Can I be honest? I am super picky when it comes to what yoga classes I’ll attend because so few yoga teachers actually teach to who’s in the room. I’m like anyone else, I crave to be seen and to belong.

Most yoga teachers lead interesting, choreographed flows, have wonderful sequences, and motivating personalities, but what’s absent is the connection to what their students are up to and need in the moment. Paying closer attention, however, gives way to an opportunity for two-way dialogue.

Considering that human connection is the biggest reason people return repeatedly to yoga class, cultivating your observation skills and paying more attention to who and what’s happening in the room could be the difference between retention and attrition in your yoga classes.

Here are some tips to start paying closer attention to your students and making them feel loved up!

Make Connections
When you don’t see anything that needs work in the room, make a point of acknowledging every single student at least once during the practice. This can be offering a compliment on their pose, looking them in the eye and telling them it’s nice to see them, offering feedback on their pose, or honoring them in front of the group for a milestone they may be experiencing that you know about, if they’ve given you permission to share. For example, “Did you all know that [STUDENT’S NAME] just published her first book?”

Build Rapport
Much of what could go on in the yoga room is a direct result of what you learn when you’re outside the yoga room. This means paying attention to your students in the lounge before and after. Ask them about their lives, how their bodies are feeling, what they’ve been working on in their practice, what they do for a living, how they spend their time, and more. When you get to know your students, you naturally learn how to serve them best and can incorporate custom-tailored practices just for them!

Listening, observing, and getting to know your yoga students leads to a more connected, community-oriented, and educational yoga class – what people need more than ever these days!

Get Off of Your Mat
If you’re like most yoga teachers who’ve spent the last couple years on Zoom, it’s likely become a habit to do your yoga on your mat instead of walking around the room. Roll up your mat so you can’t even step on it, and make a point of starting to walk around the room.

Walk Around Strategically and Observe
Rather than nervously pacing back and forth at the front of the room, walk in and out of the rows and aisles, go over to the corners of the room making a point of taking an eagle’s eye view of the whole group so you can see everyone at once.

Look for Trends
Once you have some perspective, look for trends such as lots of students with narrow stances, tense facial expressions during a long hold, loose hand positioning in poses like downward dog or cobra, problems during transitions, or tight hamstrings in forward folds. When you see a trend in the room, pivot from your lesson plan or sequence to offer the group something that addresses what you see. This could be a demonstration, giving a specific instruction, or leading a drill or preparatory pose that helps. Always explain the benefits of why you’re making this emphasis.

Being seen, heard, and paid attention to can make such a difference to a yoga student who is venturing out of their home to practice yoga – whether for the very first time or after a long hiatus. Honor their courage and discipline by showing up and being present for them, you won’t regret it!