YOGA IS GOOD FOR EVERYONE
Yoga essentially balances the entire body – all of it’s systems. It teaches the student how to breathe, move, and rest. It increases oxygen uptake, decreases overactive stress creating hormones, reduces tension, stimulates calcium growth and strengthens bones, stimulates the Endocrine system, can aid in sleeping disorders, neurological disorders, PTSD, Anxiety, and increases overall health. For athletes, yoga stretches out typically very short, tightened muscles, and can increase joint health in ALL bodies. A private lesson is a very direct way to learn how to reap all of these benefits.
PRIVATE LESSONS REDUCE ANXIETY ASSOCIATED WITH LARGE GROUPS
There are many reasons to consider taking a private yoga lesson. If you are a beginner, attending a group class can be intimidating. You might find yourself not wanting to ask for help, or hiding in the back of the room to avoid any unwanted attention. As a student and a teacher, I understand why someone would want to be in the back of the room. As a student, you don’t want to be singled out or be seen “doing” the poses “wrong”, but as a teacher I can tell you that these are the least of reasonable concerns. I will encourage new students to come close to the instructor so that the instructor will keep a close and encouraging eye on them. Smaller classes offer for better experiences, however today, as yoga has become so popular, one may find themselves in a class of 40 or more people. It is challenging to see the teacher, to know that you are doing the poses and the breathing exercises safely, and ultimately to practice safe yoga.
USE YOGA TO ADDRESS ANY PERSONAL HEALTH ISSUES YOU WANT TO OVERCOME
If a new student has any chronic ailments or injuries, the teacher ought to be made aware, however, in a large class setting this is often the last thing a new student wants to volunteer out loud. This can create potential for the individual to re-injure or harm themselves. A private lesson gives the student the opportunity to discuss openly with their teacher very specific individual needs. These can vary – from physical concerns, to emotional, spiritual, and health based needs. A skilled yoga teacher can help address, and lay to rest any concerns and offer up a series of poses, breath work, and modifications to help the student meet their individual goals. If your teacher has been teaching for a long time, there is a very good chance they have already worked with someone like yourself, and knows how to tailor the lesson to truly benefit you. As a teacher, I can honestly say that I have used my yoga practice to manage chronic pain from whiplash, broken bones, degenerating spinal discs, arthritis, decomposing cartilage, and unstable joints. Many yoga teachers teach yoga because they have experienced first hand the benefits of a regular yoga practice.
CULTIVATE A LIFETIME PRACTICE THAT WILL GROW WITH YOU AS YOU AGE
Yoga may look beautiful, relaxing, and easy, but that doesn’t mean that it will be that way for you. If you are very new to the practice there is room for injury, plain and simple. While working privately with an experienced yoga teacher, you can expect to learn how to make the practice fit your body’s needs as you will definitely age. Teachers who have studied Hatha or Iyengar yoga will adeptly show you how to integrate yoga props – blocks, blankets, straps, chairs, wall, tennis balls, and more – to help the body be physically supported in the absence of real physical supports. Yoga is 5000 years old. It is not a trend. There are a multitude of systems available, as well as types of instruction, that can support your needs. Be sure to have a dialogue with your teacher to ensure your style is appropriate to help your body.