What to look for in a yoga teacher
You may have moved area or are wanting to start yoga. What do you look for in a yoga teacher? Before you do anything be honest with yourself. Are you looking to improve overall strength, flexibility and general well being? Do you have some niggling physical health issues that you have been told yoga can help? If it's the later question please visit your GP, physiotherapist or healthcare professional for advise before starting yoga classes.
example of Iyengar yoga
If you already practice yoga then you'll probably know the style of yoga that works best for you. If you are new to yoga then finding the right style of yoga is key to your enjoyment of yoga.
Recommendations are usually the best way forward. Join the local community social media groups or ask friends, colleagues and family for recommendations. Someone will usually know a yoga class. You may end up with numerous recommendations. If so, take the opportunity to check out the teachers website, or social media accounts. Try and find someone you feel you identify with.
Great, you have found a yoga teacher. What do you need to know about them and yoga? Don't be afraid to ask questions about:
What type of yoga do they teach? They may teach various styles of yoga such as Vinyasa flow, Hatha, Ashtanga, Yin, or Restorative yoga.
Class times, duration of class and venues?
Is it suitable for you? Be honest with your experience and any injuries or health problems.
How long have they been teaching and what is their favourite part of teaching yoga. (Get to know a bit more about them).
Any registration organisation?
Basic first aid training?
Insurance?
What else do they offer? Workshops? Retreats?
Questions about where the teacher trained may not seem important but actually you are showing interest in them as a person and a teacher. Some yoga teachers have trained in India, Thailand, Singapore or anywhere throughout the world. It adds character and personality to your teacher. It also helps you to identify a connection with the teacher. This connection is important. It's what helps you get more out of the class, relax and want to go when maybe you really can't be bothered!
Finding the right yoga teacher for you is important. It maybe that you attend yoga classes with several different teachers before you meet 'the one for you'. Don't be disheartened if this happens to you. It just means you haven't found the right style of yoga or yoga teacher that you feel benefits you most. There is a teacher out there for you and you will find them.
Good luck and continue enjoying yoga.
Namaste