How to Choose a Private Yoga Teacher for Lessons
Are you yoga-curious but feel self-conscious about contorting yourself in front of a group of strangers while wearing spandex? I recently read an article about how beneficial private yoga lessons can be versus a group class and thought I should add my own thoughts.
At some local studios, ask if they have any teachers they would recommend for a private lesson. Be very specific about what your goals are. There is a huge range of styles and levels of yoga. Some of them range from extremely challenging and you will be testing your balance and strength in ungodly ways while your muscles are working overtime. Other styles are gentle and restorative and you can fall asleep in the poses.
Do you think you would benefit from private lessons from your own personal yoga instructor but now sure how to find one and to tell if they are any good?
Do you have specific physical concerns you want to address such as low back pain, frozen shoulder or tight hamstrings or are you just looking for overall flexibility?
Do you want the class to feel meditative and spiritual so you can take a deep inner journey as well or do you primarily want a physically challenging experience?
When you are hiring a teacher and wonder what they charge it really varies based on a number of factors.
Do you want a teacher to come to your house or do you want to practice in a studio? How far travel time will the teacher have to come to you. Will they have to drive in rush hour? Do they have to pay extra for parking if you live in an urban area? Is parking difficult and will they have to spend an extra 20 minutes searching for a spot?
Do you have adequate lighting to create a tranquil mood or will the teacher have to bring lighting?
Be Specific with You Goals with Your Private Yoga Instruction
Do you have an IPOD or CD player or will the teacher have to bring their music equipment?
Is the lesson just for you or will there be other people in the group? The more people the more the teacher will probably charge?
Are there any special needs or training that the teacher should have beyond just yoga certification such as CPR skills, prenatal yoga training or medical knowledge of how to deal with a torn rotator cuff?
How experienced or new is the yoga teacher? Are they a full time teacher or do they just teach one class a month?
Do some online research and see what kind of reviews and feedback the teacher has received.
Is it just one session or are you paying for a longer series?
Do you have a yoga mat, blocks, yoga blankets or will the teacher have to supply one?
When I am giving a quote for a private yoga class these are the questions in my mind before I give a quote. I also require payment upfront (to ensure commitment from the student)