Creating Connections with Your Yoga Students
It is crucial for yoga teachers to form genuine relationships with their students. And as hard as this might be to acknowledge, you are never owed students just because you’re a registered yoga teacher or because you teach at a studio. It’s better if you think you only have yourself to rely on for numbers in your classes; you should not depend on a studio to drive students to you. It is also important to value your students, and not to think of them as numbers. You should teach to one student the same way you would teach to twenty-two. But most importantly, if you are making genuine connections with students, your numbers will go up and they will sustain.
Don’t be discouraged if you feel awkward or struggle with remembering names. Start from a place of connection by making eye contact with your students as they walk in. Acknowledge them on some level whether it’s a brief, “I am happy you’re here,” or “how is today going for you?” You can tell the student in a silly manner how you struggle with names, but then ask them a question, like “what brought you to yoga today,” or “I am glad you came.”
Then be consistent with your students. Make contact with them every time they return. Use tools you have, like your student list on Mindbody, to piece together someone's name attending your class. I am outing myself by saying this, but ask them to remind you what their last name is. That way you can narrow names down on your student list; even though you forgot their first name in the moment, it shows you really care about trying to learn.
Prepare to spend time after class to talk with students and get to know them more. Take genuine interest in their lives. Ask what they do over the holidays, do they have a home practice, or what style of yoga they like to practice best. This would be different than asking if they need accommodations made for injuries or how long they have been practicing which should already be standard asks.
Natural connection will come easier with some than others, and that’s okay. Remember that as a yoga teacher, you won't be everyone’s favorite, which is not a bad thing — too much pressure! Use your strengths to your advantage and show authentic gratitude for those who choose to spend their time with you. How and with who we spend time with is our biggest super power. It is an honor to host space for students and remember to treat it as such!
Gratitude, gratitude, gratitude — hold your students in your heart. Nurture the friendships you do start to develop, and always make the time to connect. Creating relationships takes effort and it matters.
