Private Session Defined

Short Definition

A private session is one-on-one yoga instruction with a teacher, designed specifically for your needs, goals, and circumstances. Unlike group classes, everything—sequencing, pacing, cues—responds directly to you.

What Happens in a Private Session

Sessions typically begin with conversation. Your teacher wants to understand what brought you here—maybe an injury you're working around, a pose you've never quite figured out, or a desire to deepen your home practice. From there, they create a session responding to what you need.

You might work on fundamental alignment in poses you've done hundreds of times, suddenly understanding them differently. You might explore pranayama techniques that get rushed in group classes. You might simply move at a pace that lets you actually feel what's happening in your body.

When Private Sessions Help

• Working with injuries or conditions—modifications and adjustments tailored to your specific situation
• Building a home practice—learning sequences you can do independently
• Deepening specific skills—inversions, arm balances, backbends, or other areas needing focused attention
• Preparing for teacher training—strengthening weak areas before intensive study
• Absolute beginners—learning foundations before entering group classes
• Schedule constraints—when studio schedules don't match yours
• Privacy preferences—some people simply learn better without others watching

What to Expect

• Duration—typically 60-90 minutes, sometimes longer
• Cost—usually $75-200 per session depending on teacher experience and location
• Location—at the studio, in your home, or virtually
• Preparation—come ready to communicate openly about your body and goals

Finding the Right Teacher

Not every excellent group teacher excels at privates, and vice versa. Look for teachers with experience in your specific interests—whether that's therapeutics, advanced asana, meditation, or something else. Many offer brief consultations to determine fit before committing.