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How to Choose a Yoga Instructor: Guru Tips
A yoga practitioner told the readers of Wday.ru what to look for when choosing a quarantined instructor.
During the period of self-isolation, yoga is one of the most effective methods of maintaining physical and mental health. Now many masters post exercise recordings for free, offer to participate in online meditations and conduct live trainings. But for the classes to really be useful, you first need to find a professional instructor. What to focus on in the choice, says the author of the social project , a public figure, a graduate of BryceYogaSchool RYT300 and an international yoga practitioner Alexei Starovoitov.
Where and how to find an instructor in self-isolation?
The first method, which lies on the surface, is to search the Internet. Its plus is that you can leisurely and thoughtfully analyze the approach to the classes of the chosen mentor, his professional level, read reviews and decide whether you want to learn from this person.
The second is word of mouth. This method is good because it allows you to get information from people you trust. Together with the same instructor, you will have another common topic to discuss with friends. In addition, practice with like-minded people, even online, is always more effective than individual lessons.
3 qualities a good instructor needs
1. Personality force
It is important that the teacher is suitable for you according to a number of criteria:
style of teaching;
ways to motivate and explain clearly;
the ability to competently present the principles of yoga and the underlying spiritual values;
focus on the harmonious combination of asanas and philosophical teachings.
Look for an instructor with whom you will be comfortable. Spiritual harmony, interesting and pleasant communication are the basis for the success of the classes. Therefore, make sure that your guru is friendly, calm and open, understands and empathizes with his students and finds an individual approach to everyone.
2. Professionalism
The professional level of the instructor must be confirmed by a certificate. Look for someone who has been specifically trained in a program of at least 200 hours of classes (the higher the number, the better). At the moment, the strongest yoga schools are located in Asian countries: India, Thailand, Bali.
The instructor must be in good physical shape, be able to control his body and perform all exercises correctly. Be sure to clarify whether the mentor knows the safety rules and contraindications to different asanas and whether he can draw up an individual lesson plan based on the physical capabilities and health characteristics of a particular student.
3. Harmonious development of mind and body
Yoga classes are not only physical exercises, but also spiritual practices. Correct performance of asanas is not an end in itself, but a way of knowing and improving oneself. When done correctly and regularly, they help to remove clamps, remove various blocks. But only a person who knows how to solve his mental problems and who is in harmonious relations with the world is capable of teaching this.
If the instructor has serious unresolved problems in relationships with others and with himself, if he experiences difficulties in the field of self-realization and finances, or broadcasts negative attitudes, he should not be allowed to work with students.
Qualities that speak of a low mentor level
1. Inability to create the right atmosphere
It is wrong if classes are conducted with loud, aggressive, energetic music. Yoga exercises should be performed in a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere.
2. Tough demeanor
If the instructor is being tough and demanding, insisting that the students overcome themselves and achieve results through pain, refuse to work with him. This is not acceptable for yoga.
3. Competitive approach
If a mentor encourages competition between students, then he does not know the basic principles of yoga philosophy. This teaching is focused on individuality: everyone works with their mind and body as they can, and in accordance with what stage they are at.
4. The presence of bad habits
The guru should lead a harmonious life. This applies to his habits, thoughts and actions. Drinking and smoking mentor is nonsense!
5. Lack of results among students
If, during long-term studies, the group members do not achieve tangible results, then the master is missing something important in his work.
Yoga is the path of those who strive for health and harmony of soul and body. During quarantine, she will help you keep yourself in good physical shape and increase your stress resistance.