| If you had the calling to become a yoga instructor then | | | | each class. |
| you most likely have something special to offer your | | | | Learn how to flow the poses so that one pose can |
| students. Whether you are adept at the physical | | | | easily be done after the next. As an instructor you can |
| practice of yoga or are talented at inspiring your | | | | feel which pose feels natural to do after another. Be |
| students spiritually, there are many things you can do | | | | sure to counterpose such as doing child pose after a |
| to increase your excellence as a yoga instructor. | | | | backbend. You may also want to organize your poses |
| Take other yoga classes or attend continuing | | | | so that you do the first sequence seated, the next |
| education workshops. Many yoga instructors get in a | | | | standing and the last supine, rather than going up and |
| routine of teaching several classes a week and often | | | | down from the floor. |
| neglect taking classes themselves. Making time in your | | | | Create a class focused on one body part or one set |
| schedule to practice yoga with other teachers will give | | | | of poses. For example, you can focus the class on hip |
| you new ideas and fresh material as well as allow you | | | | openers or backbends. Start your class with warmups |
| to reap the benefits of a nurturing yoga class. | | | | that will lubricate the joints around that specific body |
| Remember that it is not the same to do yoga while | | | | part. Then do a progressive set of poses that will |
| you teach a class as it is to be able to be fully present | | | | accomplish your goals. |
| while taking a class guided by another instructor. | | | | Tune into the energy of your students and be present |
| Create a nurturing, relaxing atmosphere in your class. | | | | for them. Just before you begin to speak make eye |
| Use candles, low lights, and soothing music. Arrange | | | | contact with your students and notice who is in the |
| your music playlist so that it begins with a song geared | | | | class. You may be able to sense whether you can |
| towards getting centered and quieting the mind. End it | | | | lead a stronger class or a more relaxing class just by |
| with a relaxing, meditative tune for savasana. You can | | | | doing this. Leave your ego out of your presentation |
| also make it interesting by playing contemporary music | | | | and notice who may need assistance during the class. |
| from time to time. Eliminate any distractions you may | | | | Assist students into the poses. If you are trained in |
| foresee before the class begins. | | | | assisting then you can coax people into deeper |
| Welcome new students who come to your class. | | | | stretches than they would normally be able to do on |
| Starting a yoga class for the first time may be scary | | | | their own. When approaching students to assist them it |
| and newcomers will want to be reassured. Introduce | | | | is advisable to ask them permission first. One way to |
| yourself to them and ask them if they have any | | | | do this is to ask, "may I help you in this pose," before |
| specific health conditions that you should know about. | | | | you start to touch them. |
| Make sure that they have a proper mat and offer | | | | Use a nurturing voice and speak minimally. A soft, |
| them any props you think they may need. | | | | earthy tone in your voice will aid in creating a |
| Offer yoga props. Many yoga centers are equipped | | | | meditative experience for your students. Likewise, |
| with yoga props but if not you can bring your own. | | | | talking less creates less distraction for students who |
| Some good props to have on hand are blocks, ties | | | | are learning to be present and stay in the moment. |
| and folded blankets. As a nice touch you can have a | | | | The student can then learn to listen to their bodies and |
| basket of eye pillows to hand out during savasana. To | | | | feel the mind-body connection. |
| make them sanitary you can offer a kleenex to put | | | | Close the class with an inspiration and be available |
| between the eyes and the pillow. | | | | after class to answer questions. Whether you end |
| Ask the students if there is anything they would like to | | | | your class with a chant or an inspiring quote, the way |
| work on specifically. Many people come to class | | | | you close the class will allow your students to leave |
| because of specific aches and pains such as a stiff | | | | feeling extra good about taking your class. You may |
| neck or tight hips. You can tailor the class to working | | | | want to invite your students to come up to you when |
| on specific poses and exercises for whatever the | | | | class has ended with any comments, concerns or |
| class has requested. | | | | questions. |
| For an all-level class, teach at the intermediate level | | | | Leave your ego out of it. It does not matter if you can |
| and offer modifications for beginners or challenges for | | | | stand on your head, balance on your arms or even if |
| more advanced students. If the class is attended by | | | | some of your students are more flexible than you. |
| both beginners and advanced students you need to | | | | There are many styles of teaching yoga and some |
| make it manageable for beginners yet still challenging | | | | students will love you and others will not. Remember |
| enough for the others. Sometimes a more advanced | | | | that you can't make everyone happy and the students |
| student will know how to make the pose more | | | | that are meant to benefit from you will be attracted to |
| challenging and just do it without your instruction. To | | | | your class. If you have the desire to teach classes |
| keep the class interesting from week to week you | | | | then you have something to offer your students |
| can introduce one new pose or variation of a pose | | | | mentally, physically, and/or spiritually. |