Top traits you need to become a yoga instructor
Teaching yoga is one of the most rewarding things you can do. A good yoga teacher can guide students towards health and healing. But what makes a great yoga teacher? It goes without saying we must all understand alignment, breath and asanas, but this doesn’t necessarily make a great yoga teacher. You need to be able to inspire your students with your sincere passion and igniting their excitement to continue their pursuits of learning this ancient art form. Keep reading for some great top traits needed to become a great Yoga instructor!
Desire for self-development
A key trait that all Yoga instructors should have is the desire to continue their own self-development alongside their teaching. This means that beyond the classroom, you take the time to continue practicing Yoga for yourself and take opportunities to further your education as an instructor where possible. There is a clear distinction between an average teacher who reads the basics to apply to their teaching in comparison to a fantastic teacher who sincerely teaches from their heart – your students will definitely notice the difference in the way they feel inspired by someone who is truly committed to the craft!
Always prepared
In order for a Yoga class to go as smoothly as possible, it is important for the instructor to take time to prepare their class in advance. What is the goal of the class and how will it be achieved? How can this be adapted so that all student levels are challenged yet catered for? This calls for you to have a strong sense of adaptability too. Being a good Yoga instructor is also about being prepared to answer questions any students may have during class and being open to discussions after class too. Remember you are there to serve the class, to respond to it, and to do whatever it takes to elevate everyone to a transformative place.
Being trustworthy
Practicing Yoga is a very intimate thing that involves not only the development of the body, but of the mind and soul too. It is possible that students could share with you their very personal reasons for their uptake of Yoga, such as a way of aiding mental or physical recovery. It is key to ensure that when creating relationships with your students, there is complete confidentiality – students should be able to feel that they can tell their instructor something and know it won’t be repeated to anyone else. This also exemplifies that you have the student’s best interest at heart too.
Awareness of energy
Being able to communicate with compassion will make your students feel welcome, safe and understood. As a yoga teacher you need to be able to read what someone is going through in class. Are they suffering self-doubt or pushing themselves too hard? This will allow you to suggest that they back off. Are they bored and coasting in their safe place? Then a good adjustment or motivation will reignite their interest. If we can learn to feel and notice what our students are going through, we can tailor our instruction to bring them to the best place for them that day.