Have you noticed that there are endless ways of practicing yoga?
These days we can participate in live Zoom and Instagram classes, follow a YouTube recording as well as join public studio or outdoor group classes.
As we emerge from months of intermittent isolation, however, many find they are looking for a way to deepen and develop their yoga practice into more than a weekly class they attend.
They want more. A way to better integrate yoga into their lives.
If this sounds familiar, then perhaps private yoga sessions are what you’re looking for.
What Are Private Yoga Classes Like?
Private yoga sessions are a wonderful way to begin your yoga journey, to build on your foundations or to deepen your relationship with yoga and take it to the next level.
In a private yoga class, a teacher will lead you through a practice suited to your experience, needs and goals and what you ultimately would like to get out of your sessions together.
Because you have the time to focus on particular areas and to move at a pace that suits you, many people find their progress in private practice to be more rapid than in a group class.
What Do Private Yoga Classes Focus On?
Private yoga sessions are tailored to the needs of each individual but at House of Yoga, we take a holistic approach and generally like to focus on areas like…
- Joint mobility releasing stiffness, tension and improves circulation
- Reconnecting to the breath
- Soothing, balancing and rejuvenating the nervous system
- Guided meditation methods and techniques to calm and connect
- Yoga asana (poses) to build strength, capacity and flexibility
Who Are Private Sessions Suitable For?
Private yoga classes are ideal because they are open to everyone, regardless of age or fitness level.
They are completely tailored to the individual or small group and what you would like to experience in and as a result of the sessions.
You may be a grandmother in your 60’s who wants to introduce a little more movement into your daily life so you can remain mobile and fit enough to chase after your grandkids when they visit!
You may also be a 22-year-old student who, spending so much time in front of a laptop, worried that if you don’t work on your posture and also deal with your stress levels, you may stay permanently hunched and anxious.
Perhaps you are a busy parent with only a few minutes before your children wake up to focus on you and your wellbeing, and if you don’t carve out more “me time” you’re going to go insane.
No matter what your needs are, the class will be designed to meet them.
You Might Be A Beginner
As a beginner or someone who has recently started practicing yoga, walking into a studio for the first time can be quite intimidating.
Yoga to you is something new and, although wonderful, can feel overwhelming and physically demanding to a newer practitioner.
The benefits of private yoga sessions include being able to learn the basics at your own pace while also receiving individual attention.
Aside from that, in a private class, you can ask questions and take time to discuss complex concepts or poses. An activity that can’t always be done in a group class.
You Might Have An Injury
When you think of injuries, what image springs to mind?
A broken or sprained wrist and ankle?
Bandaged up knees or arms resting in slings?
What about a neck brace or walking crutches?
Prolonged injuries can be much more subtle than this and often appear as discomfort or pain in the body.
- That crick in your neck that’s been bothering you for weeks
- That pulled muscle in your back from strength training that seems to flare up every time you reach for something
- That pain in your hip that acts up during the night
These are sometimes thought of as the price we pay for ageing and oftentimes are not considered real injuries.
As a result, the practitioner does not inform their teacher of the problem, which further aggravates the injury.
In an individual class, a teacher is able to pick up these subtle signs and be guided more in depth by you according to your physical ability, so that the practice doesn’t aggravate your injury or make you feel worse.
You May Wish to Focus on Something Specific
Yoga is practiced for a wide range of reasons and a teacher can help you pinpoint what you wish to focus on and organise your classes accordingly.
Maybe you want to deepen your practice in a way that is not available in your regular group class.
Perhaps you’d like to learn about the ancient philosophy of yoga, are interested in Sanskrit, enjoy chanting or contemplative practices (like meditation).
Perhaps you would simply like to become more flexible and improve your strength and balance or get that much closer to the perfect handstand.
When you join studio classes, you are often required to modify yourself to keep up with the class.
In private yoga classes, your teacher will tailor the class to your needs.
You Might Be Pregnant
Women are still able to practice yoga well into their pregnancy, with a few modifications thrown in.
You will receive guidance from a private teacher on the safest way to perform poses whilst incorporating props such as blocks, straps, and blankets to make your class more accessible.
Just as you move into any other type of activity with careful awareness of your body, you will need to be fully aware of your limitations in pregnancy yoga.
Yoga is also a practical and nurturing solution for women who wish to reconnect with their bodies consciously and nourishingly after giving birth because of its gentle nature, instead of throwing themselves into overtaxing activity
You May Prefer to Socially Distance
Despite the fact that people across the globe are starting to reintegrate after months of isolation, there are still many people who prefer to move with caution even when they return to classes.
Private classes are an alternative way of keeping up with your yoga practice while making sure you are taking the necessary safety steps.
You Might Be Tired of Practicing Online
There is no better yoga experience than practicing in a real-life studio.
The atmosphere and energy are hard to recreate from our bedrooms and lounges.
Although online classes were our saving grace in 2020, there is a feeling of weariness when it comes to practicing online because so much of our lives are now virtual.
You may already spend a lot of time staring at your laptop screen. Perhaps it’s time to put that laptop away and reconnect with others in real life.
You May Need a Change of Environment
“Change is as good as a holiday “, is not just a pretty saying.
All our time spent indoors has likely dulled our senses to the importance of fresh air and new scenery.
Introducing small changes in your routine, and the space you are in can help you feel more energised and invigorated. If you are feeling stuck in a rut, a change or two in your daily actions will help break the monotony so many of us naturally fall into.
Although we believe that however you experience yoga is magical, the benefits of ongoing individual attention in the form of private yoga sessions are many.
Any body of any age will be able to make use of the vast array of tools the practice of yoga offers to find a greater sense of contentment and wellbeing.
House of Yoga offers private in studio (or online, if you don’t live close by!) yoga sessions (either one-on-one or in a small group).
If you’d like to find out more about practicing privately with us, and for pricing, please get in touch with leigh@houseofyoga.co.za
