What Do People Look For in Yoga Teachers?

This is one of the most important and misunderstood questions for anyone considering yoga teacher training.

Most aspiring teachers assume people are looking for:

• Advanced poses

• Extreme flexibility

• A certain “look” or aesthetic

• A big social media following

In reality, those factors rank very low for the people actually showing up to class.

Here’s what students truly look for in yoga teachers, and what consistently leads to full classes, repeat clients, and long-term trust.

People look for yoga teachers who make them feel:

• Safe

• Seen

• Supported

• Capable in their own bodies

Skill matters, but presence, clarity, and integrity matter more.

Clear, Confident Communication

The number one reason students stop attending classes is not lack of flexibility or difficulty, it’s confusion.

Students want teachers who:

• Explain poses clearly

• Use accessible language

• Give concise, calm cues

• Don’t overtalk or under-explain

At LRW, graduates are consistently praised for:

• Clean cueing

• Thoughtful sequencing

• The ability to guide beginners without overwhelm

Clear communication builds immediate trust.

Safety and Trustworthiness

Most students are carrying something, injuries, stress, chronic pain, or fear of doing something wrong.

People look for teachers who:

• Offer modifications without judgment

• Respect physical and emotional boundaries

• Understand injuries and contraindications

• Don’t push students beyond their limits

This is especially critical in:

• Military communities

• Trauma-impacted populations

• Aging bodies

• Beginner-heavy classes

At LRW, safety is not optional, it’s foundational.

Emotional Presence (Not Performance)

Students can tell when a teacher is:

• Grounded

• Attentive

• Fully present

They can also tell when a teacher is:

• Performing

• Distracted

• Teaching at the room instead of with it

People look for teachers who:

• Hold space calmly

• Read the room

• Respond rather than recite

• Teach with sincerity

This is why some of the most effective teachers are not the flashiest.

Inclusivity and Relatability

Most yoga students do not look like yoga marketing.

They are:

• Working parents

• Military spouses

• Older adults

• Beginners

• Former High School Cheerleaders

• People in larger or less flexible bodies

• People returning to movement after a long break

They look for teachers who:

• Don’t assume experience

• Normalize rest and modification

• Use inclusive language

• Teach to humans, not ideals

"LRW teachers are often described as “approachable” and “real” and that is a strength." - 200hr YTT Graduate, May 2025 Cohort

Consistency and Professionalism

People want teachers who:

• Show up on time

• Teach reliably

• Maintain clear boundaries

• Act professionally

You do not need to be perfect. You do need to be dependable.

This is one of the biggest factors in:

• Studio retention

• Client referrals

• Nonprofit and military partnerships

Authenticity Over Image

Contrary to popular belief, students are not looking for teachers who:

• Look a certain way

• Teach the hardest classes

• Have the biggest following

They are looking for teachers who:

• Teach from lived experience

• Speak honestly

• Stay within scope

• Continue learning

At LRW, we emphasize integrity over branding, because authenticity lasts longer than trends.

What People Are Not Prioritizing

Let’s be explicit.

Most students are not choosing teachers based on:

• Extreme flexibility

• Handstands or arm balances

• Trendy playlists

• Spiritual jargon

• Social media popularity

Those things may attract attention, but they do not build loyalty.

LRW Perspective: Why This Matters for New Teachers

One of the most empowering realizations for LRW students is this:

“People are not coming to be impressed. They’re coming to feel better.”

That understanding:

• Relieves pressure

• Builds confidence

• Creates better teachers

• Leads to sustainable careers

Especially for military spouses and career-transitioning adults, this reframes teaching as service, not performance.

People look for yoga teachers who:

• Make them feel safe in their bodies

• Explain things clearly

• Respect their limits

• Show up consistently

• Teach with integrity

If you can do those things, you are already aligned with what students want most.

Everything else is secondary.