How to Give Hands On Adjustments in Yoga Classes | 55 minute lesson

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive guide on how to give hands-on adjustments in yoga classes, aimed at new yoga teachers. It covers essential principles, practical techniques, and best practices to ensure safe and effective adjustments that enhance the student's experience. Whether you teach group classes or one-on-one sessions, these insights will help you confidently incorporate hands-on assistance into your teaching.

Chapter 1: Understanding the Principles of Hands-On Adjustments

Hands-on adjustments can greatly benefit yoga students when done correctly. Here are the seven core principles to guide your practice:

1. Teach What You Know

   • Have a consistent yoga practice.
   • Understand the adjustments personally by experiencing them in your body.

2. Ask Permission to Touch

   • Always ask students if they are open to adjustments before proceeding.
   • Avoid impersonal methods, like show of hands or checkboxes, as they can distract students.

3. Have a Clear Intention

   • Know the purpose behind every adjustment.
   • Be ready to explain your actions to students when necessary.

4. Move with the Breath

   • Coordinate your movements with the student's breath.
   • Press down on exhales and assist with lengthening on inhales.

5. Honor Safe Biomechanics

   • Prioritize stability and avoid applying pressure to vulnerable joints.
   • Make adjustments close to the body’s midline (proximal) rather than at the extremities (distal).

6. Teach Essential Elements of Each Pose

   • Focus on alignment, stability, and energy flow within each pose.

7. Support Your Stable Foundations

   • Maintain good posture and stability when making adjustments.
   • Take a moment to breathe and center yourself before approaching a student.

Chapter 2: Creating a Yoga Intake Form

Collecting information from students before class is crucial for safe adjustments. Here’s how to create an effective intake form:

• Basic Information

  • Name, email address, phone number, and any relevant contact details.

• Yoga Experience

  • Questions about previous yoga practice, styles, and frequency.

• Physical Injuries or Conditions

  • Ask about any injuries or conditions that may affect their practice (e.g., knees, back, pregnancy).

• Daily Life and Exercise

  • Inquire about their daily activity levels and other forms of exercise.

Ensure you review this information before class to tailor your adjustments appropriately.

Chapter 3: How Not to Touch Students

Avoid these common mistakes when making adjustments:

1. Distal Touch

   • Avoid touching hands, feet, or the crown of the head unless necessary.

2. Forceful Touch

   • Do not push or force students into poses; adjustments should be gentle.

3. Blind Touch

   • Always be aware of where you are touching; avoid unexpected touches from behind.

4. Destabilizing Touch

   • Maintain your own stability; an unstable teacher cannot provide a stable adjustment.

5. Random Touch

   • Touch should have a clear purpose; avoid random or aimless adjustments.

6. Inappropriate Touch

   • Ensure all touches are respectful and appropriate, avoiding any accidental inappropriate contact.

Chapter 4: Effective Techniques for Touching Students

Here are some recommended techniques for making adjustments:

1. Hip Handles

   • Place your hands on the student's hips to guide their movements.

2. Open Palms

   • Use open palms to gently press down or support students in poses like downward dog.

3. Clasping Rotation

   • Gently clasp the student's arms or hips to encourage rotation.

4. Light Finger Flicks

   • Use light touches to stimulate areas like feet and hands without excessive pressure.

5. Crossed Wrists

   • In poses like downward dog, cross your wrists and gently pull to assist in alignment.

6. Light Hands

   • Use gentle touches to enhance awareness without forcing or applying pressure.

Chapter 5: Your Stance When Adjusting

Maintaining a stable stance helps both you and your students. Here are recommended positions:

1. Mountain Pose

   • Stand tall with feet hip-width apart to create a stable base.

2. Horse Stance

   • Widen your feet and lower your body for better stability when assisting.

3. Knees Down Stance

   • Kneel to provide support while keeping a strong posture.

4. Low Chair Stance

   • Adopt a low chair position for adjustments that require close proximity.

5. Seated Stance

   • Sit down to make adjustments in a relaxed and stable position, especially during Savasana.

Chapter 6: Adjustments in Savasana

To perform adjustments in Savasana effectively:

1. Start with Awareness

   • Approach with gentle awareness of the student’s breath.

2. Shoulder Press

   • Use an open palm to gently press down on the shoulders, coordinating with their breath.

3. Neck and Temple Adjustments

   • Cradle the head and gently pull or apply light pressure to the neck and temples.

4. Eyebrow Sweep

   • Sweep your thumbs across the eyebrows towards the temples for relaxation.

5. Leg Adjustments

   • If necessary, adjust the legs by lifting and gently swaying them to relieve tension in the lower back.

Conclusion

Incorporating hands-on adjustments into your yoga classes can enhance your students' experience when done thoughtfully and respectfully. Remember to practice consistently, create an awareness of each student’s needs, and maintain clear communication. As you grow more comfortable with these techniques, your ability to provide effective support will strengthen, making your classes even more beneficial for your students. Happy teaching!