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Finding the right yoga teacher can transform your practice, helping you grow physically, mentally, and even spiritually. But with so many instructors out there, how do you know if you’ve found a good one? Here are ten signs of a skilled and supportive yoga teacher.
1. They Prioritize Safety and Alignment
A great yoga teacher ensures that students practice safely, emphasizing proper alignment and offering modifications for different levels and abilities. They encourage awareness of your body’s limits rather than pushing you into unsafe poses.
2. They Make Yoga Accessible to Everyone
A good instructor welcomes students of all backgrounds, body types, and experience levels. They offer variations and adjustments so everyone can participate comfortably—whether you're a beginner or an advanced yogi.
3. They Create a Supportive and Inclusive Environment
The best teachers foster a space where students feel safe and supported, not judged. They encourage self-acceptance, making the practice about personal growth rather than competition.
4. They Continue Their Own Learning
Yoga is a lifelong journey, and the best teachers never stop being students themselves. They regularly attend workshops, take advanced training, and stay curious about deepening their knowledge.
5. They Focus on Breath and Mindfulness, Not Just Poses
Yoga is more than physical movement—it’s about connection between breath, body, and mind. A good teacher integrates breathwork (pranayama) and mindfulness into class, helping students find inner calm and presence.
6. They Adapt to Their Students’ Needs
Rather than sticking rigidly to a class plan, a skilled teacher reads the room and adjusts based on energy levels, injuries, and the needs of their students. Flexibility in teaching ensures a more beneficial and personalized experience.
7. They Offer Clear and Compassionate Instruction
A good yoga teacher communicates clearly, using accessible language and demonstrating poses effectively. They provide both verbal and hands-on (consensual) adjustments to help students refine their practice.
8. They Honor Yoga’s Philosophical Roots
Beyond the asanas (poses), a great teacher incorporates the deeper aspects of yoga—such as the yamas and niyamas (ethical principles), meditation, or mindfulness—to enrich their students' experience beyond the mat.
9. They Lead by Example
A truly inspiring yoga teacher embodies the principles of yoga in their own life—practicing kindness, patience, and authenticity. Their presence itself creates a sense of calm and wisdom.
10. They Encourage Self-Discovery and Growth
Rather than promoting a one-size-fits-all approach, a good teacher empowers students to listen to their own bodies and explore their unique path in yoga. They remind students that yoga is about progress, not perfection.
Final Thoughts
A great yoga teacher does more than lead a class—they guide, inspire, and hold space for their students’ journey. If you’ve found a teacher who checks these boxes, consider yourself lucky! If you’re still searching, keep these signs in mind as you find the right fit.
What qualities do you look for in a yoga teacher? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Michelle Lamansky
Trauma Aware RYT-500 and Holistic Wellness Coach
Balanced Yoga
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