Private yoga lessons are where the real magic happens.
While it’s fulfilling to guide a packed room of students, in one-on-one sessions that you can offer personalized attention, witness deep transformation, and help students break through long-standing challenges. But private sessions aren’t just smaller group classes. They require a totally different set of skills.
In Episode 36 of Yoga Teacher Confidential, I break down exactly how to navigate private yoga lessons so you can offer transformative, student-centered experiences with confidence. Let’s dig into the biggest takeaways.
Setting the Tone: Why the First Few Minutes Matter
First impressions shape everything. When your private student arrives, your job isn’t just to roll out the mat, it’s to create a safe, welcoming container.
Ask open, meaningful questions like “How are you feeling today?” to uncover what’s most relevant for them right now. Maybe they came in thinking they wanted core work, but today they’re battling stress or low back pain. When you start with authentic connection, you make space for real transformation.
Personalized Feedback: The Fast Track to Student Progress
Unlike group classes, private sessions let you zoom in on the details that matter.
The trick is balancing encouragement and constructive feedback. Highlight what’s working (find the shri!) before offering just one specific adjustment. Too many corrections overwhelm; one clear refinement builds trust and confidence.
Also, remember: feedback isn’t a one-way street. Ask:
- How does that feel in your body?
- Does this adjustment make sense to you?
- What are you noticing?
This teaches students to articulate their experience and deepens their awareness, which is one of the most powerful gifts we can offer.
Managing Pacing and Flow
Without the collective energy of a room, you’ll need to manage momentum yourself. Private sessions give you the luxury of depth: you’ll have time to break down alignment, workshop transitions, or explore biomechanics.
But be careful. Too much explanation can leave students in their heads. Balance exploration with dynamic movement. Watch for fatigue or glazed-over eyes, and stay nimble—sometimes pivoting to a different approach is the most responsive, student-centered thing you can do.
Adapting in the Moment
Things don’t always go to plan, and that’s OK.
Give your student a clear roadmap at the start, but be ready to adjust. Maybe your stress-reduction sequence feels too slow for today’s energy. Maybe a physical limitation surfaces mid-session. Adaptation is a sign of mastery, not failure.
Staying present, responsive, and flexible is what makes private lessons so powerful.
Closing with Intention
The end of a private session is prime integration time. Leave space for reflection:
- What are you taking away from today?
- What felt most meaningful?
Be realistic when assigning home practice. A ten-minute routine they’ll actually do is far better than an hour-long sequence that overwhelms. And always express gratitude—the art of teaching private yoga sessions, offering practical techniques to build trust, deliver feedback, and craft a student-centered experience.showing up for private work takes vulnerability, and your student deserves to be celebrated for it.
Ready to Improve Your Private Teaching?
If you’re looking to deepen your skills, I invite you to join:
- The Zone (my free community for yoga teachers):
- Mastering the Art of Yoga Sequencing (my six-month mentorship program)
Remember: teaching private yoga is both an art and a science. With the right tools, you can create life-changing experiences for your students—and become the confident, adaptable teacher you’re meant to be.
