- As a yoga teacher, it’s important to understand the principles and guidelines for hands-on adjustments to ensure that you provide safe and effective guidance to your students. Here are 10 rules of hands-on adjustments for yoga teachers:
- Ask for consent: Always ask your student’s permission before making any physical adjustments.
- Observe: Observe your students carefully before making any adjustments to understand their physical abilities and limitations.
- Use appropriate touch: Use a light, supportive touch when making adjustments, and avoid any adjustments that cause discomfort or pain.
- Be aware of injuries: Avoid adjusting students with injuries or chronic conditions that may be aggravated by certain poses.
- Provide clear guidance: Provide clear verbal guidance before making adjustments, and communicate throughout the process to ensure that the student is comfortable and aware of what’s happening.
- Adjust with intention: Adjust with a clear intention, and focus on the purpose of the adjustment, whether it’s to correct alignment or deepen a stretch.
- Respect boundaries: Respect your student’s personal space and avoid adjusting in any way that feels invasive or uncomfortable.
- Offer variations: Offer variations and modifications to poses as an alternative to adjustments, and encourage students to listen to their bodies.
- Practice self-care: Take care of yourself and avoid overexertion or strain when making adjustments.
- Continuously educate yourself: Stay up to date with the latest research and guidelines on hands-on adjustments, and continue to educate yourself through workshops, trainings, and self-study.
- By following these guidelines, you can provide safe, effective, and supportive hands-on adjustments that enhance your students’ yoga practice.