As a yoga teacher, one of the most important skills to refine is how you guide your students into safe and effective alignment. Some students respond well to verbal cues, while others benefit more from hands-on adjustments. But when should you use each approach, and how can you ensure you’re offering the best support possible? This blog will explore the benefits, challenges, and best practices for both verbal cues and hands-on assists to help you make informed choices in your teaching.

The Power of Verbal Cues Verbal cues are an essential part of teaching yoga. A well-crafted verbal cue can help students connect with their bodies, refine their alignment, and deepen their practice without physical contact.

Benefits of Verbal Cues:

• They allow students to develop body awareness and self-adjust.
• They are essential for maintaining trauma-sensitive and consent-based spaces.
• They work well in large classes where hands-on adjustments may not be feasible.
• They allow teachers to give cues while keeping an eye on the entire room.

Challenges of Verbal Cues:

• Some students may not understand what you mean without a visual or kinesthetic reference.
• Poorly phrased or overly complicated cues can lead to confusion.
• Students with language barriers or hearing impairments may struggle with verbal-only instruction.

Tips for Effective Verbal Cues:

• Use simple and direct language (e.g., “Press down through your big toe” instead of “Activate your foot foundation”).
• Layer your cues – start with foundational alignment before refining details.
• Use imagery – metaphors like “imagine a string pulling you up” can enhance understanding.
• Pair verbal cues with demonstrations for added clarity.

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The Role of Hands-On Adjustments Hands-on assists can be powerful tools when used appropriately and with consent. They offer students kinesthetic feedback, helping them feel a pose more deeply or correct misalignments.

Benefits of Hands-On Adjustments:

• They provide immediate feedback on alignment and muscle engagement.
• They can help students feel a deeper expression of a pose.
• They can offer support in balancing or restorative postures.
• They help students who are more tactile learners.

Challenges of Hands-On Adjustments:

• Some students may feel uncomfortable with touch, even with consent.
• Teachers must be mindful of personal boundaries, trauma history, and injuries.
• Poorly executed assists can lead to injury or unintentional forceful adjustments.

Best Practices for Hands-On Assists:

• Always ask for consent. Offer a verbal or physical cue like a consent card before touching.
• Use hands as guidance, not force. A light touch is often more effective than a strong push.
• Be mindful of pressure and body positioning. Ensure you’re stable and not transferring excessive weight onto the student.
• Match adjustments to the student’s needs. Not all students require deep adjustments; sometimes, a stabilizing touch is enough.

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Finding the Balance: When to Use Verbal vs. Hands-On Adjustments Every student is different, and your approach should be adaptable. Here’s when each technique is most effective:

• Use verbal cues when:
  
  • You’re teaching a large class where touch isn’t feasible.
  • A student prefers not to be touched.
  • The cue is easily understood and doesn’t require kinesthetic feedback.
• Use hands-on adjustments when:
  
  • A student is struggling to find proper alignment despite verbal cues.
  • You have received clear consent to touch.
  • You can offer gentle, supportive guidance rather than forceful corrections.

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Conclusion: A Thoughtful & Student-Centered Approach There is no one-size-fits-all answer to whether verbal cues or hands-on adjustments are better—both have their place in yoga teaching. The key is to develop a keen awareness of your students’ needs, communicate clearly, and always prioritize consent, safety, and empowerment in your teaching.Join Us for the Adjustment & Assists Workshop! Want to refine your hands-on assisting skills in a safe, ethical, and supportive way? Join us at the Adjustment & Assists Workshop at the end of March to deepen your understanding and gain hands-on experience! Sign Up Here!