Teaching vinyasa flow is hard!

Is it harder to teach vinyasa than other lineages of yoga? No, it's all hard. But teaching vinyasa poses a few unique challenges. Here are some that we've identified:

1. Vinyasa is a non-method. Compared to say Ashtanga (a discipline that follows a specific pattern and set of rules) as a vinyasa flow teacher you are basically free to do what you want. While this is exciting, it also poses a challenge to new teachers. 
2. Vinyasa is all about rhythm. In order to keep your group flowing, you need to guide breath and movement, cue alignment and offer alternatives – all at the same steady pace. It takes quite a bit of practice to become fluent as a new vinyasa teacher. 
3. Vinyasa is a creative craft. Sequencing vinyasa is an art that will take some time to master. A well rounded flow class has a little of everything and usually a built in theme or pattern throughout the class. As a new vinyasa teacher, expect to spend a lot of time planning classes. Meanwhile, you are slowly building your very own catalogue in your binder or notebook.
4. A great vinyasa teacher has personality. This means you have to know yourself and be truly yourself. Not copy someone else. Not try to sound like a yoga teacher. 
5. Vinyasa is indeed moving meditation – but give them the full salad bar. Offer stillness. Offer seated meditation. Offer juicy deep stretching and long savasanas. As a new teacher it might be easier to lean on the workout than the stillness, but make sure you have balance.  

A solid Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training, a strong network of teachers and support from your mentors are essential in order to succeed. Also, be patient and build your skillset over time. Teaching yoga is hard. Teacher Trainings are short compared to most professions. The real training will begin after you have your certificate in your hand. Good luck being you!

Above: This is Julia practice teaching 15 minutes of vinyasa for the first time in April 2018. Julia started teaching friends and family right away after her training ended, then taught free classes outside and within 3 months she landed her own weekly class at a studio in her city. 

True North Vinyasa offers 200 hour certified teacher trainings in Portugal Europe. Join us in November 2018 or April 2019. Read more here ››