| I am often asked by beginners about how to | | | | alignment and some do, but if your teacher doesn't |
| evaluate a Yoga Teacher? | | | | give verbal cues, what does that tell you?o Listen: |
| The following is the "CALM check list." These factors | | | | Does your Yoga teacher take the time to listen to |
| are basic criteria that your Yoga Instructor should | | | | your feedback? Is your teacher "in the moment" |
| meet before you continue on to a second Yoga | | | | with the class? |
| class. | | | | Once in a while, there is a Yoga instructor who runs, |
| CALM gets it name from four main factors: | | | | "The-it's-all-about-me-show." You are not going to |
| Communication, Assist, Listen, and Modification. For | | | | learn anything from this type of teaching. Beginners |
| the right Yoga teacher, you should be answering with | | | | will be put at risk, trying to keep up with a seasoned |
| a "yes" to all questions.o Communication: Does your | | | | Yoga teacher who doesn't explain anything.o |
| Yoga teacher talk to you, and other students, in a | | | | Modification: Does your Yoga teacher allow |
| manner of mutual respect? Can you ask a question | | | | modifications and props? If your teacher discourages |
| during class time? | | | | props, you are in the wrong place. |
| Does your teacher show compassion for you and | | | | Some students will need props for life depending |
| other students? Does your Yoga teacher take the | | | | upon their range of motion. Just because a teacher |
| time to lead you through a guided meditation or | | | | can do a posture without props, doesn't mean every |
| relaxation? Meditation and relaxation are major | | | | student can. |
| aspects of Yoga practice. | | | | Summary: Stay away from abusive Yoga teachers, |
| There are Yoga teachers who just want to get | | | | and if you are attracted to abuse, there is always |
| "their workout" done. Beware of Yoga teachers, who | | | | professional help. Some students crave "the stern, |
| are so important, they don't have time for you. | | | | but loving parent" types. They will push you harder, |
| Some students love this air of superiority and, | | | | but how much pushing do you really need? |
| unfortunately, some people love abuse. If you want | | | | Respect is a two way street, and you deserve as |
| to learn Yoga, you need an open line of | | | | much respect as your Yoga teacher does. Let |
| communication with your Yoga teacher.o Assist: Does | | | | common sense be your guide. You should feel good |
| your teacher care about your form? Will your | | | | after a Yoga class, and you might even feel muscle |
| teacher give you a verbal or physical assist during | | | | soreness days after a vigorous class. |
| your Yoga class? Are props encouraged in your Yoga | | | | Make sure your Yoga teacher meets the above |
| classes? | | | | criteria before making a commitment. |
| Some students never have major problems with | | | | |