How to Teach a Memorable Hatha Yoga Class to Beginners

You'll learn how to insure that a beginner Hatha yogathe first four over and over until they are comfortable
student feels comfortable enough to return for futuredoing them. During the five weeks, we add new
Hatha Yoga classes with you.postures and the next 4 postures in Sun Salutation. I
Have a nice, peaceful, comfortable and serene spacenever compare one student to another. I encourage
for your students. Welcome all students and have newworking at their own level of competence. I assure
students know they can select to choose a contractthere is no need for competition.
for 5 weeks, 6 weeks or whatever packet you decideI do ask for a volunteer sometimes to show how they
to offer to your students. I have students introducemove into the posture that was at first difficult for
themselves using a couple of sentences aboutthem. This helps the newbie know they are not alone
themselves and why they decided to come. Thisin any difficulty and that it can be overcome with
sharing helps a newbie feel related with others onpersistence and dedication. I like to have students
some level.share how they modify a posture for themselves and
I would offer one free class at the end of the 5 weekto encourage doing as much as they can without too
packet and let there be a discount if they choose tomuch pressure from within themselves.
sign up for 5 or 6 week course. Explain to them aI allow for questions, discussions relating to the
pre-paid packet gives them enough time to judgepostures or what might be going on for someone. I
whether this helps them, is the correct thing for themencourage them to move at their own pace getting
at this time. They may elect to come as a walk-ininto and out of an asana.
before they decide to sign a contract that is pre-paid.I close with a warm down period of savasana, soft
Have a place for them to leave their checks or cashmusic, or chanting OM 3 x while their eyes are closed. I
up away from the floor. I would ask if there are anyhave them bring their attention back to the room, sit up
health issues or concerns I should know about socrossed legged. I give a sheet of paper with some
postures can be modified for them.basic Hatha yoga postures on it for them to practice
I always start them in savasana, with the intention ofat home and I encourage them to find a quiet space at
having them get centered, quieted and removed awayhome to continue with their practice. I make my phone
from outside thoughts, cares or concerns. Once theynumber available if they have any questions and I let
enter my yoga entrance door, it's yoga for the mind,them know I am here for them with any questions. I
body and spirit. I choose a mantra that I share whilemake sure they know to call if they cannot come so
they are in savasana that is very soft and gentle andthey don't miss out on rescheduling a class and that it's
healing.a courtesy to me the teacher to know if they are not
They spend about 7-10 minutes going into the pose,coming. I thank the class for their attendance, their
staying in the pose and coming out from the pose. Ieffort and their commitment to themselves for
have them turn over on their right side, drawing theirattending.
knees close to chest as their brain and body connectI offer promotions for a free class if they bring a friend,
with the downloading of any information, revelations orrelative or co-worker.
healing for themselves.End with a savasana, meditation in crossed-legged
I offer a sheet of basic postures (asanas) for eachposition and Namaste'. Hands are to the center of the
student and we follow them, practice them 3-4heart chakra, head is bowed in grace and gratitude as
repetitions and I check to see who is having anywe repeat Namaste'. A loose translation: I bow to the
difficulty being in the posture or getting into a posture. IChrist child within you as is within myself, or I bow to
ask permission if it's all right to place my hands onthe Buddha within you as is within myself or I bow to
them to adjust their body or limbs.the Light within you as is within myself.
I break up the Sun Salutation into 4 parts working on