By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500
Quite often, people, who are interested in teaching Yoga, want to know what the right course is for them. The following question and answer session refers to questions about our Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Course.
Q: As I was reading your “So You Want to Teach Yoga” book, a couple of questions occurred to me. It was implied that Power Yoga applies to people from the ages of 20 to 30. What I had in mind is to teach to a middle-aged group as well – would that be possible?
A: Yes, it is possible to have classes full of middle-aged students practicing Vinyasa, Power, or Ashtanga Yoga. However, I rarely see large populations of students, in my age group, in the New England region of the US, who stay with Vinyasa Yoga training for long. I am sure it is different in the big cities, such as Boston, but I did not see large numbers of middle-aged Vinyasa students in Providence, either.
There are also some cultural differences within the same country. For example: It is different in California, where more middle-aged students are physically active.
That being said – some parts of the country are more or less physically active than others. Yet, we all incur some injuries over a lifetime, which can slow one’s physical Yoga practice. Some of those injuries may be due to trauma, work, sports activities, or normal wear-and-tear on the joints.
Q: What if I choose the less strenuous asanas when older people participate in my Vinyasa Yoga class?
A: Some of your students will be able to keep up with your Vinyasa flows, regardless of age. When possible, always give options or modifications; and tell students (of every age) to do their personal best, without competition in mind.
Q: Would it be acceptable, in my Vinyasa class, if there is a predetermined and must-follow sequence?
A: That is what many Vinyasa teachers do. Over time, you will begin to create sequences on your own, but I recommend a pre-determined sequence to start with.
© Copyright 2010 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org
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It’s very frustrating for members of a Vinyasa class when they can’t keep up with the flow…I guess in time they just drop out…What can an instructor do at that point????
Dear Teresa,
That is an excellent question. Preventing dropouts is much easier than recovering them. Therefore, something is wrong with a system that creates high numbers of dropouts.
If Vinyasa teachers have quick paced flowing sequences, they should consider designing Yoga classes with more than one level. For example: “Slow flow” for students who want to enjoy the postures a little more. “Power flow” can be designed for students who want a vigorous Yoga experience. In this way, student drop out rates will be much lower.
We have a restorative flow class at Aura, with slower sequences, classical pranayama segments, relaxation, and meditation. It seems to attract people in their 40s, and up, but we get a few students in their 20s. Each of us has different needs, but the fast paced flow classes tend to revlove more around fitness and a little less around the full Yoga experience.
OM Shanti,
Paul
How Vinyasa Yoga is different from Hathyoga? Please explain Vinyas, Power and Astangyoga.
Vinyasa Yoga uses the techniques of connecting postures and synchronized breathing. Vinyasa is composed of contemporary sequences and is not strictly limited to the exact classical series of postures practiced within the Mysore Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga style, which was revived by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois.
Hello, Paul.
I work primarily with children and would like to become certified as a yoga instructor. Which style is best suited for children and/or teens?
Thank you,
Lois Link