Sure, practicing yoga is all about health and wellness, but Smart Money knows that it is also booming business. There are some aspects of yoga class that may not be in keeping with the healthy lifestyle you seek — just don't expect your yoga instructor to let you in on them. Here are a few pointers for staying healthy while practicing yoga, and remember that even when taking a fitness class led by an instructor, it's best to think for yourself to figure out what feels right and what practices work best for you.
- Your Instructor May Be New to Yoga Too — With all of the various certification programs around, there's a range of skill that's being taught to instructors. "The problem is that there’s no real standard for how much teacher training is required of instructors, so almost anyone can lead a yoga class," writes Smart Money. It's best to try out a class before you commit, and learn where the instructor trained.
- Yoga Mats Aren't Just For the Die-Hard Yogi — Bringing your own mat to class doesn't mean you can do full lotus. It's simply good hygiene. Yoga studio owner Ann Merlo told Smart Money, "One of the key elements of yoga is cleanliness." Sure, many studios hose down the mats after a few sessions, but there's no guarantee they do. With all the contagions flying around this flu season, it just might be worth it to spring for your own mat and avoid catching a bug.
To learn more about how to make the most of your yoga time, read more.
- It's OK If You Don't Want to Be Touched — Yoga tends to cultivate a very intimate atmosphere in the studio, and many members of the class may feel totally at ease with the instructor helping them into a pose (which is fairly common), but that doesn't mean that you do. "A thoughtful teacher should always tell you that he’s going to touch you," writes Smart Money, and all adjustments should be done with professionalism. However, if you'd prefer not to be touched at all, don't be shy about speaking up and making your preference clear.
- The Advanced Class May Not Be For You — While yoga instructors may ask some general questions about your level of experience before a class begins, no one is likely to turn you away from a session that may be too advanced for you. Yoga requires serious strength and flexibility. The article suggests calling the studio beforehand to find a class appropriate for your ability.
To find out exactly what else your yoga instructor may not be telling you, get up to speed with all of SmartMoney's tips, and be sure to check out our Yoga Stretch and Tell Group to connect with fellow yogis and share your questions, stories, and advice.
J by Jasper Conran
I think this is a really good point - about the instructors. In college, I took the yoga class at the school gym and the instructors were awful. They were usually newly certified and either were completely hands off and providing no feedback on people's postures (which people can injure themselves if they do postures incorrectly), or they were hands-on but not in a helpful way.
Finding the right yoga teacher/class is like finding the right hair stylist. You may have to try a few until you find one that fits, but once you do, you'll probably stick with that teacher/class. I finally found the right teacher for me, and she's been teaching yoga for about 9 years now, graduated with a degree in sports science, started towards a chiropractor degree but did not finish so that she couuld pursue teaching yoga. She's so knowledgeable about the human body and can really help you get more out of your yoga practice. She always asks if she can touch someone beforehand, at least until she knows you don't mind the help. I hope everyone can find the right instructor/class for them, it definitely improves the quality of your yoga practice.
OH and the mats - you can get a mat for $20-30 at most department stores. Invest in a mat even if you are only dabbling in yoga. You lay on it, place your face and hands on it - not to mention sweat on it. Wouldn't you rather know it was clean or had only your germs on it? You can always get a better mat later on.
1Fit, I am loving the rash of yoga articles lately. I want to hear more of your experience though since I bet you have a lot to say.
The adjustment question is not an easy one. New students don't realize they can say no. I have been in classes where my sacred space (my mat) has been invaded by touch-happy instructors and I have to tell them to back off. It isn't rude, if it isn't something you want then it is for the benefit of your practice to speak up. Instructors should ask for permission to touch you though and I bet a lot more will be doing so with the events of the last few weeks.
2Speaking of touch-happy instructors, there was one yoga class I tried at my old gym where the instructor went around to every student during final savasana and massaged everyone's heads. I didn't even know she was doing it, so by the time she got around to me, I was already deep into savasana and it was quite a shock to suddenly feel someone's hands in my hair! I couldn't help but giggle because it was just so awkward and weird.
3@kia, what happened in the past few weeks to cause yoga instructors to ask about touching?
4colds and flus and the spread of those germs.
5@anon in the last few weeks media outlets have caught wind of how a CA man brought a lawsuit against a CO studio and instructor claiming mental, physical, and emotional damage following an unwanted adjustment. hopefully it is a flagrant suit but instructors should ask and students should let instructors know they have injuries/conditions prior to a class.
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