| Just because someone is a "great
teacher" does not mean she is qualified to teach
yoga. There are some individuals who seem to be able to
teach just about anything because they possess the gift to
do so. While this can be great in many subjects, it is not
necessarily a good thing when it comes to yoga. Yoga is an
ancient science, and it requires both personal experience
and vast knowledge in order to teach safely.
In recent years, certification programs have surfaced
that give credentials to just about anyone who will pay
for them, sometimes in as few as eight hours of training.
There are also teachers who start teaching without any
formal training. That’s not to say that none of these
teachers are good teachers - but it is important to do
your own homework to see if the teacher can safely
instruct you
- Choose an instructor near you who teaches the style of
yoga that you are interested in
- Ask the teacher about his or her own yoga experience
and certification
- Ask the instructor if she herself takes yoga classes
and has a personal practice. Beware of any teacher who
says she takes classes only occasionally or doesn’t have
time to take classes. Regular contact with one’s own
yoga teacher is essential to the continued development of
both students and teachers
- General yoga classes are for those who are generally
healthy and have no physical limitations. If you have back
problems or any physical ailments, you should make sure
your yoga teacher has training in this specific injury or
condition
- Ask yourself what you are seeking from your yoga
practice. This will help you decide what style of yoga to
try. If you seeking relaxation and stress relief, you may
want to try one of the more gentle styles like Ananda,
Kripalu or Samatva. If you are seeking weight loss and
physical fitness, then a vinyasa, power yoga or
Bikrim-style
class may be for you. Those seeking to learn about going
deeper in the poses might like to explore Iyengar,
Ashtanga or Anusara styles. Those seeking spiritual
development might prefer the Kundalini, Kriya and
Integral
traditions
- If you don’t find what you are looking for in your
first class, don’t stop there. Try another teacher or
style. In the end, it is important you find a teacher that
you feel comfortable with and who will always keep your
safety in mind
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