Posts by: Pradeep P

Key Highlights

• Explore live and on-demand yin yoga classes designed for deep relaxation and mindfulness from home.
• Join unique monthly themed journeys guided by experienced yoga teachers for a structured practice.
• Our style of yoga is perfect for beginners, offering a gentle introduction to this quiet practice.
• Enjoy ultimate flexibility by joining a full journey or single online yoga classes to suit your schedule.
• Experience our full range of classes with a no-obligation, 10-day free trial for new members.

Introduction

Are you trying to find a way to slow down in your busy life? You may want to get more in touch with your body and have a moment of peace. Picture a yoga practice that is about stillness and not speed. It is about going deep, not just being active. This is what yin yoga is. Yin yoga is gentle but it takes you deep and helps with real relaxation. At ālaya, we bring yin yoga to you online. You can join our yin yoga classes to unwind, relax, and feel more like yourself, no matter where you are.

Discover Yin Yoga Class Online with ālaya

Step into the calm world of yin yoga with ālaya. You can use our website to try this peaceful style of yoga from home. It is great for people who are new to yoga. Every class is focused on mindfulness, and we keep things friendly and welcoming for all.

We think that yoga should be for everyone. That is why we make it easy for you to learn yin yoga. You can move at your own pace, and there are experts ready to help you. Let’s take a look at what makes yin yoga special and what you can get out of it.

What Is Yin Yoga and Why Choose It Online?

Yin yoga is a slow and calm style of yoga. In this yoga, you hold each pose for a long time, often three to five minutes or even more. While dynamic (yang) yoga works on your muscles, yin goes deeper. It aims for the body’s connective tissues, such as ligaments and joints, as well as the bones and fascia. This is mostly true for the hips, pelvis, and lower body. When you do this gentle hold, it can help your blood circulation and make you more flexible.

Now, you might wonder what sets yin yoga online apart from other online yoga styles. The big difference is how still and quiet yin is, which suits at-home practice well. You do not need to make your body match a perfect pose. Instead, you look for your “edge,” where you feel a mild stretch. This makes it an internal and meditative time for you. You get a very personal and quiet practice and are not disturbed by anything happening around you.

When you pick online yoga classes with ālaya, you get a chance to create your own calm space at home. You can make the room dim, grab your best pillows, and settle in. You get to enjoy each session of yoga while making it a special break where you can fully relax.

Benefits of Yin Yoga for Beginners and All Levels: Mindfulness, Mobility, and Relaxation

Yin yoga takes a gentle and calm approach. This style of yoga gives lots of good things for both your body and your mind. Yin yoga is a good yoga for beginners, but people who know yoga well also like it. The slow and careful moves in yin yoga help you notice what is happening in your body. You also get to feel calm inside.

Some of the best things you get from yin yoga are:

• Better mobility: Yin yoga works on the deep tissues in your body. It can help your joints be healthier and helps you have a better range of motion.
• Helps the nervous system: Long and easy poses help calm the nervous system. This can help you relax deeply and let go of stress.
• Builds mindfulness: Yin yoga asks you to stay in the moment in each pose. You start to quiet your mind and become more mindful, which gives you some peace from busy thinking.

If you are just starting, you might wonder how to pick the right class. At ālaya, we make sure all our yin yoga classes are a good fit for beginners. You will get clear tips in every class. We also show you different ways to do the poses, so everyone feels safe and supported. Our classes have themes, so you can follow a step-by-step plan. This helps you get more confident and find out more about the way yin yoga can help your body and mind with relaxation, mobility, mindfulness, and deep relaxation.

ālaya’s Unique Yin Yoga Experience

At ālaya, we have made a yin yoga program that is well-planned but still very open for you. You get to find calm in your own way. Our team of yoga teachers will help you with each practice, so you feel real relaxation and get to know yourself better.

We know everyone has their own path. That is why our program gives you a plan but still lets you make choices that suit you. Below, we talk about our live monthly journeys and show you the freedom that comes with all our yoga classes.

Live Monthly Yin Yoga Journeys: Themes and Structure

Are you trying to find yin yoga online classes where you can learn with live instructors? Our monthly live yin yoga sessions are what make the ālaya experience special. There is a new theme each month that helps you go deeper into your yin yoga practice. Every theme helps you learn more about your body and feelings. Before, the themes have been things like “Elemental Yin” and “Deep Hip Healing.” Each one lets you focus on something different.

You will be guided by our yoga teachers. They help create a helpful and interactive space when you join online. You get real-time help on alignment and on how each move should feel. That way, you feel like you are part of a group, even if you do yin yoga at home. The way we plan the classes makes it easy for you to keep at it and see your practice grow over time.

This style makes sure your yin yoga always feels interesting and new. You are not just joining another class. You are starting a journey that is shaped just for you. Each week, you have something clear to work on, which helps you grow and learn.

Flexible Participation: Join Any Week or the Full Journey

One important part of the ālaya experience is flexibility. We know that the day-to-day can be busy and not always go as you plan. That is why our yin yoga classes are made to fit into your schedule without any trouble. Our monthly journeys give you a full and easy path to follow, but you are never stuck with one choice.

You can pick your own way to join.

• Join the full journey: Start at week one with us and go to week five, diving into each part of the theme for a deep yin yoga experience.
• Drop in for a class: Pick the weeks or yoga classes that feel right for you. Come only when you want to.

How many times should you attend to get the best result? Doing yin yoga often helps, but the best times to come are what work for your life. If you can get to yin yoga once each week, that’s fine. If you do more, it’s up to you. We give you easy steps, a guide, and support for your yoga practice. You can always choose, so your time with yoga stays good and free from stress.

Emotional Alchemy & Mindfulness: September’s Yin Yoga Theme

This September, you can join us to learn how emotional alchemy can help you change how you feel. The journey takes one month, using yin yoga to guide you. It helps you work through your thoughts and turn heavy feelings into wisdom and calm.

With mindfulness and a focus on chosen postures, we make sure you get a space where it’s safe to feel, relax, and shift your emotions. Each week, you will look at new parts of the journey. The main aim is relaxation and finding balance inside yourself.

(Yin yoga, yoga, yin, mindfulness, postures, relaxation)

Weekly Focus From Release Anxiety to Embody Peace: Bring Stillness into Your Yang

What can you expect in a typical session during our “Emotional Alchemy” journey? Each week, we plan an experience to help you move from feeling upset to finding inner peace. The journey happens step by step and gives you time to feel gentle and strong changes in how you feel.

The weekly plan builds from the last one to help you fully process your emotions:

• Week 1: Release Anxiety: We start by calming the nervous system. This helps you feel safe and at ease.
• Week 2: Soften Grief: We focus on heart-opening postures. These help you let go of sadness in a soft way.
• Week 3: Transform Anger: In this week, we use poses that work on energy linked with anger to help you move and deal with it.
• Week 4: Soothe Overwhelm: You will use practices to help you stay grounded and centered. These work well when you feel scattered.
• Week 5: Embody Peace: You use practices to put together all your work from the past weeks. This leads to deep relaxation and you will feel whole in your final savasana.

Supportive Live Classes and 14-Day Playback Access

Our live classes at ālaya are more than lessons. They are a place to be with others and to get help right away. When you join a live class, even online, you will feel part of a group. This makes it easier to stay with your goal to get more relaxation and better mobility.

We know your timetable may not always fit our live class slots. That is why we give you 14 days of playback for every live session. You can use this time to do the class when it works for you. Or you can watch a class you liked again. Maybe you liked the hip-opening moves from Tuesday, which is a good idea to practice. You can do that same class on Thursday too.

With live group time and on-demand choices, you never miss out. You enjoy the team spirit of a live class and still practise on your own whenever you like.

On-Demand Yin Yoga and Meditation Class Online with ālaya

Beyond our live classes, ālaya has a large on-demand yoga library. You can use it whenever you want. This is great for days when you feel like joining a yoga class on your own time or need to work on something in your yin yoga practice.

Our video library is easy to use. It helps you find the right yoga class for how you feel or what you want to do. No matter if you have just 15 minutes or a whole hour, our online yoga hub is ready for you.

Curated Yin Yoga Video Library for Every Need

Our on-demand video library is far more than just a collection of recordings; it is a curated resource designed to support your practice in a targeted way. Unlike scrolling endlessly through YouTube, our library is structured to help you find exactly what you need to improve your mobility and range of motion.

You can filter classes by duration, focus, or intensity. To give you an idea of what’s available, here are some examples from our library:

If you’re looking for free classes, you can explore our entire library with a 10-day free trial. This gives you unlimited access to our premium content, allowing you to discover the full ālaya experience without commitment.

Structured On-Demand Journeys for Guided Practice

If you like yoga and want some order in how you practice, we have made on-demand journeys for you. These are special playlists or a set of classes. Each one helps you focus on a theme or a goal. You get a real guided practice you can use at your own pace.

These journeys show you the way and help you grow. You can use them to:

• Cultivate Gratitude: This is a 7-day series of short practices. It helps with heart-opening and practicing mindfulness.
• Build Mental Endurance: This journey has 5 classes. It helps you stay calm and focus when things get hard.
• Improve Sleep: You get evening practices to help you relax and get your mind and body ready for good rest.

These journeys help with real learning and your own growth. You get to work on your personal yoga. Keep in mind, they are not certification courses. They are here to help you build a better yoga routine, with structure and planning.

Conclusion

Yin yoga with ālaya gives people at all levels a chance to change and grow, from beginners to experts. Our live yoga classes help you learn about new themes every month, like how to work with your feelings. You get to look deeper into your own feelings and find ways to grow. There is the choice to join any week or take part in the whole journey. This makes it easy for you to fit yoga into your life and suit your own needs.

You will also find our big library ready for you, filled with videos for people who like to do yoga on their own. If you sign up now, you get a 10-day free trial. You can try all the best parts of yin yoga and find out how peaceful it can be. Join us and start your path to calm feelings and better balance today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What equipment do I need for a yin yoga online class with ālaya?

For our yoga classes, all you really need is a mat. There is no need for a lot of fancy items. To help you feel better and enjoy relaxation, we do suggest using props. If you are a beginner, you can get some cushions, pillows, or blankets from your home. You can use these as support in many postures. This makes it easy for everyone to get what they need to practice yoga and feel more relaxed.

Are modifications available for different levels in ālaya’s classes?

Yes, you can do it. Our yoga teachers help by giving easy changes in every guided practice. They do this so that beginners and people at every level can take part. The main goal is to support your body and help you with your range of motion. We want this yoga time to be safe and good for all of us.

How often should I practise yin yoga online for best results?

The number of times you do yoga practice depends on what you want from it. If you like to work on mobility and mental endurance, you can do yoga two or three times in a week. Still, if you only go for one yoga class a week, it can help you relax and feel good.

What will you learn in our online yoga classes?

In our yin yoga online class, you’ll learn essential techniques for relaxation and mindfulness. Classes focus on deep stretching, breath control, and meditation practices that enhance flexibility and emotional balance. Ideal for all levels, these sessions promote a tranquil mind and body connection while developing your personal yoga practice.

Many people say that a yoga class must move fast and feel tough to count as exercise. They think you have to sweat a lot for it to work. But that is not true. Gentle yoga is not just about being lazy. It is smart and has its own way of doing things. When you slow down and listen to your body, you can get benefits that tough workouts sometimes do not give you.

If you are new to yoga, feel sore, or want something calm, gentle yoga may be the best way for you to feel good. It can also help when you need to take care of your health.

What is Gentle Yoga?

Gentle yoga is a slower-paced style of practice that focuses on mindful movement, deep stretching, and breath awareness. Rather than rushing from one posture to the next, you take time to settle into each position and explore it fully.

Styles That Fall Under Gentle Yoga

• Yin Yoga — long-held stretches for deep release in the connective tissues.
• Restorative Yoga — a type of yoga that uses supports to help you relax deeply in supported positions.
• Slow Flow — a type of vinyasa that has a slow speed and fewer transitions.

How It Differs from More Intense Practices

In strong yoga styles, the aim is to make your body warm and build strength with movement. Gentle yoga changes the focus. This type pays attention to how you line up your body, note how you feel, and takes you forward step by step. It is easier on your joints, muscles, and nerves.

The Smart Benefits of Gentle Yoga

Supports Recovery and Injury Prevention

This style of yoga helps you keep your movement and stretch without putting stress on healing tissues. It is a good way to start moving again after you have been sick, hurt, or away from regular exercise.

Reduces Stress and Improves Mental Clarity

The slower pace lets the mind settle, which lowers cortisol levels and makes you feel calmer. This makes it a great way to deal with anxiety and stay focused.

Builds Strength in a Sustainable Way

Holding poses slowly might not seem as intense, but it works your muscles for longer periods of time, which builds endurance and functional strength.

Enhances Flexibility and Mobility

When you move deeper into each posture, you help your body get more flexible. This also makes your joints feel better. These good things can help you do other activities and feel better in your everyday life.

Boosts Mind-Body Connection

This style of yoga asks you to move while paying attention. You notice how each pose feels in your body. You also feel how you breathe and how it helps you. This mindful way of thinking makes you more aware of what your body needs and how it feels.

When to Choose Gentle Yoga

For Beginners or Those Returning After a Break

Gentle yoga is a good way to start. It helps you learn how to move the right way and how to breathe. You do not feel the need to keep up with fast movements.

During High-Stress Periods

If your mind is full or you feel tired, gentle yoga can help you feel better. It can bring balance without making you feel worn out.

As a Complement to Other Workouts

Athletes and people who love fitness use gentle yoga to help with hard training. It helps the body feel better and lets them recover. It also keeps them from burning out.

Gentle Yoga with ālaya

Live and On-Demand Gentle Classes

At ālaya, we have many gentle yoga choices like Yin, Restorative, and Slow Flow. You can join a live class or watch them any time from our on-demand content. This is good for when you want to relax after a long day or start your morning in a calm way.

Try It with a 10-Day Free Trial

See the benefits of gentle yoga for yourself. Start now with our 10-day free trial. You will get to try as many gentle yoga online classes as you want, plus our full class library.

If you’ve decided to start a new movement practice, you could be stuck between two popular options: mat pilates vs yoga. They both say they will make you stronger, more flexible, and healthier overall, but the way they do it on the mat seems very different.

You might have heard that Pilates is good for building a strong core, but you might also be interested in how yoga can help you relax. Or maybe you’re a working person who wants to move your body quickly and effectively before the day gets busy.

The good news is? You may make a confident choice by knowing what makes mat Pilates and yoga different. You might even find that doing both is the best choice.

What is Mat Pilates?

Mat Pilates is a low-impact workout method created by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century. It’s built on a foundation of controlled movements, mindful breathwork, and precise technique, with a strong focus on strengthening your deep core muscles — the powerhouse that supports almost every movement you make.

Unlike Pilates done on equipment like the Reformer, mat Pilates only requires a mat, making it easy to do anywhere — at home, in the park, or in the studio.

Key Benefits of Mat Pilates

• Builds deep core strength and stability
• Improves posture and spinal alignment
• Enhances mobility and joint health
• Low-impact yet highly effective for building strength

Who Mat Pilates is Best For

Mat Pilates is great for people who wish to work out their core and get stronger in everyday life.. 

Desk workers love it for counteracting rounded shoulders and stiff backs, athletes use it to improve performance, and it’s also a great fit if you’re after an effective, low-impact way to build strength at home or in the studio.

What is Yoga?

Yoga is an old Indian practice that combines breathing exercises (pranayama), physical positions (asanas), and sometimes meditation or mindfulness.

Yoga is good for more than just the body; it also helps with mental clarity, emotional balance, and a general feeling of well-being.

One of the best things about yoga is how many different types there are. You may have a calm, restful session one day and a dynamic, flowing vinyasa the next. Both are still yoga.

This flexibility makes it easy to change your practice based on how you feel and how much energy you have.

Main Benefits of Yoga

• Makes you more flexible, strong, and balanced
• Lessens stress and helps mental health
• Increases mindfulness and awareness of the body
• Depending on the style, it can be energizing or quite soothing.

Who Yoga is Best For

Yoga is great for anyone who wants to improve their health in a holistic way. Yoga is a good way to work out and clear your mind at the same time.

It’s especially appealing if you appreciate the idea of paying attention to your breath, moving with purpose, and being able to change the intensity from day to day.

Mat Pilates vs Yoga: How to Choose?

Ask Yourself These Questions:

Do you want to work on building strong core muscles? → Try mat Pilates.

Do you want a balance of movement and mindfulness? → Try yoga.

Are you looking for variety and adaptability? → Try both and see which feels best.

Why You Don’t Have to Pick Just One

Many people find that Pilates and yoga work beautifully together. Yoga makes Pilates even better by improving flexibility and mental focus, while Pilates strengthens the strength and stability that enable yoga poses. It’s a win-win.

Try Both Mat Pilates and Yoga with ālaya’s Online Classes

You don’t have to choose at ālaya. Get the best of both worlds with our online platform, which has a wide range of yoga and mat Pilates classes for all levels.

You can attend live sessions for that real-time community or you can watch our on-demand collection whenever it works for you. 

There is something here for every mood and body type, from calm flows to energising core workouts.

Start with Our 10-Day Free Trial

If you’re still deciding between mat Pilates and yoga, why not explore both? Try our 10-day free trial and get unlimited access to Cork yoga and mat Pilates classes online. This way, you may feel how each technique affects your body and choose the one that works best for your goals.

Pilates is one of the most effective ways to build strength, improve posture, and boost mobility—especially when you’re just getting started. If you’re exploring the best home Pilates workouts for beginners, it helps to understand the key poses (or exercises) that form the foundation of any safe, effective routine.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through 5 beginner-friendly Pilates mat poses you can do at home, along with how they work, why they matter, and how to access guided instruction through ālayā’s online Pilates classes—including a 10-day free trial if you’re just getting started.

1. The Hundred

One of the most classic Pilates exercises, The Hundred helps warm up the body and activate deep core muscles.

• How to do it: Lie on your back with your knees bent and lifted (tabletop position). Extend your arms long by your sides, lift your head and shoulders off the mat, and pump your arms up and down as you breathe in for 5 counts and out for 5 counts. 
• Benefits: Improves breathing control, activates core stability, and increases circulation 
• Perfect for: Warming up at the start of your Pilates practice or daily routine

2. Shoulder Bridge

A gentle but powerful pose to engage your glutes, hamstrings, and spinal muscles—without straining your neck or back.

• How to do it: Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the mat, hip-width apart. Press your feet down to lift your hips, one vertebra at a time. Hold, then lower slowly. 
• Benefits: Strengthens posterior chain (glutes and hamstrings), improves spinal mobility, and supports better posture 
• Try it in: Any online Pilates class focused on full-body strength or lower back support

3. Single Leg Stretch

A simple yet effective Pilates move to train deep core stability and coordination.

• How to do it: Lie on your back with knees pulled into your chest. Extend one leg out at a 45-degree angle while the other stays bent. Switch legs in a rhythmic, controlled motion while keeping your head and shoulders lifted. 
• Benefits: Strengthens the abdominals, improves pelvic stability, and enhances coordination 
• Modify with: Hands behind head or head resting on the mat if needed

4. Spine Stretch Forward

This seated exercise targets the hamstrings, spine, and deep postural muscles—without needing to be overly flexible.

• How to do it: Sit tall with legs extended in front of you (hip-width apart). Inhale to lengthen the spine, then exhale to reach forward over your legs, drawing your chin toward your chest. 
• Benefits: Improves spinal flexibility, stretches the hamstrings and back, and encourages breath-led movement 
• Where you’ll see it: In many of ālaya’s online Pilates classes for flexibility and reset

5. Bird Dog (Opposite Arm and Leg Reach)

This classic mat-based move challenges your balance and strengthens your core without needing to stand or roll down. It’s a staple in many beginner-friendly online Pilates classes.

• How to do it: Start on all fours with hands under shoulders and knees under hips. Inhale to prepare. As you exhale, extend your right arm forward and left leg back, keeping your spine long and hips stable. Hold briefly, then return and switch sides. 
• Benefits: Builds core stability, strengthens the back and glutes, and improves coordination 
• Great addition to: Your online Pilates class or a low-impact strength routine from home

Build a Strong Foundation at Home—with Guidance

You don’t need fancy equipment or hours of time to start. A few poses, 10–20 minutes, and consistent practice can make a world of difference. 

You can try those 5 best home pilates workouts for beginners and see how they feel in your body!

At ālaya, our online Pilates classes are designed for real life: short, structured, and beginner-friendly—with sequences that include these foundational poses and build from there. Whether you want strength, calm, or just a moment to reconnect, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

💻 Explore our Pilates online classes for free
🧘‍♀️ Try a 10-day free trial of ālaya and see how simple it is to start moving with confidence.

Start Your Free Trial Now!

If you’ve ever wondered what sets Ashtanga yoga apart from other styles, or how to get started whether you’re in Cork or tuning in from home, you’re in the right place. Most people who practise Ashtanga describe it as intense, active, and greatly progressive. This dynamic form of yoga not only helps in building physical strength and flexibility, but helps in improving concentration and brings mental clarity.

In this article, we offer an overview of Ashtanga Yoga including its advantages, and how to access our weekly led Ashtanga sessions either in Cork or online with a free 10-day trial for new members.

What Is Ashtanga Yoga?

Ashtanga Yoga is one of the more traditional approaches to yoga that combines the challenges of different postures along with breathing for a defined sequence. This method creates significant physical heat in the body, as well as producing a purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and internal organs.

 It’s rooted in the teachings of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, who developed the modern form of the practice in Mysore, India.

Ashtanga has six main sets of poses, called series, and each is a distinct sequence of poses. They are as follows:

• Primary Series (Yoga Chikitsa) – Cleansing and aligning the body
• Intermediate Series – Fortifying the nervous system
• Advanced Series – Highly demanded, flexible and strong postures

All newcomers to Ashtanga usually begin with the Primary Series since it’s the most customisable and can be tailored to different skill levels.

Key Principles of Ashtanga Yoga

• Vinyasa: Breath synchronised with flowing movement
  
• Ujjayi Breath: Audible, steady breathing that aids in maintaining heat and focus
  
• Drishti: Concentration gazing point
• Bandhas: Locks of inner energy system within the body which strengthen the body internally and increase resiliency.

They all combine to form a moving meditation which simultaneously challenges the body while calming the mind

Is Ashtanga Yoga Right for Beginners?

Yes—Ashtanga yoga can be beginner-friendly, especially in a led class environment where the teacher breaks down the poses and transitions. While it’s a physically demanding style, it’s also incredibly rewarding. As you progress week by week, you’ll build endurance, discipline, and deep body awareness.

At our yoga studio in Cork and through our online yoga classes, we offer a 6-week Ashtanga Led Series where our experienced teacher guides you through the Primary Series in a progressive, accessible way.

Join Ashtanga Yoga in Cork or Online

Whether you’re new to Ashtanga or returning to the mat, we’ve created a supportive environment for learning—both in-person in Cork and from the comfort of your own home.

Our Ashtanga Yoga Offerings:

• In Cork Yoga Studio: Weekly led Ashtanga class with posture breakdowns and modifications
  
• Online: Access from anywhere with our Ashtanga online class, perfect for staying consistent even on busy days
  
• Free Trial: New to us? Try our online yoga classes free for 10 days—no strings attached
  

Start your free trial here and explore the practice that’s changed millions of lives.

Why People Love This Style of Yoga

Here are just a few of the benefits that draw people to this system:

✅ Builds Strength & Flexibility: It works your full body, especially your core and upper body.
✅ Improves Focus: The breath and movement coordination sharpens mental clarity.
✅ Creates Routine: Repeating the sequence each session develops discipline and structure.
✅ Supports Personal Growth: Each posture becomes a milestone as you deepen your practice.

Many students describe it as a physical and mental anchor—something they return to again and again for clarity and energy.

Online Ashtanga Yoga: Is It Effective?

Absolutely. Our Ashtanga yoga online classes are designed with clear guidance, real-time cues, and posture breakdowns that bring the studio experience to your screen. Whether you’re in Cork or across Ireland, our online yoga Cork community offers accountability and inspiration.

You can follow the 6-week Ashtanga breakdown with the same structure and support as in-person classes. Perfect for those who can’t attend a physical class but still want to experience the depth of this lineage.

Final Thoughts: Your Journey Starts Here

Ashtanga yoga is more than just a workout—it’s a lifelong journey of breath, movement, and presence. Whether you’re looking to build physical strength, calm a busy mind, or dive deeper into yoga philosophy, this style offers a holistic path.

And you don’t have to do it alone. Join our vibrant community in Cork or online, and let us support you every step of the way.

🎉 New to us? Claim your 10-day free trial now and join our weekly led Ashtanga yoga online classses.

With so many of us working from home, or around the clock, carving out time to focus on movement can feel difficult. That’s where online Pilates class come in — they provide convenience, structure, and professional instruction directly from your own home.

If Pilates is something you’ve been thinking of starting but you can’t quite work out whether online classes are worth it for you and actually offer all the benefits of IRL, here are five reasons why you should consider joining a home-based Pilates class that could persuade you to roll out that mat.

1. Online Pilates: Flexibility That Fits Your Lifestyle

One of the most evident benefits of an online Pilates class is flexibility in scheduling. Whether you are a morning person, a lunch-break mover, or you like evenings quiet, online classes enable you to pick when you practice.

Live classes typically include playback functions, so you don’t have to disrupt your day to get the full benefit. On-demand libraries (like ours at ālaya) even let you practise at your own convenience—with choices from 10 minutes to 60.

No driving, no time lost—just movement, on your schedule.

2. Privacy and Comfort in Your Own Space

Practicing Pilates at home allows you the freedom to concentrate. Without being disturbed or compared with others, it also makes it much easier to concentrate on your movements. For many beginners, this self-containment is a cushion that helps take away any fear or consciousness about trying something new in the studio with a group of people. 

You can wear whatever you want, rest when you need to, and adjust the movements at your own pace — with no pressure to perform on someone else’s timed schedule. If you’re coming back to exercise after injury or time off, for example, this home-based atmosphere can feel particularly nurturing.

3. Just as Effective as In-Studio Pilates

There’s a common myth that online movement classes aren’t “real workouts”—but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Online Pilates classes led by experienced teachers still focus on the same principles: breath, control, alignment, and core activation.

In fact, many of our students have told us that home practices give them even more body awareness because they are working with verbal cues and tuning into subtle sensations, not relying on mirrors or visual stimuli.

At ālaya, our online Pilates classes are designed around sequences that have a specific goal. They seek to improve posture, core strength, flexibility and overall movement capabilities–just like any in-person class.

4. Safe, Progressive Guidance from Professional Teachers

Not all online workouts are created equal. That’s why it’s important to choose a platform that offers qualified instructors and structured programmes that meet you where you are.

With the right teacher, you’ll receive clear, safe guidance—especially helpful if you’re new to Pilates or working with limitations. Many online classes include modifications and progressions, allowing you to build strength over time with confidence.

Our online platform includes not just live classes, but challenges and journeys—structured paths designed by our senior team to support your ongoing progress.

5. A Sustainable Way to Prioritise Wellness

It’s one thing to start a movement routine—it’s another to maintain it. The accessibility and consistency of online Pilates classes make them an ideal foundation for long-term wellness.

Whether you’re looking to manage stress, improve mobility, or simply move more regularly, online classes remove many of the typical barriers: time, travel, intimidation, and scheduling conflicts.

When movement feels more doable, it becomes more sustainable. And with class styles for every mood, from gentle flows to energising sequences, it’s easy to choose what your body needs, day by day.

Ready to Start Your Online Pilates Journey?

At ālaya, our online Pilates classes are part of a holistic digital platform built for real lives. You can choose from short on-demand sessions, live weekly challenges, and restorative movement journeys—all led by experienced, compassionate teachers.

ālaya is part of Himalaya Yoga Valley in Cork—a trusted yoga and Pilates studios with over a decade of experience in Ireland.

Try our 10-day free trial and see how online Pilates from home can support your strength, focus, and daily rhythm.

Wherever you are, your mat is just the beginning.

Do you know how ālaya came to be?

When the world shut down, our studios went silent — but our purpose only got louder. We launched ālaya as a way to bring breath, movement, and presence into your home. It wasn’t perfect, but it was wholehearted.

The word ālaya means “home” in Sanskrit. And that’s exactly what we set out to create: a sense of sanctuary through yoga, all from your home.

But then the world evolved, and we stayed the same.

Now, we’re ready for what’s next.

Informed by your feedback and how you live and practise today, ālaya is evolving into a more structured, inspiring, and purpose-driven experience.

What We Heard:

• 80% of you said time was the biggest barrier to live classes
• Over 70% of class engagement now happens through on-demand playback
• You want more consistency, support, and purpose in your yoga journey

So here’s what we’re doing about it.

You’ll still enjoy the same amazing teachers and class styles you love — now part of something bigger, bolder, and more purposeful.

What’s Next?

In our next blog, we’ll share:

• The exact schedule for July
• Details on your first live Challenges and Journeys

Stay tuned — it’s all dropping this week.

Welcome to the new ālaya- We’re just getting started.

With warmth,
The ālaya Team

Millions across the world hit their mats on 21st June annually to mark International Yoga Day. But this worldwide event is more than a date on a calendar—it’s a powerful testament to the deep roots of yoga, and its capacity to unite, heal and transform.

This is one of the reasons why at Ālaya Yoga, we consider this day to be not just an opportunity to practise, but also to stop and reflect and to pay homage to the source of yoga. Whether you’re an old hand or a novice, here’s how to mark this year’s International Yoga Day with a deeper sense of awareness and meaning.

A Short History of International Yoga Day

Proposed in 2014 by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the day was quickly embraced by the United Nations. The first International Day of Yoga was observed worldwide on 21 June 2015, the day and month when you have the most sunlight.

The International day of Yoga will be each year, at the same day, taking advantage of the summer solstice, the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and of special significance in many parts of the world, is the International Day of Yoga.

The aim of this day is to raise awareness about the many benefits of yoga—physically, mentally, and spiritually—and to encourage people across the globe to incorporate it into their lives.

Honouring the Roots: The True Essence of Yoga

While yoga has become a popular wellness practice, it’s important to remember that it originated in India over 5,000 years ago. Based on ancient philosophical concepts, yoga is something that goes beyond the physical body.

At its core, yoga is about bringing things into alignment — body, breath, mind, spirit. It is a path of self-inquiry, discipline, compassion, and connection. On International Yoga Day, along with the physical movement, we suggest you approach your practice in a respectful way – the way you’d engage with any ancient system of wisdom.

Small steps—such as studying yoga philosophy, honoring its cultural roots and even expressing gratitude for your practice—can help preserve the heart of yoga.

How You Can Celebrate International Yoga Day

This special day isn’t about doing the “perfect” pose or achieving a milestone—it’s about showing up with intention. These are some things you can do to observe the day in a meaningful way:

• Practise mindfully – Whether you’re in a class or practising alone, flow with intention and thankfulness.

• Pause for stillness – A couple of minutes of quiet Pranayama (breathwork) or meditation can guide you back to your centre.

• Read and reflect – Go to a yogic text or write about what yoga means to you.

• Spread the love of Yoga – Bring a friend, a family member, even a co-worker to get in touch with Yoga.

• Give back – Support a yoga charity, community initiative, or simply spread kindness in your own way.

Celebrating International Yoga Day need not be extravagant – but it does have to be genuine.

Celebrate with Ālaya Yoga

At Ālaya Yoga, we’re honoured to bring you online yoga classes that remain true to the essence of yoga. Our teachers are rooted in traditional lineages with years of experience and intention in every session.

We believe yoga is for everyone – all ages, all levels, all walks of life. That’s why we make our platform inclusive, welcoming, and rooted in classical teachings that respect the origins of yoga.

To celebrate International Yoga Day, we invite you to explore yoga (and even explore yourself!) with us:
A free 10-day trial to try out our online studio
20% OFF on you monthly memberships

Whether you are tuning into a morning flow, a gentle restorative class or a session on breathwork and stillness — we welcome you here.

A Final Word

International Yoga Day is not just a celebration — it’s a reminder to deepen your relationship to self, to tradition, to community. Whichever way you decide to celebrate the day, make the celebration about love, closeness and care.

If you are ready to journey to or back to yoga with new intention, look no further – Ālaya Yoga is here to meet you where you are, however you feel.

Namaste 🙏

When people first hear about chair yoga, they often wonder—is chair yoga effective for real physical benefits, like building strength, improving balance, and increasing flexibility? It might seem too gentle to deliver noticeable results, but the truth is, chair yoga is a powerful and adaptable form of movement that offers proven physical benefits—especially for older adults or those who need extra support in their practice.

In this article, we’ll explore how and why chair yoga is effective for building strength, improving balance, and enhancing flexibility—without needing to get down on the mat.

How Is Chair Yoga Effective for Strength?

Strength is often associated with heavy lifting or intense workouts, but functional strength—the kind we need for everyday activities—can be built gently and mindfully. So, is chair yoga effective for strength? Yes, absolutely.

Chair yoga engages multiple muscle groups, including the legs, core, shoulders, and back. Movements like seated leg lifts, supported warrior poses, or modified planks help develop endurance and tone muscles—all from the stability of a chair. In fact, many practitioners find that they activate their muscles more consciously in chair yoga because the movements are slower and more intentional.

Incorporating light weights or resistance bands can make chair yoga even more effective for strength training. Over time, regular practice can improve your ability to stand up from a chair, carry groceries, or move with more control and confidence.

Is It Effective for Improving Balance?

Maintaining good balance is essential as we age—it reduces the risk of falls and helps us feel more confident in our movements. One of the most common questions we hear is: is chair yoga effective for improving balance? And the answer is a strong yes.

Chair yoga includes seated and supported standing poses that challenge your sense of stability while keeping you safe. Practising movements like seated side bends, ankle circles, and chair-supported tree pose helps develop proprioception (your body’s awareness of where it is in space), which is key to improving balance.

As you build strength in the legs and core, you naturally gain more control over your posture and movement. Many seniors report feeling steadier on their feet after just a few weeks of consistent chair yoga practice.

Is Chair Yoga Effective for Increasing Flexibility?

Flexibility is about more than touching your toes—it’s about being able to move comfortably through your daily life. Whether you’re reaching up to a shelf or turning your head while driving, flexible joints and muscles make life easier. So, is chair yoga effective for flexibility? Without a doubt.

Chair yoga includes gentle stretches for the spine, shoulders, hips, hamstrings, and neck. The supported nature of the practice allows you to stretch safely without overexerting. Because you’re seated or stabilised by a chair, it reduces the risk of strain and allows you to hold stretches longer and more comfortably.

Over time, you may notice improvements in how easily you can perform daily activities—like putting on socks, reaching behind you, or getting out of bed. That’s functional flexibility, and it matters.

So, Is It Effective Overall?

Yes—chair yoga is effective for building strength, improving balance, and increasing flexibility. It’s a practice designed to meet you where you are, regardless of age, experience, or mobility level. Unlike more intense exercise routines, chair yoga supports your body while still delivering real, measurable results.

More than just physical movement, chair yoga also helps regulate your breathing, lower stress, and create a sense of calm—which contributes to better body awareness and coordination. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, easing back into exercise, or just looking for a way to stay active that feels sustainable, chair yoga can be an incredibly effective choice.

Ready to Try Chair Yoga for Yourself?

At Ālaya Yoga, we offer a complete Chair Yoga for Seniors course—designed for real people, real bodies, and real results. You’ll be guided by experienced instructors through a series of gentle, effective movements that promote strength, balance, and flexibility—at your pace, in your space.

✨ Try it today and enjoy 45% off with lifetime access. No subscriptions, no pressure—just movement that meets you where you are.

👉 Explore our Chair Yoga for Seniors course now