Why Private Yoga or Small Classes Might Be Best for You
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Marcia Appel teaching reverse warrior
I love going to a yoga class. As someone who spent many years in a dance studio, the environment of a yoga studio felt very comfortable and familiar to me when I went to my first class more than thirty years ago. Three decades later, it still feels like home, even when visiting a new studio. At times I go to class less for yoga practice and more for the community, especially post-pandemic when our communities have been stretched and sometimes shattered. Being part of a community is more important now than ever. Being in the studio, on my mat, surrounded by other yogis, and guided by an instructor is a safe space for me. It is a place where I can let go of whatever else is going on in my life and where I can let someone else take the lead – so I can focus on me.
There are times, however, when a class full of other yogis is not the best choice. There are times when what I need is to guide my own practice, and there are times when I need a private session with a skilled instructor. My home practice fills in the gaps in my daily practice when I can’t make it to a class for whatever reason. It may not be realistic for most people to go to a class every day; we all can find 10 or 15 minutes at some point, however, to practice a few sun salutations, meditate, or rest in savasana. At times, the idea of being in a room full of people or being watched by anyone, including a trusted instructor, feels overwhelming. A home practice, whether it be a livestream, on-demand video, or self-guided practice, gives me the freedom to choose the style, pace, and duration of practice that is best for me at that moment.
Private sessions also provide these benefits and others that working in a group cannot offer:
Private sessions can be scheduled at your convenience, at the studio, or possibly at your home or office, making it easier to work into your schedule.
Postures and sequencing will be specific to your specific needs and goals.
If you have an injury or medical condition, your instructor will be able to guide you through postures that are safe and beneficial for your condition and avoid those that are not.
Maybe you have anxiety or feel self-conscious about your body or your ability. Maybe you’re not someone who feels comfortable in a group setting. We do our best to make everyone feel welcome and safe, yet not everyone feels comfortable in a group class or in a yoga studio.
You might feel it would be disruptive for you to tell all your needs to a yoga teacher in a group setting. In a private session you will have your instructor’s full attention in each pose, letting you adjust, modify, and refine to a deeper level. You can tell the instructor every time you feel uncomfortable or “off”. You can express yourself when feelings or energies emerge as you practice the postures.
Sometimes we might feel like we move through our days unnoticed. Sometimes we all just need to be seen and heard.
You can build your confidence, unworried about what others might think. In yoga, our practice is our own. We don’t judge or even bring our attention to the practices of those around us. Some people still feel self-conscious or may find their attention wandering. Private sessions can give you the foundations of the practice and teach you to keep your attention drawn inward, allowing you to be undisturbed by others when you do attend a class.
If you would like to establish a daily practice and are unsure how to do it on your own, your instructor can help you by creating a set of customized sequences and practices for you. You will learn them in your private session, then practice on your own. Scheduling a private session every month or two gives you the opportunity to check in with your teacher on how you are progressing and allows you to make changes if desired.
If you are new to yoga, you can learn the basics to help you feel more comfortable attending group classes. If you are an experienced yogi, you can learn new poses and variations that may not be taught in a general class setting. Or you can work to find the subtleties that fine-tuning of the postures and breath can bring.
Just as there are many styles of yoga, there are many instructors with different philosophies, skill sets, and personalities. It is important to find the right instructor for your private sessions, one who has the qualifications to be able to meet your specific needs, and one with whom you feel comfortable. Ashley Vasas, a Green Lotus teacher who also teaches private sessions suggests, the following considerations when choosing an instructor for your private sessions:
Schedule a Private Session with Ashley at Our Eden Prairie Center
Identify Your Needs
Consider what you are looking for in a yoga practice and a teacher. Perhaps you want to:
Ease persistent pain or muscle tension
Gain flexibility or balance
Increase strength and endurance
Find more mindfulness or reduce stress
Learn something new or refine your practice
Focus on meditation or breath practices
Have a choice of an instructor coming to your home or you traveling to the instructor
Is there a specific style or lineage of yoga that you are drawn to or that you feel will accommodate your goals?
Are you looking for someone who will teach you Mindfulness techniques and healthy lifestyle advice to take beyond the yoga mat?
Learn something new, like forearm stand
These questions may get to the heart of your needs because they lead you to think about your unique situation and help you identify the finer points of what you might be looking for.
Finding the Right Teacher
Once you know what you're looking for, it's time to seek out a teacher. If you do take group classes, you could start with a teacher you know from class, one whose style you enjoy and with whom you feel comfortable. If you are unsure or want to consider instructors whose classes you haven’t taken, you could speak to a center manager. They know, better than anyone, the different teachers and their qualifications and can help guide you to find the right person.
Any yoga teacher you speak with should be, at minimum, a certified RYT 200 yoga teacher registered with Yoga Alliance. This means that they have completed a 200-hour yoga teacher training program from an accredited yoga studio. They should also carry liability insurance and will likely ask you to sign a standard waiver form.
Many yoga teachers have gained continuing education beyond their initial certification, so feel free to ask about other training they've received and the styles of yoga they offer. Be clear about your needs, goals, and any limitations. Ask how the teacher feels about working with you and how they feel they are uniquely qualified to work with you.
Think about how the personality and demeanor of the instructor makes you feel (and how you want to feel). Does the instructor’s teaching style motivate and inspire you? Does it make you feel comfortable, safe, and supported? Is this someone you want to spend one-on-one time with on a regular basis?
When you've found a teacher you like and trust, it's time to book your private yoga session.
What to Expect from a Private Yoga Session
Your first private yoga session will include a thorough intake so that the instructor can learn about your goals, your physical condition, and anything else that might play a part in your practice. More time might be spent talking during the initial session as you and the teacher get to know each other. The instructor will be learning much from you during the first session to help them tailor your subsequent yoga classes to better suit your needs and goals. Future sessions will be more targeted and may include postures, breathwork, and meditation.
Semi-private yoga classes provide those benefits with the added boost of being part of a community. These sessions allow you to see how other bodies move so you realize just how different we all are and drop comparisons. People often plan semi-private sessions with friends or family members who have similar goals in mind.
The Benefits of a Personalized Yoga Experience
For some, private yoga is a steppingstone to overcoming their discomfort of being a “newbie” in a group yoga class. For others, it's a convenient home workout that's customized to their needs and energy levels. And sometimes, a private yoga class is a safe place for students to move their bodies, ease their pain, and release the week's stress.
Each private yoga experience is different because each student is different, and that's precisely the point.
Schedule Your Private Yoga Session Today
