bikram yoga

I am often asked by beginners about how to evaluate a Yoga Teacher?

The following is the “CALM check list.” These factors are basic criteria that your Yoga Instructor should meet before you continue on to a second Yoga class.

CALM gets it name from four main factors: Communication
Assist
Listen
and Modification. For the right Yoga teacher
you should be answering with a “yes” to all questions.

• Communication: Does your Yoga teacher talk to you
and other students
in a manner of mutual respect? Can you ask a question during class time?

Does your teacher show compassion for you and other students? Does your Yoga teacher take the time to lead you through a guided meditation or relaxation? Meditation and relaxation are major aspects of Yoga practice.

There are Yoga teachers who just want to get "their workout" done. Beware of Yoga teachers
who are so important
they don’t have time for you.


Some students love this air of superiority and
unfortunately
some people love abuse. If you want to learn Yoga
you need an open line of communication with your Yoga teacher.

• Assist: Does your teacher care about your form? Will your teacher give you a verbal or physical assist during your Yoga class? Are props encouraged in your Yoga classes?

Some students never have major problems with alignment and some do
but if your teacher doesn’t give verbal cues
what does that tell you?

• Listen: Does your Yoga teacher take the time to listen to your feedback? Is your teacher "in the moment" with the class?

Once in a while
there is a Yoga instructor who runs
“The-it’s-all-about-me-show.” You are not going to learn anything from this type of teaching. Beginners will be put at risk
trying to keep up with a seasoned Yoga teacher who doesn’t explain anything.

• Modification: Does your Yoga teacher allow modifications and props? If your teacher discourages props
you are in the wrong place.

Some students will need props for life depending upon their range of motion. Just because a teacher can do a posture without props
doesn’t mean every student can.

Summary: Stay away from abusive Yoga teachers
and if you are attracted to abuse
there is always professional help. Some students crave “the stern
but loving parent” types. They will push you harder
but how much pushing do you really need?

Respect is a two way street
and you deserve as much respect as your Yoga teacher does. Let common sense be your guide. You should feel good after a Yoga class
and you might even feel muscle soreness days after a vigorous class.

Make sure your Yoga teacher meets the above criteria before making a commitment.