What is a private yoga class, and who can benefit?
Some may wonder what makes private yoga classes so special, after all, there are plenty of group classes to choose from, right? Well, most are really surprised by the differences when they experience a private yoga class for the first time.
Also known as yoga personal training or yoga 1:1, private yoga classes are an entirely different way of practicing yoga to a group class, as I soon found out during my 50h Yoga Personal Training course! These classes give us teachers the chance to tailor the practice to your unique body and to help you to reach any goals you may have. With my focus on one person alone, I can select the asanas and techniques specifically for the yogi on the mat rather than catering to a mixed group. As a result, you see faster progress in sustainable improvements for your health and wellbeing.
Focus on alignment in private yoga classes. Photo by Stefan Norton
Who can benefit from taking private yoga classes?
In short, anyone and everyone, but here are a few examples…
Beginners who want to dip their toe into the yoga water but don’t feel comfortable jumping straight into a group class. Private yoga classes are a fantastic way for beginnings to set a solid foundation with alignment for their body before joining a group.
Those with a particular restriction or injury that make group classes difficult, as private yoga classes offer an opportunity to learn how to adapt the asanas to your specific needs. They can also be tailored to help relieve potential complaints.
Yogis who want to enhance their existing yoga practice or work on something specific. In a group class, you don’t always have a choice about which asanas or areas of the body the teacher focuses on, but in private yoga classes, you can decide what you want to focus on. Always wanted to try handstand or king pigeon pose? This is your chance!
Yogis who want some extra motivation. Our private yoga sessions will keep you accountable and help to create consistency. I am here to (safely) bring you out of your comfort zone and show you just what your body is capable of!
Athletes who want to use yoga as a complement to another form of training, e.g., triathlon or CrossFit. Not only can the classes be tailored to facilitate recovery, but also to enhance performance in your sport of choice.
Anyone who wants to give themselves (or a loved one*) a treat. Having a whole hour, where the focus is entirely on you and your yoga practice, is something special in this busy world we live in.
* A gift voucher for private yoga classes makes for a fantastic gift! Just drop me a quick email for more information. Ein Gutschein für Yoga Personal Training ist ein tolles Geschenk! Schreib mir einfach eine kurze Email.
Techniques from Nuad Thai bodywork in private yoga classes. Photo by Stefan Norton
What do you do in a private yoga class?
A private yoga class is an opportunity to have the practice adapted to your specific needs, so each private yoga class is different. Before we start, we’ll take the time to thoroughly discuss your needs and goals in a free consultation call and then again before each class – after all, each day is different. For some, this will mean taking lots of time to work on the alignment of basic asanas; for others, practicing more advanced asanas that don’t often come up in group classes. As well as breathing exercises, alignment, and meditation, we also have the time and scope to use a range of techniques that aren’t always available in an open class…
Yoga props, e.g., yoga straps, blocks, bolsters, or even the FeetUp® or Inoroll – learn how to use these props for your practice.
Hands-on adjustments – in a group class, there’s just one of me and lots of yogis. In a private class, I have the time to make adjustments in every pose.
Nuad Thai Yoga Bodywork – an advanced training with the wonderful Irene Kapl showed me just how wonderfully Thai Yoga Bodywork can ease aches and pains as well as reaching a deep level of relaxation.
Question & answer – you can ask questions at any time during the class, and I also have the time to explain the poses and their specific benefits for you and your body.
Are you interested in taking private yoga classes or want to learn more? Schedule a first consultation call with me now and take the next step enhancing your practice!
What if we’re unable to practice in person?
I’m writing this during a time that is testing us in whole new ways. Since we can’t practice together in person, I’m offering private yoga classes online via Zoom. This is still a great way to maintain a consistent practice, to work towards your goals even while in isolation, and also to keep those aches and pains from working in your (perhaps not so ergonomic) home office at bay. I’ll talk about this more in another post soon, but if you’re interested, just drop me an email or book a free consultation call here.