Never Tried Yoga Before? Here’s Why You Should Start with Private Lessons

Everyday we are bombarded with messages about lifestyle changes we can make that will improve our physical and mental health. Oftentimes, proven strategies get lost amidst the noise. Yoga is one such example. Unlike passing fads or social media trends, yoga has been practised for thousands of years. Originating in northern India, it has since spread and evolved to the point where it is now practised all over the world. Many of the physical and mental health benefits attributed to yoga have been scientifically proven, proof in addition to the countless individuals who would attest to how regularly practising yoga has improved their life. However, how you practise yoga can have a significant impact on the benefits you gain. For example, trying an online challenge as an absolute beginner may produce disappointing results, simply because you don’t have somewhere there to correct your technique and provide feedback. On the other hand, if you are an experienced practitioner, attending a group gym class may not be challenging enough as the instructor is trying to tailor the class to suit all participants. If you have never tried yoga before, it’s a great idea that you start by taking private yoga lessons in the Mornington Peninsula. Doing so will provide the perfect introduction to what will hopefully turn into a lifetime affinity.

Benefits of Private Lessons

As is the case with any type of physical activity, there are many benefits to starting your yoga journey first with private lessons. Amongst the many benefits of taking private yoga lessons in the Mornington Peninsula include:

• Pitched at the appropriate level: Yoga may seem like an activity that is not particularly strenuous or difficult to get a handle on. However, there are many forms of yoga that are designed to test your strength, flexibility, and balance. Starting with a class designed for experts can put you off the idea entirely. A private teacher understands the importance of starting with the basics and will set you up well to be able to tackle more challenging poses and positions as you progress.

• Takes into account injuries: Many doctors and physicians will recommend yoga as being an excellent way of getting back into physical activity following an injury. This is certainly true but not necessarily applicable to all yoga classes. By taking a private lesson, you will have the opportunity to discuss any concerns you might have with the teacher before the class. They can structure a lesson that is appropriately paced and takes into account any areas of concern. 

• Rapid improvements: You might be trying yoga to improve your mental health, but you want to be improving physically in your practice at the same time. A private teacher can provide one-on-one feedback, helping you to strengthen your body, improve your posture, and tackle more advanced poses at a far faster rate than in a group setting.

What are my other lesson options?

Many yoga instructors who offer private lessons will also offer semi-private lessons. If you’re a little anxious about what to expect from a yoga class or feel that you would be more motivated to continue your practice by bringing a friend along, a semi-private yoga lesson could be just the thing. Many gyms offer yoga lessons as part of their membership. These classes can be good if you are looking for a simple way to stretch out and begin or end the day. However, you shouldn’t expect to see the same rate of progression or necessarily level of enjoyment as you will experience taking private yoga classes. Finally, many people enjoy trying yoga online. The advantage of taking an online class (whether it’s live or pre-recorded) is that you can do so in the comfort of your own home. If this sounds appealing, why not find a private yoga instructor who can travel to you? You will enjoy the same sense of privacy while also benefiting from expert advice.

Preparing for your first Private Lesson

The first step is finding the right teacher. There are plenty of private yoga teachers out there, and it may take some time to find the instructor whose style and approach suits you best. Having decided on a teacher or studio, take some time to consider what you are hoping to achieve by taking private yoga lessons on the Mornington Peninsula. For most people, it’s a combination of wanting to find relief from stress while also engaging in gentle physical activity. Being able to identify these goals will help your teacher structure a lesson that is right for you. Finally, arrive at your first private lesson with an open mind, ready to learn. It can take a few sessions to get your head around what yoga is asking you to do. Before too long, you’ll be centred and fully connected with what is going on around you.