How to choose the right private yoga teacher
There are lots of reasons why a private yoga class, also known as a 1 to 1, might appeal, especially in our new normal, when group classes aren’t for everyone, or often not available at all. Whether you are brand new to yoga or have been practicing for years, private/1 to 1 yoga classes are a great chance to go deeper into your yoga practice.
Yoga has been around for thousands of years and there’s a reason why: it balances the mind, the body, and the spirit. No other physical activity asks us to connect to our breath quite like yoga does. For newbies it will give you an understanding of the basics of yoga. The classes cover the key poses and help avoid injury by teaching you correct placement for your body.
If you have a health concern or are recovering from an injury, private classes will show you how to adapt yoga poses for your body. They may help to speed up recovery and regain confidence. If you a more experienced yogi and want to go deeper into your practice, private classes are a great opportunity to get tailored advice and sequences, to take your practice to the next level.
So what questions should you ask your yoga teacher before you proceed?
- Is she qualified? The absolute minimum qualification for a yoga teacher is 200 hour certification, in any style of yoga.
- What style or styles of yoga do they teach, and which style(s) would they plan to work on with you in your 1 to 1? If you have been doing YouTube videos of hatha style yoga for example, and it turns out your new teacher specialises in Ashtanga you won’t be on the same page from the get-go. You need to know what you are getting into when you are making this investment. A little research into yoga styles and asking questions of your potential new teacher will go a long way.
- Do she want to discuss your 1 to 1 in advance of taking a payment or booking? I would meet all my potential clients in advance of our first session to make sure your needs, expectations and questions are all ironed out and clear. What elements you want to focus on should be discussed for example strength, mobility, relaxation, techniques etc. You also need to make sure you “gel” with your teacher and can build a rapport over time.
- Will she check my medical history? While this is done briefly in a group class of course, for 1 to 1s the big advantage is that can be more in-depth to ensure an absolutely bespoke tailored experience. Your private yoga teacher should ask about major injuries or surgeries from your past, what other exercise or fitness activities you engaged in, what your occupation is, your general routines, and about any current bodily discomforts or issues. Just as important as the physical stuff, they should ask about your mental and emotional health, what other mindfulness practices if any you practice and how much yoga philosophy and limbs they would like interwoven into our time together.
Why Should I Do Yoga?
You’ve probably heard about the many benefits of yoga. It keeps you limber. It helps you age well. It aids in blood circulation, posture, digestion, and muscle strength. It’s quite American to stop at just those physical points, but the mental benefits are resounding as well. Yoga asks you to stop. It asks you to breathe. It asks you to turn off your brain. It asks you to **gasp** be present in this chaotic life we lead. And, on top of all of that, it asks you to let go.
If you’re a beginner to yoga, it’s important to note that ANYONE CAN DO YOGA! And everyone is welcome. You don’t need much — just a pair of flexible leggings or shorts, a shirt that isn’t too baggy, and your curiosity. Most studios will have mats to borrow or rent as well as props you may need in class. It might seem intimidating, but if you look around at a yoga class — everyone there at some point started right where you are now. And they’re still there because yoga feels good for the soul. The truth is, we should all stop looking around the class and turn our attentions back on ourselves. You’re why you’re here. To further yourself. To grow. To move. To breathe.
A lot of people have an image of the ideal “yogi.” People are often intimidated. They think they have to be thin, they think they have to be flexible, they think they have to own expensive workout outfits.
The truth is, yoga is great for all body types — and all ages.
Don’t let your idea of what yoga is stop you from trying.
Why Should I Have A Personal Yoga Instructor?
Every yogi should take a class with an in-home yoga instructor, at least once. When a class is private, you are only pushing yourself instead of comparing yourself to others in a class around you, which can be much better for preventing injury. The teacher will work with you and your unique body to help you stretch your limits because their eyes will be on only you. A yoga instructor at home will be dedicated to you, so you can hone your practice and grow from exactly where you are.
Grow – Wherever your practice is now, be it non-existent or advanced, your teacher will work with wherever you are to help push you to greater heights.
Work On Personal Goals – When someone else knows your goals, they will hold you accountable for achieving them. Someone is there asking you the questions you need to answer and setting boundaries and goals for you, so you are more apt to reach them.
Flexible Schedule – Decide what works best for you, whether you’re a busy mom or you only have time for a class during your lunch break and you can find someone who will come to you for your practice.
Develop a Plan For Your Personal Yoga Routine – Having a personal teacher will help you understand how to practice on your own, so you can fit in your own yoga class whenever you need to.
Overcome Health Concerns – If you have physical injuries or health concerns you want to address, yoga is the perfect place to start. A personal teacher will help you identify what poses are best for you, so you can begin to heal or work with your condition. Many people need help counteracting the effects of sitting in an office all day, carrying a backpack around town, or working themselves too hard during physical activity. Many people need help learning how to meditate and breathe. Whatever it is, there’s something that a yoga teacher can pinpoint and help you conquer and having a personal teacher makes it easier to address these issues right away. Having a personal teacher is also helpful for those who feel they cannot share their personal health history with a teacher in a large class, either because it feels too personal or because there is not enough time beforehand when taking a public class. Having one teacher who knows your own history can address the entire class to your needs.
Privacy of Your Own Space – Yoga asks us to move into some pretty uncomfortable positions! Sometimes it’s nice to know that no one is watching you, so you can relax fully into each pose. You can choose for a teacher to come to you at your private home or for them to find and provide a space for your private lesson in a studio outside your home. Having a yoga home instructor is helpful for flexible scheduling and for the utmost privacy, but sometimes there are unforeseen distractions in the home and choosing a space outside your familiar space is useful as well. Most teachers provide service for both options.
Now Go!
Are you looking for a private yoga instructor to teach you? Are you looking into becoming one? The benefits of having a personal yoga instructor are huge, especially if you are interested in furthering your practice. If you’re new to yoga and need to know more about alignment in basic poses, or if you’re a pro and want to know how to get that perfect headstand, taking the next step in hiring someone to help you is ideal.
Now, excuse me while I go jump on my yoga mat! All this talk of flexibility and breath has left me wanting to connect with myself!
If you would like me to connect you, please contact me. I look forward to hearing from you!
HOW DOES THIS GO?
First, you reach out to me via email: carrieyogawarrior@gmail.com
We need to connect, have a brief phone consultation to make sure we are a good fit.
We will then schedule an intro session. We can meet in person or online.
This first session will include yoga movement so I can assess your needs, and a little time for discussion about what you are looking for in a yoga practice.
Then, we find a time that is convenient for you and set a schedule. This can be one to three times a week. It is best to set a schedule at designated times.
Private yoga is similar to working with a personal trainer, we focus on your goals and needs.
I suggest at least 10-session commitment. Private yoga works best when you make a commitment to it. You will see best results with a consistent practice. It is an investment in your health.
Curious how it works with online sessions?
It is almost the same as in-person sessions!
FIRST- Let’s chat and see if we are a good fit. Schedule your session.
Ready to move forward — we set a schedule – usually the same time, once or twice a week.
Yoga sessions are 60 minutes. Breathing sessions are 30 minutes.
YOU find a space in your home, set out your mat or chair. Log in at our designated time. I will be waiting for you.
We meet via Zoom. (If you haven’t used it before, it is free and easy. I can help set up.)
WE begin – It is just the two of us. I watch you carefully and talk and guide you through your practice.
The practice — the movement, the breathing, and the stillness — will be designed to meet your needs.
It is your body, you find what feels good.
YOU will find yourself feeling much better than when you started, happy that you have taken the time to take care of yourself.
ME – I am grateful for the opportunity.
KIDS YOGA FOR JOY, CHILL + AWESOMENESS!
No clowns, no mascots.
Just your kids doing downward dog.
We know that our Kids encounter school stresses, busy families, and electronic overload in this high pressure urban environment. Laughing Monkey Yoga kids program has been proven to decrease tension, anxiety, and negativity – it gives children (and their caregivers!) the tools to stay fit, calm and happy.
Kids do yoga? Yes, yes, yes! So fun for them, yet so much more.
Studies have shown the amazing benefits of a regular yoga practice for kids of all ages.
Here is just a shortlist of how your child can benefit from Laughing Monkey Yoga, both on and off the mat:
+ reduces anxiety and provides stress relief
+ enhances physical ability (body movement, body awareness, strength, endurance, aerobic capacity)
+ refines balance and coordination (gross and fine motor coordination)
+ increases confidence and positive self-image
+ improves academic performance and classroom behavior
+ maximizes development of social and emotional competence
+ improves concentration, focus and memory
+ helps develop better self control
+ improves symptoms of ADHD
+ promotes mindfulness and time to disconnect from technology
+ provides tools for practicing compassion, cooperation and generosity
+ fosters a sense of community and belonging in a healthy, non-competitive group
Impressive, right? Give your kids the gift of a regular yoga practice, and promote a lifetime of joy, chill and awesomeness!
Yoga and Creative Movement for all children.
Since it looks like this is the new normal, I’ve introduced LAUGHING MONKEY Yoga Class to better accommodate the needs of your families and Monkeys to get outside, get happy and get social, all while staying safe. Kid yoga is the perfect social distancing activity, so while we may not be in the studio right now, I’ll bring kid yoga classes to you in the best way possible!
+ at-home, outdoor, social distancing private yoga classes for small groups of 2-4 children
+ 45 minute Laughing Monkey group class experience in the comfort and safety of your own backyard
+ frs125 per session for up to 4 students, just +frs25 per additional student
+ available for all ages
+ flexible scheduling, available weekdays and weekends
+ in accordance with social distancing guidelines
Call me (or text me) at +41 78 850 7600 or email carrieyogawarrior@gmail.com to schedule!
With all these changes and interruptions to everyday life, it’s especially important to keep your kids’ bodies active and minds calm in order to maintain good health, joy, chill, and awesomeness!
Photo: Manduka The #1 mat recommended by teachers worldwide – now designed just for kids! The perfect-sized mat to encourage kids to discover the wonders of yoga. Give a child their own yoga mat and let them practice and play.
- You must cancel your class 24 hours or more prior to class start time in order to return the session to your account for use at a future date.
- If you late-cancel less than 24 hours prior to class start time, your session will still be deducted from your account.
Laughing Monkey Yoga for Preschools, Elementary, Middle, and High Schools
Studies show the amazing benefits of a regular yoga practice for kids of all ages
+ improves academic performance and classroom behavior
+ reduces anxiety and provides stress relief
+ enhances physical ability (body movement, body awareness, strength, endurance, aerobic capacity)
+ fosters a sense of community and belonging in a healthy, non-competitive group
Laughing Monkey Yoga
+ during and after school programming
+ 45/60 minute yoga classes
+ daily, weekly or special events/fundraising
+ customized programming to meet the need of your school
+ secular, modern yoga classes with a dash of mindfulness
+ certified instructor
+ full coverage insurance
For more info:
carrieyogawarrior@gmail.com
+41 78 850 7600
Shop Manduka – 10% off for you!
Until we can gather again, I’m here to support your practice and so is Manduka.
Shop with my code YOGABYCARINA and you will receive an exclusive 10% off on every order!
MANDUKA for Mini Yogis
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