The title of our article is a little cheeky. Because yoga isn't about comparison or competition – it's about compassion. That being said, we're all drawn to different teachers for different reasons. And the teacher we have can have a profound impact on our practice. Here's how to sample yoga styles and choose a practitioner whose practice and teachings resonate with you.
Try Before You Buy
Many yoga schools offer introductory passes or specials, so you can sample several classes and get a feel for the teaching style. Use this as a chance to try several different styles and a few different teachers.
For instance, I recently used a trial pass to try yin yoga. I immediately loved the practitioner's approach and really warmed to the gentler "yin" style. The next day, I tried a dynamic class and the following afternoon I attended a hatha session in which the teacher sang in angelic Sanskrit throughout our practice.
All three classes and all three teachers were beautifully unique. And I appreciated each teacher for their special skills and different approach. Other students may have had another experience and felt drawn to a different teaching style and personality.
So the best thing to do is try and then decide.
Questions to Ask Your Yoga Teacher
To get the most out of your practice, it's worth asking the yoga teacher or facilitator/receptionist these questions:
- Has the teacher undertaken training?
- Are they part of an industry association?
- Are they insured?
- Can I get a receipt and claim it on my health insurance?
- How does the teacher deal with student injuries? Will I be able to modify my asanas?
Beyond that, you can ask some reflective questions after the class, such as:
- Did I like the class and benefit from it?
- Was the teacher open, honest and approachable?
- Were they helpful?
Answering these questions can help you choose the right teacher for you. But the beauty of yoga is that there are so many styles and teaching approaches to sample. So enjoy the smorgasbord and dive in! And above all, arrive to class with an open heart and positive attitude. It's sure to benefit your practice.
Originally published on Jan 14, 2015
