Can’t Find the Right Yoga Teacher For You? Here’s Where to Start
Whether you’re searching for yoga classes near you, exploring live online yoga sessions, or curious about flexible on-demand yoga classes, this is a good place to start your yoga journey…
More than a couple of times a month someone tells me they wanted to find or return to yoga but just can’t find the right class or teacher. And these conversations happen in the unlikeliest of places - more often than not in places like business networking. I know that investing into self is a biggie that has huge ROI for the business owner community. I’ve said it many time in classes; you simply can’t pour from an empty cup.
But choosing a yoga teacher isn’t like picking a gym membership and it’s not quite as simple as scrolling a directory or just going to a gym yoga class because it’s the closest one to your home.
It’s personal.
Your reasons for stepping onto the mat are unique to you - and the teacher that resonates might not be the one with the fanciest leggings or the one with most Instagram followers.
Tried a class at the gym recently - was just a waste of an hour - a stretch session I couldn't keep up with - so fast! I was frustrated, not relaxed or focussed at all.
~ Sandra
You can read this blog So, you thought it was just stretching for a bit more of an idea.
Of course, let’s get real - not everything needs to be deep or over-analysed. You might just want to try something new and I applaud that! Even still, if you’re curious and you try a class that doesn’t meet an expectation that you didn’t even realise you had, it might put you off trying it again. And that’d be a ding-dang darned shame!
So where do you start?
Before you ask your search engine 'yoga teachers near me', it’s worth asking yourself: What is my why?
Before you start searching for a class or teacher, it’s a great idea to get curious about your intention.
Are you looking for physical fitness or flexibility? Or to support your other sports activities?
Maybe it’s about people and you’re hoping to make new friends or be a part of a community?
You might be a busy-brainer, craving a sense of calm or a pause in your hectic day?
Curious about spiritual growth or yoga philosophy?
Because there’s the thing - our “why” will guide you towards the right kind of yoga class and teacher. If you're after deep calm and connection, a teacher focused on fast-paced power yoga might not meet the mark. And if you're feeling disconnected from your body, you might prefer someone who weaves in embodiment and compassion over alignment and achievement.
What kind of learning space do you need?
Are you a people-person who thrives in group settings? Or do you feel more comfortable in the privacy of your own home?
There are so many options these days, including:
Group yoga classes at a studio or community hall or even outdoors
Private 1-to-1 sessions, online or in-person
Live online classes, often via Zoom
On-demand virtual studios with pre-recorded sessions you can access anytime
If your life is busy, or you need something flexible (because kids, hormones, work, or energy levels), an on-demand yoga platform like Elevate gives you access to hundreds of classes, meditations, and wellbeing resources at your fingertips. No commute needed - you don’t even need to comb your hair.
Try different teachers (yes, it’s allowed!)
Yoga isn’t one-size-fits-all. Every teacher brings their own flavour, voice, and vibe. Some are soulful storytellers, some are anatomy nerds, and some are laugh-out-loud fun.
During my original yoga teacher training with Bahia Yoga in Nottingham in 2015, one of our assessments was to lead an asana (physical) practice. We’d all learned the exact same sequence of poses, but were encouraged to express our own interpretation - drawing on philosophical teachings, themes, and the vocabulary that resonated with us. Each of my fellow students led a class for the whole group.
But here’s the thing: same sequence—15 entirely different experiences. That’s the beauty of yoga teaching, it’s not just about the poses, but the personality and presence the teacher brings.
So this is something I say on repeat; don’t be afraid to try classes with different teachers.
You’re not cheating.
You might find one teacher helps you unlock strength you didn’t know you had, while another offers deep emotional release or mental clarity. Here’s a juicy bit: the right teacher for you right now might not be the same one you needed last year. Because you will learn (the clue’s in the word class), and your needs will grow and change too.
As the saying goes: when the student is ready, the teacher will appear. And I’ll add: when the teacher is ready, the student will appear too. Yoga is a relationship - and good ones evolve.
Questions you can ask yourself while exploring:
Do I prefer a soothing, calming voice or something with a bit more energy and fun?
Is yoga philosophy important to me, or do I want more of a workout?
Do I love learning the names of muscles and how things move, or does that bore me senseless?
Do I want to hear Sanskrit words or prefer plain English?
Is progression important to me - like working towards a certain pose or goal - or am I just here for the journey?
The answers will help you filter out what doesn't align and gravitate toward what does.
Yoga is not just a gym class (and that’s a good thing)
Every yoga class has its own personality, as you may have gleaned from my example above - the essence of yoga runs deeper than just movement. Even if a class doesn’t explicitly mention chakras or ancient texts, if it invites you to connect with your breath, listen to your body, and stay present - that’s yoga philosophy in action.
A great teacher doesn’t just lead you through poses. They create a space that feels safe, welcoming, and empowering. And that’s especially important when you’re practicing online or on demand - because that connection still matters, even if it’s through a screen.
And finally…trust yourself
I say in my own classes all the time “you are the expert of your own body” and you should trust how you feel. If you feel lighter, stronger, more grounded - or even a bit emotional - after class, it’s probably working and you might have a good feeling about re-booking and returning to the next class. If you feel ignored, shamed, or confused… swipe left and move on. There are other yoga classes and teachers you can try.
My own virtual studio, Elevate, is designed for women who want to feel stronger, calmer, and more like themselves again - without pressure, pretzel poses, or toxic positivity. It’s packed with on-demand yoga classes, meditations, and downloadable resources you can access whenever life allows.
There’s no rush.
Just a quiet invitation to come home to yourself.
Come for the movement, stay for the magic.
You might even want to see a sample of what's inside so please do use my free online mini course, Ease Into Yoga. It's yours to keep and use whether you're a beginner or a returner.
And if you’re a yoga teacher yourself…
Maybe you’re still finding your teaching voice or wondering how to share your work in a way that feels true to you. I’ve taught more than 1400 hours of yoga classes so please believe me when I say I’ve been there, and I know how much courage it takes.
If you’d love a gentle guide to help you shape your teaching style, build your confidence, or weave your brand identity with authenticity, I’d love to support you as a yoga teacher to grow your confidence, refine your teaching voice, and strengthen your presence in the yoga community or online market. You can reach me at [email protected]. It doesn’t matter where in the world you are, let’s connect and explore what’s possible together.
All my love,
If you've enjoyed reading this, you might also enjoy
How to get the most out of your online yoga
