Archive for December, 2008

Five Reasons why an Online Yoga Teacher Certification Course may be Right for You

Wednesday, December 24th, 2008

yoga teacher certificationBy Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

There are many reasons why an instructor or intern would take a Yoga teacher training course online, or through correspondence. The following is a short list of reasons why established teachers and potential interns would consider online, or correspondence, Yoga teacher training programs.

1. Yoga instructors need non-contact continuing education units (CEUs) for existing Yoga teacher credentials. Continuing education is part of their re-certification requirements. CEUs keep educators up-to-date with the many changes in sports medicine and information about teaching students who have special needs.

2. Some interns take continuing education courses for their primary field, but are allowed elective credits for a related field, such as Yoga. These Yoga teacher interns often work in fields, such as medicine, Ayurveda, fitness, physical education, physical therapy, psychology, or social work. In this case, some of them are applying Yoga education toward their CEU requirements in their primary fields.

3. If one lives in a remote location, such as an island or a rural area, there may be no on-site Yoga intensive training near your home. In such cases, your intensive training may be precious, and well spent time, but the journey to your destination may create other hardships, with respect to extra expense and time away from obligations.

4. When we think of obligations, we might consider relationships, children, a spouse, or a job, which falls into this category. When considering Yoga training, some potential interns throw their hands into the air and exclaim, “I’m just too busy!”

This is a simplified response to overwhelming responsibilities. It is likely, that we enjoy our family, friendships, and our daily work, but a requirement of four weekly intensives, or more, per year, may be a stretch for most of us. Correspondence courses are self-paced, which means you fit your schooling into your scheduled time.

5. Affordability may be the most logical reason of all for joining a distance learning program for Yoga teachers. Each correspondence course is designed to guide you toward specific aspects of Yoga. Yet, spending all of your savings, or taking out a loan for your education, may not be necessary.

Online and correspondence courses usually cost a small fraction of a face-to-face training. On average, distance learning for Yoga teachers, costs only 5% to 20% of the cost of an onsite course. The cost of travel, housing, meals, hidden fees, books, educational materials, lost wages, and shutting your Yoga studio down for four weeks, can add up.

When considering your Yoga education, you should weigh up all of the factors and choose the option which best suits your needs. Each of us lives in a different set of circumstances. Yoga correspondence courses allow you to enjoy your life as it is, right now, and expand your knowledge in the best possible way.

© Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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Online Yoga Teacher Training
FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter. FREE Yoga Videos.
Free Podcasts. Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”
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On-Site Yoga Training: http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com
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FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles) – Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul
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Questions about Yoga Teacher Certification Through Correspondence Courses

Tuesday, December 23rd, 2008

DhanurasanaBy Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Have you ever been curious or skeptical about how correspondence courses, for Yoga teachers, work? Below is a question and answer session about educating Yoga instructors through distance learning. These courses are online, or correspondence programs, designed for the education of new, or established, Yoga teachers.

Q: It’s hard to believe that someone can be certified as a Yoga teacher without face-to-face contact. How does a correspondence course for Yoga instructors compensate for personal contact?

A: Technology, in the form of streaming video, via Internet and DVDs, has changed the face of education and training in every field. Correspondence courses traditionally entailed learning by reading, and maybe sending a few photos of postures, but video has made learning and testing much easier – especially when you add telephone, or Email contact.

Many graduates of correspondence courses are already certified or registered Yoga teachers, but they need Continuing Education Credits for re-certification from the registries or their original certifier. Therefore, Yoga certification organizations provide continuing education for Yoga teachers, and the world’s Yoga registries approve of non-contact continuing education units (CEUs).

Q: What kind of testing requirements do Yoga teacher graduates go through?

A: The examinations process is the same as most on-site Yoga teacher training courses. There will be written exams, but you will retain more information from essay-style written examinations. Multiple choice and true or false examinations do not require a Yoga teacher intern to do in-depth thinking and research.

There may be essays, research, and a synopsis or two. The highlight of the testing process is the practical exam video, which may be 50% of the entire grade. The video may require you to demonstrate, assist, adjust, and explain, pranayama (Yogic breathing), relaxation, asana (Yoga posture), and meditation techniques.

Depending on the practical exam requirements, there may be other techniques to demonstrate, and explain, such as: Mudras (gestures, usually performed with the hands), bandhas (locks), or something else.

Q: Is knowledge of all the aspects of classical Hatha Yoga required?

A: A well-rounded distance learning Hatha Yoga course should contain educational materials about the following aspects: Anatomy, Physiology, Kinesiology, Asanas, Modifications, Yoga philosophy, Yoga teaching methodology, Adjusting posture (asana) alignment, Chakras, Bandhas, Mudras, Yamas, Niyamas, Pranayama, Meditation and Relaxation, Working with special populations, Yoga Teaching Tips, and Yoga Teacher Ethics.

Granted, some Yoga distance learning courses have less material to learn, but the very first level 1 course should contain at least 200 hours worth of material, to set a solid foundation of knowledge. In fact, a level 1 Yoga certification course is often considered a foundational course, which opens the path toward constructive continuing education for life.

© Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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Yoga Teacher Training by Correspondence
FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter. FREE Yoga Videos.
Free Podcasts. Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”
——————————————–
On-Site Yoga Training: http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com
——————————————–
FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles) – Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul
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Teaching Hatha Yoga – What to do with the Competitive Student

Tuesday, December 16th, 2008

Headstand Pose - Salamba SirsasanaBy Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Have you ever wanted to stimulate your competition-minded students, but, at the same time, were concerned about safety precautions? Here is an example of a way to design lesson plans for new Yoga students with limited range of motion, but who thirst for a challenge.

Q: Recently, I started teaching another Yoga class. The students are regular ‘gym people’. These Yoga students are quite strong, but not so flexible. So I’m trying to structure the class to focus more on improving flexibility. But even the ‘routine’ asanas are a challenge to them. Please comment.

The other thing is – they are of the opinion that yoga is just another ‘sport’. But I want them to know that there is more to yoga than the physical discipline. But I suspect that they’ll balk if I go into explaining yoga philosophy. Also, they may consider that as a ‘waste’ of good ‘workout time’.

A: Having taught students, with competitive mindsets and limited range of motion, at the same time, it has been my experience that exposing them to philosophy has its natural born limits. Some students see only the physical challenge of Hatha Yoga.

The adventure of a challenge, and the glory of a conquest, is their priority. However, you could structure a program, which gives them gradual and safe challenges. One suggestion that comes to mind is a Vinyasa class. With each repetition of a sequence, their range of motion will improve.

Firstly, demonstrate all or part of a new Vinyasa sequence, so your students have a visual interpretation within their minds. You could start your sequencing with slow deliberate movements – with emphasis on form. As the class continues, you could gradually, and safely, increase the speed by requiring less time for your students to hold the postures, but still mention the importance of good form and proper alignment.

You could also roam the class, and make adjustments as needed. Let the class flow, stop them in a posture that needs adjusting for 20 to 30 seconds, and make a few adjustments, then roam to another corner of the room and do the same. Remind your students that holding a Yoga asana for longer than 20 seconds challenges their strength.

It will not be long before your students see and feel the value of a continued practice. Their interests will likely evolve into different aspects of Yoga, with steady practice, because they have learned to respect it as more than an exercise class.

© Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

——————————————–
Yoga Teacher Certification
FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter. FREE Yoga Videos.
Free Podcasts. Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”
——————————————–
On-Site Yoga Training: http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com
——————————————–
FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles) – Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul
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Posted in Hatha Yoga Safety, yoga for athletes articles, Yoga Teacher Issues, Yoga Teacher Training | 1 Comment »

Teaching Hatha Yoga: Explaining the Benefits of Relaxation

Sunday, December 14th, 2008

vajrasanaaBy Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Among the many benefits of Hatha Yoga practice is enjoying a state of relaxation. If you have been practicing Yoga for a while, you might think this is a “no brainer.” Yet, you cannot expect someone who has never practiced Yoga before, to automatically know the benefits.

Relaxation, reduced stress, and being able to manage body weight are attractive reasons to begin and maintain a consistent Yoga practice. However, let’s take a closer look at the benefits of relaxation.

When you think about relaxation, what picture do you see in your mind? Most people would envision a vacation, when thinking about a state of relaxation. When should you take a vacation? Most people have created a vacation deficit and devote their lives to their career.

I have attended enough funerals and wakes to hear more than one widow state, “We were planning a dream vacation next year.” This is a sad state of affairs, when married couples do not spend quality time on vacation, but will work “their fingers to the bone” at multiple jobs.

Why do people want to go on vacation? The reason people want a vacation is to relax the mind and see new sites. Yoga teachers cannot promise you will see new sites in their studios, but you can be guaranteed to feel better than when you initially entered your class.

Yoga classes help students to lower their stress levels, and they are much more affordable than a vacation. Therefore, Yoga increases the quality of life, until you are in a better position to take time off from work, and enjoy a dream vacation.

© Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter. FREE Yoga Videos.
Free Podcasts. Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”
——————————————–
Yoga Certification
——————————————–
FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles) – Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul
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Questions About Yoga Teacher Distance Learning

Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008

Half Moon PoseBy Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Below is a long answer to a short question, which we receive quite often.

Q: I just found a Hatha Yoga teacher training course for $19.95 in US Dollars. I’m doing a price comparison. Can you tell me what the difference is in courses and course prices? Also, how fast is the turn-around time?

A: If you are price shopping for the cheapest, quickest, and fastest Hatha Yoga certification, it might seem that the course for $19.95 is a good deal, but do you think student safety is important? The reason I ask is, for $19.95, it is doubtful that anyone is correcting your work.

Carefully correcting your work, and sending you a critique, are important components of the learning process. Some things to think about, when considering distance learning, are the intangible values. Below is a list of aspects that many Yoga teacher interns should consider when signing up for a Yoga teacher correspondence course.

1. Who is the teacher trainer? For example: Is the Yoga instructor training program directed by a Yoga teacher? Is the Yoga teacher, in question, qualified to teach Yoga instructors and interns?

Please be sure that you study with an organization that specializes in developing Yoga teachers. If the same organization creates certifications for computer languages, and gun smiths, it may not be in your best interest to sign up.

2. Are you receiving Unlimited Tutoring? This point is missed very often. Some programs have unlimited tutoring, some have limited tutoring, and some have none at all. Tutoring is important when you have a question. Make sure you will receive tutoring by Email, at the very least.

3. How many hours of study are required? If a Yoga teacher course is less than 200 hours, take the next level as well. It is in your best interest to safely teach Yoga classes with knowledge and competence. Safe teachers make all of us look good. On the other hand, unsafe teachers put everyone at risk.

4. If exams take a while to be graded, you know the testing organization is backlogged with exams. This means they actually review and grade your work. Although everyone wants a quick turn-around, for everything, it must be realized that marking and grading do not happen in the blink of an eye.

It’s always good to receive questions. This benefits all of our readers. If you ever have a question, please feel free to contact us.

Namaste,

Paul

© Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

——————————————–
Yoga Teacher Training
FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter. FREE Yoga Videos.
Free Podcasts. Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”
——————————————–
On-Site Yoga Training: http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com
——————————————–
FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles) – Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul
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Posted in Yoga Teacher Issues, Yoga Teacher Training | No Comments »

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