5 benefits to Private Yoga Sessions
Even if you’re an advanced yogi, we know that we are technically always beginners when we step on the mat. That is because we are never facing a limitation outside of us and each day we are in a new state of being.
When it comes to regular yoga classes vs. private classes - there are a few differences you may not have considered. when taking a regular yoga class, the teacher plans the class based on a particular theme. That could be emotional, mental or physical. Whether you know it or not, each asana pose is relating to that theme.
This is a beautiful experience - as it guides students on a journey through themselves. However, within that theme could be physical or even emotional limitations that each student will encounter. Yoga helps us find these edges and move through. A good teacher will guide you there, safely.
From an Ayu-Yoga perspective, a yoga practice will be custom to the person’s Dosha. While all classes may feel the same; they’re not. Each asana (pose) and breath has it’s own gunas (qualities). These gunas can play nice with the Dosha or aggravate it. This is particular important for those who are emotional distressed or mentally suffering. Ayu-Yoga is a union of Ayurveda and Yoga.
Before it seems like we’re bashing Yoga classes, let us be clear, WE LOVE studio classes! We are constantly trying new teachers and studios because every yoga instructor has something unique to offer students. But understanding Ayu-Yoga can actually help you in those classes.
When you know your Dosha, you can commit to a practice to keep you in harmony with it’s natural energetics. By doing this, you stay connected and in harmony with yourself. Through this understanding of self, you can make modifications and choose classes that are better suited for you! You can also adapt to variations in poses that will accommodate. The best way to get to understand the body and poses is with private sessions.
Private sessions are when an instructor will lead you privately in your own yoga practice. Through consultation, the teacher can identify what is needed for you in that practice. Through an Ayu-Yoga lens; we assess through the manas (mind) and Dosha prakruti (natural state) and vrukruti (imbalance). We then offer you an organically holistic practice that is pacifying the Koshas (5 layers of the body); through body, breath and meditation.
Why do we suggest an Ayu-Yoga approach? Again, Ayu-Yoga is beyond Yoga and is considered a specialty. Ayurveda is interlaced with the Yoga you experience today; as both derived from the same region over 5000 years ago. However, Ayurveda is the science of life, where as Yoga can be considered the science of self. So Ayu-Yoga is an in-depth practice, customizing to fit the needs of the individual through the Dosha approach.
So let’s talk the main benefits of 1:1 classes in general:
In the comfort of your own space, work, home or outdoors
Variations for each pose (great for beginners, injuries or those with physical limits). With 1:1 you can practice safely, finding your edge without injuring yourself
Breath is designed to balance. Not all breath is equal. Each pranayama (breath practice) has it’s own energetics. This can be cooling, heating, stimulating, calming, etc. There are 5 (+) pranas in the body. Prana is the natural life force that flows through us. If we interrupt it’s flow - we interrupt nature.
Alignment. We are are not built equally or even symmetrically for that matter. Our lifestyle can affect our alignment without us realizing it until years down the road. A teacher is trained to understand and correct your alignment, again, safely. Adjustments can be offered as well.
Deeper connection and awareness of self. When you start to really tap into your mind and body and understand what’s going on, you can practice yoga off the mat. This means adjusting your posture on the couch, breathing more deeply after meals and mindfully giving yourself rest when your body is sore. Sometimes we cannot ‘hear’ the requests, until we become intentionally.
Here are some bonus benefits:
Support. Your teacher is there to guide you into your limits. You may never thought you can get that headstand, but you could surprise yourself with 1:1 classes
Growth. Together, you set intentions for your classes and find that accountability with your teacher.
Styles of classes. You can try something completely new or traditional that may be challenging to find in studio like a class just on mantra or traditional yoga nidra.
Deepen your own self practice. Similar to connection and awareness , you can practice anytime with your new found knowledge of self….no need to wait until 7:30pm Vinyasa at your studio.
Ground you through transitional phases of life and seasons. If you are going through a new phase - a private yoga session can help you through that. We often can neglect our self care when we have other worries on the mind, so this is a gift to self to stay grounded.
Personally, we believe private sessions are something everyone should give a try if they’re wanting to learn more about themselves.
We offer private yoga sessions virtually with assessment and in person. Book a consultation to learn more.
