Should you hire a private yoga instructor?

Yoga is more than an exercise trend.  It provides relaxation, fitness, flexibility and is an important part of your healthy work-life balance. Perhaps you’ve wanted to take up yoga but find it difficult to get to a class with a fixed start and end time because it doesn’t fit with your schedule.   Consider having private instruction in your home or office.

One-on-one instruction into this ancient practice is actually the way yoga was supposed to be studied.  It was shared between teacher and student, and together they worked towards gaining personal awareness and achieving potential, with the yogi present as a guide and mentor on the journey to self-actualization.

The benefits of private instruction are many.  Your current level of fitness is taken into consideration, your level of stress and any previous injuries you may have sustained.  An experienced yogi will be able to focus on your goals, teaching subtle adjustments in the alignment of your body that will pave the way to a strong physical foundation.  Breathing and meditation is also a big part of yoga, which you can learn in the privacy of your home or behind closed doors at your place of work.

If you’re still wondering if yoga is something you should try, consider a retreat.  Many yoga practitioners and studios offer retreats, both close to home or in exotic international locations.  These are excellent ways for beginners to learn about yoga without pressure or clocks to get in the way.

Sometimes, learning a new routine in a group setting can be intimidating or the instructor can go too fast.  A private session will present information at your own pace, especially if you are healing from an injury or have not experienced an increased level of mobility for some time.  With personal attention, a yogi can help with the physical adjustments you may need to help your body heal itself, or will have more patience as you learn new stretches.

When you hire a personal instructor, you will also create a trusting relationship with an experienced yogi who can support you as you go deeper into your practice.

More Benefits to Yoga at Home

• Natural Light:  Unlike a busy studio, you can likely do yoga in natural light during the day or in warmer months, take your practice out onto the deck or back yard.  If you want atmosphere in the evening, you can light some candles which isn’t always possible or practical in a group setting.
• Fresh Air:  Breathing, or pranayama, is a major part of yoga and fresh air through an open window or outside will invigorate your practice.
• Temperature:  A public studio can often be too hot or too cold, depending on your preference. The wonderful thing about practicing at home is that you can control the temperature of your space.  That will help you relax.
• Music:  Another thing you can control in your own space is the music you listen to.  Or don’t listen to, as the case may be.
• Hydration:  Water is important, but if it’s not your thing you can brew your favourite herbal tea prior to your session.

What you might need

When you hire a yoga instructor to come to your home or workplace, be ready for them by investing in appropriate props. That includes a yoga mat, a bolster and maybe an eye pillow and a blanket.  It’s actually more sanitary to have your own.

An established yoga studio can help you find a certified yoga instructor to get you on the path to better health.