Yoga classes have sprung up in every corner of most countries with classes of all varieties, levels and with an almost limitless choice of teachers. Classes can be huge too, with some city studios cramming in 30+ people in larger venues. Practicing yoga in a group has many benefits including activating the mirror neurones of the brain giving us a greater sense of community and tapping into a primitive part of the brain, the part which sought safety and satisfaction within the confines of the tribe. Public yoga classes are more accessible, available and popular than ever. So why would anyone opt for a private group or one to one yoga class?
Friends and Family
Private yoga classes can be offered as either one to one or in larger groups. With private group yoga classes you can opt to have your friends, golf buddies, family, work crew, whoever you choose, be part of the group. Meaning you can make it a social occasion as well as a healthy activity.
Organisation
Much like your friends and family, if you are part of an organisation, such as a charity group, support service or community organisation, having a private yoga group specific to your organisations needs allows you to offer another healthy opportunity to come together. Because of yoga’s many benefits for the mind as well as the body, including its ability to build confidence, boost emotional balance and offer a range of tools for coping with life in general, it can be the perfect complimentary offering. If your organisation is dealing with specific issues, such as offering support for trauma survivors, cancer recovery or addiction services, a trauma informed or cancer conscious teacher will offer a yoga class with deep respect and understanding for your clients specific experiences and requirements. Yoga is fast becoming a tool in the box of the therapy and counselling services for its ability to allow those who may have experienced varying levels of trauma and disassociation to feel safe within their bodies again.
Comfort and support
For some people the thoughts of practicing yoga or any exercise with strangers can be daunting and especially for anyone who may feel conscious whether about their fitness level, weight, illnesses, recovery or trauma related issues. For some, unfamiliar groups can be uncomfortable situations and leave people feeling exposed and anxious. Private yoga classes allow you find your feet with the practice before entering a group or even if you never want to join a public class, the feeling of vulnerability is vastly reduced.
Illness, Injury and abilities.
For anyone who may have been through a recent illness, recovering an injury or have varying abilities, a private class is a perfect way to have your individual and unique needs addressed in a supportive manor. Many feel they can benefit immensely from having the hour focussed completely on their needs with specific instruction, attention and practices for their bodies. Yoga can be practiced by anyone of any ability.
Flexibility.
You can choose the time, the place and the style of yoga you prefer, whether you are having a bad day and need more relaxation time or feel energised and focused and opt for a challenge, you can discuss all of this with your experienced teacher prior to class.
Goal setting
Many people like to see progress in their practice, although yoga is not an exercise in the competitive ego stroking of complex pose attainment, it is always helpful to feel you are moving in the right direction, whether it is more ease in your movement, flexibility through the body, more calm moments or an improved ability to cope with life in general, then these goals can be discussed with your teacher and classes facilitated with them in mind.
Spirituality
For many who come to yoga they are drawn initially by the physical aspect of course but one of the ‘perks’ of a yoga practice is the slow meandering that the practice takes you in to your own spirituality and nature. I am not talking a religious nature per-say, but whatever spirituality you foster within you is allowed to deepen and expand. With the support and nourishment of a private, regular, class this aspect of the practice will begin to slough away layers of conditioning, past experiences and disillusionment, so you may begin to know yourself, your divinity and your own unique magic on a profound level. This often creeps in, in the stillness of the practice.
The one on one attention that can be gained in a private yoga class, whether through zoom or in person has huge benefits for many people who find unfamiliar group classes do not suit them. Classes are tailored to suit each person and a very deep respectful relationship between teacher and student can flourish, clearing the path for transformation on not only the physical level but on a spiritual and emotional level.
