How do I use Zoom?

The good news is that you don’t need to pay to use Zoom – it’s free to participate in a class or a meeting that someone else is hosting.  I’m paying a subscription which allows me to host classes that are longer than 40 minutes.  (Anyone can host a meeting for up to 40 minutes for free).

Using Zoom is super easy once you’ve got the hang of it. 

If you’re using a tablet or mobile, it’s best to download the Zoom app from the app store (free) before attempting to join the meeting. You don’t need to create a Zoom account to attend a meeting but if you want to set up a basic account then it’s free.

If you’re using a laptop, you’ll be prompted to download Zoom when first attending the meeting.   If you’re on a laptop you’ll be able to see more people to say hello at the start of the class than if you’re on a mobile. 

If you haven’t used Zoom before you can join this generic meeting test https://zoom.us/test well beforehand so you can download the software and get familiar with where the mute and video on/off buttons are. If you haven’t downloaded the Zoom app before you’ll also be asked to download it at this point.

How does an online class work?

Please note: When you book a Zoom class, the log in details are contained in your confirmation email.

I’ll log in 15 minutes before the class starts, to say hello.  Please log in at least 5 minutes before the start of the class so I can let you know what equipment you’ll need for the class.

When you log in:

• Please choose ‘start video’ from the bar of icons at the bottom and ‘join with computer audio’ when prompted.  Then I’ll be able to see and hear you.  You’ll also be able to see and hear each other and we can all say hello.
• Once the class starts, choose ‘speaker view’ rather than ‘gallery’ so you can see me clearly.
• I will ‘mute’ everyone – please feel free to unmute yourself if you have a question to ask.
• I will record the session for those who are unable to join us live. The recording won’t include people signing in and chatting at the start – it’ll just be a recording of me running the class.

 Don’t worry if you can’t remember all this, I’ll remind you when I see you!

What equipment do I need?

Don’t worry if you don’t have any yoga equipment at home…you can be creative!  See if you can dig out:

• A blanket (preferably a thick one rather than a fleecy one, so it maintains its shape when you fold it up)
• A large towel
• A cushion from your sofa
• a pillow from your bed
• A long scarf, tie or a dressing gown belt
• A book or a pile of books to use instead of a block (the blocks we use in class are about A4 size)
• A sturdy chair, with a back but no arms. Before the class, check the height of your chair seat. If your feet aren’t in full contact with the floor, you can put books under your feet.

We don’t use all of these things every week – I’ll let you know at the start of the class what you’ll need.

If you’re interested in buying some yoga equipment (for example a mat and a couple of blocks) I buy my equipment from www.yogamatters.com.

Further technical advice:

Zoom adjusts the video quality depending on how good your internet connection is. Test your internet connection via the device you intend to use by visiting https://www.speedtest.net/ on that device. Download and Upload speeds of above 2.0Mbps are recommended for the best experience. If your internet speed is less than 2.0 Mbps up and down then you could try to move closer to the Wi-Fi router, or connect an Ethernet cable between the router and your laptop. Also, minimising the use of the internet from any other devices that might be using it will increase the bandwidth available to you.  You can always contact your internet provider to discuss how to get faster upload and download speeds if required.

If Zoom is still not working for you then check you have the required system requirements here: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362023-System-Requirements-for-PC-Mac-and-Linux or contact Zoom support: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us

Using Zoom is a surprisingly effective way of practising yoga in the comfort of your own home, at a time that works for you.

“Hi Jo, I just wanted to say thank you for today’s class.  In these days of confinement, it was a lovely variation on routine and an oasis of calm.  It was also nice to see lots of friendly faces.” Susan

“Great to see you today, the class was much needed.  Feel very relaxed and stretched out now!” Helen

“I’m looking forward to yoga online this morning, highlight of the week for me.” Karen