There’s something about putting the word “private” in front of the word “yoga” that instantly engages people's curiosities! When people hear the words “private yoga” their minds often imagine it as an exclusive, underground form of yoga that’s reserved solely for VIPs and those in the know.
They’re actually half right! Private yoga is exclusive, and it is for very important people - in the sense that it is a custom yoga experience designed entirely for individuals (not just celebrities!).
Private yoga mostly benefits individuals who want to engage in regular yoga practice, but who do not have the confidence or time to attend group sessions. Private yoga will usually therefore take place in the privacy of their homes, or in a private studio run by a yoga professional, at a time that’s convenient for the individual.
It’s more than just a PT version of yoga, too. Whilst it does incorporate a physical workout, private yoga will also draw on yogic philosophy and meditation to make for a full mind and body experience. That’s especially important for those who can’t make yoga classes as it means that they do not miss out on the full yoga experience.
Why do private yoga sessions?
Private yoga sessions offer students the chance to focus on personal interests and goals, or address specific concerns, like a mobility issue or difficulty with a pose.
Instead of needing to follow an instructor in a class that may not align with their mobility, goals or interests, individuals can instead set specific goals and plans with their instructor. These could include goals for flexibility, strength, or even meditation.
The ability to set personal goals is one reason that private yoga can greatly benefit individuals requiring adaptive yoga or therapeutic yoga for injury and illness.
Yoga for cancer, yoga for injuries or chronic pain, yoga for neuro-muscular conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson's; and chair yoga can all be personally tailored into a private yoga session which gives more focus and attention to the needs of the individual.
Another reason to do private yoga could be to ensure that someone is not missing out on practice due to life commitments. For example a busy executive who may not have the time to attend yoga classes, but who still wants a guided practice.
What are the benefits of private yoga?
Private yoga sessions come with a multitude of benefits. I’ve listed some of the most noteworthy below:
Gaining experience in a comfortable environment
Yoga classes can be overwhelming for those just beginning their yoga journey. There may be insecurity about not being able to perform poses, or worries about being left behind in a sequence.
Private yoga offers an alternative for beginners or those finding their confidence. Private yoga sessions can be entirely tailored to the individual's pace and starting ability. It can also teach the basics, such as the correct alignment which is imperative to prevent injury.
2. Safety to overcome a challenging pose or sequence
It’s not just beginners that can struggle with grasping yoga postures! Plenty of experienced yogis do, too.
In classes, it can often be difficult to carve out the time to focus on a particular pose that’s giving you trouble. In private yoga classes, a session can do just that. A class could focus on a sequence of postures that an individual is struggling with, and dedicates the time and experience of the practitioner to help the person get it right.
3. Focus on personal interests
Yoga has so many benefits that often people will come to a yoga session looking to experience one in particular that is aligned with their own personal needs. This could be reducing pain from an injury, or improving mobility.
Because there are so many different types of yoga, it can be difficult to find a class or style that best aligns with the individual’s goal.
Private yoga sessions remove that arduous process by allowing the individual to work alongside their practitioner and develop a yoga class that works best for them and their abilities.
4. Ability to practice anytime, anywhere
In our busy lives it can be difficult to find the time after work to attend that yoga class. Perhaps we might prefer to practice from the comfort of our own home but we don’t feel confident enough to practice individually.
Private yoga sessions resolve this problem by allowing the individual to practice yoga wherever they wish. It could be at home, in a park, or even in the workplace!
It’s been proven that corporate yoga programs make employees more effective and improve communication between team members because it both rejuvenates and relaxes employees.
Boost yours and your team's productivity and try doing yoga at work.
5. Advance a practice with pre-determined goals
I mentioned it above, but I want to stress: Private yoga sessions aren’t just for beginners. Advanced yogis can benefit from private practice, too.
There are many reasons why an advanced yogi can benefit from private practice. Sometimes classes can become stale, or no longer challenging for their abilities which means they hit a plateau. Other times a class may not focus on the specific poses a yogi wants to improve on.
In private yoga classes, a bespoke program tailored specifically to an individual’s goals and abilities can break through a plateau and nurture constant advancement. An instructor can plan routines that incorporate the exact poses a yogi may want, or design a routine that specifically targets the highest yoga goals.
For experienced yogis, private practice can lift them to the next level.
What can I expect from a private yoga session?
To summarise, from private yoga sessions you can expect:
A practice that is designed entirely to suit you, your goals, and your interests.
A practice that is both flexible and adaptable, able to fit around your schedule and be performed in an environment that best suits you
The time to truly enhance your yoga practice by focusing on certain poses or elements
The experience of a yoga practitioner who will impart their knowledge into your personalised practice
As part of my yoga services, I am proud to offer private yoga practice. Whether you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced yogi, I can design a routine that enables you to exceed your goals and that complements your mobility and objectives. Find out more here, or contact me today.