Home Special Report Choosing a yoga instructor with helpful BBB tips

Choosing a yoga instructor with helpful BBB tips

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DAYTON — About two billion people worldwide do yoga each year. Yoga can help with flexibility, stress relief and fitness. But, before you choose a yoga instructor, Better Business Bureau offers tips to help you find a trustworthy one.

Yoga is a Hindu spiritual and ascetic discipline, which includes breath control, simple meditation and the adoption of specific body postures. Yoga is for those seeking better health and relaxation.

Each year, yoga has gained popularity. The number of yoga practitioners in the US has increased to over 36 million in 2016, up from 20.4 million in 2012. Also, 28 percent of all Americans have participated in a yoga class at some point in their lives. Over the last year, BBB recorded more than 14,000 inquiries across the U.S. and Canada about yoga instructors.

BBB offers tips for finding a reputable yoga instructor:

— Get recommendations from friends, family and your family doctor. If they’re pleased with a yoga instructor they’ve used, most likely you’ll be too.

— Ask for references and call them.

— Consider a company’s reputation and years of service.

— Determine the type of yoga class/instructor that fits your needs.

— Consider a yoga class which is convenient for you. If it’s not close, it makes it easier to skip.

— Visit several yoga businesses. Take time to interview the instructor. Is he or she friendly or courteous and are you comfortable talking with him or her.

— Make sure the yoga practice is clean.

— Ask about classes. For instance, do they offer beginners classes and inquire about how often a class should be taken. Consider investing in private or semi-private lessons.

— Inquire about instructor’s credentials. For example, ask where he or she went to school and find out if he or she continues to get education.

— Find out if the yoga instructor is a member of any associations like the American Yoga Association or The International Association of Yoga Therapist. These associations can help you find local yoga instructors and helps them stay on top of the latest trends.

— Ask about costs and get them in writing. Find out which services are included or cost extra.

— Ask questions. Don’t be afraid to inquire about something you don’t understand.

Xenia Daily Gazette

Story courtesy of the Better Business Bureau. Remember, you can always contact your BBB for a list of BBB Accredited yoga instructors and Business Profiles on ones you’re considering. Visit www.bbb.org or call 937-222-5825 or 800-776-5301.