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 Seattle, we've used the following criteria to select these top 7 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.
Richard Schachtel is a highly experienced Iyengar Yoga teacher with over 42 years of practice. As Seattle's most senior Iyengar Yoga instructor, he has trained extensively in India with renowned masters, including B.K.S. Iyengar and Geeta S. Iyengar, more than 23 times. Richard is known for his precision-focused approach, emphasizing flexibility, strength, and concentration. His teaching incorporates therapeutic yoga, making it suitable for students with injuries or medical conditions. Richard offers a balanced mix of relaxation, stamina-building techniques, and breathwork, drawing from his extensive background in yoga postures.
Richard is ideal for students looking for a therapeutic yoga approach, particularly those managing injuries or health conditions. His expertise in Iyengar Yoga makes him perfect for practitioners seeking to improve alignment, flexibility, and strength through individualized guidance. His private yoga sessions are available both in-person at The Center for Yoga of Seattle and online, tailored to safely support students at any level, from beginners to advanced.
Visit Richard Schachtel
Nicole is a compassionate and thoughtful yoga instructor who specializes in restorative and gentle yoga practices. With over a decade of teaching experience and a background in physical therapy, Feldenkrais, and therapeutic yoga, she emphasizes the importance of slowing down and achieving balance. Her approach fosters a warm, supportive environment where students can explore movement and breathwork at their own pace. Nicole’s tailored, holistic practice promotes physical, mental, and emotional well-being, meeting students exactly where they are in their yoga journey.
Nicole is perfect for individuals seeking a slower, more mindful approach to yoga, especially those easing into their practice or recovering from stress and physical strain. Her experience with clients of all levels, including those navigating life transitions or injury recovery, makes her an excellent guide for building strength, flexibility, and self-awareness. Whether you want to deepen your practice, explore modifications, or develop a personalized home routine, Nicole’s one-on-one sessions offer a nurturing space for self-discovery and healing.
Visit Nicole Bratt
Laura is a compassionate and experienced yoga therapist with over 30 years of practice, specializing in the Viniyoga tradition. With a strong background in sports medicine, end-of-life care, and Buddhist meditation, she offers a holistic approach to yoga. Laura’s sessions focus on mindful movement, breath awareness, and meditation, guiding students to experience inner calm and physical well-being. Her personalized and nurturing teaching style helps students move with ease, open their hearts, and quiet their minds, making yoga accessible to all levels, abilities, and life stages.
Laura is perfect for those seeking a deeply personalized yoga experience with a teacher who has decades of expertise. Her strengths in yoga therapy, mindfulness, and holistic care make her an ideal choice for individuals recovering from injury, managing stress, or exploring spiritual growth. Laura’s compassionate guidance is particularly suited for those navigating life's transitions, including aging and end-of-life care. Her comprehensive knowledge ensures a practice that is not only physically supportive but also deeply transformative, addressing the needs of the body, heart, and mind.
Visit Laura Yon
Nancy is a Seattle-based yoga instructor with over 20 years of practice and 12 years of teaching experience. As a 500-hour E-RYT, she teaches with intention, humor, and an open heart. Her classes focus on balancing stability and fluidity while emphasizing alignment and the eight limbs of yoga. Nancy's teaching style is described as nourishing and insightful, helping students cultivate self-love and awareness on and off the mat. She draws from her extensive training in various yoga disciplines, including ISHTA Yoga, Yin Yoga, Ayurveda, and restorative practices.
Nancy is perfect for students looking for a nurturing and holistic yoga experience, whether they are beginners, recovering from injury, or aiming to deepen their practice. Her private yoga sessions are tailored to individual goals, offering a supportive environment for growth and self-exploration. Students seeking a mindful and compassionate approach that fosters self-awareness and inner peace will find her instruction both grounding and inspiring. Additionally, newly certified yoga teachers or those looking to refine their skills can benefit from her expert mentorship and guidance.
Visit Nancy Lea
Meagan is a skilled yoga instructor and the founder of Sugarcane Yoga, offering a unique blend of yoga, mobility, and self-care practices. Her transition from chef to yoga teacher was driven by her personal experiences with chronic stress and pain, giving her a deep empathy for her students' needs. Meagan’s extensive training with Yoga Medicine provides her with an in-depth knowledge of anatomy and injury management, allowing her to adapt poses for therapeutic benefits. Her classes focus on building a strong foundation and developing movement skills suitable for every stage of life, promoting resilience and optimal health.
Meagan is ideal for individuals seeking a yoga practice tailored to address chronic pain, stress, or the desire for improved movement patterns. Her expertise in working with injuries, older bodies, and those wanting to build a sustainable personal practice makes her an excellent guide. If you're looking for a customized, holistic approach that evolves with your needs, Meagan's private sessions help you move through life with less pain and more confidence. Her compassionate, adaptable style ensures each session provides exactly what your body and mind need to thrive.
Visit Meagan Lass
Marna is a compassionate yoga instructor who empowers her students to fully embrace their bodies and lives. With over a decade of experience, her teaching style focuses on building strength, mobility, flexibility, and incorporating breathwork to support graceful aging and optimal health. Marna’s nurturing and inclusive approach customizes each session based on lifestyle, body type, and personal goals. Her vibrant spirit and commitment to creating a positive and enjoyable practice make every session an inspiring journey toward overall well-being.
Marna is perfect for women seeking a supportive and empowering yoga practice, especially those in the middle stages of life. Her extensive experience with gentle, chair, somatic, and therapeutic yoga styles makes her an ideal guide for beginners, those recovering from injuries, or anyone looking to deepen their practice. With a warm and joyful demeanor, she welcomes clients of all ages, offering a safe space to explore yoga and reconnect with their inner strength and vitality.
Visit Marna McNaughton
Greg is a highly skilled and versatile wellness practitioner with expertise in acupuncture, massage, and yoga. Holding certifications in Sports Medicine Acupuncture and Yoga Therapy, he offers a comprehensive, holistic approach to health and wellness. Greg's teaching style blends Western anatomy and movement with Eastern philosophy, creating a safe yet challenging alignment-focused Hatha yoga practice. His empathetic approach ensures that each session is tailored to his clients' unique needs, helping them refine their practice, improve their health, and connect with their bodies on a deeper level.
Greg is ideal for individuals seeking a personalized wellness experience that integrates yoga, acupuncture, and massage. His extensive knowledge of both Western and Eastern healing practices makes him an excellent guide for those dealing with physical injuries, chronic conditions, or looking to supplement their fitness routines. Whether your goal is to alleviate stress, enhance mobility, or develop a sustainable personal practice, Greg provides compassionate support, guiding you toward improved health and overall wellness.
Visit Greg Lewerenz
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 OM ONE is an online yoga private platform, which offers a competitive pricing. With a monthly pass, you can take up to 30 classes for $108. Despite the low cost, the teachers are highly experienced, supported by a company that runs the largest yoga teacher training school in Japan and Malaysia. This ensures a robust supply of quality teachers and solid 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
Visit ONE OM ONE
While group yoga classes are widely popular, the traditional method of private yoga offers unmatched personalized benefits. Despite its niche status, private yoga can significantly enhance your practice. Online private yoga provides a cost-effective, flexible alternative to in-person sessions. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned yogi, exploring these platforms could transform your yoga journey.
Author Bio: Hajime "Jimmy" Ito
