The most intimidating part of teaching online yoga isn’t the yoga part—it’s the online part. The technology. I get it. I’ve been recording yoga classes since the age of DVDs, and it can be a lot to handle.
When I first started recording classes, I spent far more time fiddling with cameras than actually teaching, and the whole experience was really draining. But here’s what I’ve learned after over 20 years of creating online content: you don’t need a film degree or a massive budget to offer meaningful online classes that help your students.
You do need a few smart tools and someone to show you exactly how to use them. So today I’m pulling back the curtain on my entire setup, from the $20 gadgets that work surprisingly well to professional upgrades I’ve invested in over time.
Start Simple: Your Phone Is Probably Enough
Your phone is likely all you need to record really great quality video. The key is understanding how to use it effectively:
Essential Phone Setup:
- Set your phone to high-quality video settings (if you have the storage space)
- Use a phone tripod mount that lets your phone snap right in
- Mount it on a sturdy tripod—I recommend this SLIK tripod for its reliability, though you can find more budget-friendly options too
Audio Game-Changer: Add this $20 clip-on microphone from Amazon, and you’ve got a setup that works beautifully for both talking-head videos (like guided meditations) and movement classes. The microphone clips to your collar and moves with you during sequences.
Lighting: From Free to Professional
Free Option: Natural Light North-facing windows are your best friend—they provide even, flattering light all day without harsh shadows. Position your camera almost touching the window so you can sit close to the light source.
If you don’t have good natural light, pull lamps from around your house and position them to mimic window light. You might need to remove lampshades, but this creates surprisingly even illumination.
Budget Upgrade: LED Light Panels I started with Neewer LED lights from Amazon—they’re affordable and get the job done.
Professional Setup: Now I use Lume Cube lights with adjustable color temperature, paired with:
- Elgato Mini Key Light (controllable from my Elgato Stream Deck)
- Luke Cube Edge desk lamp that doubles as both face lighting and workspace illumination
Camera Options: Phone to Professional
Phone Camera: Still the best starting point. Frame your shots carefully—you want to be close enough for talking-head videos but wide enough to show your full body for movement sequences.
Professional Upgrade: I’ve upgraded to a Sony ZV-E10 II with a Sigma 16mm lens. But honestly? The difference is marginal. A fancy camera makes the video slightly better, but your teaching makes it valuable.
Webcam Option: The Elgato Facecam Pro is fantastic for live teaching. It offers multiple shot options—wide for movement, tight for conversation—and fits perfectly into the Elgato Prompter if you want teleprompter capabilities.
Audio: The Most Important Investment
Here’s the truth: audio quality matters far more than video quality. Students will tolerate imperfect video, but poor audio makes content unwatchable.
For Studio Recording: The Røde PodMic USB is my go-to. It plugs directly into your computer, comes with a built-in pop filter, and the boom arm lets you position it perfectly. The sound quality is exceptional.
For Movement Videos: The Røde Wireless Go 3 is a game-changer. It comes with two transmitters (perfect for partner demonstrations), connects via USB-C, and has onboard recording for backup audio. Plus, everything charges in one elegant dock.
Software That Actually Works
For Live Teaching: I use Butter—think of it as a more engaging, user-friendly version of Zoom. It’s perfect for workshops and live movement classes.
For Editing: Descript is hands-down the best editing software I’ve used in years. (The 18-year-old me who learned audio editing on reel-to-reel tapes with a razor blade would not believe it!) It makes video editing approachable and even fun. The built-in AI assistant, Underlord, helps you learn the platform quickly.
For Scripting: Speakflow keeps me organized and confident when recording course content or structured videos.
The Bottom Line: Presence over Perfection
The biggest shift for me was realizing that online teaching doesn’t require perfection. It requires the same presence and clarity you bring to your regular in-person classes.
Start simple, upgrade gradually, and remember that your students care way more about your teaching and how it makes them feel than your production values. The goal isn’t to become a videographer—it’s to serve your students wherever they are.
Ready to Dive Deeper?
Watch the Complete Behind-the-Scenes Tour: I walk through every piece of equipment, show you different setup options, and demonstrate exactly how everything works together.
Want More Support?
- Mastering the Art of Yoga Sequencing Mentorship includes a full course on the production side of creating video content
- Prep Station membership gives you access to all my finished movement recordings so you can see these techniques in action
Questions? Drop them in the video comments, and I’ll help you figure out your next step. Remember, you don’t need to invest in everything at once—start where you are, use what you have, and upgrade one piece at a time as your online teaching grows.
Equipment links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them (at no extra cost to you). I only recommend equipment I personally use and trust. Watch the video and you’ll see I use everything here!
