How to Find a Teacher That's Right for You There is a yoga practice appropriate for every body.  However, not every yoga is appropriate for every body.  Here are some things to consider when looking for a yoga teacher, classes or private lessons.   Yoga Teacher Minimum Qualifications Completed basic level yoga teacher certification Yoga Alliance 200 hour registered yoga teacher (RYT) Yoga Alliance 500 hour RYT preferred Strong background in all aspects of yoga including the use of props Minimum of 5 years teaching experience with diverse student populations Additional training in adaptive / therapeutic yoga techniques Knowledge of MS including primary and secondary symptoms and tertiary effects Experience teaching yoga to diverse student populations that require an adaptive approach (seniors, rehab, disabilities) Ability to modify and adapt poses for individual student needs Inclusion - ability to work with multiple physical abilities and challenges in the same class Acute observation skills with the ability to recognize stress and respond appropriately to avoid injury. Interview the teacher Qualifications Training What style of yoga?  Not all are appropriate for students who have MS such as: Hot yoga Styles that include long posture holdings that put pressure on joints Vigorous styles Teaching philosophy Experience Ability to adapt to change Personality Student / teacher relationship Boundaries Personal assists Confidentiality Safety Private lessons or group classes consideration: Is there a class that meets your needs and availability? Time and location Accessibility Transportation Your energy needs Class level: Chair? Seated only or seated and standing Standing poses: Are you able to stand without assistance? Can you stand with assistance (chair, table, counter?) Mat? Considerations for floor poses: Are you able to get up from the floor once you are down? Do you have problems with knees, wrists or hips that make floor poses uncomfortable? Floor poses may include sitting on the floor, kneeling on hands and knees, standing (with or without a chair for support), lying on the belly and lying on the back. All of these positions can include modifications that make poses more accessible.  Substitute poses can also be offered for students who can do most but not all of the positions. Certain props can make many of these poses more accessible.