Finding the right yoga instructor....or, more importantly, avoiding the WRONG instructor!
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Sadly, the very trait that makes yoga so adaptable
to multiple styles, settings, and audiences is the same attribute that leaves
yoga
without a centralized standardization for teacher training. And while it
seems the quick and easy solution would be to standardize teacher education,
this could do more harm than good. For starters, there are too many
styles and interpretations of yoga to channel them into one, unified approach.
To do so would mean "choosing" one institute's philosophical preferences to
another. So how do you evaluate a teacher's level of competency, without
a cut-and-dry certification standard? Considering that millions of
people in western society are turning to yoga for its physical benefits, it
makes sense for a yoga instructor to possess competence in both the science of yoga, including extensive knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pulmonary physiology, metabolism, cardiac physiology, exercise physiology, and kinesiology,
as well as the art of yoga: to create and communicate an
enjoyable, educational, and enriching class experience. While there are,
thankfully, plenty of instructors who are skilled in all of these areas and
more, there are also those who fall drastically short. Here are some
guidelines to help you distinguish quality from the quackery:
Safety: Your #1 Concern
There is a dirty little secret that few in the yoga community crow about: yoga can, and does, injure some of its participants. So too, I should quickly point out, does running, walking, and weight training. The point, of course, is not to avoid the activity; it is to minimize risk, follow proper technique, and seek guidance from someone who shares this priority. While it is true that even under the best guidance and circumstances, sometimes injuries still happen, your odds increase dramatically if left to the hands of an overly aggressive and/or under-informed instructor. Case in point: a client once reported to me the story of a mutual acquaintance of ours who had decided to take a yoga class. She enrolled in a local program (not mine!), and from the sounds of it, had an instructor who was less than attuned to the needs of his primary demographic--women age 40 and up. After a few weeks of intense yoga, she pulled her hamstring as
the instructor attempted to push his student's leg higher up in a stretch (BIG RED FLAG:
a teacher should not engage in physical adjustments of this nature unless
he/she happens to be a licensed physical therapist). A couple of weeks later, when it still had not healed, she shyly approached him for advice. His explanation? "Oh, that's just bad stuff working its way out of your system." Whaaaaa? Yeah, it's "bad stuff," and guess who brought it on? More evidence that you must be careful.
Education and Certification: Not a Guarantee, But a Step in the Right Direction
Yoga certification is a flourishing business at the moment, but unfortunately, there is little regulation or standardization for those who offer this service. For this reason, yoga certification by itself may not guarantee an instructor's full and complete education. Ideally, the yoga instructor will also have a valid fitness background, one that includes extensive study of the exercise science, to help round out his or her practice. For instance, a degree in an exercise or fitness field; certification from a national, standardized organization is another good indicator. Reputable fitness certifying organizations include the American Council on Exercise (ACE) the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), and the Aerobic and Fitness Association of America (AFAA). This basis of knowledge will serve both instructor and student well; in addition to maximizing safety, the benefit of knowing what a given pose can or can't do in terms of muscular and skeletal structure can go a long way in understanding yoga and customizing one's approach to it. It can also validate otherwise confusing techniques through
knowledge of their internal benefits. Knowing what muscles to relax, what muscles to contract, and how to maintain neutral spinal alignment is critical in progressing safely and effectively.
Class Conduct: A Great Hint
I, personally, like to
extend the opportunity for new students to attend one free sample class; if
there's concern that a given class may be too advanced, potential students are
welcome to sit in and watch. I find that this service goes far in helping
potential students determine if
the class and my instructional style are well-matched to their needs and
preferences. Beyond this basic service, however, the instructor should be extremely prompt and punctual, with a well-organized classroom, and a calm, supportive, friendly atmosphere. His or her conduct should be one that emphasizes the personalizing aspects of yoga, not any "benchmark" ideals. His or her demonstrations should be clear, concise, and within reasonable levels of the class's ability. There is no room for ego in yoga, so an instructor that over-capitalizes on showing off his or her own abilities and "extreme" poses, unless making a
specific point about it, detracts from the focus that a class should retain: the students. The instructor should respect people's personal space, and encourage people to rise to their best effort, as opposed to criticizing or showing poor manners. Yoga, by its very nature, is an activity that can leave students feeling vulnerable, so it is extremely important that the instructor provide the atmosphere suitable for moving people beyond that perception.
Trust Thyself (Otherwise Known As, Avoid the Instructor that wears too many Hats)
Yoga is viewed as a sort of continuum, one in which we are all technically students, some merely further along in understanding certain aspects of it than others. If looked at wholly, though, even those of us whose expertise runs "deep" have only contributed a drop in the proverbial yoga bucket when compared to its vast history and complexities. For this reason, it is inappropriate that an instructor give an air that he or she is the ultimate authority on aspects of life that exceed his or her scope of practice. To be trained in hatha yoga, particularly if there is fitness certification involved, means that the instructor is qualified to help individuals learn the physical poses, the breathing techniques, the mindfulness, and certain other ancillary yoga and meditation methodologies. This person, unless they happen to be a registered dietitian, is not qualified to dictate specific diets, treat injuries, or prescribe nutritional supplements. This person does not have the scope of practice to make major life
decisions for you, provide counseling, or spiritual advice--again, unless they have specific, documented education in that particular area and/or are licensed to provide such services. What's ironic is that a teacher who oversteps his or her scope of practice with an air of broad, sweeping authority is actually contradicting one of the tenants of yoga: that each one of us possesses the inner wisdom to be our own teacher, advisor, doctor. The practice of yoga is supposed to help develop this inner trust and self-reliance, not stifle it!
Professionalism
Does this person have a professional manner? Fills appointments without error? Picks up and returns voice mail messages in a timely fashion? Follows up on outstanding questions and concerns? Answers e-mail messages within reasonable intervals? Assumes responsibility for mistakes, and quickly resolves them? Seeks out feedback--both positive and negative--for the purpose of improvement? Maintains an open mind and pleasant receptivity to criticism or questions? Keeps current with research and continuing education curriculum to help boost the quality of his or her instruction? Maintains a well-equipped office? Remains polite and calm even during the heat of a crisis or difficult situation? These are all factors to measure when deciding if an instructor possesses the competence and maturity to teach an effective class.
Organization
Does this teacher rely on an unchanging, same-old-same-old lesson plan, i.e., a million sun salutations, followed by Savasana, each and every week? Or is there evidence he or she is actually making an effort to provide the necessary variety to progress and improve? Are the lessons well-thought-out,
with notes, or do they seem spur-of-the-moment? Does the instructor have a firm direction for the class, or does it seem to unfold by chance? Do the poses follow a flow that makes choreographic sense, or do they bounce back and forth with little connection from one to another? Do the poses work and stretch a variety of muscles? Are there too many periods of down time? Is there a well-articulated explanation with each pose, or do they all get the same generic
description (i.e., "This pose is good for relaxation." Well, no kidding!) An instructor should have put in the time in advance to plan the class out; if at all possible, based on the previous week's classes. This allows for smooth progress, diverse exposure to numerous postures, and stimulation for the mind to avoid boredom or a rut. Now for the bonus questions: Does the instructor provide handouts? Techniques that can be translated to home use? Class themes coordinating with special occasions (i.e. the holidays, seasonal changes)? Special quotes-of-the-day and other sources of inspiration? Interesting, carefully selected music? These special extras can not only amplify your enjoyment of class, but provide a major indicator as to how genuinely passionate the instructor is about teaching yoga, not just doing yoga.
"In order to succeed, you must buy THIS!"
While it is true that many instructors sideline their businesses in sales, there should not be the kind of sales pressure that leaves students feeling compelled to buy what isn't basically necessary for yoga practice. Instructors in this situation can inform their students of merchandise for sale without shoving down the students' throats.
Cleanliness
Yes, it saddens me that this even needs to enter the equation. But what saddens me more is that there is a reason this needs to be brought up! Classroom conditions that fall short of clean and pristine can not only be unpleasant, but actually dangerous. The practice of "sharing" sticky mats--particularly if they show any sign of...erm....lack of recent disinfection-type cleaning--is generally considered unsanitary. Exercise mats are often shared, but their material is typically easier to clean and easier to keep clean. But sticky mats...oy...just think of it for a moment: Sticky. Mat. STICKY. MAT. Hmmmm. Helps things stick. My feet. My hands. Other things. The same holds true for any supplies that ordinarily come in contact with high-risk anatomy. For example, eye pillows, which offer the user an option of covering the eyes during Savasana (the Relaxation Pose), should never be shared....think conjunctivitis! A studio which
endorses these practices, and/or fails to maintain a minimum attention to cleanliness, is probably neglectful in other areas, as well. Similarly, the yoga instructor should present with a well-groomed appearance and good hygiene. Again, sad that I must point out the obvious, but I've encountered my fair share of individuals who appear oblivious to this basic essential. I worry, if they cannot even attend to this elemental practice, how discombobulated their instruction must be!
Avoid the Drill Sergeant
Despite the Boot Camp mentality recently adapted by the fitness industry, by and large the majority of us will respond far
 better to the yoga experience if we're not browbeaten into proper form. This was always a source of irritation for me as a dancer, and it still annoys me with yoga: unless instructing a football team, yoga teachers ought not behave like drill sergeants. It does nothing to help people progress, and will likely increase the risk of injury, as those poor slobs who are stuck taking the class will probably work well past their comfort zone to please "the Sarge."
The Teacher Who Pushes, Pulls, and Physically Repositions...
.....is the teacher to avoid. Unless the instructor happens to moonlight as a licensed physical therapist, it is not within their scope of practice to be physically pushing you past the point that you can assume on your own accord. First, it ignores the essential personal comfort zone that is so very important to respect. Second, it increases the risk of injury greatly. This is certainly not to say that an instructor cannot give feedback on how to improve one's technique, but those modifications should be able to be performed without outside help or assistance. The one possible exception might be a person in need of physical rehabilitation, in which case that person needs to seek a physical therapist first, then transition to yoga when he or she is capable to maneuvering through a class unaided. The rule is, slow progress is faster than a set-back; no amount of outside pushing can substitute for the gift of progress a person can give themselves with time, patience, and diligent attention to proper form.
Whew!
OK, so this may be a daunting list, but at least it gives you a checklist to make finding the right yoga instructor a bit less overwhelming. Happy searching! -ep
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