In this guide, we've curated a list of the top 5 private yoga teachers in Memphis. Each instructor has been selected based on their expertise, qualifications, and commitment to providing personalized yoga instruction. Whether you're looking to deepen your practice, manage stress, or simply find a moment of peace in your day, these instructors offer something for everyone.
I am passionate about yoga and have been practicing for over 20 years. However, due to chronic back pain that started in my childhood, I often found myself struggling during group yoga classes. Even though I knew to "go at your own pace," I would unconsciously push myself to match the teacher’s speed or keep up with others, which often worsened my back issues. A few years ago, I discovered private yoga through an online teacher, and the experience was transformative—my back pain significantly improved. Since then, I have become a firm believer in the benefits of private yoga.
Private yoga allows for personalized attention and adjustments, which can greatly enhance the overall practice, especially for those dealing with physical limitations or looking for a more tailored experience. However, I noticed that the number of teachers offering private sessions is limited, and there’s a lack of comprehensive information on how to choose the right private yoga teacher.
This article aims to provide a useful guide for individuals seeking a private yoga teacher who suits their unique needs. I hope this resource helps you find the perfect teacher and experience the many benefits of private yoga.
To ensure that you're getting the best private yoga instruction in Memphis, we've used the following criteria to select these top 5 instructors:
Personal Website: Each instructor maintains a personal website, allowing easy access to information and booking.
Private Class Availability: All instructors offer private yoga sessions as part of their services. In addition,
we've scored each instructor on a variety of factors:
| Criterion | Points | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Teaching Experience | 15 points |
3 pt: Not mentioned or less than 4 years 5 pt: 5–9 years 10 pt: 10–14 years 15 pt: 15 or more years |
| Qualifications | 20 points |
5 pt: Not mentioned 10 pt: RYT 200 only 15 pt: E-RYT 200, RYT 500, or other qualifications 20 pt: E-RYT 500, Ashtanga Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, or Sivananda Yoga |
| Social Media Followers | 10 points |
3 pt: Not mentioned or fewer than 500 followers 5 pt: 500–999 followers 7 pt: 1,000–4,999 followers 10 pt: 5,000 or more followers |
| Comprehensive Private Yoga Offering & Focus | 15 points |
5 pt: Not mentioned 10 pt: Briefly mentioned 15 pt: Extensively mentioned |
| Availability | 15 points |
3 pt: No mention 5 pt: Mentions home visits or studio appointments 10 pt: Calendar with available time slots shown 15 pt: Calendar displayed with abundant time slots available |
| Price (60 min) | 25 points |
3 pt: No mention of pricing 5 pt: $150 or more 10 pt: $125–$149 15 pt: $100–$124 20 pt: $75–$99 25 pt: Less than $75 |
※Please note that these scores are subjective and meant to serve as a guide. Different individuals may prioritize different aspects when choosing an instructor.
Olivia Rokotnitz is the Founder and Co-owner of Delta Groove Yoga in Memphis and a highly experienced yoga instructor with over two decades of teaching experience. She holds an E-RYT 500 certification and is a YACEP, specializing in Kundalini Yoga, which she has been passionate about since the mid-1990s. Olivia is known for bringing the first Kundalini Yoga teacher training to Memphis in 2010, and since then, she has facilitated eleven Kundalini Teacher Trainings. Her teaching style is dynamic, playful, uplifting, and rooted in modern neuroscience, emphasizing the transformative power of meditation and mantra. In addition to Kundalini, Olivia is trained in a variety of yoga forms including Vinyasa, Hatha, Prana-Flow, and Tantra. She also holds certification as a Khalsa Way Prenatal Yoga Teacher and has studied with renowned teachers like Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa and Kirantana Khalsa.
Olivia Rokotnitz is ideal for students seeking a transformative yoga experience, particularly through Kundalini Yoga and meditation. Her private sessions are perfect for those looking to alter behavior patterns, manage emotional triggers, or deepen their understanding of meditation practices. Olivia’s passion for mantra-based meditation and her knowledge of neuropsychology make her well-suited for individuals seeking mental clarity and emotional balance. She is also a great choice for expectant mothers, as she specializes in Prenatal Yoga. Whether you’re new to yoga or looking for a deeper, more personalized experience, Olivia’s approach offers a dynamic blend of tradition and modern insight.
Visit Olivia Rokotnitz
Libby Campo, the founder of Your Inner Yogi, is a seasoned yoga teacher with over 12 years of experience. Introduced to Tantra yoga in 2007, she has since expanded her knowledge to include a wide range of practices such as Kemetic Yoga, Ashtanga Vinyasa, Yoga Nidra, Yin Yoga, Restorative Yoga, and Energy Work. A graduate of the Institute of Authentic Tantra, Libby also specializes in Tantra and natural healing. She combines her professional background in Organizational Leadership and Behavioral Sciences with her deep understanding of yoga to help others heal physically, mentally, and spiritually. As the owner of Memphis' first Black-owned yoga studio, she is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive space for individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. Libby's teaching encourages mindfulness, slowing down, and exploring personal growth both on and off the mat.
Libby Campo is ideal for individuals seeking a highly personalized and holistic approach to yoga. Her private sessions are perfect for students of all levels, from beginners looking to build confidence and establish a home practice, to advanced practitioners seeking to deepen their skills. Libby’s experience in Tantra, Yoga Therapy, and Energy Work makes her especially well-suited for those navigating life transitions, managing health concerns, or seeking emotional and physical healing. Her flexible scheduling options and ability to tailor sessions to individual needs ensure that each student receives the attention and support they require to meet their personal yoga goals.
Visit Libby Campo
Amy Hutcheson is a 200-hour Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (ERYT) with nearly 27 years of yoga practice and over 8 years of teaching experience. Her yoga philosophy emphasizes sustainability for both the body and mind, focusing on supporting each individual’s unique needs rather than achieving perfection in poses. Amy is passionate about guiding her students along their personal yoga paths, understanding that no two people’s practices will be the same. Her teaching style is adaptable, designed to meet students where they are, and she believes that yoga is for all body types, skill levels, and walks of life. Amy’s classes incorporate humor and a light-hearted approach, blending mindfulness with laughter to create a welcoming environment for everyone.
Amy is recommended for students seeking a practical, supportive approach to yoga that emphasizes body sustainability. Her private one-on-one sessions are ideal for beginners, those recovering from injury, or anyone looking for personalized guidance on their yoga journey. Amy’s philosophy of meeting students where they are makes her classes accessible to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners. Her experience with spinal fusion also gives her a unique perspective on alignment and body awareness, making her particularly well-suited for individuals with physical limitations or those seeking mindful, sustainable practices. Amy’s online and in-person classes are great options for anyone looking to connect with friends, family, or colleagues, regardless of location.
Visit Amy Hutcheson
Karen Moss, the founder and owner of Better Bodies Yoga, is a highly experienced yoga instructor with a strong background in fitness and therapeutic yoga. She holds both a 200-hour and 500-hour certification, along with additional advanced certifications in therapeutic yoga, demonstrating her deep commitment to the craft. Karen has been dedicated to yoga since 2000, using it as a tool for healing after the loss of her father. Over the years, she has developed expertise in therapeutic yoga, specializing in injury prevention and rehabilitation. Certified by the American Council on Exercise (ACE) and the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT), Karen’s compassionate teaching style focuses on helping individuals recovering from joint replacements, surgeries, cancer treatments, and chronic conditions like fibromyalgia and Parkinson’s Disease. Her extensive knowledge of anatomy, kinesiology, and therapeutic practices allows her to offer personalized care to those seeking both physical rehabilitation and mental healing.
Karen Moss is ideal for students looking for specialized, therapeutic yoga instruction, particularly those recovering from injuries or surgeries. Her private and group sessions are well-suited for individuals dealing with joint replacements, cancer recovery, or chronic health conditions such as COPD or brain damage. Karen’s rehabilitation classes, recommended by medical professionals, are perfect for those seeking both physical healing and emotional support. Additionally, her free Saturday yoga classes for individuals affected by cancer demonstrate her deep commitment to helping others through compassionate teaching. Karen’s unique focus on injury prevention and therapeutic healing makes her an excellent choice for anyone looking to rehabilitate their body or manage chronic conditions.
Visit Karen Moss
Shawandra Ford, founder of Brwnskn Yoga, is a certified yoga teacher for both children and adults, with extensive training from Yoga Alliance. A native of Memphis and Whitehaven, Shawandra’s teaching philosophy is rooted in compassion, empowerment, and the belief that yoga is accessible to everyone. She blends traditional yoga techniques with mindfulness and cultural appreciation, creating a unique and inclusive practice. Shawandra’s mission with Brwnskn Yoga goes beyond the physical practice—she is committed to promoting diversity, representation, and self-love in the wellness industry. Through her classes, workshops, and community events, she fosters a sense of belonging and acceptance, encouraging individuals to embrace their bodies and cultural heritage. As a passionate advocate for social justice and mental health awareness, Shawandra actively supports initiatives that promote equity within the yoga community and beyond.
Shawandra Ford is ideal for individuals seeking an inclusive and empowering yoga experience that combines traditional yoga techniques with cultural appreciation. Her private sessions are perfect for students of all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners, as well as those with therapeutic needs. Shawandra’s one-on-one sessions provide a personalized approach, allowing students to focus on specific goals and deepen their practice. Whether you're looking for mental and emotional healing or physical well-being, Shawandra’s compassionate and mindful teaching style makes her an excellent choice for those seeking both personal growth and a sense of community.
Visit Shawandra Ford
How did you find the list? I hope you've discovered the perfect yoga teacher to meet your needs. However, if you didn’t find a nearby teacher that suits you or if none of these options feel quite right, I encourage you to consider the next section on online private yoga as an alternative. While it may not fully replicate the experience of in-person sessions in-person experience, online private yoga offers the convenience of practicing from home anytime, along with the potential for cost savings. It's a great option worth considering.
One standout option for online private yoga is ONE OM ONE, an accessible platform offering affordable and high-quality personalized classes. For just $108 per month, you can access up to 30 personalized sessions—a fantastic deal for anyone looking to integrate yoga into their daily routine without breaking the bank. Supported by the largest yoga teacher training school in Japan and Malaysia, this platform guarantees top-notch instruction and reliable quality control.
Headquarters: Tokyo, San Diego
Number of Instructors: 20
Pricing: $58/month for weekly sessions
$98/month for twice-weekly sessions
Class Duration: 45 minutes
Best For: Those who prioritize having a wide range of instructor choices and prefer to customize their learning experience.
Visit ONE OM ONE
Private yoga offers a deeply personalized approach to enhancing your practice, whether you're working to alleviate physical discomfort, manage stress, or simply enjoy a more focused yoga experience. The teachers we've highlighted in this guide each bring a unique blend of expertise, passion, and flexibility to their teaching, making them excellent choices for students in San Diego who want to elevate their yoga journey. If you didn’t find the right teacher nearby or if your schedule demands greater flexibility, online private yoga options—like ONE OM ONE—are an excellent alternative. With personalized sessions from the comfort of your own home, you can still reap the benefits of one-on-one instruction without geographical or scheduling limitations. In any case, whether in-person or online, finding the right private yoga teacher can be a transformative experience. We hope this guide has helped you get one step closer to choosing the teacher that best suits your needs and goals. Start your journey today, and embrace the many rewards that personalized yoga can offer.
If you didn’t find the right teacher nearby or if your schedule demands greater flexibility, online private yoga options—like ONE OM ONE—are an excellent alternative. With personalized sessions from the comfort of your own home, you can still reap the benefits of one-on-one instruction without geographical or scheduling limitations.
In any case, whether in-person or online, finding the right private yoga teacher can be a transformative experience. We hope this guide has helped you get one step closer to choosing the teacher that best suits your needs and goals. Start your journey today, and embrace the many rewards that personalized yoga can offer.
Author: Hajime "Jimmy" Ito