The relationship between the yoga instructor and student is of great importance in the world of yoga. One of the many techniques that are used to enhance this relationship is hands-on assists. These assists are particularly effective in deepening the practice, increasing safety, and improving the understanding of yoga postures for both beginners and experienced yogis.
Enhancing Posture Alignment
Hands-on assists in yoga classes improve posture alignment, avoid injuries, and ensure that each pose delivers its intended benefits. They are particularly enlightening for beginners. Skilled assists help students experience the posture as intended, fostering an immediate and correct understanding of alignment.
Deepening the Pose
Hands-on assists can help students deepen their practice by encouraging muscles to stretch further, leading to a more fulfilling experience. Supportive touch can also be incredibly encouraging, showing students their potential to extend their practice further.
Building Trust and Safety
Appropriate hands-on assists build trust between instructors and students. They show attentiveness and commitment to safety, creating a supportive environment. Proper alignment and technique adjustments reduce injury risks and make yoga more enjoyable.
Enhancing Mind-Body Connection
Lastly, hands-on assists can significantly enhance the mind-body connection, a cornerstone of yoga practice. The physical touch from an instructor can help draw a student’s attention inward, focusing on the sensations within the body and the present moment. This mindfulness aspect can deepen the meditative experience of yoga, allowing students to connect more profoundly with their practice.
While we have begun offering hands on assists in some of our classes, we wanted to provide a specific opportunity for students seeking these benefits. Starting on April 15, our Monday 5:45 pm class will feature Scott cueing students through the yoga sequence while Jenn makes her way around the room offering assists.
Since our space is small, it allows us to provide highly individualized attention to students. We will offer the class a few times so that everyone who is interested will have a chance to participate. If there is enough interest, we will consider adding it to our regular class offerings.
You can register for the first class now at our Class Schedule page.
If you have any questions, text or call us at 863.323.1540 or info@engedimindbody.com.
