January 13, 2025 • 21 mins
Teaching beginner classes sounds easy, but when you have a room full of students who have never practiced yoga or have preconceived notions of what yoga should be or what it looks like because of the images they've been fed. Well, teaching becomes a little bit more challenging.
So let's get into some different ways to welcome students, calm their nerves, and teach beginner-friendly classes.
In this episode, I'll help you with some tips for teaching students who may feel like they're not flexible enough, not good enough, or that yoga isn't for them.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Monica (00:00):
Okay.
Now's the time when we welcomenew students into our classes.
So how do we accommodate them?
Is the question.
Teaching beginner classes soundseasy, but when you have a room
full of students who have neverpracticed yoga, Or who have
preconceived notions of whatyoga should be or what it looks
(00:22):
like because of the imagesthey've been fed.
Well, teaching becomes a littlebit more challenging.
So let's get into some differentways to welcome students, calm
their nerves and teach beginnerfriendly classes.
In this episode, I'll help youwith some tips for teaching
students who may feel likethey're not flexible enough.
(00:45):
Not good enough or that yogaisn't for them.
Welcome to the EssentialConversations for Yoga Teachers
podcast with me.
I'm Monica Bright, and I've beenteaching yoga and running my
yoga business for over a decade.
This is the podcast for you ifyou're a yoga teacher, you're
(01:07):
looking for support, you love tobe in conversation, and you're a
lifelong student.
In this podcast, I'll share withyou My life as a yoga teacher,
the lessons I've learned, myprocess for building my
business, and helpful ideas,tools, strategies, and systems I
(01:29):
use and you can use so that yourbusiness thrives.
We'll cover a diverse range oftopics that will help you
whether you're just starting outor you've got years under your
belt and you want to dive deepand set yourself up for success.
I'm so glad you're here.
Listen, I don't take myself tooseriously, so expect to hear
(01:52):
some laughs along the way.
Now, let's do this together.
Welcome back to the podcast.
I'm Monica bright.
How's your new year going sofar?
Is it too soon to ask thatquestion?
I hope it's going well.
I am.
(02:13):
So looking forward to this year,full of fun and educational
episodes for you.
Yes.
Yes, it is the new year and it'salso the time of year, where
there is an influx of newstudents in classes who have
either made resolutions orintentions to get healthier.
(02:35):
And one of those ways is bystarting yoga.
We love it.
Do you feel like me?
My wish is for everyone in thisworld to practice some form of
yoga.
Because I believe the worldwould be a more peaceful.
And mindful place if they did.
But now is the time where wewelcome new students into our
(02:58):
classes.
So how do we accommodate them?
Is the question.
Teaching beginner classes soundseasy, but when you have a room
full of students who have neverpracticed yoga, Or who have
their own preconceived notionsof what yoga should be or what
it should look like because ofthe images they've been fed.
(03:19):
Well, teaching becomes a littlebit more challenging.
So let's get into some differentways to welcome students.
To calm their nerves and toteach classes appropriate for
them.
Teaching yoga classes tobeginners students is a
wonderful opportunity.
To create an inclusive andsupportive environment because
(03:42):
beginners often feelself-conscious or worried about
their abilities.
So as a yoga teacher, it'simportant to address these
concerns with empathy,encouragement.
And practical strategies.
In this episode, I'll help youwith some tips for teaching
students who may feel likethey're not flexible enough.
(04:03):
They're not good enough.
Or that yoga isn't for them.
But someone in their life toldthem they should try out yoga.
Number one, you shouldacknowledge their concerns
early.
I like to do those throughtheming, because that helps me
center the entire class.
(04:24):
Around a specific concern, forexample.
If flexibility is a concern Ican tie in life lessons and how
sometimes we find ourselvesfeeling resistant or being
rigid.
But if we relax and understandwhy we feel this way, then we
might be able to move throughthe rigidity.
(04:47):
I can teach students that thereis no standard for flexibility.
And that the capacity that theyhave at the moment is perfect.
And exactly where they'resupposed to be.
I can also speak to the manybenefits of yoga.
That have nothing to do withflexibility, Like helping
(05:07):
students connect with theirbodies.
As opposed to achieving aspecific pose or the dreaded
full expression of oppose.
This brings up a good point.
I'm very careful with thelanguage I use in my classes.
I think a lot about languagethat might be harmful or make
(05:28):
students feel as though theyaren't good enough.
Such as if you can't.
Or maybe this is not for you.
So think about queuing themingand the language you use in your
classes and how they mightaffect students when they hear
you speak.
Number two.
(05:49):
Normalize the journey.
I emphasize that yoga is apersonal practice and there's no
need to compare oneself toothers.
This is one reason why I loveonline options for yoga.
It removes the potential forstudents to compare themselves.
To the student next to them.
(06:10):
I know we all advise studentsnot to compare, but sometimes
it's hard.
And God forbid, if you have theseasoned yoga student in your
class during their own practice.
Ah, That can be so annoying anddistracting.
You could remind students thateveryone starts somewhere And
(06:30):
there is perfection inimperfection.
Some messages you can share.
Our yoga is not about looking acertain way in oppose it's about
noticing and feeling thebenefits of the practice in your
body and mind.
Or there is no right or wrongway to do yoga.
(06:52):
If something doesn't feel good,you could always make changes to
suit your own body.
And every individual has aunique journey and your practice
is yours alone.
So own it and fall in love withyour practice.
So, how do you speak to this?
(07:12):
You can set the tone from thebeginning with theming focused
on yoga, being a personalpractice.
And it's not about what othersare doing around you.
Or that yoga, isn't acompetitive practice.
It's a journey unique to eachstudent.
You can remind students duringclass that there's no right or
(07:34):
wrong way to look and opposeit's about what feels good and
what's appropriate in your body.
Now, what are some ways that youcould tailor your classes?
You could avoid using languagethat compares students like.
Look how deep Tanya is in herpose.
(07:57):
You could demonstrate and teachbeginner friendly versions of
poses first, emphasizing thatthey are equally valid.
You could use inclusive cues.
Like if it feels good, stayhere.
If you want more, try thisvariation.
And you can help studentsunderstand that their practice
(08:18):
might look and feel differentfrom day to day.
And that's okay.
Number three.
Offer variations andmodifications.
Tailor your classes toaccommodate different abilities
by offering variations forposes, encouraged students to
choose what works for them ineach moment and never feel like
(08:40):
they have to do a pose exactly.
As it's demonstrated.
I know some teachers have anissue with the word modification
and instead use the wordcustomization.
I am not a believer.
That modification is about wordnumber one.
I modify it all the time.
(09:00):
I think it's the way youapproach the word.
And help your students getcomfortable with the word
modification and teach ways forthem to understand how, when and
where it's necessary to modify.
So, how do you modify poses?
Well, I loved use progressionsinstead of regressions.
(09:24):
When I'm sequencing, let's sayside plank with arm and leg
variations.
I'm going to begin byintroducing the shape.
Either lying down or in thefirst variation, which would be
a knee downside plank this way.
Students have a first option toutilize throughout the entire
class.
(09:44):
If they like.
Then I can say you don't need togo into another expression of
the pose.
Listen to your body and find aversion that feels supportive
for you.
You see how that's moresupportive than you don't have
to take the full expression ofthe pose.
I also like to offer studentsbreaks as needed.
(10:05):
Sometimes students just need tohear the permission that it's
okay to take a break.
You can help students understandthat yoga is not about pushing
through discomfort or injuries.
It's about creating a space fortheir body to feel good.
Now, how can you tailor yourclass?
(10:26):
You can teach poses withmultiple variations to
accommodate different levels.
You can incorporate props likeblocks, straps, chairs,
blankets, or boasters to makeposes more accessible.
And you can teach students tofind the alignment that's
appropriate for them.
And tune into their feelingrather than focusing on going
(10:48):
deeper into oppose.
Number four, focus on breathover poses.
Often beginners are more focusedon getting the poses.
Right.
Rather than on their breath, youcan help your students to
prioritize their breath, tocreate a sense of calm and
grounding.
Have you ever seen a student flythrough sun salutation?
(11:12):
A.
I have, and that's a bigindicator that they're not
slowing down the pace of theirbreath.
So after my initial grounding atthe start of class, I focus on
fluid movement.
And helping students sync theirbreath.
To their movement.
Sonai might even be a bitchallenging for this.
(11:33):
So you can, and I have.
Taught this in a seated positionto.
This way, the movement issmaller.
And they can practice thefluidity of combining the two
breath to movement.
Now, this is not to say thateveryone has the same breath
pattern.
Uh, slow inhale to the count ofsix might be okay for me, but it
(11:56):
can be dysregulating to others.
So teach them to find the numberthat feels okay for them and use
it to help slow their breathcycle.
You can offer that breadth isthe foundation of their
practice.
And it's important to focus onthe breath more than the shapes
of the poses.
(12:17):
Or if you're feeling unsureabout the pose, just come back
to your breath.
And slow it down.
Number five.
Encourage self compassion, manynew students worry that they
should be more flexible orcapable.
But yoga is about self-awarenessand self-compassion remind your
(12:40):
students that yoga is a lifelongpractice and that their bodies
will change over time.
You can offer sentiments likeyoga is a journey and there's no
rush.
So remember to be kind toyourself along the way.
Or every day is different.
Release the need for perfection.
(13:00):
And let your practice be what itis and embrace that.
Number six demystified, fancyposes.
If your students are intimidatedby advanced poses, as many
beginners are whether they seethem online or from other
students in the studio, remindthem that what they see doesn't
(13:23):
necessarily represent the fullspectrum of yoga, fancy poses
are not the focus of awell-rounded yoga practice.
And yoga is accessible to peopleof all abilities.
You can use verbiage, like yogais so much more than the
Instagram poses.
You see.
It's about feeling strong,connected, and grounded.
(13:47):
Not about how advanced you look.
Or you don't have to dohandstands or deep backbends to
be a Yogi.
Each pose can offer immensebenefits, like helping you
connect to yourself or raisingyour awareness of how you
respond to a challenge.
Number seven foster, a safejudgment, free space.
(14:13):
Create a space where studentsfeel safe to try new things,
make mistakes and laugh atthemselves.
Remind them that it's okay towobble to fall or to feel
unsteady.
Listen, I have teenagers, sothey keep me grounded for sure.
This lightheartedness aroundlife.
(14:34):
I try to bring it to my yogaclasses as well.
The goal is awareness.
Connection and acknowledgement.
Not perfection.
Sometimes I remind students thatno one's judging you, especially
if they're lying on their backs,no one can see them.
And I'm definitely not judgingthem.
(14:55):
And every time they come to themat, they're doing something
wonderful for their body andtheir mind.
And there's no need to get it ina certain.
Way.
Number eight.
Emphasize the holistic nature ofyoga, many beginners think of
yoga only as stretching, butit's important to help students
(15:17):
understand that yoga is a mind,body practice.
That includes balance.
Breathing stillness.
Self-help.
And mindfulness.
Practices that anyone canbenefit from regardless of their
flexibility.
Teach students about the eightlimbs of yoga and remind them
(15:39):
that they can be practicingyoga.
While at work or driving ordealing with difficult people.
Number nine, create a supportivecommunity.
Encourage comradery betweenstudents and create
opportunities for connection,even in a beginner class.
A supportive community can helpstudents feel less isolated in
(16:01):
their practice.
And more empowered.
To continue their journey.
Community also keeps studentscoming back to class and helps
them to create a moreconsistent.
Practice.
I don't really teach partneryoga classes.
I mean, I have taught couplesyoga in the past, but people
don't always want to touch theperson next to them.
(16:24):
In my own mind studio studentscame who had been practicing
yoga next to each other foryears.
And didn't know their names.
So I really enjoyed fosteringthat community aspect online.
It can be done online.
I promise.
Here's a bonus.
Normalize.
Rest and in perfection.
(16:47):
If students think I can't keepup with the class, so I must be
doing it wrong.
Here's how you can speak tothis.
Normalized resting poses,whatever they are sometimes is
child's pose.
And if that feels okay for yourstudents, you can say child's
pose is always available.
And it's a great pose to pauseand come back to yourself and
(17:11):
teach your students that it'snot a sign of failure.
And then you can also validateyour student's effort.
Remind them that it's aboutshowing up and exploring what's
possible.
Every day.
You can help facilitate this inclass by building in pauses for
rest.
And encouraging students tocheck in with themselves.
(17:34):
Or use cues that emphasizeexploration over achievement.
Like see how this feels in yourbody today.
And does it feel the same ordifferent than it did yesterday?
I know you might get a slew ofnew students, which is great.
(17:55):
Encourage them to keep comingback.
Offer alternatives.
If in-person classes aren'tworking with their schedule,
encourage them to find onlineoptions.
And if the format is anappropriate for them, Educate
them on other formats that theycan try out.
The goal should be to help newstudents understand that yoga is
(18:17):
for everyone.
They just need to find the rightclasses.
And the right teacher.
When you acknowledge commonbeginner concerns and offer
support and encouragement, youhelp to create an environment
where new students feel safe.
And empowered to explore yoga attheir own pace.
(18:38):
Keep your language positive.
Emphasize self-compassion andremind them that yoga is for
everyone.
No matter their flexibility,their experience.
Or their current abilities.
This approach will help yourstudents build confidence and
create a sustainablerelationship with yoga.
(18:59):
We love to welcome new studentsto the yoga practice and you as
their potential first teachercan make all the difference in
the world.
When you have a layered approachto teaching beginner classes,
you help students from manydifferent angles, either fall in
love, right away from the start.
Or find their way to thepractice that will serve them
(19:21):
best.
It's so important for us to havethese conversations so that you
remember that there are so manyopportunities for you in the
teaching world.
You know that my goal is for youto love the yoga teaching life
and allow it to be fulfillingand rewarding.
And as always, it might takesome work to get there.
(19:42):
If you love this episode, let meknow.
I've added a link in the shownotes for you to send me a quick
text message about your thoughtson this episode.
I will know your phone number.
It's just a neat addition to theplatform I use that allows for
this new and super easy way foryou to communicate with me.
Once you click on it, it willtake you to your messages, but
(20:04):
don't delete the code.
That's how your message will getto me.
And I would love to know yourthoughts on this topic.
Subscribe to the podcast.
So you're always in the knowwhen a new episode drops and
share it with another yogateacher who you think would love
to be in on these conversations.
Thank you for helping to spreadthe word about this podcast.
(20:25):
And if you've been taking notesin your journal, as you listen
to these episodes, I'm so gladyou are.
And I would love to hear aboutit.
Don't forget to download theebook sequencing for different
injuries.
The link is in the show notesbelow.
I promise you, it will help youform a foundation for teaching
students with injuries.
(20:45):
And it'll be a great resourcefor you to return to again and
again.
When you download the ebook,you'll be joining my newsletter.
That's just for yoga teachers.
I've got more exciting teachingscoming soon.
So I want to tell you all aboutthem.
The link is in the show notesbelow, and I would love for you
to join it so we can always stayconnected.
(21:07):
All right, that's it for now?
Bye.
Mhm.
Okay.
Now's the time when we welcomenew students into our classes.
So how do we accommodate them?
Is the question.
Teaching beginner classes soundseasy, but when you have a room
full of students who have neverpracticed yoga, Or who have
preconceived notions of whatyoga should be or what it looks
(00:22):
like because of the imagesthey've been fed.
Well, teaching becomes a littlebit more challenging.
So let's get into some differentways to welcome students, calm
their nerves and teach beginnerfriendly classes.
In this episode, I'll help youwith some tips for teaching
students who may feel likethey're not flexible enough.
(00:45):
Not good enough or that yogaisn't for them.
Welcome to the EssentialConversations for Yoga Teachers
podcast with me.
I'm Monica Bright, and I've beenteaching yoga and running my
yoga business for over a decade.
This is the podcast for you ifyou're a yoga teacher, you're
(01:07):
looking for support, you love tobe in conversation, and you're a
lifelong student.
In this podcast, I'll share withyou My life as a yoga teacher,
the lessons I've learned, myprocess for building my
business, and helpful ideas,tools, strategies, and systems I
(01:29):
use and you can use so that yourbusiness thrives.
We'll cover a diverse range oftopics that will help you
whether you're just starting outor you've got years under your
belt and you want to dive deepand set yourself up for success.
I'm so glad you're here.
Listen, I don't take myself tooseriously, so expect to hear
(01:52):
some laughs along the way.
Now, let's do this together.
Welcome back to the podcast.
I'm Monica bright.
How's your new year going sofar?
Is it too soon to ask thatquestion?
I hope it's going well.
I am.
(02:13):
So looking forward to this year,full of fun and educational
episodes for you.
Yes.
Yes, it is the new year and it'salso the time of year, where
there is an influx of newstudents in classes who have
either made resolutions orintentions to get healthier.
(02:35):
And one of those ways is bystarting yoga.
We love it.
Do you feel like me?
My wish is for everyone in thisworld to practice some form of
yoga.
Because I believe the worldwould be a more peaceful.
And mindful place if they did.
But now is the time where wewelcome new students into our
(02:58):
classes.
So how do we accommodate them?
Is the question.
Teaching beginner classes soundseasy, but when you have a room
full of students who have neverpracticed yoga, Or who have
their own preconceived notionsof what yoga should be or what
it should look like because ofthe images they've been fed.
(03:19):
Well, teaching becomes a littlebit more challenging.
So let's get into some differentways to welcome students.
To calm their nerves and toteach classes appropriate for
them.
Teaching yoga classes tobeginners students is a
wonderful opportunity.
To create an inclusive andsupportive environment because
(03:42):
beginners often feelself-conscious or worried about
their abilities.
So as a yoga teacher, it'simportant to address these
concerns with empathy,encouragement.
And practical strategies.
In this episode, I'll help youwith some tips for teaching
students who may feel likethey're not flexible enough.
(04:03):
They're not good enough.
Or that yoga isn't for them.
But someone in their life toldthem they should try out yoga.
Number one, you shouldacknowledge their concerns
early.
I like to do those throughtheming, because that helps me
center the entire class.
(04:24):
Around a specific concern, forexample.
If flexibility is a concern Ican tie in life lessons and how
sometimes we find ourselvesfeeling resistant or being
rigid.
But if we relax and understandwhy we feel this way, then we
might be able to move throughthe rigidity.
(04:47):
I can teach students that thereis no standard for flexibility.
And that the capacity that theyhave at the moment is perfect.
And exactly where they'resupposed to be.
I can also speak to the manybenefits of yoga.
That have nothing to do withflexibility, Like helping
(05:07):
students connect with theirbodies.
As opposed to achieving aspecific pose or the dreaded
full expression of oppose.
This brings up a good point.
I'm very careful with thelanguage I use in my classes.
I think a lot about languagethat might be harmful or make
(05:28):
students feel as though theyaren't good enough.
Such as if you can't.
Or maybe this is not for you.
So think about queuing themingand the language you use in your
classes and how they mightaffect students when they hear
you speak.
Number two.
(05:49):
Normalize the journey.
I emphasize that yoga is apersonal practice and there's no
need to compare oneself toothers.
This is one reason why I loveonline options for yoga.
It removes the potential forstudents to compare themselves.
To the student next to them.
(06:10):
I know we all advise studentsnot to compare, but sometimes
it's hard.
And God forbid, if you have theseasoned yoga student in your
class during their own practice.
Ah, That can be so annoying anddistracting.
You could remind students thateveryone starts somewhere And
(06:30):
there is perfection inimperfection.
Some messages you can share.
Our yoga is not about looking acertain way in oppose it's about
noticing and feeling thebenefits of the practice in your
body and mind.
Or there is no right or wrongway to do yoga.
(06:52):
If something doesn't feel good,you could always make changes to
suit your own body.
And every individual has aunique journey and your practice
is yours alone.
So own it and fall in love withyour practice.
So, how do you speak to this?
(07:12):
You can set the tone from thebeginning with theming focused
on yoga, being a personalpractice.
And it's not about what othersare doing around you.
Or that yoga, isn't acompetitive practice.
It's a journey unique to eachstudent.
You can remind students duringclass that there's no right or
(07:34):
wrong way to look and opposeit's about what feels good and
what's appropriate in your body.
Now, what are some ways that youcould tailor your classes?
You could avoid using languagethat compares students like.
Look how deep Tanya is in herpose.
(07:57):
You could demonstrate and teachbeginner friendly versions of
poses first, emphasizing thatthey are equally valid.
You could use inclusive cues.
Like if it feels good, stayhere.
If you want more, try thisvariation.
And you can help studentsunderstand that their practice
(08:18):
might look and feel differentfrom day to day.
And that's okay.
Number three.
Offer variations andmodifications.
Tailor your classes toaccommodate different abilities
by offering variations forposes, encouraged students to
choose what works for them ineach moment and never feel like
(08:40):
they have to do a pose exactly.
As it's demonstrated.
I know some teachers have anissue with the word modification
and instead use the wordcustomization.
I am not a believer.
That modification is about wordnumber one.
I modify it all the time.
(09:00):
I think it's the way youapproach the word.
And help your students getcomfortable with the word
modification and teach ways forthem to understand how, when and
where it's necessary to modify.
So, how do you modify poses?
Well, I loved use progressionsinstead of regressions.
(09:24):
When I'm sequencing, let's sayside plank with arm and leg
variations.
I'm going to begin byintroducing the shape.
Either lying down or in thefirst variation, which would be
a knee downside plank this way.
Students have a first option toutilize throughout the entire
class.
(09:44):
If they like.
Then I can say you don't need togo into another expression of
the pose.
Listen to your body and find aversion that feels supportive
for you.
You see how that's moresupportive than you don't have
to take the full expression ofthe pose.
I also like to offer studentsbreaks as needed.
(10:05):
Sometimes students just need tohear the permission that it's
okay to take a break.
You can help students understandthat yoga is not about pushing
through discomfort or injuries.
It's about creating a space fortheir body to feel good.
Now, how can you tailor yourclass?
(10:26):
You can teach poses withmultiple variations to
accommodate different levels.
You can incorporate props likeblocks, straps, chairs,
blankets, or boasters to makeposes more accessible.
And you can teach students tofind the alignment that's
appropriate for them.
And tune into their feelingrather than focusing on going
(10:48):
deeper into oppose.
Number four, focus on breathover poses.
Often beginners are more focusedon getting the poses.
Right.
Rather than on their breath, youcan help your students to
prioritize their breath, tocreate a sense of calm and
grounding.
Have you ever seen a student flythrough sun salutation?
(11:12):
A.
I have, and that's a bigindicator that they're not
slowing down the pace of theirbreath.
So after my initial grounding atthe start of class, I focus on
fluid movement.
And helping students sync theirbreath.
To their movement.
Sonai might even be a bitchallenging for this.
(11:33):
So you can, and I have.
Taught this in a seated positionto.
This way, the movement issmaller.
And they can practice thefluidity of combining the two
breath to movement.
Now, this is not to say thateveryone has the same breath
pattern.
Uh, slow inhale to the count ofsix might be okay for me, but it
(11:56):
can be dysregulating to others.
So teach them to find the numberthat feels okay for them and use
it to help slow their breathcycle.
You can offer that breadth isthe foundation of their
practice.
And it's important to focus onthe breath more than the shapes
of the poses.
(12:17):
Or if you're feeling unsureabout the pose, just come back
to your breath.
And slow it down.
Number five.
Encourage self compassion, manynew students worry that they
should be more flexible orcapable.
But yoga is about self-awarenessand self-compassion remind your
(12:40):
students that yoga is a lifelongpractice and that their bodies
will change over time.
You can offer sentiments likeyoga is a journey and there's no
rush.
So remember to be kind toyourself along the way.
Or every day is different.
Release the need for perfection.
(13:00):
And let your practice be what itis and embrace that.
Number six demystified, fancyposes.
If your students are intimidatedby advanced poses, as many
beginners are whether they seethem online or from other
students in the studio, remindthem that what they see doesn't
(13:23):
necessarily represent the fullspectrum of yoga, fancy poses
are not the focus of awell-rounded yoga practice.
And yoga is accessible to peopleof all abilities.
You can use verbiage, like yogais so much more than the
Instagram poses.
You see.
It's about feeling strong,connected, and grounded.
(13:47):
Not about how advanced you look.
Or you don't have to dohandstands or deep backbends to
be a Yogi.
Each pose can offer immensebenefits, like helping you
connect to yourself or raisingyour awareness of how you
respond to a challenge.
Number seven foster, a safejudgment, free space.
(14:13):
Create a space where studentsfeel safe to try new things,
make mistakes and laugh atthemselves.
Remind them that it's okay towobble to fall or to feel
unsteady.
Listen, I have teenagers, sothey keep me grounded for sure.
This lightheartedness aroundlife.
(14:34):
I try to bring it to my yogaclasses as well.
The goal is awareness.
Connection and acknowledgement.
Not perfection.
Sometimes I remind students thatno one's judging you, especially
if they're lying on their backs,no one can see them.
And I'm definitely not judgingthem.
(14:55):
And every time they come to themat, they're doing something
wonderful for their body andtheir mind.
And there's no need to get it ina certain.
Way.
Number eight.
Emphasize the holistic nature ofyoga, many beginners think of
yoga only as stretching, butit's important to help students
(15:17):
understand that yoga is a mind,body practice.
That includes balance.
Breathing stillness.
Self-help.
And mindfulness.
Practices that anyone canbenefit from regardless of their
flexibility.
Teach students about the eightlimbs of yoga and remind them
(15:39):
that they can be practicingyoga.
While at work or driving ordealing with difficult people.
Number nine, create a supportivecommunity.
Encourage comradery betweenstudents and create
opportunities for connection,even in a beginner class.
A supportive community can helpstudents feel less isolated in
(16:01):
their practice.
And more empowered.
To continue their journey.
Community also keeps studentscoming back to class and helps
them to create a moreconsistent.
Practice.
I don't really teach partneryoga classes.
I mean, I have taught couplesyoga in the past, but people
don't always want to touch theperson next to them.
(16:24):
In my own mind studio studentscame who had been practicing
yoga next to each other foryears.
And didn't know their names.
So I really enjoyed fosteringthat community aspect online.
It can be done online.
I promise.
Here's a bonus.
Normalize.
Rest and in perfection.
(16:47):
If students think I can't keepup with the class, so I must be
doing it wrong.
Here's how you can speak tothis.
Normalized resting poses,whatever they are sometimes is
child's pose.
And if that feels okay for yourstudents, you can say child's
pose is always available.
And it's a great pose to pauseand come back to yourself and
(17:11):
teach your students that it'snot a sign of failure.
And then you can also validateyour student's effort.
Remind them that it's aboutshowing up and exploring what's
possible.
Every day.
You can help facilitate this inclass by building in pauses for
rest.
And encouraging students tocheck in with themselves.
(17:34):
Or use cues that emphasizeexploration over achievement.
Like see how this feels in yourbody today.
And does it feel the same ordifferent than it did yesterday?
I know you might get a slew ofnew students, which is great.
(17:55):
Encourage them to keep comingback.
Offer alternatives.
If in-person classes aren'tworking with their schedule,
encourage them to find onlineoptions.
And if the format is anappropriate for them, Educate
them on other formats that theycan try out.
The goal should be to help newstudents understand that yoga is
(18:17):
for everyone.
They just need to find the rightclasses.
And the right teacher.
When you acknowledge commonbeginner concerns and offer
support and encouragement, youhelp to create an environment
where new students feel safe.
And empowered to explore yoga attheir own pace.
(18:38):
Keep your language positive.
Emphasize self-compassion andremind them that yoga is for
everyone.
No matter their flexibility,their experience.
Or their current abilities.
This approach will help yourstudents build confidence and
create a sustainablerelationship with yoga.
(18:59):
We love to welcome new studentsto the yoga practice and you as
their potential first teachercan make all the difference in
the world.
When you have a layered approachto teaching beginner classes,
you help students from manydifferent angles, either fall in
love, right away from the start.
Or find their way to thepractice that will serve them
(19:21):
best.
It's so important for us to havethese conversations so that you
remember that there are so manyopportunities for you in the
teaching world.
You know that my goal is for youto love the yoga teaching life
and allow it to be fulfillingand rewarding.
And as always, it might takesome work to get there.
(19:42):
If you love this episode, let meknow.
I've added a link in the shownotes for you to send me a quick
text message about your thoughtson this episode.
I will know your phone number.
It's just a neat addition to theplatform I use that allows for
this new and super easy way foryou to communicate with me.
Once you click on it, it willtake you to your messages, but
(20:04):
don't delete the code.
That's how your message will getto me.
And I would love to know yourthoughts on this topic.
Subscribe to the podcast.
So you're always in the knowwhen a new episode drops and
share it with another yogateacher who you think would love
to be in on these conversations.
Thank you for helping to spreadthe word about this podcast.
(20:25):
And if you've been taking notesin your journal, as you listen
to these episodes, I'm so gladyou are.
And I would love to hear aboutit.
Don't forget to download theebook sequencing for different
injuries.
The link is in the show notesbelow.
I promise you, it will help youform a foundation for teaching
students with injuries.
(20:45):
And it'll be a great resourcefor you to return to again and
again.
When you download the ebook,you'll be joining my newsletter.
That's just for yoga teachers.
I've got more exciting teachingscoming soon.
So I want to tell you all aboutthem.
The link is in the show notesbelow, and I would love for you
to join it so we can always stayconnected.
(21:07):
All right, that's it for now?
Bye.
Mhm.
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