Why You Need A Private Yoga Instructor
It seems like everyone is doing Yoga except you, and no matter how hard you try you can’t figure out how other people are finding the right time, right class, right intention, and right teacher.
The good news is there is a way around the trendy hot Yoga studio and your hectic work schedule and the answer is hiring a private Yoga teacher or service. Many busy professionals seek out private Yoga because it provides flexibility way beyond the physical sense.
Here are five important reasons you may want to hire a Private Yoga Instructor.
1. You’re New
Congratulations! You’re making the first step in your Yoga journey and researching how to start a quality Yoga practice. But how do you know what style and teacher meets your needs, how do you pick a studio and figure out the right level for you on the schedule? It is easy to feel overwhelmed if you are navigating all this information for the first time. Vinyasa vs Yin, trendy hot Yoga spots vs a more old school traditional approach, not to mention starting and maintaining any new habit is difficult in the beginning. If this sounds like you, your not alone. Many of my clients come to me completely discouraged and ready to throw in the Yoga towel after trying to navigate all these options on their own. Having a Yoga expert truly hear your needs can significantly save you valuable time, money, and energy wasted on experimenting with studios, schedules, and styles. Instead of a normal drop-in style practice you will work one-on-one with a private instructor who knows your intention and motivation for starting a Yoga practice as well as any goals or physical limitations you may have. The right private teacher can take you from Yogi novice to confident, aligned practitioner and most importantly you can be confident that you are doing what’s right for your body and lifestyle.
2. You’re Busy
Every year you find yourself saying; “This is the year I take time for myself, this is the year I am going to start doing Yoga”. You do all your research, you purchase the new student special at your neighborhood Yoga spot, post pictures in your Lululemon gear, and invite your friends to post Yoga brunch. The first week goes great and then a deadline at work comes up, you want to practice but none of the classes are really working with your hectic schedule this week and to be honest it was always a stretch to make it to Yoga class in the first place. A week flies by and your new student special expires, you don’t have time to look through your package options and before you know it that barely used Yoga mat is being pushed father and farther back into the closet. You blink your eyes and another year flies by and the Yoga disappointment starts to creep back in. Between work, family, friends, and social obligations it can be extremely difficult to squeeze in a Yoga practice. Not to mention how hard it is to find the right class, with the right teacher, and at the right location. The thought of all that planning ends up adding more stress to your life instead of helping you navigate your already busy lifestyle. Private Yoga sessions provide the scheduling flexibility you need to make Yoga happen for you. Need an office visit during your lunch or an in-home evening private while your kids are at soccer practice, not a problem a private instructor is more than happy to work with your schedule and most teachers are happy to refer you to a colleague if for some reason they are unable to accommodate!
3. You’re Injured
Life happens. We trip, we fall, and sometimes we end up with an injury. You go to the doctor, you rest, you go to PT but that injured area never quite felt the same and that makes you nervous about jumping into a group Yoga class. You may have even heard amazing stories about your friends or family recovering from injuries by practicing Yoga but the thought of being a beginner plus your history of injury gives you an unsettled feeling about just jumping into any class. And let’s face it, with 20+ students in a group class it can be difficult for the teacher to focus on any given student for more than a few minutes. The truth is Yoga can be extremely therapeutic for injuries and disabilities when done with the guidance of an experienced teacher but group classes often do not provide enough attention for students experiencing or overcoming injuries. A private Yoga instructor takes the time to ensure you are practicing safely while recovering from an injury and because you are working with them in a 1:1 capacity you can easily keep them updated about what you are experiencing. Some teachers even go the extra mile and create an open dialogue with your other health professionals such yout physical therapist, doctor, acupuncturist etc. to ensure your private Yoga sessions are providing maximum therapeutic benefit.
4. You Don’t Feel Comfortable In A Group Class
You’ve heard amazing stories from people in your life who have lowered their stress levels or improved their strength and mobility through Yoga. After hearing about how amazing Yoga is time and time again you do some research and read article after article about the benefits of Yoga, your convinced and you walk into your local studio to sign up for some classes but something doesn’t feel quite right. Sometimes it’s the dominant age demographic or skill level at the studio, there could be a variety of reasons why something might not feel like the right fit for you. Sometimes it’s simply the pacing of the class or the need to be in a familiar space that may make a group class feel uncomfortable. The great thing about private Yoga is that it can be done in your home and tailored to you and your comfort level. Many private Yoga clients choose to practice with a spouse, partner, or loved one for additional support, making your Yoga practice time to connect deeply with yourself and also your loved ones.
5. You’re Experiencing A Life Transition
The only thing constant is change, but some changes are easier than others. Nothing compares to a child leaving the nest or the end of a relationship, we all go through periods of time that require deeper levels of self care. A private Yoga practice allows you to take care of yourself in a deep and meaningful way. Private Yoga practice can provide you with the physical, emotional, and spiritual space you need to gracefully navigate the twists and turns life often throws our way. Whether you are a new parent or an empty nester, ending a relationship or back on the dating scene, starting a new job or entering retirement; it is important to take time to restore mentally, physically, and emotionally in order for you to truly show up in life. Teachers who focus on private Yoga instruction are often passionate about creating a deep and meaningful relationship with their clients and can provide additional support while you are navigating a difficult or confusing time. Private Yoga sessions are grounded in Yogic philosophy and teachings in order to provide you with helpful life tools to take off the mat and into your life.
If you find yourself nodding your head and saying that’s me, it may be time to research a local Private Yoga instructor or Private Yoga business. There is a Yoga option for everyone, don’t let any of these common obstacles stop you from starting a deep and meaningful Yoga Journey!
Want to do some extra research? Check out this article about private yoga from the Chopra Center or learn more about the benefits of private yoga here
