Beginners often ask me how to rate a yoga teacher.
The following is the “CALM checklist”. These factors are basic criteria that your yoga instructor must meet before proceeding with a second yoga class.
CALM gets its name from four main factors: communication, assistance, listening, and modification. For the right yoga teacher, you must answer “yes” to all questions.
o Communication: Does your Yoga teacher speak to you and other students in a respectful manner? Can you ask a question during class time?
Does your teacher show compassion for you and other students? Does your yoga teacher take the time to guide you through a guided meditation or relaxation? Meditation and relaxation are important aspects of the practice of Yoga.
There are yoga teachers who just want to do “their training”. Beware of Yoga teachers, they are so important that they don’t have time for you.
Some students love this air of superiority, and unfortunately, some people love the bullying. If you want to learn Yoga, you need an open line of communication with your Yoga teacher.
o Help: Does your teacher care about your form? Will your teacher give you verbal or physical help during your Yoga class? Are accessories encouraged in your Yoga classes?
Some students never have major problems with alignment and some do, but if your teacher doesn’t give you verbal cues, what does that tell you?
o Listen: Does your yoga teacher take the time to listen to your feedback? Is your teacher “in the moment” with the class?
Every once in a while, there’s a Yoga instructor who leads, “The show-is-about-me.” You are not going to learn anything from this kind of teaching. Beginners will put themselves at risk, trying to keep up with an experienced Yoga teacher who doesn’t explain anything.
o Modification: Does your Yoga teacher allow modifications and accessories? If your teacher discourages accessories, you’re in the wrong place.
Some students will need props for life depending on their range of motion. Just because a teacher can do a pose without props, it doesn’t mean that all students can do it.
Summary: Stay away from abusive Yoga teachers, and if you are drawn to abuse, there is always professional help. Some students crave the “tough but loving parent” types. They will push you more, but how much push do you really need?
Respect is a two-way street, and you deserve as much respect as your Yoga teacher. Let common sense be your guide. You should feel fine after a Yoga class, and you might even feel muscle soreness days after a vigorous class.
Make sure your yoga teacher meets the above criteria before committing.