Giving a yoga class is often stressful for beginner teachers. Even if the exercises remain simple, teaching induces an attitude, which sometimes takes time to be acquired. Here is an article with some key points to make your yoga class a success!
Relax, be comfortable
Contrary to what many people think, yoga is not a “discipline” but a state. Of course, it is the practice (of yoga) that allows you to enter this sweet regenerating trance. But, at the beginning, it is the teacher who will transmit the good vibration, the ideal practice to enter into yoga.
The key point in teaching yoga is therefore above all to be yourself in this state, to be relaxed and serene.
Here are some ways to arrive relaxed at your yoga class:
1. Come on time.
It’s commonplace, but the “last minute” or traffic jams create stress that may be transferred to the students. So showing up at least 15 minutes before the lesson allows you to breathe, to center yourself before giving the lesson.
2. Do not try to play the role of “teacher”.
You come above all to practice for yourself, to do yourself good. The ideal is to think of a practice between friends, in all lightness. So don’t try to be “perfect”, not to make mistakes, etc. Just be yourself, happy to share this moment with other people.
3. Sleep well.
Afternoon naps are essential if you teach in the evening (usually). They perk you up with energy and clarity of mind.
4. Do not do existing/disturbing things 2 hours before your class.
TV (violence), negative news, discussions (even positive ones, excite the mind) etc.
5. Meditate 30 minutes or more just before class.
Prepare for her yoga class
It is more than necessary to prepare your lessons and avoid “wild” teaching. Even if you have a structure that you rotate, students prefer teachers who vary their lessons and bring something new every week. Of course, depending on the group, the day and the energy, it is not possible to respect 100% what you have prepared.
But preparing for your yoga class is above all a mental stimulation that points your brain in the right direction. On the other hand, it is imperative to remain flexible (no pun intended!) and intuitive, in order to adapt the course to the students of the same day.
I personally think that a excellent course is based on 50% preparation and 50% intuitive, adaptation. Even if you don’t do anything you planned, preparing for your lesson helps you develop more fluency and confidence.
Charisma, being present
As mentioned before, do not try to “play a role” (that of the “teacher”). This is a (serious) error that is completely inconsistent with yoga. The idea being to be as true as possible in order to free oneself from suffering.
Keep it humble and simple, practice for yourself and share what you do. Always in the idea of a practice between friends, in joy.
Nevertheless, the paradox is thatyou must be present in the course, you affirm.
So you need tospeak audibly, clearly and effectively. It is also necessary that you direct the students as much as possible, so that they can “surrender” themselves into your hands.
Remember that yoga is the “automatic shutdown of the mind”. So if the students have to strain the ear to listen to you or if they have to think to understand the instructions, it forces them to use the mind. It is therefore difficult for them to relax and let go.
You must therefore be the charismatic “leader” when you teach, while remaining yourself!
Humor, lightness, simplicity
These points could be included in the previous paragraph, however, they deserve special attention.
The fake guru
First, too many yoga teachers are “playing it serious”, even though we are talking about a transcendental practice! There is nothing worse than a course given by a false guru, who thinks he is superior, who complicates things….
Remember that yoga is a natural state that already exists within all of us. The different “techniques” just allow you to “trip” the mind, nothing more. There is therefore no one more enlightened than another. But I stop here because it can be the subject of a whole book.
Yogic entertainment
Secondly, students who come for a yoga class come to relax, not to take a NASA entrance exam. By the way, I used to say that we are more into “entertainment” than well-being. I have seen so many technically “perfect” yoga teachers, over knowledge, but unable to complete their classes. Because students are not attracted, something is missing.
So be “light”, free yourself, that’s what yoga is all about. Of course humor is not given to everyone, but smile yes! Also, simplicity is a lightening factor: simple words, simple explanations , simple sequences etc…make your life easier.
Again, I repeat myself, immerse yourself in “a practice with friends” in which you enjoy yourself and everything will be fine.
Vary the dynamics of the course
Already mentioned under the point “preparation”, here I would like to emphasize the need for variety in the course. Not only the exercises but the dynamics (while respecting the style, do not do an Ashtanga instead of a Yin, although in 15 minutes for example, anything is possible!).
For example, you could do the Sun Salutation at the end of class instead of at the beginning. Ditto for breathing exercises etc. In terms of movements, you can sometimes hold the postures for a long time, sometimes work more on the dynamics of sequences.
Often, the energies of the moment are enough, very soft on Christmas Eve, dynamic on a beautiful spring day, etc. It’s important to also follow the energy of the group. Don’t make a super dynamic class if everyone is dragging their feet…
It’s also good to bring other things like:
– a bit of philosophy, discussions;
– techniques from other disciplines (example QiGong in yoga);
– student participation with group exercises (acroyoga, stretching in pairs, etc.).
Music or not?
Indispensable for me. To go back to point 1, music above all helps you relax! Then of course, it also allows students to relax.
When I arrive in a class, turning on the music is enough to put me directly in the mood. So even if it is possible to do without it, for me the music in a yoga class is essential.
But be careful, there is music and music…no “RNB”, rap, rock and other “styles” of the genre. If you give a yoga class, you want to create a Zen atmosphere, to transport people, to make them travel. The Indian music with zither etc is perfect in general. There are also plenty of “yoga class” albums.
Personally, what I like the most is the background music, of different styles (with or without bowls, flutes, zither, etc.).
Silence, however, is most welcome. Occasionally or certain courses from time to time. But music makes it easier to unhook. Various studies show the beneficial effects of orderly (classical) music, it would be stupid to do without it!
Love what you do
It may seem obvious, but there are subtleties. You might love yoga but not all styles, without even realizing it.So it is important to follow your intuition, listen to yourself and teach what you really love. With the element of “money” being very present in society today, we often have to teach different disciples/styles, to follow the demand.
But while this may “add grist to the mill”, it is even more important to invest yourself in the area you love deeply where everything becomes “easy”. Imagine the difference between a real crush, falling in love, and a forced marriage. Yes it can work but real success will always come from investing in something that fills you with joy, energizes you and makes you happy.
So remember to make the right choices, and even if life is sometimes full of compromises, remember to always readjust along the way.
Cedric