Yoga Teachers: 8 Tips from the Real World

So, you just finished your 200-hr YTT, and you’re ready to start teaching! But then you realize finding gigs is tougher than you thought, and it’s wreaking havoc on your already shaky confidence.

Don’t quit! Follow these tips and remember why you started your teaching career.

It will become easier, and you will find teaching to be one of the most rewarding experiences in your life. Here are some “real-world” tips that new yoga teachers can implement.

Teach Wherever and Whenever You Can

Try to find alternative venues such as colleges, gyms, senior centers, and community centers. Consider alternative venues such as colleges, gyms, and senior centers.

It is important to take advantage of any teaching opportunity you have at this stage in your career.

Practice with Different Teachers

To grow as a yoga teacher, it’s essential to be exposed to different styles of teaching and different lineages of the practice. It’s okay to “borrow ideas” from other yoga teachers. You can also incorporate new cues and sequences in your classes.

Explore Different Studios

Studio owners share some insider tips: Take a class before you ask to be on the sublist or request a time slot. You’ll be able to tell if you are a good match for the studio, and you will also show your good faith.

You can also build relationships with other teachers and owners who may prove to be useful contacts in the future.

Be Patient

It takes a long time to build a class. Prepare yourself for small classes and even occasional no-shows. It’s hard to teach just one or two students, but you will improve your skills faster. Make them feel special. This will help you build relationships with your students and keep them coming back.

You can’t take too much credit or blame.

It would be best if you didn’t think you’re a bad teacher because you don’t have many students or a small group. You’ll probably find that your greatest challenge is to overcome insecurity. So, be kind to yourself.

Keep your ego in line. A packed class may be nice, but it’s not why we are in this profession.

Request Feedback

Honest feedback can be difficult to hear. Students can find a small habit irritating, such as a vocal tick. You can ask your students for constructive criticism (or, better yet, invite other teachers in your class). You can improve your teaching by asking for constructive criticism.

Stay on Top of Your Home Practice

Practice is essential to teaching, even though you’ll be busier once you start adding classes to your schedule. You will learn more about the poses, how to teach them, and sequence them as you continue to practice.

Commit!

It would be best if you committed to staying in the classroom for as long as you can. The Buddha said “the,re are only two mistakes you can make on the path to truth: not going all the time and not even starting.” Your commitment will pay off.

Last but not least, ensure that you teach always from the heart. Namaste.

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