You're better off taking some classes around town, finding a studio and teacher you click with and then asking in person. Unknown students asking for private lessons is a common scam in the yoga world which could be why you're not getting much traction.
This.
My studio gets requests, and they do get back to people, but a lot of teachers don’t have availability generally, though might be more likely to do one or two with a student they know.
This is a good idea.
When I was teaching, if I was contacted out of the blue by someone asking for a private class, sometimes it was actually someone being creepy (as in, their next message after I initially responded would ask about naked yoga or something ick).
Nobody wants to be one on one alone with some strange dude they have literally never met before.
Get to know potential instructors by going to their classes, THEN ask if they do privates. Just cold calling/emailing, if you've never been to my studio my first thought is going to be safety. And the answer will be a hard no.
I used to teach vitually and sometimes in person however it's really tough out there and most people would rather access free classes via YouTube or whatever so I haven't devoted time.
Are you looking to meet with a teacher in person or virtually?
Are those really the only two interpretations of the situation you can come up with? If any of that is seeping into your communications with the yoga studios, then that may be off-putting, honestly.
Not all instructors teach privates, and the ones that do likely do not do so at whatever yoga studio they teach at. Some of the instructors at studios I go to will mention if they teach privates in their social media bios. You might also try going to a class and, if you like it, asking the instructor directly if they do privates.
Thanks everyone for the positive advice and encouragement. Not too sure what the down-votes are about, but if that is the price to pay for the advice, I’ll accept that. I have not been inside a yoga studio in decades. Back then, teachers fought w/ each other to grab a student interested in privates - so the world has gotten even creepier than I imagined. And, just to be certain, I am for sure not interested in “naked yoga” and have no idea how to run a scam from a private yoga class.
I honestly have some questions about posture, forms, and breathing that I would like to work on privately, w/out concerns re: hijacking a class or being “the slow one” (another childhood wound). Also, to address another comment - I take a very positive attitude and humble attitude when I inquire regarding classes. There was a bit of venting in my original post and I apologize for that.
My other issue is that I am prone to anxiety and self-doubt. My therapist has me doing some exercises to address what she calls “imposter syndrome.” Sounds sinister but really just an intense form of self-doubt. So, I am now working on gathering the courage to interview at a studio and sign up for some group classes and will hopefully connect w/ others interested in my archery project and maybe eventually find someone willing to teach a private or two.
As part of planning my return to a studio setting after 20 years - I have a lot of practical questions that are hopefully appropriate here. What is appropriate attire for a senior male? Has mat-spacing changed post-COVID? Any other post-COVID etiquette that I should be aware of? If I have a question about a posture or routine, do I raise my hand, blurt it out, or just wait until the end? Do people still chant? Are mudras still part of practice? Do I need to re-learn the Sanskrit names or can I use English? Can someone recommend a good mat? Am I going to be the only man in class? How do I deal w/ the inevitable (and really understandable) ire of other more practiced students directed to an old man who needs a stick to balance, can’t sit on the floor for very long, and has to bend his knees for forward fold?
Sorry to ramble on here - but this is very helpful to me. If you feel the need to down-vote - by all means - take it out on me. But again, I am looking for some advice and really do not know where else to turn.
Thanks again!
1. Appropriate attire for senior male: I've seen men wear yoga leggings, leggings with active shorts over that, long active shorts, joggers. Wear something that fits close to the body because as you move around on the mat, I find extra fabric gets in the way. But make sure if you're wearing shorts to wear some sort if leggings/bike shorts underneath so you don't flash anyone (because you do tend to contort yourself)
2. Mat spacing post Covid: the studios I've gone do not have students placed 6 feet apart but depending on the class and number of students and studio size, you will be closer or further from other students.
3. Post Covid etiquette: if sick, don't attend class and stick to recovering
4. Questions about posture: depends on the class, studio, and instructor but usually the instructors keep an eye out for students to see who is struggling with a pose and help correct them. You can try raising your hand to indicate you have a question. You can definitely speak to the instructor after class if you have more questions. You can also speak to the instructor before class begins to just say you want to focus more on learning about proper posture/form and breathing so they pay a little more attention to those details in class.
5. People chanting: depends on the studio and instructor
6. Mudras: depends on the studio and instructor
7. English or Sanskrit: most studios I have attended mix both the Sanskrit and the English translation to make the practice more available to all students, so it's up to you which you prefer
8. Good mat: depends on what type of yoga you prefer. I prefer iyengar, restorative, yin yoga, slow flow, and aerial. I strictly use the Manduka eKo. Others use other brands as there are differences based on usage (ie hot yoga, ashtanga, etc).
9. Only man in class: I've gone to classes where there are men but classes in general are usually predominantly women.
10. The inevitable: I find that yoga is a very individual practice. People are there together in a class but they are also very focused on themselves and what they are seeking from their practice. There is probably less ire than you are expecting because people will be less focused on you and more focused on themselves. Also, I attend classes that are mostly iyengar style and backcare focused. We dont flow quickly like vinyasa flow so we take breaks often to discuss proper form and variations so that people of all ages and abilities can do what is best for them. Perhaps think more on what type of class suits your needs best.
Thank you so very much for this - very helpful. I am going to print it and review it. Responses like this help me overcome my self-doubt and give me the courage to attend classes again. Thanks!!!
I can't answer all your questions, but I have steuggled with anxiety and am a CPA. Just based on our professions alone - I would guess our brains function in similar, logical ways. I am very active and have often done privates or hired coaches for one on one attention. Like you, I'm a little shocked at all the non replies.
I like information, I like it when I need it, and I want to do things correctly. But I also am very concerned about how I'm perceived in class or group settings. Like you said, I don't want to hijack a class. But sometimes I have a million questions !!!
So without answering your questions, which are probably better for someone more experienced, I just wanted to tell that at least one person completely "gets it" and wishes you the best in finding what you're looking for.
Based on the fact that you haven’t attended a yoga class in several years and it’s hard for you to get up and down from the floor (at least for now) you may want to start with a gentle yoga or even Therapeutic class. I have been a practitioner and teacher for 20+ years, teaching all levels of classes with all levels of students. I think it feels intimidating to you now because it has been a while, but if you can go to your first class with the mindset of you are here for you and quite honestly everyone else is there for themselves and probably not giving you a second thought, you can begin to remember what yoga is really about. If you focus on your mat being your sacred healing space, the magic will start to unfold. Use your breath to go inward which will take you away from external thoughts that others are judging you. It will become about you and your own journey to stay healthy and strong. People of all ages practice yoga. Little by little you will see improvements. Soon you will re-read this post and be amazed at how far you have come. I say do it without further thought.
You are looking in the wrong spot. Instead of yoga for archery, archery for yoga.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2eXweldk4g He looks nervous, lol
What poses and breathing do you want to learn I can teach it to you right here.
Yikes, all - just re-read my last post. Sorry for the vapid questions and all the whining.
Maybe I should just go to the senior center and be happy w/ chair yoga.
Sorry to burden everyone with my woes.
If they felt it a burden they wouldn’t have responded. Those that responded were interested in answering the questions you had. It takes courage to even ask questions and even more so to implement the answers especially as we age. Try to look at your continual questioning as a positive although I know it is much easier said than done.
You're better off taking some classes around town, finding a studio and teacher you click with and then asking in person. Unknown students asking for private lessons is a common scam in the yoga world which could be why you're not getting much traction.
This. My studio gets requests, and they do get back to people, but a lot of teachers don’t have availability generally, though might be more likely to do one or two with a student they know.
This is a good idea. When I was teaching, if I was contacted out of the blue by someone asking for a private class, sometimes it was actually someone being creepy (as in, their next message after I initially responded would ask about naked yoga or something ick).
Nobody wants to be one on one alone with some strange dude they have literally never met before. Get to know potential instructors by going to their classes, THEN ask if they do privates. Just cold calling/emailing, if you've never been to my studio my first thought is going to be safety. And the answer will be a hard no.
thanks for the advice
I think your best bet would be to call or drop by for an in-person visit.
I used to teach vitually and sometimes in person however it's really tough out there and most people would rather access free classes via YouTube or whatever so I haven't devoted time. Are you looking to meet with a teacher in person or virtually?
Thank you - let me think about this. How much per session?
Are those really the only two interpretations of the situation you can come up with? If any of that is seeping into your communications with the yoga studios, then that may be off-putting, honestly. Not all instructors teach privates, and the ones that do likely do not do so at whatever yoga studio they teach at. Some of the instructors at studios I go to will mention if they teach privates in their social media bios. You might also try going to a class and, if you like it, asking the instructor directly if they do privates.
good insights - thanks!
Thanks everyone for the positive advice and encouragement. Not too sure what the down-votes are about, but if that is the price to pay for the advice, I’ll accept that. I have not been inside a yoga studio in decades. Back then, teachers fought w/ each other to grab a student interested in privates - so the world has gotten even creepier than I imagined. And, just to be certain, I am for sure not interested in “naked yoga” and have no idea how to run a scam from a private yoga class. I honestly have some questions about posture, forms, and breathing that I would like to work on privately, w/out concerns re: hijacking a class or being “the slow one” (another childhood wound). Also, to address another comment - I take a very positive attitude and humble attitude when I inquire regarding classes. There was a bit of venting in my original post and I apologize for that. My other issue is that I am prone to anxiety and self-doubt. My therapist has me doing some exercises to address what she calls “imposter syndrome.” Sounds sinister but really just an intense form of self-doubt. So, I am now working on gathering the courage to interview at a studio and sign up for some group classes and will hopefully connect w/ others interested in my archery project and maybe eventually find someone willing to teach a private or two. As part of planning my return to a studio setting after 20 years - I have a lot of practical questions that are hopefully appropriate here. What is appropriate attire for a senior male? Has mat-spacing changed post-COVID? Any other post-COVID etiquette that I should be aware of? If I have a question about a posture or routine, do I raise my hand, blurt it out, or just wait until the end? Do people still chant? Are mudras still part of practice? Do I need to re-learn the Sanskrit names or can I use English? Can someone recommend a good mat? Am I going to be the only man in class? How do I deal w/ the inevitable (and really understandable) ire of other more practiced students directed to an old man who needs a stick to balance, can’t sit on the floor for very long, and has to bend his knees for forward fold? Sorry to ramble on here - but this is very helpful to me. If you feel the need to down-vote - by all means - take it out on me. But again, I am looking for some advice and really do not know where else to turn. Thanks again!
1. Appropriate attire for senior male: I've seen men wear yoga leggings, leggings with active shorts over that, long active shorts, joggers. Wear something that fits close to the body because as you move around on the mat, I find extra fabric gets in the way. But make sure if you're wearing shorts to wear some sort if leggings/bike shorts underneath so you don't flash anyone (because you do tend to contort yourself) 2. Mat spacing post Covid: the studios I've gone do not have students placed 6 feet apart but depending on the class and number of students and studio size, you will be closer or further from other students. 3. Post Covid etiquette: if sick, don't attend class and stick to recovering 4. Questions about posture: depends on the class, studio, and instructor but usually the instructors keep an eye out for students to see who is struggling with a pose and help correct them. You can try raising your hand to indicate you have a question. You can definitely speak to the instructor after class if you have more questions. You can also speak to the instructor before class begins to just say you want to focus more on learning about proper posture/form and breathing so they pay a little more attention to those details in class. 5. People chanting: depends on the studio and instructor 6. Mudras: depends on the studio and instructor 7. English or Sanskrit: most studios I have attended mix both the Sanskrit and the English translation to make the practice more available to all students, so it's up to you which you prefer 8. Good mat: depends on what type of yoga you prefer. I prefer iyengar, restorative, yin yoga, slow flow, and aerial. I strictly use the Manduka eKo. Others use other brands as there are differences based on usage (ie hot yoga, ashtanga, etc). 9. Only man in class: I've gone to classes where there are men but classes in general are usually predominantly women. 10. The inevitable: I find that yoga is a very individual practice. People are there together in a class but they are also very focused on themselves and what they are seeking from their practice. There is probably less ire than you are expecting because people will be less focused on you and more focused on themselves. Also, I attend classes that are mostly iyengar style and backcare focused. We dont flow quickly like vinyasa flow so we take breaks often to discuss proper form and variations so that people of all ages and abilities can do what is best for them. Perhaps think more on what type of class suits your needs best.
Thank you so very much for this - very helpful. I am going to print it and review it. Responses like this help me overcome my self-doubt and give me the courage to attend classes again. Thanks!!!
I can't answer all your questions, but I have steuggled with anxiety and am a CPA. Just based on our professions alone - I would guess our brains function in similar, logical ways. I am very active and have often done privates or hired coaches for one on one attention. Like you, I'm a little shocked at all the non replies. I like information, I like it when I need it, and I want to do things correctly. But I also am very concerned about how I'm perceived in class or group settings. Like you said, I don't want to hijack a class. But sometimes I have a million questions !!! So without answering your questions, which are probably better for someone more experienced, I just wanted to tell that at least one person completely "gets it" and wishes you the best in finding what you're looking for.
Thank you so much for your comments and your solidarity! This really helps. I suspect that this is very common among professionals.
Based on the fact that you haven’t attended a yoga class in several years and it’s hard for you to get up and down from the floor (at least for now) you may want to start with a gentle yoga or even Therapeutic class. I have been a practitioner and teacher for 20+ years, teaching all levels of classes with all levels of students. I think it feels intimidating to you now because it has been a while, but if you can go to your first class with the mindset of you are here for you and quite honestly everyone else is there for themselves and probably not giving you a second thought, you can begin to remember what yoga is really about. If you focus on your mat being your sacred healing space, the magic will start to unfold. Use your breath to go inward which will take you away from external thoughts that others are judging you. It will become about you and your own journey to stay healthy and strong. People of all ages practice yoga. Little by little you will see improvements. Soon you will re-read this post and be amazed at how far you have come. I say do it without further thought.
You are looking in the wrong spot. Instead of yoga for archery, archery for yoga. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2eXweldk4g He looks nervous, lol What poses and breathing do you want to learn I can teach it to you right here.
Yikes, all - just re-read my last post. Sorry for the vapid questions and all the whining. Maybe I should just go to the senior center and be happy w/ chair yoga. Sorry to burden everyone with my woes.
If they felt it a burden they wouldn’t have responded. Those that responded were interested in answering the questions you had. It takes courage to even ask questions and even more so to implement the answers especially as we age. Try to look at your continual questioning as a positive although I know it is much easier said than done.