After all, you can only instruct based on your understanding.
Whether you aim to enhance your flexibility, build strength, recover from an injury, alleviate stress, or delve into your spirituality, yoga provides something valuable. Your instructor’s training and experience level is what enables them to cater to your specific requirements.
Your yoga instructor’s training
In the modern era, there is a wide variety of yoga styles available. From classic training to modern fusion, yoga serves as a broad term for an ancient Indian practice that, having spread to the West, now encompasses energetic blends of Vinyasa Flow, Tai Chi, Dance, Buddhist and Yogic philosophies, acro yoga, yogalates…you get the idea.
Some programs expose students to a combination of various movements and insights, while others adhere strictly to traditional yogic principles.
Your yoga instructor’s education
Moreover, numerous instructors possess backgrounds in science, nutrition, herbal remedies, meditation, Ayurveda, and other fields that shape their teachings on the mat.
Self-education, workshops with certified instructors, and avid literature consumption enhance a teacher’s anatomical or philosophical understanding.
Your yoga instructor’s practice
Certain teachers blend anatomical awareness with innovative movement inspired by their own practice, life experiences, past injuries, or previous education.
What your instructor practices on the mat, the sources from whom they study, the quality of the training they receive, and their teaching duration will ultimately affect your yoga experience.
An excellent yoga instructor is continually learning, refining, and polishing their skills.
Sometimes from older, more seasoned instructors, and at other times through pertinent online training.
It is beneficial to inquire about your yoga instructor’s experience and training level. Be curious about who trained your teacher, as this, along with their experience level, will shape what they impart to you.
Which, in turn, will impact your yoga journey.
Namaste!