11 Qualities of a Great Yoga Teacher

What makes an excellent teacher? To teach yoga for a living, you’ll need training and skills. But you’ll need more than that if you want to be a teacher that makes a difference in the lives of your students. If you want to know what that takes, if you are ready for that step, here are ten qualities a top yoga instructor must have. Work on developing those qualities.  

Stays Updated

Becoming a certified yoga instructor by completing a training program is only the first step to becoming a teacher. You still need to learn more. That doesn’t mean that once you complete an online certification program, that’s it. If you want to build your reputation, you need to keep attending training programs. That’s one way to build your knowledge and stay updated with new practices in the field.

Connects with Students

As a teacher, connecting to your students is a must. Knowing how to make your students feel that they can relate to you and with the other students helps them feel they belong in class.

Has Presence

Skilled teachers often have a commanding presence. If you have presence, that can attract more students to your programs. That can also help you sign up more clients for your next classes.

Has Energy and Personality

People have different personalities and energies. While you don’t have to be the same as other teachers, if your classes are fun and light-hearted, they can get more students. Also, if you’re calm or enthusiastic, that personality should shine through the classes you teach.

Comes Prepared

Planning is essential if you want to do well in your classes. Don’t wing them. Prepare for the lessons. Get further training. That is also a form of preparation.

Can Be Friendly

You can also open the online class a little early to give the students time to catch up with each other. It also provides students with an opportunity to ask you questions. Take that time to talk to your students. Get to know them. Talking to them helps you learn more about them and that information can be useful in making your lesson plans.

Personalization

Some teachers have a teaching style or phrase they often use. Some have core ideas they continue to challenge and want their students to tackle. What’s your teaching style? Do you have a signature style or phrase? What kind of teacher do you see yourself as? What teaching style best suits your personality? Do you think that teaching style can help you earn a name for yourself in the field? Will it help you reach out to more students?

Flexibility

Yoga teachers are flexible. That allows them to flow from one movement to the next. If you plan to teach, you need to master that flexibility. You’ll have an easier time with the poses if you’re flexible.  

Love of Yoga

Most yoga instructors have one thing in common: they love the practice. If you want to continue learning more about yoga, enroll in a program. Your enthusiasm and love for yoga can be another draw for potential students.

Attention to Detail

Watch over your students and see if they’re making mistakes during the sessions. Offer encouragement and advice. That’s all possible if you have exceptional attention to detail. With excellent attention to detail, you can help your students grow in many ways.

Invested in Students

Not all teachers care about their students. But the best kind of teachers do. They invest time and energy in their students. They are committed to the growth and improvement of the students. Consider that if you want to be a yoga instructor.