Find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about YWB yoga classes here.
What is Yoga with Bibs, in a nutshell? (our intention)
Yoga with Bibs offers virtual vinyasa yoga classes to those looking for community and connection across the globe. Classes are hosted by Bibs several times per month and focus on a different theme or element each session (e.g. balance, hip-opening, energizing, releasing). Every flow is crafted with the intention of being unique, enjoyable, and beneficial physically, emotionally, and mentally.
Variations are offered throughout every class to cater to those with different yoga backgrounds and abilities (yoga newbies, you’re welcome here!). Everyone is reminded regularly to honor their bodies, always (no prizes for overextending ourselves). And we begin and end each class with a brief (optional) check-in, where we all share a few words about how we’re feeling. We do this to bring a level of connection and humanity to our time together that isn’t always available in other yoga and fitness class opportunities.
The goal of Yoga with Bibs is to help those who attend feel supported by a community of like-minded folks, and to empower everyone with accessible tools to support them on their journey. If you’re interested in exploring Yoga with Bibs classes, reach out to us by signing up for our newsletter at https://bibs.live/newsletter/.
What does YWB stand for?
Yoga with Bibs.
What to Expect
What will we do each class? Can you share an agenda?
We’ll move through a different sequence each class, although the core of the classes will remain the same. Here’s a sample of what a typical agenda will look like:
- 2 min – Join Zoom meeting and get settled on our mats.
- 5 min – (Optional) quick intros (i.e. share your name/pronouns and 1 word to describe how you’re feeling right now)
- 45 min – Vinyasa flow led by Bibs
- 5 min – (Optional) quick outros (i.e. share 1 word to describe how you’re feeling after class)
What equipment do I need?
The short answer is, all you need is a small plot of land, about the length and width of your body. Ideally the surface you’re on will be clean, as we’ll be spending some time sitting and lying on the floor. If you have a yoga mat, then that’ll be great.
If you have additional props, like blocks, straps, and/or a blanket that you like to use when you practice, then certainly feel free to use them during class, although none of them are necessary to complete the practice.
What should I wear?
Clothes! Any clothes that you feel comfortable stretching and moving in will do. I recommend practicing barefoot.
Should my mic be muted or unmuted, and should my camera be on or off?
It’s really up to you! You’re encouraged to keep your video on for the entire class, although it’s not required. While we’ll all be focused on moving our own bodies, if we glance up at the screen it is nice to see we are practicing alongside other humans!
You’re encouraged to keep yourself unmuted for the beginning and ending portions of class, while we’re sharing briefly with one another, although it’s not required. While we’re moving through the actual Vinyasa flow, I’ll ask that everyone mute themselves to avoid any unexpected background noise and so everyone can hear my cues.
If you notice that suddenly my audio or video cuts out, please do unmute yourself to let me know, so I can troubleshoot and fix the issue. 😄
How should I set up my computer and Zoom to best see you?
That’s ultimately up to you, but I would recommend the same thing that my friend, Meghan recommends:
Set your zoom to Speaker view (rather than Gallery view), pin my video to your screen, and set it to full screen.
Elevate your computer slightly so that you can fully see your screen (and I can ideally see the majority of your body). When I’m teaching, you’ll notice I like to have my mat perpendicular to my laptop, but as a participant, I find it’s easiest if my mat is facing my computer screen directly. Experiment with what works best for you! You can always adjust part way through class or for the next class.
How to Sign Up
How do I sign up for class?
You can sign up for upcoming classes by following the instructions on my registration page. You can register by either donating an amount of your choosing, or by emailing us the dates you’ll be attending at yoga@bibs.live (no cost).
It’s important to me that these classes remain accessible, so if it is best for you, please opt for the free email registration. 💯
If you are able, I recommend donating to register as the best option (more info on why below).
Why do you recommend we donate to register (as opposed to registering for free)?
The reasons are threefold:
- Investment — Even if you donate 50 cents, the act of putting something ‘of value’ into class before even showing up, helps signal to our brains that this is something we’re serious about. In my experience, a monetary investment (no matter how big or small) towards something, increases positive energy, momentum, and output for said thing. 🙂
- Accountability — Investing a bit of money in class often makes us more likely to show up, and to show up fully. This incidentally also helps give me the most accurate headcount. 😉
- Helps me continue offering classes — Any money donated to these classes will make it possible for me to dedicate more time and resources to continuing to offer these classes and improving them overtime.
How much should I donate?
Ask yourself how much you’d like to invest, weighing all factors relevant for you (e.g. what amount you think would maximize your experience, what you think the class is worth for you, budget, etc)… then donate that much. 😉
Or, if you’re really not sure where to start, suggested donation is $10/class.
Personal Preferences and Capabilities
I’m not very flexible. Can I still participate?
For sure. 💯 You will see after taking your first class with me that I am not a very bendy human. It’s a common misconception that you have to be overly flexible to do yoga.
Wherever your body is at today is exactly perfect to participate in yoga today. You’ll simply want to listen to your body, and not overextend if I cue something that feels outside of your practice.
I’ll help with this by offering variations for lots of poses, as well — catered towards us less-flexible folks. 😛
I’m not the strongest person in the world. Am I going to be okay?
Yes. 💯 Any poses I suggest are just that – suggestions. You are always free to take alternate poses if I cue something that feels outside of your practice.
I’ll also offer variations for poses that tend to feel more ‘intense.’ Regardless, I think you’ll find you are much stronger than you think. 😉
I have very little mobility and have trouble bending or moving my joints. Is this class for me?
I would love to have you and you are certainly welcome to come, but to be fully transparent, these classes will be a challenge. I want to keep my classes as accessible as possible, but right now they are mainly traditional vinyasa sequences, which involve poses that call for at least average mobility of most joints. Yoga that is suited for you does exist though, and I would love to help you in your yoga journey! Shoot me an email at bibs@bibs.live and we can set up a private lesson catered to your needs and/or I can share some resources that will be more suited for your needs!
Why are you asking us to share/talk at the beginning and end of class? Do I have to?
No, you don’t have to. For the record, you don’t have to do anything I ask you to do. 😜 With that said, I would love it if you did!
I know it can feel scary or intimidating or annoying to talk on zoom calls, especially with potentially new faces, but I think there’s something so special about sharing just a few words with each other to connect and feel a sense of community, especially now that many of us are all so isolated. Even if it feels a bit outside of your comfort zone, I encourage you to give it a try. I’m hopeful that taking a moment to participate will be worth your while, and hopefully less scary than perhaps it originally seemed. 🌱
If you do decide you don’t want to participate in these portions of class, I fully respect your boundaries, and will present options on how to ‘opt out’ during these parts of class when we’re in there. If you’d like to opt out ahead of time, please feel free to email me at bibs@bibs.live and I will be sure to honor that in class until/unless I’m told otherwise. It’s important to me you feel comfy. 💗
Will you play music during class?
At this point, I won’t be playing music, only because I want to ensure everyone can hear my cues well. This doesn’t mean that you can’t listen to music though!
To listen to music, I recommend pulling up your preferred music app on a device other than the one you’re taking the zoom class on (e.g. if you’re taking the class on your computer, pull up a playlist that you’d like to practice to on your phone, and set it to a volume that still allows you to hear me well 😊). This is just to avoid potential feedback on the Zoom call.
Will you record your classes?
At this point, I may record my classes, mainly so that I can watch myself back for the purpose of improving my teaching. If you’d prefer that I don’t record classes that you participate in, please just shoot me an email at bibs@bibs.live. I’d be more than happy to refrain if you prefer. 👍
I’d really like to take more classes with you, and/or the times you currently teach don’t work for me and my schedule. What should I do?
Let me know! Email me at bibs@bibs.live and let me know what days/times you’d like to practice and we’ll go from there. 😁
What if I want to offer feedback for a class I’ve previously attended?
Feedback is always welcome! Please feel free share by completing this survey here.