Almost six months ago, I signed up to do my first yoga teacher training with Conrad Paul who owns Yoga Professionals. Today, just a few weeks after passing my practical assessment, I taught my first paid yoga cover class. I’ve taught small groups of people before informally and done one to one sessions, but this was my first actual job as a yoga teacher which was pretty exciting.
I still have a few more theory exams to go to be fully qualified. However, to be honest, I still feel like I have a lot to learn. Despite the fact that I’ve been practising yoga for years, teaching is something quite new to me and there were close to 30 people in this class — all of mixed ability.
Do I feel ready to teach yoga?
When I stayed in the Sivananda ashram in Tamil Nadu in India for three weeks, there was a one month teacher training going on at the same time. I remember thinking how intense it must be to train in a month and I often wonder if people feel qualified to teach afterwards. With this in mind, all the Sivananda yoga teachers I’ve been taught by have been excellent.
Today as I was teaching, I felt like the class went well. But, I did wonder at the end if it was hard enough. Was it too relaxing? Did I offer enough variations? Did I give enough adjustments? How is it possible to give everyone attention in a class of 30? Honestly, I have even more respect for Mysore style teachers now — to be able to cater to sometimes 30-40 students and make everyone feel special is a talent.
So, going back to my original question, ‘Do I feel ready to teach?’ I would have to say that I feel my training has now just started. My course has certainly given me a foundation, but I now need to learn by teaching as much as possible and developing my own style. I’d also like to do another teacher training in perhaps restorative yoga — but I should take things one step at a time. I’ll improve more by practising my teaching, and of course, doing yoga regularly myself.
What I struggled with and what came naturally?
After about half an hour, I had a slight moment of panic (which I really hope no one picked up on!) when I realised that I’d missed some of the asanas from the opening sequence and I’d been going too fast. I quickly had to improvise so I’d get the timing right again. Apparently, this is a really common thing to happen to new yoga teachers. I just need to slow it down in future.
The guided body scan at the end came pretty naturally and I felt the tone of my voice worked well for it. I also got everyone to chant ‘Om’ and ‘Shanti’ at the end which initially I was unsure about, as the class was taught in a gym. However, the energy in the room felt pretty good as everyone was chanting.
What to teach?
Although my own yoga practice has led me to try out a variety of different yoga styles from Sivananda to Ashtanga to name a few, I’m not entirely sure what I want to specifically teach in the future. Today my class was a mixed ability relaxing hatha class. I played Deva Premal, Password and I made sure there were 10 minutes at the end to relax in Savasana.
What next?
I have another yoga cover class next Thursday which I’m looking forward to — perhaps I’ll introduce more strengthening and some pranayama exercises. I feel like I’ve learned so much just from teaching this one class — the main lesson being — teach what you know and enjoy doing it.
For any other newly qualified yoga teachers out there, you might find the following article useful.
Teaching your first yoga class
Image source: Yoga Cara Teaching Training website
