Over 36 million Americans practice yoga.
Yoga is a practice that dates back to ancient times, but it’s still going strong today. In fact, more people practice yoga now than ever before.
Finding the right yoga instructor can be a challenge, though. There are so many options available that it can seem overwhelming to find the right one.
If you are wondering how to choose a yoga teacher, this short and simple guide is for you.
1. Know Your Body
You should know your body well enough to know what it’s capable of doing and what it needs. While a yoga workout is a gentle activity, some poses may cause injury if you try to do them before your body is ready for them.
Choose an instructor who can teach you how to do yoga safely. He or she should be able to assess your current fitness level, as well as any injuries you may have sustained in the past.
2. Determine Your Goals
Do you want to lose weight, improve your flexibility, or increase your strength? A yoga class can help you achieve all of this and more.
However, you need to set clear goals before starting a yoga practice.
The more specific your goals are, the easier it will be to measure your progress and stay motivated. In addition, knowing what you want out of yoga can help you choose an instructor who can help you achieve your goals.
3. Make Sure They’re Trained
Yoga, like karate, pilates, and many other fitness activities, has its own set of rules and standards.
If you want to make sure that your yoga instructor is trained, ask them where they learned their skills. A reputable instructor will tell you which school they attended and what level of certification they hold.
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4. Find Out Long They’ve Been Teaching
Yoga instructors have to be certified, but there’s no way to know how long they have been teaching.
This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t take a class with them. It just means that you should ask what their experience is like.
If they have been teaching for years, chances are that they know what they are doing.
5. Ask What Type of Yoga They Teach
There are a lot of types of yoga out there, and each one focuses on different things. Many classes will focus on flexibility or strength training, but others are more about meditation.
Ask what type of yoga they teach because this will give you an idea of what their class will focus on. You can even ask if they have a specialty in something like Hatha or Vinyasa.
6. Check Out the Teacher’s Reputation
There’s nothing worse than going to a class only to realize that the teacher is terrible.
Ask around about them at your local gym or studio. A good teacher will have plenty of praise from their students, while a bad one may have a few horror stories floating around.
You can even visit their website to see if they have any reviews on there. If other people have taken their classes before and had positive things to say, then chances are that they are good at what they do.
7. Check Out Their Class Schedule
A great yoga teacher will have a class schedule that fits your lifestyle. If you have a busy schedule, make sure that they are offering plenty of classes.
It’s frustrating to try out a new instructor only to find out that they are not offering any classes during the times that work best for you. An experienced yoga teacher will understand this and make sure they have something available at all times of the day.
8. Get a Sense of Their Overall Style and Personality
You must get a sense of your potential yoga teacher’s overall style and personality. You want to feel comfortable with the person who will guide you through your yoga experience.
A good instructor will have clear boundaries and can maintain a sense of humor. They also can connect with their students on a personal level.
9. Research the Studio or Gym
Check out the studio or gym before you commit to taking a class there. You want to make sure that it’s clean and has the equipment you need for your type of yoga.
Ask if they have showers, lockers, and towels available. You should also find out if there are any additional fees you need to pay, such as a drop-in or membership fee.
10. Observe Any Classes They Teach
The best way to see if you like a place is to watch the instructors teach a class.
You can usually ask them if there’s an open-door policy so that you can come in and observe. If so, do it! It’ll give you an idea of what kind of environment they create for their students.
11. Don’t Pick a Yoga Instructor Based on Looks
Yes, you want your instructor to look like they know what they’re doing. But don’t pick one based on their appearance alone.
Instead, look for an instructor who has the right attitude.
They should be friendly and approachable. They shouldn’t be intimidating or judgmental.
12. Consider the Cost of Classes
The cost of classes is another thing that you should consider when choosing a yoga studio. If you’re not sure how much classes will cost, ask your friend who does yoga with you or look online.
You can also ask the instructor at the studio. They should be able to give you a rough estimate before signing up for any type of membership or package deal.
Choose the Perfect Yoga Instructor for Your Needs
Choosing a yoga instructor can be one of the most important decisions you make.
The instructor should have a lot of experience teaching yoga, and they should know their stuff. You should feel comfortable asking them questions, and they should be able to answer with ease.
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