Tips For Yoga Teachers Starting Out

If you have considered any type of training professionally, then you have maybe realised that it takes dedication and time. Whether you’re a personal trainer, a football tutor or a yoga teacher, you need to create dedication. You may also need to look at insurance, such as personal trainer insurance or health insurance. You may also want to look at upgrading any equipment for your chosen sport. However, Yoga is our passion, and so here are some really good tips for new yoga teachers who want to create a new world for their learners.

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Find the guru: Find a role model

A mentor, someone who teaches you the craft of teaching, is great. The important thing is that you like the person’s teaching style. It is also good if your mentor has a good deal of experience because this will inspire you to teach in the same way.

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Be a good student: practice, practice, practice

Good teachers are always good students. That means, go primarily to the classes of your role model, but also to the classes of other experienced teachers. And regularly. Decide on a method or studio to start with. Practicing ensures that you not only understand the teachings on an intellectual level, but that you store them directly in your body. You might even write down the sequence or sit in on a class from time to time. Think about what you particularly liked, take apart the asanas and ask yourself why your role model built the class this way. How was music used? What was the target asana? What preparatory exercises were there?  

Ask more: take whatever feedback you can get

If you have other teachers in your classes, ask them for constructive feedback. An important tip is to think carefully about who you ask. The person should be sympathetic to you and be able to justify their feedback. They must also be competent in their work. Accept the feedback and don’t feel the need to be defensive – this is how you will grow. Be lenient with yourself because mistakes will happen and that is OK.

Prepare: Prepare your yoga class properly

When your class is prepared, the safer you will feel and the easier it will be to concentrate on the students. You remember: it’s not about you. Write down your preparation! Plan the time you need for the individual sequences and note the timing. It is also a good idea to plan optional asanas, which you can omit or teach in addition, depending on your availability. Ideally, you should practice your classes yourself before teaching them. This is how you recognize possible stumbling blocks, notice whether the transitions work and know what feels good or not. Always keep in mind that teaching a sequence will take longer than practicing it yourself.

Keep it simple! Too much creativity kills the energy of the class. Don’t get caught up in your own claims. The yogis will thank you if you teach a good, simple asana class.