Ep 55: Teaching Classes to Beginner Students

 Teaching beginner classes sounds easy, but when you have a room full of students who have never practiced yoga or have preconceived notions of what yoga should be or what it looks like because of the images they've been fed. Well, teaching becomes a little bit more challenging. 

So let's get into some different ways to welcome students, calm their nerves, and teach beginner-friendly classes. 

In this episode, I'll help you with some tips for teaching students who may feel like they're not flexible enough, not good enough, or that yoga isn't for them.

Transcript

Monica: 0:00

Okay. Now's the time when we welcome new students into our classes. So how do we accommodate them? Is the question. Teaching beginner classes sounds easy, but when you have a room full of students who have never practiced yoga, Or who have preconceived notions of what yoga should be or what it looks like because of the images they've been fed. Well, teaching becomes a little bit more challenging. So let's get into some different ways to welcome students, calm their nerves and teach beginner friendly classes. In this episode, I'll help you with some tips for teaching students who may feel like they're not flexible enough. Not good enough or that yoga isn't for them. Welcome to the Essential Conversations for Yoga Teachers podcast with me. I'm Monica Bright, and I've been teaching yoga and running my yoga business for over a decade. This is the podcast for you if you're a yoga teacher, you're looking for support, you love to be in conversation, and you're a lifelong student. In this podcast, I'll share with you My life as a yoga teacher, the lessons I've learned, my process for building my business, and helpful ideas, tools, strategies, and systems I use and you can use so that your business thrives. We'll cover a diverse range of topics that will help you whether you're just starting out or you've got years under your belt and you want to dive deep and set yourself up for success. I'm so glad you're here. Listen, I don't take myself too seriously, so expect to hear some laughs along the way. Now, let's do this together. Welcome back to the podcast. I'm Monica bright. How's your new year going so far? Is it too soon to ask that question? I hope it's going well. I am. So looking forward to this year, full of fun and educational episodes for you. Yes. Yes, it is the new year and it's also the time of year, where there is an influx of new students in classes who have either made resolutions or intentions to get healthier. And one of those ways is by starting yoga. We love it. Do you feel like me? My wish is for everyone in this world to practice some form of yoga. Because I believe the world would be a more peaceful. And mindful place if they did. But now is the time where we welcome new students into our classes. So how do we accommodate them? Is the question. Teaching beginner classes sounds easy, but when you have a room full of students who have never practiced yoga, Or who have their own preconceived notions of what yoga should be or what it should look like because of the images they've been fed. Well, teaching becomes a little bit more challenging. So let's get into some different ways to welcome students. To calm their nerves and to teach classes appropriate for them. Teaching yoga classes to beginners students is a wonderful opportunity. To create an inclusive and supportive environment because beginners often feel self-conscious or worried about their abilities. So as a yoga teacher, it's important to address these concerns with empathy, encouragement. And practical strategies. In this episode, I'll help you with some tips for teaching students who may feel like they're not flexible enough. They're not good enough. Or that yoga isn't for them. But someone in their life told them they should try out yoga. Number one, you should acknowledge their concerns early. I like to do those through theming, because that helps me center the entire class. Around a specific concern, for example. If flexibility is a concern I can tie in life lessons and how sometimes we find ourselves feeling resistant or being rigid. But if we relax and understand why we feel this way, then we might be able to move through the rigidity. I can teach students that there is no standard for flexibility. And that the capacity that they have at the moment is perfect. And exactly where they're supposed to be. I can also speak to the many benefits of yoga. That have nothing to do with flexibility, Like helping students connect with their bodies. As opposed to achieving a specific pose or the dreaded full expression of oppose. This brings up a good point. I'm very careful with the language I use in my classes. I think a lot about language that might be harmful or make students feel as though they aren't good enough. Such as if you can't. Or maybe this is not for you. So think about queuing theming and the language you use in your classes and how they might affect students when they hear you speak. Number two. Normalize the journey. I emphasize that yoga is a personal practice and there's no need to compare oneself to others. This is one reason why I love online options for yoga. It removes the potential for students to compare themselves. To the student next to them. I know we all advise students not to compare, but sometimes it's hard. And God forbid, if you have the seasoned yoga student in your class during their own practice. Ah, That can be so annoying and distracting. You could remind students that everyone starts somewhere And there is perfection in imperfection. Some messages you can share. Our yoga is not about looking a certain way in oppose it's about noticing and feeling the benefits of the practice in your body and mind. Or there is no right or wrong way to do yoga. If something doesn't feel good, you could always make changes to suit your own body. And every individual has a unique journey and your practice is yours alone. So own it and fall in love with your practice. So, how do you speak to this? You can set the tone from the beginning with theming focused on yoga, being a personal practice. And it's not about what others are doing around you. Or that yoga, isn't a competitive practice. It's a journey unique to each student. You can remind students during class that there's no right or wrong way to look and oppose it's about what feels good and what's appropriate in your body. Now, what are some ways that you could tailor your classes? You could avoid using language that compares students like. Look how deep Tanya is in her pose. You could demonstrate and teach beginner friendly versions of poses first, emphasizing that they are equally valid. You could use inclusive cues. Like if it feels good, stay here. If you want more, try this variation. And you can help students understand that their practice might look and feel different from day to day. And that's okay. Number three. Offer variations and modifications. Tailor your classes to accommodate different abilities by offering variations for poses, encouraged students to choose what works for them in each moment and never feel like they have to do a pose exactly. As it's demonstrated. I know some teachers have an issue with the word modification and instead use the word customization. I am not a believer. That modification is about word number one. I modify it all the time. I think it's the way you approach the word. And help your students get comfortable with the word modification and teach ways for them to understand how, when and where it's necessary to modify. So, how do you modify poses? Well, I loved use progressions instead of regressions. When I'm sequencing, let's say side plank with arm and leg variations. I'm going to begin by introducing the shape. Either lying down or in the first variation, which would be a knee downside plank this way. Students have a first option to utilize throughout the entire class. If they like. Then I can say you don't need to go into another expression of the pose. Listen to your body and find a version that feels supportive for you. You see how that's more supportive than you don't have to take the full expression of the pose. I also like to offer students breaks as needed. Sometimes students just need to hear the permission that it's okay to take a break. You can help students understand that yoga is not about pushing through discomfort or injuries. It's about creating a space for their body to feel good. Now, how can you tailor your class? You can teach poses with multiple variations to accommodate different levels. You can incorporate props like blocks, straps, chairs, blankets, or boasters to make poses more accessible. And you can teach students to find the alignment that's appropriate for them. And tune into their feeling rather than focusing on going deeper into oppose. Number four, focus on breath over poses. Often beginners are more focused on getting the poses. Right. Rather than on their breath, you can help your students to prioritize their breath, to create a sense of calm and grounding. Have you ever seen a student fly through sun salutation? A. I have, and that's a big indicator that they're not slowing down the pace of their breath. So after my initial grounding at the start of class, I focus on fluid movement. And helping students sync their breath. To their movement. Sonai might even be a bit challenging for this. So you can, and I have. Taught this in a seated position to. This way, the movement is smaller. And they can practice the fluidity of combining the two breath to movement. Now, this is not to say that everyone has the same breath pattern. Uh, slow inhale to the count of six might be okay for me, but it can be dysregulating to others. So teach them to find the number that feels okay for them and use it to help slow their breath cycle. You can offer that breadth is the foundation of their practice. And it's important to focus on the breath more than the shapes of the poses. Or if you're feeling unsure about the pose, just come back to your breath. And slow it down. Number five. Encourage self compassion, many new students worry that they should be more flexible or capable. But yoga is about self-awareness and self-compassion remind your students that yoga is a lifelong practice and that their bodies will change over time. You can offer sentiments like yoga is a journey and there's no rush. So remember to be kind to yourself along the way. Or every day is different. Release the need for perfection. And let your practice be what it is and embrace that. Number six demystified, fancy poses. If your students are intimidated by advanced poses, as many beginners are whether they see them online or from other students in the studio, remind them that what they see doesn't necessarily represent the full spectrum of yoga, fancy poses are not the focus of a well-rounded yoga practice. And yoga is accessible to people of all abilities. You can use verbiage, like yoga is so much more than the Instagram poses. You see. It's about feeling strong, connected, and grounded. Not about how advanced you look. Or you don't have to do handstands or deep backbends to be a Yogi. Each pose can offer immense benefits, like helping you connect to yourself or raising your awareness of how you respond to a challenge. Number seven foster, a safe judgment, free space. Create a space where students feel safe to try new things, make mistakes and laugh at themselves. Remind them that it's okay to wobble to fall or to feel unsteady. Listen, I have teenagers, so they keep me grounded for sure. This lightheartedness around life. I try to bring it to my yoga classes as well. The goal is awareness. Connection and acknowledgement. Not perfection. Sometimes I remind students that no one's judging you, especially if they're lying on their backs, no one can see them. And I'm definitely not judging them. And every time they come to the mat, they're doing something wonderful for their body and their mind. And there's no need to get it in a certain. Way. Number eight. Emphasize the holistic nature of yoga, many beginners think of yoga only as stretching, but it's important to help students understand that yoga is a mind, body practice. That includes balance. Breathing stillness. Self-help. And mindfulness. Practices that anyone can benefit from regardless of their flexibility. Teach students about the eight limbs of yoga and remind them that they can be practicing yoga. While at work or driving or dealing with difficult people. Number nine, create a supportive community. Encourage comradery between students and create opportunities for connection, even in a beginner class. A supportive community can help students feel less isolated in their practice. And more empowered. To continue their journey. Community also keeps students coming back to class and helps them to create a more consistent. Practice. I don't really teach partner yoga classes. I mean, I have taught couples yoga in the past, but people don't always want to touch the person next to them. In my own mind studio students came who had been practicing yoga next to each other for years. And didn't know their names. So I really enjoyed fostering that community aspect online. It can be done online. I promise. Here's a bonus. Normalize. Rest and in perfection. If students think I can't keep up with the class, so I must be doing it wrong. Here's how you can speak to this. Normalized resting poses, whatever they are sometimes is child's pose. And if that feels okay for your students, you can say child's pose is always available. And it's a great pose to pause and come back to yourself and teach your students that it's not a sign of failure. And then you can also validate your student's effort. Remind them that it's about showing up and exploring what's possible. Every day. You can help facilitate this in class by building in pauses for rest. And encouraging students to check in with themselves. Or use cues that emphasize exploration over achievement. Like see how this feels in your body today. And does it feel the same or different than it did yesterday? I know you might get a slew of new students, which is great. Encourage them to keep coming back. Offer alternatives. If in-person classes aren't working with their schedule, encourage them to find online options. And if the format is an appropriate for them, Educate them on other formats that they can try out. The goal should be to help new students understand that yoga is for everyone. They just need to find the right classes. And the right teacher. When you acknowledge common beginner concerns and offer support and encouragement, you help to create an environment where new students feel safe. And empowered to explore yoga at their own pace. Keep your language positive. Emphasize self-compassion and remind them that yoga is for everyone. No matter their flexibility, their experience. Or their current abilities. This approach will help your students build confidence and create a sustainable relationship with yoga. We love to welcome new students to the yoga practice and you as their potential first teacher can make all the difference in the world. When you have a layered approach to teaching beginner classes, you help students from many different angles, either fall in love, right away from the start. Or find their way to the practice that will serve them best. It's so important for us to have these conversations so that you remember that there are so many opportunities for you in the teaching world. You know that my goal is for you to love the yoga teaching life and allow it to be fulfilling and rewarding. And as always, it might take some work to get there. If you love this episode, let me know. I've added a link in the show notes for you to send me a quick text message about your thoughts on this episode. I will know your phone number. It's just a neat addition to the platform I use that allows for this new and super easy way for you to communicate with me. Once you click on it, it will take you to your messages, but don't delete the code. That's how your message will get to me. And I would love to know your thoughts on this topic. Subscribe to the podcast. So you're always in the know when a new episode drops and share it with another yoga teacher who you think would love to be in on these conversations. Thank you for helping to spread the word about this podcast. And if you've been taking notes in your journal, as you listen to these episodes, I'm so glad you are. And I would love to hear about it. Don't forget to download the ebook sequencing for different injuries. The link is in the show notes below. I promise you, it will help you form a foundation for teaching students with injuries. And it'll be a great resource for you to return to again and again. When you download the ebook, you'll be joining my newsletter. That's just for yoga teachers. I've got more exciting teachings coming soon. So I want to tell you all about them. The link is in the show notes below, and I would love for you to join it so we can always stay connected. All right, that's it for now? Bye. Mhm.