How To Teach Yoga Classes For Beginners

Yoga instructors who are attempting to expand their skill set should note that learning how to teach yoga classes for beginners is a great way to do so. Offering professional instruction to individuals who do not possess extensive understanding regarding how to do yoga poses is an important skill that can help yoga instructors expand their worldview while also affording them opportunities to teach a wider range of people. Instructors who are interested in learning how to teach a yoga class for beginner students should implement the following strategies:1. Use Mirrors.In general, beginner yoga students lack general physical fitness or the specific skill set (flexibility, agility, etc.) that makes the execution of yoga movements effective. Since this is the case, affording students the opportunity to observe their movements in a mirror can be an incredibly effective strategy to implement. By observing themselves in the mirror, beginners can gain a better awareness of things such as body position, thereby enabling them to perform movements with greater control and self-awareness.2. Offer Constructive Criticism.Typically, yoga instructors who teach new students want to help them master the moves yet are uncomfortable with offering correction because they don't want to discourage beginners. There is a simple and generally effective solution to this issue: offer constructive criticism. Although this idea may sound simple, it is easier said than done. However, it is a talent that can be mastered. To start off, remember to avoid the use of negative words like "No" and "Don't." These terms tend to foster an environment of anxiety and alienation rather than facilitating the positive relationship that a beginner student needs to establish with the instructor. Additionally, the yoga instructor should remember to compliment the new student on any movements that she or he is performing correctly.


3. Avoid Touching People.In many cases, yoga instructors become very comfortable with touching advanced or intermediate students who are also comfortable with this behavior. In many cases, yoga instructors build a strong relationship with these individuals, which makes repositioning them with the hands acceptable and appropriate. While this activity can be appropriate and advantageous for advanced and intermediate students, it is typically inadvisable for beginners. New students are oftentimes already uncomfortable with the new setting, and offering instructions or information that involves repositioning their bodies or any other form of physical touching can make them feel anxious or imposed upon. Thus until the yoga instructor develops a strong working relationship with his or her students, it is best to avoid touching them.4. Get Feedback.As with any other yoga skill, improvement requires feedback. Since this is the case, ask a fellow yoga instructor or some other industry professional to evaluate the quality of your work. Be prepared to accept and respond to both compliments and constructive criticism. In many cases, yoga instructors will gain awareness of disadvantageous and/or advantageous actions and attitudes about which they were formerly unaware. Gaining this knowledge can heighten the yoga instructor's efficacy and agency in his or her chosen profession.ConclusionYoga instructors who want to continually develop their careers within the industry should note that offering classes to beginners can help them realize this objective. As with any specific form of yoga instruction, teaching beginners requires a unique skill set and the implementation of certain techniques and strategies. By utilizing the tips and tricks outlined above, yoga instructors who want to teach beginners can do so with expedience and excellence.