're looking for an instructor who combines yoga with a focus on fitness and overall wellness, Jeanette is an excellent option to follow online.
5. Boho Beautiful
Boho Beautiful is a yoga brand led by Juliana and Mark, a couple who travel the world and share their yoga practice with stunning backdrops of nature. Their YouTube channel offers a variety of yoga styles, including vinyasa, restorative, and meditative practices. Their calming, slow-paced flows are perfect for anyone looking to relax and unwind while connecting deeply with their breath and body.
My Journey with Online Yoga
I’ll never forget the first time I truly “got” yoga. It happened in the middle of an online class with Adriene Mishler. I had been practicing on and off for months but hadn’t truly connected with the practice until that moment. The way she broke down each pose and invited me to focus on my breath made the experience feel personal, even though I was practicing alone in my living room. It was during that class that I realized the power of online yoga instruction—it can feel just as impactful as in-person classes.
What I love most about practicing yoga online is the freedom it gives me. If I wake up early, I can do a quick morning flow before work. If I’m feeling stressed after a long day, I can turn to a restorative session to calm my mind. The flexibility of online yoga allows me to meet my body’s needs whenever they arise.
The Best Yoga Platforms for Online Classes
Aside from following individual instructors, I also recommend checking out these platforms that offer a wide variety of yoga classes:
- Gaia: A subscription-based service offering a vast library of yoga videos, including classes from some of the best instructors in the world. Gaia is a great option if you’re looking for a more structured yoga program.
- Yoga International: This platform offers a range of online yoga classes, from beginner to advanced, with a focus on mindfulness and meditation. It also has specific programs for various needs, such as injury recovery or stress management.
- Yoga with Adriene: Adriene’s free YouTube channel is perfect for anyone wanting to get started with yoga at home. Her classes vary in length, difficulty, and style, making it easy to find the right fit for your needs.
Incorporating Yoga into Your Daily Routine
Yoga has truly transformed my life. The beauty of following online instructors is the ability to fit yoga into my daily routine, no matter how busy life gets. Whether it’s a 15-minute stretch before bed or an hour-long flow in the morning, yoga is a practice that offers flexibility, relaxation, and connection. It’s a journey that I’m grateful to have embarked on, and I encourage you to give it a try. No matter where you are in your yoga journey, there’s an instructor and a class that’s right for you!
