Yoga

Yoga instructors are tasked with the pivotal role of helping clients achieve the peace, comfort and tranquility that they strive for when they approach the mat. While asanas and alignment are important, they pale in comparison to the magnitude of the effects yoga has on the mind and spirit.

Being a private yoga instructor gives you free creative liberty over how you teach and customize your practice. Private sessions give you a chance to help each client one-on-one, adapting to their unique needs. All it takes is one or two good sessions with your first private clients for word to spread; to make sure that you’re prepared for running your own yoga business, here are six things to keep in mind.

1. Talk to Clients Before the First Session

Use an intake form to learn a bit more about your client, their yoga background and what they hope to achieve through your lessons. Some may be more focused on the physiological benefits of yoga while others are taking up the practice to relieve stress or depression.

Knowing what your client is coming to you for before the first session will allow you to customize your sequence beforehand and prepare adequately. Make sure that you bring the necessary materials and have everything your client will need to get the most out of their session – don’t assume anything.

2. Designate Clear Boundaries

As a private instructor, clients may not approach you with the same professional mindset that they do when taking classes through a fitness center or yoga studio. Make sure that you have legal contracts that establish how much you charge for each session, what’s included and what clients are expected to do and bring with them.

Do you have a cancellation fee? What about travel policies? Make sure that you address everything in a contract and clients review it thoroughly before committing to working together.

3. Have Proper Insurance

Liability coverage is essential when working as a yoga teacher. You also need to have every client sign a waiver before you begin your sessions. Without the right liability insurance, someone could sustain an injury that costs you thousands of dollars in medical expenses and legal fees. The good news is that annual liability coverage for yoga teachers is affordable and accessible, even if you have a small starting budget.

4. Lose Your Ego

Although you’re an instructor, you’re also a human being. Use your time together with clients to cultivate an authentic connection that assists their yoga journey. Check in with yourself during a session; are you striving for perfection, or are you helping them achieve their goals? You will naturally have greater expectations for performance as a professional, but you need to meet clients at their level and be open to modifications.

5. Buy Everything

Your clients will probably bring their own yoga mats, but for first-timers, make sure you always have an extra on-hand. You should also invest in yoga staples like bolsters, straps, blocks and eye masks. These may not be used in every session, but your clients will appreciate the fact you go out of your way to give them everything they need for their session. All they need to do is show up and be present.

6. Continue to Study

Follow websites like beyogi.com and continue to learn about your practice. Becoming a certified yoga instructor is not the end of the road; a good teacher understands and embraces the infinite potential that exists in all of us. This means that you are always striving to learn how you can connect with your clients better and help them achieve their own goals through yoga.

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