8:30 so true, Shayna! Same for me, thought I was only there to "improve my flexibility", now look at me giving yoga classes, trying to incorpore self reflexion and consciousness! I hope to "sow a seed" just like my favorite teachers did back in time... I really like your videos, you're really inspiring. I love the way you talk and look at the camera. Thank you for providing this kind of high quality video on YT. Love from France
Marjorie Favier Aw thank you so much for your sweet words! How interesting and amazing is this path?! So much more than we expected...😊🌸🙏🏻 I trust you are sowing many seeds 🌱 - grateful to be connected! Namaste ✨
Awesome! Keep soaking it up. If you have any specific questions in regards to opening your studio, just let me know and I’m happy to create a video for you. Wishing you success!
"assisting" should only be done with permission...many healthcare professionals ask "may I touch your (___location_______)? Sometimes people have had trauma that unexpected touch can shock them or trigger a response.
FREE WILL correct. It’s a delicate line and requires communication and awareness of the power of touch. Touch can also be healing so it’s important for yoga teacher to be well aware of the difference and potential triggers. Thank you for this comment.
Just discovered your channel. You are absolutely fantastic! In India a at the end of the first year of my teacher training Swami Veda (Himalayan tradition) said “what is the ONE thing that makes a yoga teacher a GOOD teacher?... When the students feel cared for by the teacher”.... so.... you got it GIRL!! And this was ONE Swami coming directly from the heavens trust me!! Thanks for all your tips! Just embarking on this new adventure... shall I say ... thanks to COVID .... long story.... Namaste’!!
Hey love! It's my pleasure - and yes such a great question -- right now unfortunately hands-on assists are more of an issue than they have been in the past, so if you are teaching in person I would suggest to avoid hands-on assists. If you are teaching private yoga, check in with your client to see if he/she is okay with gentle hands-on assists. Also, this is a great time to brush up on verbal cues since hands-on assist capability is limited -- I have found that detailed verbal cues can sometimes be just as powerful (ok fine ALMOST as powerful haha) as hands-on assists! Make sure you are really watching your students to see if they are really getting it in their bodies.
OMG I forget names! I feel terrible....I teach in gyms and colleges and high schools and there are so many people. I have even gone so far at the high school as to make index cards with their names to keep at the top of their mats. Sometimes what works to jog my memory is to go through the alphabet in my head. I love your take on assists. I ask if they have injuries and because I teach older people, I also ask if they also have any conditions that need special consideration, not that young people can't have conditions too. It's good to get to class early so when I have someone new, we can introduce each other and I can ask them about any special considerations. Thanks for the topic!
I do too! It's okay! And it's normal. I LOVE the idea of index cards with names! How inventive. Glad this information supports you! Sometimes I will just go up to someone I see all the time and tell them I forgot their name and they tell me and I repeat it three times. It's a practice! ;-) Namaste.
Aloha Shana- Mahalo for ALL videos, experience and information. Helps me a lot as I am a new Teacher May 2019. Will definitely work on my uniqueness. Looking towards my singing bowl and quotes.
Thanks so much, I only came across your videos today and have watched a heap of hem already, so informative! I'm a newly qualified teacher and am starting to teach my own classes in a local park on 10th May, very exciting! Namaste :-)
Wow this seems like perfect timing for you to come across the videos! I hope they inspire you to feel confident and ready to teach an amazing class on May 10th! Outdoor yoga, my favorite! Keep me posted on how it goes, and happy teaching! Namaste :)
You are so very welcome, Taylor ... I am glad the videos are informative and useful for you, and I look forward to sharing more and hearing more about your teaching journey! Namaste.
Hi Shayna Super fantastic video and helpful guideline. I can surely incorporate these tips in my practice as a yoga teacher. Keep up the good job. Luck and love. Meena, Dubai UAE.
Hey! So awesome to hear you enjoyed this video and will incorporate some of the tips into your teachings! Cheers to your continued growth and service to others. Namaste
Good advice on all your videos, Shayna. I know all my students by name, and as an addition to your 1st point, I try to interact with them on a personal before or after class. I might ask one student, "How's the corn harvest going?" (I'm in Michigan), or, "How was your vacation in Florida?". I also share with my class things that I am doing. The only part of your advice that I don't follow is #2, Assists. I don't think a yoga instructor should ever touch a student unless advance permission has been given. Even with that, I feel that once a student gets into a pose, they are probably already doing it in a way which best suits their physical limitations, and for me to try and "assist" them to a different or deeper expression is an invitation to injury. I say that with the footnote that I teach mostly seniors, who bring a wide array of ailments and issues to the mat. I'm fine with giving verbal "assists", but I usually only do so if I think the student's safety is being compromised.
Gene Purdum thank you for your comment and feedback! Much appreciated. I really love the personal element you add in terms of staying connected with students before and after class. It's so important for students to feel seen in such a genuine way. I completely understand your point on assists. It is a personal choice. And there is a reason I do not call them 'adjustments', for there is nothing to adjust. My students love gentle assists as a means of support within their own unique body's expression of an asana. I always ask for injuries before class and will never assist if I do not feel 100% confident. Happy teaching! Namaste.🙏
Yes Aubriana! I'm so glad the video inspired you to get in touch with your creativity and unique offering (and perhaps culinary skills) ;-) What lucky students you have! Namaste and happy teaching!
Laurieann Jacobs awww I know! So much has changed since I made this video... and of course there are many ways to thrive as a yoga teacher without hands on assists ! Simply being fully present, connecting with students before and after class , and facing them while teaching are always beneficial! 🙏🏻
Very helpful tips thank you. Also you have any ideas for startup in a small town when theres interest but you only have certain time slots to teach? When people say they want to come but dont show up must i do all the fliers and cards and posts all the time?
Hey! This is a great question. Depending on how much marketing the studio does for your class, yes, you will also have to promote it yourself. But you don't have to do a lot. Consistency is way more important than spreading your content among too many social channels. Choose a medium that works for you, whether it's Instagram, Facebook, or a mailing list. Perhaps you can design a special class at a different time or a special workshop? You are in a great situation to be in a place with not many yoga options! Keep it up; it will grow!
Build Your Personal Yoga Business thank you! Im notnin a studio at them moment but would love to be just too much for myself at the moment as there are literally only a few of us left teaching and its sporadic! So ill stick with teaching at the gym and private clients atm! Thank you so much for your reply!
Dont assume your touch is wanted. Not all students want to be touched for whatever reason. Always ask first. I had teachers trying to straighten my arm that orthopedically cant move that way. I specifically told her dont. I had a male teacher I didnt know laying on my back. He never asked to touch me . He also did not last long teaching.
Great video thank you! I’ve been Teaching yoga for about a year and my favourite style is vinyasa. I would like to assist more, but I find the challenge in trying to keep the class flowing while giving some personal time to a student. I find that unless I’m doing almost the whole class with my students they lose that flow. I do look around the room a lot and give verbal cues when I see a student is out of alignment but they often don’t correct it by themselves unless I come over there. Do you have any suggestions?
Keep in mind that introverts may not want individual attention. If someone says to me "move your foot, Laura" during class, I'm so shy I probably won't come back, even if the comment was well-intentioned. A quiet comment without using my name makes me feel less "called-out". I've taught yoga for 16 years and I have students who have come to my class for many years. I usually avoid 1:1 during class if I can, preferring to give additional guidance to the entire class. I also try to talk to someone after class if I have suggestions.
Hey! That's actually a great point -- it's so interesting and true that each student may respond differently to being uniquely addressed in the practice. I also believe that there is a significant difference between being 'called out' and being 'acknowledged and seen' -- this subtle yet important distinction is imperative for a yoga teacher to know in order to help their students feel supported instead of somehow 'judged' or picked on. And yes, I think that talking to students after class and offering guidance and feedback is super wise and helps to build trust and connection! Also, personal attention should never take away from holding space for the entire class. From my experience, there is a way to be with everyone at the same time and each person individually as well. Thanks again for bringing up these great topics and new perspectives! :-) Namaste.
Build Your Personal Yoga Business such a sweetheart, I am starting my career of yoga teacher and I am watching all your videos. I really like it!! 🙏🏽♥️🙌🏽🙌🏽
I would love to talk to you in person. How do I reach out...There is something I need to ask you intimately about yoga and starting a new studio. Namaste🙏
Butifull and clear.. but in India very difficult to teach yoga because here yoga is very comon ..I teach yoga in Bangalore now I improved a lot .I am teaching what they want.uff ...
nagraj navali I think it’s great that you’re teaching! I always believe that the more teachers there are, the more students there will be. Stay true to you and your unique style will inspire people. Namaste!
Of course! A truly skilled teacher is a master at holding space and articulating the teachings with clarity and precision. I also think it's important to teach to a type of student who you can relate with. For example, I wouldn't suggest teaching something that is for super flexible people if you yourself don't resonate with that style. Get creative, and maybe you can position yourself as a yoga teacher for inflexible people !I'm sure that would take off ;-)
I've been teaching for 4 years and still can't do certain things like handstand or back bends. I've got 15-18 classes a week and very respected by my following. It's not about fancy poses. It's about so much for and your authenticity.
I followed a yoga teacher from his place in a small community village hall until I left him when he built his business, his own purpose built training room and significantly profitable business. A yoga teacher should always remember they will always attract followers, but true yoga students will vote with their feet when the class or school becomes too money-centric.
8:30 so true, Shayna! Same for me, thought I was only there to "improve my flexibility", now look at me giving yoga classes, trying to incorpore self reflexion and consciousness! I hope to "sow a seed" just like my favorite teachers did back in time...
I really like your videos, you're really inspiring. I love the way you talk and look at the camera. Thank you for providing this kind of high quality video on YT. Love from France
Marjorie Favier Aw thank you so much for your sweet words! How interesting and amazing is this path?! So much more than we expected...😊🌸🙏🏻 I trust you are sowing many seeds 🌱 - grateful to be connected! Namaste ✨
This is great! Opened a yoga studio and learning as much as I can. ❤️
Awesome! Keep soaking it up. If you have any specific questions in regards to opening your studio, just let me know and I’m happy to create a video for you. Wishing you success!
"assisting" should only be done with permission...many healthcare professionals ask "may I touch your (___location_______)? Sometimes people have had trauma that unexpected touch can shock them or trigger a response.
FREE WILL correct. It’s a delicate line and requires communication and awareness of the power of touch. Touch can also be healing so it’s important for yoga teacher to be well aware of the difference and potential triggers. Thank you for this comment.
My teacher says if you don't want assisting then fold your mat at the corner so you have a choice before the class even begins.
such a good idea!
If you feel your yoga teacher might touch you inappropriately when assisting, it is time to leave the teacher.
Thank you for creating these videos Shayna! They are very helpful. I look forward to watching more and learning along the way. Namaste
Ahmed!!! Yay! You are so very welcome. I am grateful for YOU.
Just discovered your channel. You are absolutely fantastic! In India a at the end of the first year of my teacher training Swami Veda (Himalayan tradition) said “what is the ONE thing that makes a yoga teacher a GOOD teacher?... When the students feel cared for by the teacher”.... so.... you got it GIRL!! And this was ONE Swami coming directly from the heavens trust me!! Thanks for all your tips! Just embarking on this new adventure... shall I say ... thanks to COVID .... long story.... Namaste’!!
Shayna! Another great video :) Thank you. For tip 3 (hands-on assist), how could I approach this because of covid?
Hey love! It's my pleasure - and yes such a great question -- right now unfortunately hands-on assists are more of an issue than they have been in the past, so if you are teaching in person I would suggest to avoid hands-on assists. If you are teaching private yoga, check in with your client to see if he/she is okay with gentle hands-on assists. Also, this is a great time to brush up on verbal cues since hands-on assist capability is limited -- I have found that detailed verbal cues can sometimes be just as powerful (ok fine ALMOST as powerful haha) as hands-on assists! Make sure you are really watching your students to see if they are really getting it in their bodies.
OMG I forget names! I feel terrible....I teach in gyms and colleges and high schools and there are so many people. I have even gone so far at the high school as to make index cards with their names to keep at the top of their mats. Sometimes what works to jog my memory is to go through the alphabet in my head. I love your take on assists. I ask if they have injuries and because I teach older people, I also ask if they also have any conditions that need special consideration, not that young people can't have conditions too. It's good to get to class early so when I have someone new, we can introduce each other and I can ask them about any special considerations. Thanks for the topic!
I do too! It's okay! And it's normal. I LOVE the idea of index cards with names! How inventive. Glad this information supports you! Sometimes I will just go up to someone I see all the time and tell them I forgot their name and they tell me and I repeat it three times. It's a practice! ;-) Namaste.
Aloha Shana-
Mahalo for ALL videos, experience and information. Helps me a lot as I am a new Teacher May 2019. Will definitely work on my uniqueness. Looking towards my singing bowl and quotes.
I absolutely love your videos you have been so helpful to becoming a better yoga instructor! Thank you so much
It is my pleasure! I am so glad the videos are serving you!
The reminders are appreciated
My pleasure!
Love your channel. Always so informative. Thank you 🙏
Thanks so much, I only came across your videos today and have watched a heap of hem already, so informative! I'm a newly qualified teacher and am starting to teach my own classes in a local park on 10th May, very exciting! Namaste :-)
Wow this seems like perfect timing for you to come across the videos! I hope they inspire you to feel confident and ready to teach an amazing class on May 10th! Outdoor yoga, my favorite! Keep me posted on how it goes, and happy teaching! Namaste :)
Thanks, I will :-) x
Hey Cheryl, how are the classes going?
Thank you for serving in this way 🌹 so helping for us teachers, especially those who are aiming towards making it entrepreneual.
You are so very welcome, Taylor ... I am glad the videos are informative and useful for you, and I look forward to sharing more and hearing more about your teaching journey! Namaste.
This is such great advice!!! I just began teaching and all your videos are super helpful, thank you!!!
Yay!!! Happy teaching!!!
im learning a lot w ur videos!!! thanks
Hi Shayna
Super fantastic video and helpful guideline.
I can surely incorporate these tips in my practice as a yoga teacher.
Keep up the good job. Luck and love.
Meena, Dubai UAE.
Hey! So awesome to hear you enjoyed this video and will incorporate some of the tips into your teachings! Cheers to your continued growth and service to others. Namaste
Thank you for your smart and beautiful advise,love and Namaste Yoga Oma.
it is my pleasure Connie ! Thank you for watching - Namaste
Good advice on all your videos, Shayna. I know all my students by name, and as an addition to your 1st point, I try to interact with them on a personal before or after class. I might ask one student, "How's the corn harvest going?" (I'm in Michigan), or, "How was your vacation in Florida?". I also share with my class things that I am doing.
The only part of your advice that I don't follow is #2, Assists. I don't think a yoga instructor should ever touch a student unless advance permission has been given. Even with that, I feel that once a student gets into a pose, they are probably already doing it in a way which best suits their physical limitations, and for me to try and "assist" them to a different or deeper expression is an invitation to injury. I say that with the footnote that I teach mostly seniors, who bring a wide array of ailments and issues to the mat. I'm fine with giving verbal "assists", but I usually only do so if I think the student's safety is being compromised.
Gene Purdum thank you for your comment and feedback! Much appreciated. I really love the personal element you add in terms of staying connected with students before and after class. It's so important for students to feel seen in such a genuine way.
I completely understand your point on assists. It is a personal choice. And there is a reason I do not call them 'adjustments', for there is nothing to adjust. My students love gentle assists as a means of support within their own unique body's expression of an asana. I always ask for injuries before class and will never assist if I do not feel 100% confident.
Happy teaching! Namaste.🙏
Thank you so much for these tips.. I start teaching my first official class next week and I love the idea of bringing in alittle vegan treat.
Yes Aubriana! I'm so glad the video inspired you to get in touch with your creativity and unique offering (and perhaps culinary skills) ;-) What lucky students you have! Namaste and happy teaching!
Namaste and same to you (:
we all need more yoga, YES
Thanks for sharing this information. So helpful!! Cheers!
my pleasure! thank you for sharing your comment!
very helpful video thank you so much.
Yoga With Pearl it’s my pleasure! I’m glad it was helpful for you :)
I love this!!! Thank you for all the content you're putting out for us new Yoga Teachers!!! This makes navigating the unnerving areas a lot easier.
DayoFit it’s my pleasure! Thank you for your kind words!! Keep spreading the love!
Is it necessary to do all difficult advanced Asanas for YogaTeacher herself?
We are not allowed to hands on assist at all!!
And now with Covid.. its a def never
But I like your tips Shana!!
Laurieann Jacobs awww I know! So much has changed since I made this video... and of course there are many ways to thrive as a yoga teacher without hands on assists ! Simply being fully present, connecting with students before and after class , and facing them while teaching are always beneficial! 🙏🏻
Very helpful tips thank you. Also you have any ideas for startup in a small town when theres interest but you only have certain time slots to teach? When people say they want to come but dont show up must i do all the fliers and cards and posts all the time?
Hey! This is a great question. Depending on how much marketing the studio does for your class, yes, you will also have to promote it yourself. But you don't have to do a lot. Consistency is way more important than spreading your content among too many social channels. Choose a medium that works for you, whether it's Instagram, Facebook, or a mailing list. Perhaps you can design a special class at a different time or a special workshop? You are in a great situation to be in a place with not many yoga options! Keep it up; it will grow!
Build Your Personal Yoga Business thank you! Im notnin a studio at them moment but would love to be just too much for myself at the moment as there are literally only a few of us left teaching and its sporadic! So ill stick with teaching at the gym and private clients atm! Thank you so much for your reply!
Dont assume your touch is wanted. Not all students want to be touched for whatever reason. Always ask first. I had teachers trying to straighten my arm that orthopedically cant move that way. I specifically told her dont.
I had a male teacher I didnt know laying on my back. He never asked to touch me . He also did not last long teaching.
I agree wholeheartedly.🙏🏻 this is a very ‘touchy’ subject and consent is important, especially for deep assists and potential injuries !
Thank you so much! I especially found value in #4!
Emily Doolittle awesome ! I’m so glad this video offered you some inspiration and clarity!
You now have a new follower- ME. Namaste Shayna. Thanks for putting these videos together.
Amazing Jessica! Thank YOU for your wonderful feedback. I'm grateful to share! Namaste
Great video thank you! I’ve been Teaching yoga for about a year and my favourite style is vinyasa. I would like to assist more, but I find the challenge in trying to keep the class flowing while giving some personal time to a student. I find that unless I’m doing almost the whole class with my students they lose that flow. I do look around the room a lot and give verbal cues when I see a student is out of alignment but they often don’t correct it by themselves unless I come over there. Do you have any suggestions?
Thank you so much. You're beautiful. And this is really helpful
Great one!! Thank U :)
It’s my pleasure! Glad you enjoyed :)
Great tips. Thank you!!!
Kellie Bom my pleasure Kellie! Thank you for tuning in 😊
Wow, you really remind me of my favourite colleague from my own Yoga Teacher Training :)
You are magical!!!!!
Omg ur hair is so beautiful
aww thank you love
Thank you.
My pleasure !😇
Keep in mind that introverts may not want individual attention. If someone says to me "move your foot, Laura" during class, I'm so shy I probably won't come back, even if the comment was well-intentioned. A quiet comment without using my name makes me feel less "called-out".
I've taught yoga for 16 years and I have students who have come to my class for many years. I usually avoid 1:1 during class if I can, preferring to give additional guidance to the entire class. I also try to talk to someone after class if I have suggestions.
Hey! That's actually a great point -- it's so interesting and true that each student may respond differently to being uniquely addressed in the practice. I also believe that there is a significant difference between being 'called out' and being 'acknowledged and seen' -- this subtle yet important distinction is imperative for a yoga teacher to know in order to help their students feel supported instead of somehow 'judged' or picked on. And yes, I think that talking to students after class and offering guidance and feedback is super wise and helps to build trust and connection! Also, personal attention should never take away from holding space for the entire class. From my experience, there is a way to be with everyone at the same time and each person individually as well. Thanks again for bringing up these great topics and new perspectives! :-) Namaste.
This was awesome!
akenmegne thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed the video!
LOVE this!
Thank you!
very useful:) thanks!
Awesome Carla! I'm glad you are receiving value! You are very welcome.
you are a LEGEND!
You are magical! Thank you!
Build Your Personal Yoga Business such a sweetheart, I am starting my career of yoga teacher and I am watching all your videos. I really like it!! 🙏🏽♥️🙌🏽🙌🏽
Yay! Congratulations on being on this journey. I am so excited to support you as you discover your magic!
Build Your Personal Yoga Business thank you so much. 🙏🏽✨♥️♥️
#1....Remember your clients names....
Whelp, This list has already done me in.
So powerful !!
I would love to talk to you in person. How do I reach out...There is something I need to ask you intimately about yoga and starting a new studio. Namaste🙏
Kaino Haipinge hey! You can email me at shayna@buildyouryogabiz.com and we can set up a coaching call. Namaste!
hi I love u r work u teaching I am ur fan I am following u dear
thank you! deeply appreciated.
thank you❤
it's my pleasure! thanks for tuning in :) namaste
Thank you 💗
You're welcome Shannon! Namaste.
fabulous
Thanks Kateryna! So happy you enjoyed it 😄
Thank you beautiful lady ♡
my pleasure!
If i open yoga studio business. Am i must become a yoga teacher?
Millati Azka no you don’t have to be a yoga teacher in order to open a studio :)
Butifull and clear.. but in India very difficult to teach yoga because here yoga is very comon ..I teach yoga in Bangalore now I improved a lot .I am teaching what they want.uff ...
nagraj navali I think it’s great that you’re teaching! I always believe that the more teachers there are, the more students there will be. Stay true to you and your unique style will inspire people. Namaste!
K madam thank you
Can a yoga teacher who does not have those incredible flexibility be successful in yoga career? I hope you reply my question with sincerity. Namaste.
Of course! A truly skilled teacher is a master at holding space and articulating the teachings with clarity and precision. I also think it's important to teach to a type of student who you can relate with. For example, I wouldn't suggest teaching something that is for super flexible people if you yourself don't resonate with that style. Get creative, and maybe you can position yourself as a yoga teacher for inflexible people !I'm sure that would take off ;-)
Thanks a lot! I really appreciate it.
I've been teaching for 4 years and still can't do certain things like handstand or back bends. I've got 15-18 classes a week and very respected by my following. It's not about fancy poses. It's about so much for and your authenticity.
YES! Thank you. Authenticity is everything, and it's such a relief to know that and live and teach from that place.
Thanks!
My pleasure Amy!
P
I followed a yoga teacher from his place in a small community village hall until I left him when he built his business, his own purpose built training room and significantly profitable business.
A yoga teacher should always remember they will always attract followers, but true yoga students will vote with their feet when the class or school becomes too money-centric.
Agree!
Naked yoga, just straight up naked yoga
Benjamin Valpey 🤣 apparently that does exist
Yes in love it does exist. Btw I did my yoga teacher training with a friend of yours so it’s my plan now to co host a retreat with with YOU someday 😜
You resemble Lady Gaga
Hrami
Thank you so much. You're beautiful. And this is really helpful
Thank you❤
you are so very welcome! :)