Sequence moves too fast. I feel like I am teaching myself.

I’ve been going to Bikram Yoga 3x a week for about 6 months. As I’ve begun to understand my practice, we go very fast through our sequence of postures. Would it not be better to “feature” or teach a particular posture in depth so we can avoid some of the trial and error it feels like we are going through? I kind of feel like I’m expected to teach myself sometimes….
Posted by Ben Gill on 01/23 at 10:49 AM

Hello Ben

thanks for your comments and questions. All very valid. I can appreciate what you are saying. You obviously have a love for what you are doing – isn’t it addictive? 😉

The rate of practice is going to change from teacher to teacher. Some have fast pace, no savasanas. Others seem to hold long, rest short or hold short, rest long, talk a lot. It may change from class to class. Maybe you are not getting a mix of styles. I know that sometimes in my classes if I see a generalized need for a quick focus on a pose, we may stop and have a quick demo if I see everyone or most will benefit. Mostly, people are different levels. Still, I believe that each teacher should deliver the class in a way that everyone takes something new away with them just about every class.

Is that happening for you?
Perhaps you could tell me in your response, I am sure I and others would appreciate it.
And without being critical, just as in all arenas, there are those that bring a different range and quality of (teaching) skills…

One advantage of what you mention is that you become more and more self-reliant. You get to recognize the good from the not so good instruction and make little distinctions all for yourself.

Having no demos can be a good and a bad thing. No demos means you really have to focus and by virtue of that, provides a better meditation. You have no time to debate stuff, you just have to do the yoga. Yogas that change from class to class constantly distract students (in my opinion) by having to think too much about what they are to do.

Interestingly, I have had many, many students who say on leaving a class, “Hey you have never said xxxxxx before”. Usually the answer to that is: “Actually I say that every class!!!” The point of that is, that we selectively hear and are ready to learn some things, only when we are ready.

Ben, here is something that I recommend you could try: Pick a pose you would like some help in. BEFORE class, go to your teacher, tell them that you would like help in that particular pose. Chances are they should remember and come on over and check your alignment or technique. The fact that you go 3 times a week means your studio teachers should know you very well and should be quite attentive to your practice and your needs. If the classes you attend have around 40-50 students they should be able to give you some personalized instruction at least 2-3 times per week.

This Hot Yoga series is so good that sometimes it is worth being in the room simply for YOUR time in the heat.

Looking forward to your comments
Gabrielle 🙂