How to find the right yoga teacher?

Beginners often ask me how to rate a yoga teacher.?

Below is a QUIET checklist. These factors are the main criteria that your yoga instructor must meet before you move on to your second yoga class.

CALM gets its name from four main factors: Communication, Help, Listen, and Modification. For a proper yoga teacher, you must answer yes to all questions.

Communication:

Does your yoga teacher talk to you, and other students, in a spirit of mutual respect? Can you ask a question during the lesson?

Does your teacher show compassion for you and other students? Does your yoga teacher take the time to guide you through guided meditation or relaxation? Meditation and relaxation are the main aspects of yoga practice.

There are yoga teachers who just want to “work out”. Beware of yoga teachers who are so important, they don’t have time for you.

Some students like this atmosphere of superiority and, unfortunately, some people like insults. If you want to learn yoga, you need an open line of communication with your yoga teacher.

Help:

Does your teacher care about your uniform? Will your teacher give you verbal or physical assistance during yoga classes?? Are props encouraged in yoga classes?

Some students never have major alignment problems, and some, but if your teacher doesn’t give verbal cues, what does that tell you?

Listen:

Does your yoga teacher take the time to listen to your feedback? Is your teacher “at the moment” with the class?

Sometimes, there is a yoga instructor who does the All About Me Show. You won’t learn anything from this type of training. Beginners will be at risk trying to keep up with an experienced yoga teacher who doesn’t explain anything.

Modification:

Does your yoga teacher allow modifications and props? If your teacher doesn’t approve of props, you’re in the wrong place.

Some students will need props for life depending on their range of motion. Just because a teacher can do a pose without props doesn’t mean every student can.

Summary:

Stay away from abusive yoga teachers and if you are attracted to abuse there is always professional help available. Some students crave food, but loving parent types. They will push you harder, but how much push do you really need?

Respect is a two-way street and you deserve the same respect as your yoga teacher. Let common sense be your guide. You should feel good after yoga, and you may even feel sore muscles a few days after an intense yoga session.

Before making a commitment, make sure your yoga teacher meets the above criteria.