How to teach a memorable Hatha Yoga class to Beginners

You’ll learn how to insure a beginner feels comfortable enough to return for more of your Hatha Yoga classes.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Yoga location to teach
• Contracts for your classes for students
• Affiliation with Yoga Alliance, YogaFinder, etc.
• Yoga Experience as teacher - internship with experienced Yoga Teacher or Certified Yoga Teacher
• Desire to do the best and offer the best of yourself that you can.

1. 
   Daya Devi-Doolin, Hatha Yoga Teacher & Author The Only Way Out Is In

   Have a nice, peaceful, comfortable and serene space for your students. Welcome all students and have new students know they can select to choose a contract for 5 weeks, 6 weeks or whatever packet you decide to offer to your students. I have students introduce themselves using a couple of sentences about themselves and why they decided to come. This sharing helps a newbie feel related with others on some level.

2. I would offer one free class at the end of the 5 week packet and let there be a discount if they choose to sign up for 5 or 6 week course. Explain to them a pre-paid packet gives them enough time to judge whether this helps them, is the correct thing for them at this time. They may elect to come as a walk-in before they decide to sign a contract that is pre-paid. Have a place for them to leave their checks or cash up away from the floor. I would ask if there are any health issues or concerns I should know about so postures can be modified for them.

3. I always start them in savasana, with the intention of having them get centered, quieted and removed away from outside thoughts, cares or concerns. Once they enter my yoga entrance door, it’s yoga for the mind, body and spirit. I choose a mantra that I share while they are in savasana that is very soft and gentle and healing.

4. They spend about 7-10 minutes going into the pose, staying in the pose and coming out from the pose. I have them turn over on their right side, drawing their knees close to chest as their brain and body connect with the downloading of any information, revelations or healing for themselves.

5. I always explain what yoga is about, what benefits there are for the entire body, mind and spirit. I offer a sheet of basic postures (asanas) for each student that we will learn and we practice them with 3-4 repetitions at a time. I check to see who is having any difficulty being in the posture or getting into a posture. I ask permission if it’s all right to place my hands on them to adjust their body or limbs.

6. I break up the Sun Salutation into 4 parts working on the first four over and over until they are comfortable doing them. During the five weeks, we add new postures and the next 4 postures in Sun Salutation. I never compare one student to another. I encourage working at their own level of competence. I assure there is no need for competition.

7. I do ask for a volunteer sometimes to show how they move into the posture that was at first difficult for them. This helps the newbie know they are not alone in any difficulty and that it can be overcome with persistence and dedication. I like to have students share how they modify a posture for themselves and to encourage doing as much as they can without too much pressure from within themselves.

8. I allow for questions, discussions relating to the asanas or what might be going on for someone. I encourage them to move at their own pace getting into and out of an asana.

9. I close with a relaxation period of savasana, soft music, or chanting OM 3 x while their eyes are closed. I have them bring their attention back to the room, sit up and move into a crossed legged position. I give a sheet of paper with some basic Hatha yoga postures on it for them to practice at home and I encourage them to find a quiet space at home to continue with their practice. I make my phone number available if they have any questions and I let them know I am here for them with any questions. I make sure they know to call if they cannot come so they don’t miss out on rescheduling a class and that it’s a courtesy to me the teacher to know if they are not coming. I thank the class for their attendance, their effort and their commitment to themselves for attending.

10. I offer promotions for a free class if they bring a friend, relative or co-worker next time.

11. I end with Namaste’. The hands are in prayer position at the center of the heart chakra, head is bowed in grace and gratitude as we repeat Namaste’. A loose translation: I bow to the Christ child within you as is within myself, or I bow to the Buddha within you as is within myself or I bow to the Light within you as is within myself.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you have insurance to provide against any damage or injury to any client.
• Keep yoga blocks, props, mats or rugs in designated area to prevent accidents.
• Be happy, centered and calm.

[Handmadedreams]

on 1/6/2009 Thank you so much for the info. I agree completely about the power of thought. Thanks for the reminder.

[chrisanddaya]

on 1/4/2009 I started when I was 22 yrs and so have been studying and teaching since then. At forty with flexibility problems, I would suggest you take a gentle yoga class that works up to a more intermediate class. If you are not near a yoga studio that feels right for you, intuit which yoga video to purchase. "Yoga for Dummies" has a good teacher and leads you into easy yoga postures for flexibility so your joints and mucles won't become stiff. I have learned you can always unlearn something and always help your body to renew itself just by your thoughts and actions. You can even imagine yourself doing postures that are difficult before you go to sleep at night and feel flexible in the morning. I would say never feel it's too late - you just have to be willing to accept that you can help yourself to be and become ageless.
chrisanddaya

[Handmadedreams]

on 1/4/2009 Wow now that is an informative article. How long have you been doing yoga? After I turned 40 I have foung flexibity is a problem any suggestions?

[chrisanddaya]

on 12/25/2008 Hi Teachmemath,
Your booklist I felt is perfect for those who are looking for answers too! Thank you and I know the feeling. When I first became a Reiki Master Teacher after interning, I needed the added assurance of how to proceed and I got it as I saw it in my mind. I am thrilled for you. Merry Christmas!
Chrisanddaya

[Teachmemath]

on 12/25/2008 How Timely!!! I am in a teacher training program for yoga.... wow! I am speechless.

Thanks so much for the much needed tips. Many questions have been answered.