How to Navigate the Early Days of Teaching Yoga
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So, you’re a new yoga teacher fresh out of teacher training…
Congratulations on completing your teacher training program. You are officially a certified yoga teacher, and the world is eagerly waiting for you to share your unique gifts. As you transition from trainee to trailblazer, I’m so glad you found this post. I hope it helps you navigate the exciting (and sometimes intimidating) world of teaching yoga. So, grab your mat, take a deep breath, and let's dive into some essential tips and insights to help you find your groove.
Find Your Voice: Speak Your Yogic Truth
Finding your teacher voice is like finding that perfect yoga pose—it takes time, practice, and a little bit of experimentation. Don't be afraid to explore different teaching styles, themes, and even different levels of intensity in your classes. Take a leap of faith and trust that your authentic self will shine through. Remember, you don't have to be a carbon copy of your favorite yoga teacher. Embrace your uniqueness, quirks, and all. Your true voice will resonate with the right students and leave a lasting impact.
Be Selective About Where You Will Teach: Find Your Oasis
Just as yogis seek the perfect retreat, you too should seek out spaces where you feel supported and inspired. Be selective about the studios or venues where you choose to share your teachings. Look for places that align with your values, offer a supportive community, and provide the resources you need to thrive. It's okay to shop around before settling down. Find your sanctuary, and remember, the right space will nourish your growth as a teacher.
Know Your Class: Cater to Your Students' Needs
Understanding your students will not only make you a more effective teacher but also cultivate a strong sense of connection. Take time to know who walks through those studio doors. What are their goals, challenges, and aspirations? Tailor your classes to meet their needs, whether it's providing modifications, themes that resonate with them, or simply adapting your teaching style to create a welcoming environment. When you teach from the heart, your students will feel deeply seen and supported.
Be Clear in Your Communication: Speak Their Language
Now, let's address the art of communication. Remember, yoga jargon can sometimes be a foreign language outside the yoga studio. Keep your instructions simple and concise, using language that everyone can understand. Break down complex poses into digestible steps and offer clear cues to guide your students. Find the balance between providing clear direction and allowing space for personal exploration. Remember, even the most seasoned yogis appreciate a gentle reminder on alignment from time to time.
Be Honest About Your Identity as a Teacher: Embrace Your Uniqueness
As you step into your role as a teacher, embrace your unique identity and teaching style. It's easy to compare yourself to others, but the truth is, there's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to teaching yoga. Embrace your quirks, your strengths, and your individuality. What sets you apart is what will make you shine. Share your personal experiences and stories authentically. As the saying goes, "Be yourself, everyone else is already taken!"
Develop a Network of Fellow Teachers: Find Your Yoga Tribe
The journey of a yoga teacher is not meant to be traveled alone. Surround yourself with fellow teachers who inspire, uplift, and support you. Seek out mentorship programs, attend workshops, and connect with like-minded yogis in your community. Having a solid support system of yoga friends will help you navigate challenges, share ideas, and remind you that you're not alone in this beautiful, sometimes crazy, yoga teaching adventure.
Recognize That You're Not Going to Be Perfect: Embrace Your Imperfections
Let's address the elephant in the yoga studio—perfectionism. Spoiler alert: it doesn't exist, my friend. As much as we'd love to nail every yoga pose flawlessly and deliver the perfect class every time, the reality is, we're human. Mistakes happen, but those moments of imperfection are what make us relatable and human. Embrace the freedom that comes with accepting your flaws, because it's in the messy bits that true growth happens.
Choose a Specialty and Focus on Building Your Skills in That Area
While it's fantastic to have a well-rounded understanding of yoga, it can be helpful to choose a niche that excites you. Whether it's prenatal yoga, restorative yoga, or power Vinyasa flow you just can't get enough of, focus on honing your skills in that area. Seek out additional training, read up on the latest research, and continually expand your knowledge. Becoming a master in your chosen specialty will set you apart and attract students who are seeking exactly what you have to offer.
Take as Many Classes as Possible to Build Your Practice and Learn from Other Teachers: Be a Student Forever
Yoga teaching is a lifelong journey of learning and growth. The more you practice, the more you learn. Attend as many classes as possible, led by various teachers. Observe their teaching styles, their cues, and the way they connect with their students. Borrow the bits that resonate with you and incorporate them into your own teaching arsenal. Remember, no one has it all figured out, and we can all learn something from one another.
Let Go of the Fantasy of Being a "Perfect" Teacher: Embrace Progress Over Perfection
It's time to address that pesky fantasy of being a flawless, never-mess-up yoga teacher. Newsflash: you’re allowed to be human! Embrace the concept of progress over perfection. Every class you teach, every mistake you make, and every challenge you face is an opportunity for growth. Keep showing up, keep evolving, and keep embracing the learning process. The best teachers are always in a state of becoming, just like the rest of us.
Work with a Mentor Who Will Hold You Accountable
In this great yoga universe, having a mentor can make all the difference. Find an experienced teacher who inspires you and invites you to grow. A mentor can provide guidance, support, and the occasional gentle nudge when you need it. They've walked the path you're embarking on and can offer invaluable insights and wisdom.
Takeaway: Even if You Don't Feel Ready, It Can Help to Start Teaching Immediately After Finishing Teacher Training
Finally, remember, dear yogi, that you don't have to wait until you feel "ready" to start teaching. Trust the knowledge, skills, and passion you gained from your teacher training. The best way to grow as a teacher is to jump in and start sharing your yoga with others. The journey of teaching is a continuous process of evolution and adaptation. Embrace the challenge and allow your teaching skills to unfold organically.
May your yoga teaching journey be filled with joy, growth, and endless connections. You've got this, and the world is eagerly waiting for you to light it up, one asana at a time!
Still feel like you need support in memorizing cues and sequencing your classes? Check out the Alive in the Fire Yoga Scripts — they are great tools for building your confidence and getting a rock-solid basics class under your belt.
Calling all new yoga teachers! Are you ready to teach a badass power yoga class?! This script can help you improve your cues, build your confidence, and discover the sequencing and pacing that will define your unique style as a teacher. A great tool for transitioning from your yoga teacher training into any environment where you are leading classes, whether that’s a studio, gym, corporate setting, or private classes.
If you are struggling to remember what to say when you teach, or you’re having trouble guiding students from pose to pose, this script can help. The Power Yoga Script breaks down exactly what verbs and cue details to use as you teach. Are there fears or insecurities holding you back? Are you comparing yourself to other yoga teachers instead of letting your voice be heard? Explore the big questions behind how and why you teach using this helpful guide.
The sequencing follows the Baptiste methodology including the following sections: Integration, Awakening, Vitality, Equanimity, Grounding, Igniting, Stability, Opening, Release, Rejuvenation and Deep Rest.
This 48-page script includes:
Introductions
Warm ups
Sun salutations
Warrior poses
Balancing poses
Triangle series
Backbending
Abs and core work
Hips
Forward bending
Inversions
Cool down and shavasana
There’s also space for you to plan out a class and write out all the cues you’ll use to guide students safely through the poses, plus a list of questions to help you discover where you’re feeling stuck.
Precise cues, smart sequencing, and ideas for how to start and end the class in an engaging and authentic way. Walk into class feeling empowered and prepared to deliver a kick-ass yoga experience to your students.
Take your teaching from basic to badass with this power yoga script.
Here’s what yoga teachers are saying about the POWER YOGA SCRIPT:
“This definitely helped me improve my flow with teaching asana after my teacher training.” -Donita, Vinyasa yoga teacher
”I love how you laid this script out. I felt confused and scattered as I was working on my classes and this helped me save time in the process. Thank you!” -Keyla, yin yoga teacher
“I’ll be honest: when I got done with my 200-hour training, I felt totally lost. I mean, my trainers went over all the poses but as soon as I’d get in front of the room, the words just weren’t there. I felt so stuck. This book helped me build my confidence and doing some memorization so I wasn’t always so terrified to teach.” -Beth, power vinyasa teacher
