How to get the most out of your Yoga one to one session

 

I’ve been teaching yoga one to one’s for seven years now and I’ve noticed that clients who enjoy and benefit the most from their yoga practice and one to one sessions all have these four things in common.

1. They know what they want

The clients who reach out to me knowing why they want to practice yoga, and what they want to work will see results from their investment. It doesn’t have to be specific, but they know what they want help with. For example, less stress, less anxiety, as well as ‘help me refine my practice’, ‘help me relieve my back pain’ etc.

 

2. They’re prepared

Clients that are organised, phones switched off, show up on time with their mat and props set the tone for the session and they can utilise the time allocated without distraction.  (If you’re new to yoga and don’t have your own mat, that is ok just make your teacher aware so they can ensure they’re prepared and ready for your session).

Whether they are completely new to yoga or have been practicing for years the clients that are open to learning, to new suggestions, to trying something new or different to what they already know, both enjoy and see results from their practice. I design a practice according to clients needs, so even if two clients had exactly the same issue, I would work with them differently so their  yoga practice is unique to them and their needs. Therefore, an open mind is so important to success, clients that benefit the most are the ones that are willing to embrace changes in the way they practice.

 

3. They commit

By dedicating time and energy to their yoga practice.  They schedule their yoga one to one ahead of time, prioritising yoga amongst the rest of the demands on their time.  They commit to practicing the yoga plan I create for them. It is so important to dedicate time to practice what you’ve learned. And the clients that are willing to invest in at least four sessions, because they recognise that establishing a practice, improving their health and wellbeing takes time, are the clients that gain the most out of their one to one’s.

 

4. They communicate

Clients who are clear on what they want to get out of the session, know how much time they can dedicate to a home practice, share information about injuries in advance and prepare questions, get off to a good start because they receive a yoga practice that is supporting their needs and they understand what the intention is for each session.

After your first session if you haven’t been provided with a practice plan then note down what you covered in the session and practice on your own. Write down any questions that come up during your practice, make a note of how the practice feels, even if you struggle with motivation, what worked well? What do you need clarity on? Take a note of it all so when your teacher asks how your practice is going then you’ll have something to discuss.

Feedback is so important to the success of the sessions, clients who consider their practice in terms of what’s working, and what’s not working gain so much more from their one to one. This will help to modify your practice and give your teacher more information so they can tailor your yoga practice to your specific needs and continue to refine your practice as circumstances, ability, injuries change.

 

I hope that helps, whether you’re currently taking one to one yoga sessions or are thinking about it. I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

 

If you’d like to know about having a private yoga session with me click here.

Any questions get in touch and I’ll do my best to answer them.

With love,

Nichola