LISA CLICK –
You are not doing this right: “If it feels ok to you, try it this way” or “remember to focus on” as the instructor demonstrates the right way to do the pose and perhaps the wrong way too so each student can try to correct their pose on their own. Always using positive verbiage and re-enforcing positive self-talk and acceptance at the same time. “do what you’re able to do today” “tomorrow might be different” “be glad that you are trying something new or learning it a different way” “We are all on our own personal journey”
Don’t forget to breathe: I would refrain from using any negative words as instructors should be the role models of healthy words and actions. I would say ”remember to connect your breathe” or “lets breathe together for the next round….Inhale and exhale” or “focus on where your breathe is during your movement – are you in sync? Does it feel good to you?” or ask “where is your breathe? Are you breathing deeply and filling up your lungs?”
Provoke thought into the students so they start thinking about their own breathe as they incorporate the focus of breathe into their practice
Don’t let your knee extend past your toe: “Check and look down to see where your knee is in reference to your toes. Make sure your knee is directly stacked over your ankle, so you are safe in this pose”
Don’t worry about anyone else: You are different than your yogi neighbor next to you so remember to focus on yourself. This is a self-journey, self-discovery – it’s important to embrace your journey as you grow and develop into your practice. Anatomy is different, and everyone is on this journey differently so embrace your own pace and progress…
I would do some of the following to create a welcoming environment:
1) Be present before students arrive so you are ready and prepared to be in instructor mode
2) Greet and make eye contact with each student, ask if they have any concerns or issues if they are new
3) Be engaged to all students when they arrive and be observant on their energy and mannerisms which sets the tone of the class
4) Setting expectations at the beginning of class is critical to ensure everyone is getting the same message – any updates, props that can be used along with modifications, purpose of the yoga class with focus of safety is highest of importance. Mention the card near them for yes or no touching. Anything else yoga type specific
5) Music should fit the type of yoga practice as well as lightening thru out the class duration
6) In eyesight, ask again a student if they are ok with you touching them before you move forward into their private space
7) Speak clearly the steps to do the pose and demonstrate those steps
8) Provide modifications to various poses that could be a safety or health issue for any student
9) Remind students to be careful moving or transitioning from one pose or getting out of a pose to avoid injury
10) Remind students that they should not be in any pain and modifications can still be providing great benefits to them
11) Encouraging words throughout the class and words to provoke thought in students such as self-care and gratitude of self for being there in class
12) Share affirmations, intentions, or statements and include a bit of yoga history – incorporate these if and when it makes sense based on energy of class
13) Express gratitude to your students and gratitude of self, gratitude is a big piece of healing and positive focus
14) Provide an experience where students feel safe and excited about their own personal journey so they want to return to their mat in your class
15) Be in instructor mode even after class end for questions or concerns