There is a Samskrith saying – “sarvathra athi varjayeth” – which means “excess of anything should be avoided.” This is especially true for yoga instructors.

There are many styles of yoga instruction. Some may use props, others may use hands-on corrections, yet others may stick to verbal cues and visual demonstrations alone. In any case, too much of assistance from instructor is not a good idea as it stands in the way of students’ self evolvement.

Too much hands-on corrections, and the students loses the chance to explore the movements and learn by themselves. No adjustments at all, and the students will lose motivation in striving, as they may find it very time consuming and difficult to come to the right posture.

Similarly, too many postures will make learning very confusing and complicated. The students also loses the chance to push themselves, to strive for something difficult, and enjoy and feel good about themselves when they achieve their goal of arriving or maintaining the posture.

A right mix of verbal cues, visual demonstrations, hands-on corrections and use of props is the key here.

The hands-on help should be provided to loosen the stiff muscles and joints that makes self-progress difficult. Tasks like reaching for the leg, intensifying the twist, etc. should be left to the student to strive and achieve. This is because, in this process, the students get an opportunity to deal with his emotions head-on. They learn patience, perseverance, resilience, and a lot many other attributes which they may not learn if they are assisted throughout to reach the final posture.

Similarly, rather than providing prop tips in all instances, the students should be encouraged to explore areas where they need prop help. This way, you are giving an opportunity to them to look inwards, be mindful, and think in creative ways. However, this approach may not be suitable while you are dealing with a student with severe movement restriction or chronic pain. In such cases, generous help by the instructor/therapist is indispensable.