If you are looking to prioritize student feedback during your live Zoom yoga classes, you may not be as concerned with creating a reusable product; however, I still suggest using two devices if possible. Using two devices enables you to pin or spotlight yourself on one device while monitoring your students on the other.

If you have two devices available, follow my step-by-step instructions on how to teach yoga on zoom with two devices. If you are only using one device, I suggest using your device with the largest screen, preferably a computer.

Here are my suggestions to help you create the most effective zoom class environment if you want to prioritize feedback.

1. Keep your class size manageable.

Whether you are using 1 or 2 devices to teach your live zoom classes, you will want to ensure that your viewing device screen is on “gallery view” so you can see all of your students. Although gallery view can accommodate up to 25 participants, Zoom only allows you to pin or spotlight up to 9 participants at a time.

2. Request that your students mute their microphone and turn on their video.

Once you’re ready to begin your virtual yoga class, ask that everyone mutes themselves and turns their cameras on (if they’d like feedback). By muting everyone’s microphones, you’re not subject to random background sounds, like barking dogs or noisy neighbors. These extra sounds can not only be distracting but also drown out any feedback that you may be trying to give.

3. Help your students set up before class begins.

Spend a few moments before class begins to help your students adjust their camera or position so that you are able to see their full body on your screen. Extended Standing Pose (Urdhva Hastasana) is a great pose to have them demo to ensure their full body fits into view.

4. Consider the style of yoga you are teaching.

Similar to in-person yoga classes, if you are instructing a fast-paced vinyasa style class there will be fewer moments to offer personalized feedback or cues to your students throughout the class. Consider spending some time in static, Hatha-style poses to give you the time to observe and offer cues specific to your students.

You might also like: 12 Actionable Tips For New Yoga Teachers Who Are Scared To Teach

5. Switch your screen view to ‘spotlight’.

Switch your viewing screen between “gallery view” and “spotlight” to get a closer look at individual students to offer even more personalized cues.

6. Always be sure to leave time for savasana!

Including a guided relaxation is a really nice way to offer your students the perfect ending to a high touch, virtual yoga class experience. At this point, you can return to gallery view and join your students on the mat or by playing relaxing music to end the session.