Namaste, fellow yoga enthusiasts, especially those who love private yoga sessions. I’m Hajime "Jimmy" Ito, a seasoned yogi with 20 years of experience, passionate about spreading the benefits of private yoga through my service, ONE OM ONE. In this article, I delve into the traditional roots of yoga, which originally thrived in a private setting, and explore the historical shift towards group classes. I'll also highlight the benefits of private yoga and provide guidance on how to choose the right private yoga service for your needs. I hope you find this information helpful and inspiring.
5 Best Online Private Yoga Platforms
Table of Contents
- The History of Yoga and Private Yoga: The Spread of Group Classes in Modern Times
- The Three Key Benefits of Private Yoga
- Five Types of People Who Benefit Most from Private Yoga
- Four Drawbacks of Private Yoga
- Survey Insights: Why Private Yoga Remains Niche
- Online Private Yoga: A New Frontier
- Top 5 Online Private Yoga Platforms
- Conclusion
ONE OM ONE |
MyYogaTeacher |
Yoga Beyond Studio |
WOWFIT |
Superprof |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Headquarters | Tokyo, San Diego | San Jose, CA | San Diego | London | Paris, France |
| Number of Instructors | 20 | 150 | 1 | 6 (50 including non-yoga) | 400+ (US accessible) |
| Cost for Weekly Sessions | $58/month | $165/month | $476/month | $116/month | $80/month |
| Cost for Twice-Weekly Sessions | $98/month | $279/month | $952/month | $231/month | $160/month |
| Class Duration | 45 minutes | 55 minutes | 60 minutes | 45 minutes | 45 minutes |
| Pros | It offers the most competitive pricing among the five platforms. With a monthly pass, you can take up to 30 classes for $98. Despite the low cost, the instructors are highly experienced, supported by a company that runs the largest yoga teacher training school in Japan and Malaysia. This ensures a robust supply of quality instructors and solid quality control. | It offers both group and private sessions, making it a great option for those who enjoy a mix of both. The company is well-funded by major venture capital firms, ensuring a stable foundation. The booking system is also highly developed and user-friendly. | Yoga Beyond Studio is a prime example of a private yoga service provided by an individual instructor. The website content is comprehensive and provides valuable information for those interested in private yoga classes. The instructor is highly experienced and passionate about offering personalized yoga instruction. | Lower cost, diverse instructor pool. | It offers a vast pool of instructors, providing a wide range of choices. As the world’s largest one-on-one learning marketplace, it offers customization options to suit individual needs. |
| Cons | As a relatively new service, the number of instructors is lower compared to other platforms like MyYogaTeacher. The booking system is also still in development and may not be as user-friendly as others. | If you are only interested in online private yoga, MyYogaTeacher might not be the best option due to higher pricing and the emphasis on group sessions. | The pricing is on par with mid-range private yoga instructors in the U.S., and the high cost might not justify the benefits of remote private yoga compared to other options. | The initial survey is thorough, but the actual classes tend to follow a general structure. WOWFIT is not exclusively focused on yoga, and the quality of instruction may vary, as it's more of a matching service. | The search accuracy is low; even when looking for nearby instructors, online providers may appear as local. The platform is not yoga-specific, and the quality of instruction depends entirely on the individual instructors. The filtering options are not comprehensive, making it difficult to find the perfect match among 400 instructors. |
| Best For | Those looking to integrate one-on-one online yoga into their daily routine and whose schedules align with the available time slots offered by the platform. | Those looking for a combination of group and private yoga classes, and who are comfortable with the monthly expenditure of $165, which includes access to group classes. | Residents of San Diego who value highly personalized sessions with a local, experienced instructor and can afford the higher cost. | Individuals seeking a cost-effective option who are interested in combining yoga with other fitness services. | Those who prioritize having a wide range of instructor choices and prefer to customize their learning experience. |
1. The History of Yoga and Private Yoga:The Spread of Group Classes in Modern Times
Private yoga, or one-on-one yoga instruction, has deep roots in yoga’s traditions. Here’s a brief overview of its development: In ancient India, knowledge and techniques were often taught individually in a Guru-Kula system (teacher’s household). This approach was based on a deep trust between the guru (teacher) and the disciple, allowing personalized instruction tailored to the disciple’s physical and mental state. This tradition continued into the Middle Ages, especially with the development of Hatha Yoga, where one-on-one teaching in ashrams and temples was prevalent. In the early 20th century, modern yoga began to shift towards group instruction. Notably, T. Krishnamacharya, at the behest of the Maharaja of Mysore, started teaching yoga not only to the king but also to his family and staff, introducing group sequences. Simultaneously, figures like Swami Vivekananda and Paramahansa Yogananda brought yoga to the West, where it gained popularity through the efforts of Krishnamacharya’s disciples, including Pattabhi Jois and B.K.S. Iyengar. These pioneers helped popularize group classes to reach a wider audience. Moreover, societal movements such as the 1960s counterculture and the 1970s-80s fitness boom in the U.S. significantly contributed to the widespread adoption of group yoga classes. Today, while group lessons are common globally, the traditional one-on-one format is less mainstream.
2.The Three Key Benefits of Private Yoga
According to the author, a 20-year veteran in the yoga industry, here are the three key benefits of private yoga:
1. Personalized Attention:
Instructors tailor programs to individual needs, addressing specific health issues like back pain or stress. This allows for a more effective and safe practice.
2. In-depth Feedback:
Direct feedback ensures correct posture and breathing, enabling a deeper understanding of asanas (poses) and continuous progress.
3. Flexible Scheduling:
Private yoga can be scheduled to fit busy lifestyles, making it easier to maintain a consistent practice.
3. Five Types of People Who Benefit Most from Private Yoga
Private yoga suits the following five types of individuals:
1.Beginners:
Learning the basics correctly from the start is crucial. One-on-one instruction helps build a strong foundation.
2.Those with Specific Health Issues:
Personalized practices for conditions like chronic pain or stress can be highly beneficial.
3. Advanced Practitioners:
Deepening the practice with advanced poses and techniques is easier with personalized guidance.
4. Busy Professionals:
Flexible scheduling accommodates hectic lifestyles, allowing for consistent practice.
5. Privacy Seekers:
Those uncomfortable in group settings can practice confidently with private sessions.
4. Four Drawbacks of Private Yoga
Despite its benefits, private yoga has some challenges:
1. Higher Cost:
One-on-one sessions typically cost more than group classes, making it a significant investment.
2. Limited Social Interaction:
Lacks the community feel of group classes, which can be a drawback for those who value social interaction.
3. Instructor Dependency:
Success heavily depends on finding the right instructor, which can be challenging and time-consuming.
4. Less Variety:
Fewer options compared to the diverse offerings in group classes, limiting exposure to different styles and techniques.
5. Survey Insights: Why Private Yoga Remains Niche
A recent survey conducted from August 2023 to April 2024 with 316 respondents revealed: - 76% of group class participants faced issues. - 18% had never tried private yoga. Despite facing challenges in group settings, many people have not experienced the benefits of private sessions.
6. Online Private Yoga: A New Frontier
Online private yoga addresses many traditional drawbacks:
1. Cost-Effectiveness:
Online sessions can be more affordable, especially with instructors from regions with lower living costs.
2. Global Access:
Access to a global pool of instructors increases choices and ensures you find the perfect match.
3. Trial Options:
Many platforms offer low-cost or free trial sessions, making it easier to find the right instructor.
4. Convenience:
Practicing from home offers unmatched convenience, though it may lack the communal atmosphere of in-person classes.
7. Best 5 Online Private Yoga Platforms
Here are five recommended online private yoga platforms. The first service is operated by my own company, but I aim to provide objective and unbiased information to ensure a balanced overview.
ONE OM ONE
Headquarters: Tokyo, San Diego Number of Instructors: 20 Cost: $58/month for weekly sessions $98/month for twice-weekly sessions Class Duration: 45 minutes Pros: ONE OM ONE offers the most competitive pricing among the five platforms. With a monthly pass, you can take up to 30 classes for $98. Despite the low cost, the instructors are highly experienced, supported by a company that runs the largest yoga teacher training school in Japan and Malaysia. This ensures a robust supply of quality instructors and solid quality control. Cons: As a relatively new service, the number of instructors is lower compared to other platforms like MyYogaTeacher. The booking system is also still in development and may not be as user-friendly as others. Best For: Those looking to integrate one-on-one online yoga into their daily routine and whose schedules align with the available time slots offered by the platform.
Visit ONE OM ONE
MyYogaTeacher
Headquarters: San Jose, California Number of Instructors: 150 Cost: $165/month for weekly sessions $279/month for twice-weekly sessions Class Duration: 55 minutes Pros: MyYogaTeacher offers both group and private sessions, making it a great option for those who enjoy a mix of both. The company is well-funded by major venture capital firms, ensuring a stable foundation. The booking system is also highly developed and user-friendly. Cons: If you are only interested in online private yoga, MyYogaTeacher might not be the best option due to higher pricing and the emphasis on group sessions. Best For: Those looking for a combination of group and private yoga classes, and who are comfortable with the monthly expenditure of $165, which includes access to group classes.
Visit MyYogaTeacher
YOGA BEYOND THE STUDIO
Headquarters: USA Number of Instructors: 1 Cost: $476/month for weekly sessions $952/month for twice-weekly sessions Class Duration: 60 minutes Pros: Yoga Beyond Studio is a prime example of a private yoga service provided by an individual instructor. The website content is comprehensive and provides valuable information for those interested in private yoga classes. The instructor is highly experienced and passionate about offering personalized yoga instruction. Cons: The pricing is on par with mid-range private yoga instructors in the U.S., and the high cost might not justify the benefits of remote private yoga compared to other options. Best For: Residents of San Diego who value highly personalized sessions with a local, experienced instructor and can afford the higher cost.
Visit YOGA BEYOND THE STUDIO
WOWFIT
Headquarters: London Number of Instructors: 6 (50 including non-yoga instructors) Cost: $116/month for weekly sessions $231/month for twice-weekly sessions Class Duration: 45 minutes Pros: WOWFIT is significantly cheaper than platforms like MyYogaTeacher and Yoga Beyond Studio. It connects students with instructors from regions with lower costs of living, making it an affordable option. Cons: The initial survey is thorough, but the actual classes tend to follow a general structure. WOWFIT is not exclusively focused on yoga, and the quality of instruction may vary, as it's more of a matching service. Best For: Individuals seeking a cost-effective option who are interested in combining yoga with other fitness services.
Visit WOWFIT
superprof
Headquarters: Paris, France Number of Instructors: 400+ (accessible from the US) Cost: Approximately $80/month for weekly sessions Approximately $160/month for twice-weekly sessions Class Duration: 45 minutes Pros: Superprof offers a vast pool of instructors, providing a wide range of choices. As the world’s largest one-on-one learning marketplace, it offers customization options to suit individual needs. Cons: The search accuracy is low; even when looking for nearby instructors, online providers may appear as local. The platform is not yoga-specific, and the quality of instruction depends entirely on the individual instructors. The filtering options are not comprehensive, making it difficult to find the perfect match among 400 instructors. Best For: Those who prioritize having a wide range of instructor choices and prefer to customize their learning experience.
Visit superprof
8. Conclusion
While group yoga classes are widely popular, the traditional method of private yoga offers unmatched personalized benefits. Despite its niche status, private yoga can significantly enhance your practice. Online private yoga provides a cost-effective, flexible alternative to in-person sessions. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned yogi, exploring these platforms could transform your yoga journey.
Author Bio: Hajime "Jimmy" Ito
Founder of ONE OM ONE, Jimmy Ito, born in Niigata, Japan, is a former judo champion and seasoned yoga industry expert. He pioneered Studio Yoggy in Japan, managed the largest yoga chain in 2004, and expand his business in Malaysia by launching UNDER THE LIGHT YOGA Malaysia in 2016. In 2022, he founded ONE OM ONE, driven by his personal experience overcoming back pain through online private yoga. He currently resides between San Diego, Tokyo, and Malaysia. He believes, while group In-person yoga classes are widely popular, the combination of traditional method of private yoga with modern internet technology offers unmatched personalized benefits.
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