With the huge influx of yoga classes available these days it can be overwhelming to seek out and find a yoga instructor. While mostly a personal preference, there are a few questions that can be asked of any teacher that will offer some information and help determine that the teacher and student will work well together. Many times it takes some searching to find a teacher and student combination that is a good fit.
Yoga Instructor Training and Experience
Before even stepping foot in a yoga studio it is usually possible to find information about their instructors through their website. Most websites will include a section about the instructors. Read through the information on each one, see what they have to offer. Different instructors have different approaches to yoga and many times the information provided on the website will give a sense of what the instructor is all about.
While reading the information, notice where and who each instructor trained under and whether they are registered with Yoga Alliance. There will usually be information on how long they have been teaching and practicing yoga and what style of yoga they were trained in. Also note the personal practice of the yoga instructor if it is included. The personal practice of the instructor will usually be reflected in how they teach. If the instructor has a specialty, such as working with injuries, that will also usually be included.
Yoga Instructor Specialties
People come to yoga for many different reasons. Finding an instructor that can accommodate individual needs is essential to making yoga an enjoyable learning experience. When working with injuries it is important to find an instructor that understands how to modify for injuries; for major injuries there are instructors that specialize in yoga therapy to help the body recover. If coming to yoga to relax, find an instructor that focuses more on stretching or restorative yoga.
Within each style of yoga, from restorative yoga to power or vinyasa style classes, the way each instructor teaches will vary. Some teachers prefer to focus on alignment and anatomy while others focus on the breath. There will also be teachers who teach to the more meditative side or instruct with references to the subtle body (for example, prana and chakras).
Personal Preference of Each Yoga Student
It is important find someone that is compassionate to the needs of the students and passionate about yoga. In the end, finding a yoga instructor comes down to personal preference. Some teachers give lots of hands-on adjustments and some do not. There will be instructors that focus more on philosophy or alignment or the breath and it is the students job to find a teacher that works for them.
Great yoga instructors can be found at yoga studios, local gyms, YMCAs, and anywhere else that yoga classes are offered. Looking to websites or asking teachers about what they teach and how they teach can help to give a basic idea of each one's approach to help help narrow down the list of appropriate options. It can take time to find an instructor that suites a student's needs and it is important to try at least a few different instructors to determine who is the best fit.
Kaitlyn McConnell - Hi! I am a yoga teacher, world traveler, artist and cook currently living in Seattle, WA. I keep a regular blog of all things yoga related ...
