13 Differences Between One-on-One Yoga Sessions and Group Classes
Have you heard about 1-1 yoga sessions but have no idea how they’re different than group yoga classes?
Are you wondering what the benefits of 1-1 sessions could be when there’s a zillion group yoga classes out there, and a zillion more free yoga videos on YouTube?
Well, let me first say that I love group yoga classes and YouTube videos. Both are great places to experience yoga and in the case of group yoga classes, to be connected with other likeminded people.
But 1-1 sessions have a special place in my heart because they are so customized to what you want to work on or do. If you’ve got a goal that you think yoga could help with, whether it’s starting a meditation practice or building up the strength to hold plank for longer, 1-1 sessions are a great way to get you there.
Curious?
Keep reading to find out 13 differences between group yoga classes and 1-1 sessions.
“One-on-one yoga sessions are ultimately about being supported in a way that isn’t possible in group classes.”
1. One-on-one yoga sessions are driven by your needs.
Your goals, needs, and preferences shape how the session unfolds. If you come to your session telling me you’re exhausted and want resting poses, we’ll do that. Having a day when your pain levels are higher? We’ll adapt so you feel supported and refreshed. Group classes are teacher driven: when you go to a group class, the teacher will share what they’re currently exploring in their own yoga practice. (For example, right now I’m loving teaching chair yoga, so lots of my group classes have chair yoga components in them).
2. You’ll see and feel positive physical changes more quickly than if you’re only practising in group classes.
Because 1-1 sessions are so focused on you and your goals, you’ll experience shifts in your body in a noticeable and motivating way—ideally as early as your first session.
3. One-on-one yoga sessions are co-created.
I bring my expertise in yoga therapeutics to the session and you bring your expertise on YOU to the session. 1-1 yoga sessions are like a dance: you might want to do a specific pose, and then based on how it feels for you and what I’m seeing, I’ll suggest what you could do next. In 1-1 sessions you can expect us to weave back and forth in an interactive, relaxed manner. In a group class, the teacher will adapt what they teach based on what they’re seeing people do, but to maintain the flow of the class there’s less opportunity for dialogue, questions, and changing direction.
4. You get 100% of my attention.
Something feeling off in your favourite pose? Want to focus on a specific part of your body? We’ll spend as much time as you like taking a deep dive. In group classes the teacher’s attention is divided between multiple people and while there might be space for a bit of chatting or Q&A, it’s just not possible for the teacher to focus all their attention on each student.
5. One-on-one yoga sessions honour your needs, whatever they are in this moment.
Feeling cranky? Hyper? Unmotivated? Stressed because you had a frustrating meeting at work? Come anyway. One-on-one sessions aren’t a performance and you don’t have to feel happy, energetic, or wear fancy yoga pants. Come as you are.
6. You’ll get a home program or home sequence specifically to meet your goals.
You’ll get a program designed just for you—it might be five minutes, it might be 40 minutes. It’s totally up to what you want and what works for your schedule.
7. One-on-one sessions are wonderful if you feel nervous about attending group classes.
If you think yoga could help you but you don’t want to go to a group class, 1-1 sessions are a perfect fit. If how you feel and move has changed due to an injury, major life change, or health issue, 1-1 sessions can help. And if you’ve been away from group classes and want to get back to them? 1-1 sessions will help you recalibrate and feel more confident heading back to the studio.
8. If you’re working with a healthcare practitioner, I’ll design sessions that complement, rather than contradict or complicate, what you’re doing with them.
Whether you’re healing from or prepping for a surgery, recovering from an illness, or working toward a specific goal, your 1-1 sessions will support what you’re doing with your physical therapist, surgeon, personal trainer, or other practitioner.
9. One-on-one sessions (especially online ones) allow you to fit yoga into your busy schedule more easily.
Turning on Zoom and stepping away from work or home responsibilities for an hour can be a wonderful way to take time for yourself, without a commute and without worrying about social distancing. And if we’re online, you’ll be able to record your session so you can refer to it anytime you wish.
10. Email me as much as you’d like in between sessions.
Have a question about something? Send me an email. Want to share what’s coming up for you in between sessions? I’m right here to support you. In my own personal work I’ve found that when I’m able to dialogue and share with my coach/teacher/practitioner in between sessions I get so much more out of the whole experience. It becomes richer and it’s wonderful to feel so supported. I want to do the same for you.
11. One-on-one sessions don’t follow the same structure of a group class.
For example, some group yoga classes might begin with sun salutations as a warm-up, or with seated meditation or breathwork. But these practices don’t always work or make sense for everyone. We’ll start with a check-in and centering practice and finish with a wind-down, but 1-1 sessions are more fluid that group classes.
12. You’ll get accountability.
Want to reach your goals faster? I’ll be there for you at each session, lovingly holding your time spot for you, so that you get accountability and progress. Most of my clients have told me that they need accountability to get on the mat. I get it. It’s harder to cancel on another person than it is to put off doing a YouTube video, am I right? When you’ve got a session with me in your calendar, it’s easier to show up for yourself.
13. You’ll quickly discover what poses, movements, and practices feel supportive for you and which ones don’t.
Being able to dialogue more than you could in a group class means that I’ll get a better sense of what’s working for you and what’s not. That means we’ll do more of what you love and less of what you don’t.
I hope this is helpful in describing what you can expect from a 1-1 yoga session with me and how a 1-1 yoga session can help you! And if you’ve still got questions about how 1-1 sessions are different than group classes, please leave a comment below!
Pssssst. If you think 1-1 yoga sessions could benefit you, I’d love to connect. Email me to set up your free 30-minute consult or read more here.