As we know, yoga is for everyone; there are no rules that say you can’t practice yoga, because yoga isn’t just about practicing asanas, sweating in class, or mastering advanced poses. It’s much more – it can be meditation, walking, nourishing the body, practicing self-love, spending time with yourself, with friends and family, reading, studying, and so much more.
On the other hand, everyone who comes to a yoga class has their own unique needs and challenges – students with different body types, shapes, conditions, and issues. As a yoga teacher, we want to create space where students feel comfortable, and supported, and we want to bring the same experience for everyone. How can we make our classes accessible to all? How can we ensure our classes are welcoming and beneficial for everyone, no matter their body type, experience, age, or fitness level?
1: Understanding Different Body Types In Yoga
As a yoga teacher is important to understand different types of body that help you make your class special and enjoyable for everyone. Studying anatomy and observing your students can help you with your teaching skills. Why? Because anatomy helps you understand how the body works, and by observing your students, you can offer the right guidance and modifications.
Each student has a different type of body – some may find balancing poses harder, while others may need more time to stretch tight muscles. Knowing these differences helps us guide students in a way that suits their bodies rather than forcing them into one standard pose.
We recommend starting with fundamental knowledge in our 200-hour yoga teacher training, where we explore anatomy, asana clinics, and modifications to help teachers understand different body types and teach with confidence.
2: Using Props As A Great Helper In Yoga Class
Props can be a great way to make yoga classes accessible to everyone. Blocks, straps, bolsters, and blankets provide support and stability, allowing students to experience each pose correctly. For example, a yoga block in a low lunge can help with balance, while a strap allows for a deeper stretch without forcing the movement.
Props enhance practice and create space for comfort, allowing students to find the version of each pose that works best for them. Using props helps students feel confident and supported in their practice, and as a yoga teacher, offering modifications and props makes your class more inclusive.
3: Common Physical Conditions and Yoga Modifications
Many students come to yoga classes with physical issues, injuries, or chronic pain. Teaching with awareness of common conditions – like back pain, knee problems, or limited mobility – allows us to offer modifications that keep students safe and supported.
As we’ve mentioned, yoga props can be very beneficial for everyone. It’s also important to provide your student with multiple types of modifications, where the best version may be to start from an easier pose to a challenging one – give them more options and give them the freedom to experiment and challenge their body based on how they feel and their condition.
For example: bending your knees in a Forward Fold (Uttanasana) or Downward Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana), or using a blanket under your knees when they are tender. Learning with an open mind and providing options helps make yoga beneficial for everyone.
4: Building Confidence and Creating A Welcoming Space
Every yoga class should be a space where students feel welcome and supported. Sometimes it can be as simple as using students’ names, offering different variations, and reminding them that yoga is for everyone.
Once students feel comfortable, they will return and begin to build trust with their teacher and their practice. Some people, especially beginners, may feel uncomfortable or nervous in class because they think they are not this ‘perfect-looking yogi’.
As teachers, we have a responsibility to change that feeling by creating a non-judgmental, beautiful, and safe place. We reminded our students that progress can come in any way of practice – not just by advancing asanas, but also by connecting with the breath, improving balance, or simply shoving up. Yoga is not a performance; it is a personal journey, and we are here to support each student on their journey.
5. Mindful and Supportive Cueing
Cuing in yoga classes can be truly beneficial for our students and can enhance their experience. Everyone comes to the mat with their own body, background, and emotions, so it’s important to use language that makes them feel safe and involved.
Using gentle, inviting cues like, “If you feel good, you can try this or that, or asking them to observe their body, how they feel today, where they feel the tension in their body,…” – also gives students the freedom to explore without pressure. Try different variations of cueing language and remember the words that will make our students comfortable and visible in practice. Maybe instead of saying, “Put your hands on the floor,” try to say, “You can put your hands on the floor or use blocks for support.” Simple and small changes like this allow students to listen to their bodies and choose what works best for them.
Final Thoughts
Every student who steps onto the mat is unique, and as yoga teachers, we have the opportunity to make yoga accessible, safe, and empowering for all. By understanding different body types, using mindful cueing, and offering thoughtful modifications, we create a space where everyone feels welcome. When you are already a yoga teacher and would like to improve your skills we would like to invite you to our 300-hour Yoga Teacher Training in November, where you can deepen your practice, teaching skills and learn more about How to Teach Yoga for Different Body Types.