Archive for the ‘Yoga Teacher Issues’ Category

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Teaching Yoga: Communication Skills

Thursday, January 19th, 2012

yoga teacherBy Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Communication skills are an integral part of teaching Yoga. A Yoga teacher needs to be able to convey a body of knowledge and skills to his or her students in an effective manner. It is not enough to simply know the material inside and out, a teacher must be able to give the knowledge to the students in a useful way. When teaching Yoga, the instructor must be able to model the poses, describe them, and help the students execute them effectively. Communication lies at the heart of being able to teach others about Yoga.

Direct cues and comments are best while teaching in a Yoga session. Students are generally focused on the Yoga instructor only briefly, and then the focus changes to their own bodies. When we analyze a flowing asana practice, students must learn how to flow in and out of postures easily, while getting the benefits each pose offers. If a pose is new for the student, they will focus on the teacher to get proper form, but when students are comfortable with each pose, Yoga class becomes more personal and reflective for the individual.

Yoga teachers also need to approach students in a friendly, non-intimidating manner. Students should feel comfortable enough to ask questions, or ask for assistance throughout class. If the Yoga instructor presents him or herself as unapproachable, this may work for some students, but in the long run this tactic will most likely lose the respect of students who want to learn the deeper aspects of Yoga.

Body language plays an important role in communication. It includes eye contact, posture, gestures, and facial expressions. Yoga instructors should work to make eye contact with students when talking to them individually, as well as while addressing the entire class. Body gestures should remain open and inviting. Avoid crossing your arms, looking away, appearing agitated or distracted. Make your students feel welcome and valued during each Yoga class by smiling and keeping the atmosphere relaxed.

Voice tone and volume are important for establishing a pleasant environment for practicing Yoga. Students generally expect the room to be quiet and calm, which lends itself to quiet voices. The instructor needs to make her or himself heard, of course, but do so in a voice that is not too loud or brash. Vary the tone of your voice when giving cues to provide a relaxing environment. Certain Yoga poses need more explanation than others, including postures you are introducing for the first time. Use a slightly louder voice when teaching students something new. Remember that silence is okay, too, and many people crave that about Yoga class. Do not feel as if you need to fill every second with advice, knowledge, or cues.

© Copyright 2012 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

To see our selection of Online Yoga teacher training courses, please visit the following link.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/

FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter. FREE Yoga Videos. Free Podcasts. Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

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!

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Teaching Yoga: When to Assist

Wednesday, January 18th, 2012

yoga certificationBy Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

There are several aspects to teaching Yoga. Instructors must first know all the postures and how to perform them; they must know the correct verbal cues; understand the benefits and risks associated with each pose; be able to convey the philosophies and techniques of Yoga concisely, and be a positive role model to students. As a Yoga teacher, you have a responsibility to your students to provide them with a positive, informative, and uplifting experience with Yoga. Sometimes, this involves correcting students’ postures when they are performing them incorrectly.

Knowing when to help out your students, during class, comes with experience. After careful observation, you will begin to realize that not all Yoga students need immediate correction of postures. If given time and verbal cues by the instructor, many students will be able to fix minor errors in positioning without assistance. Some students need some extra instruction, modeling, or physical guidance. Knowing who these students are, and when to help them, is a finely-tuned skill.

It is not always necessary to point out all mistakes. People will often catch their own mistakes, once they gain experience with the poses, and begin to learn how each pose should feel. Beginners often flail around a bit, simply because of their lack of experience with Yoga asana practice.  An instructor, who is constantly correcting everything students do, might turn them off from Yoga completely, or give the impression that it is too hard for them to succeed.

On the other hand, someone who struggles with a pose, receiving no assistance, might feel unimportant or let down by the Yoga teacher. Yoga instructors must really tune in to their students to understand who to help and when. If a student is obviously struggling with a pose, go over to their mat and offer advice, or guide them into the pose with gentle hands. If you are introducing a new pose, walk around to get a look at everyone, giving guidance as necessary. Always speak calmly and quietly, and adjust poses to the best of the student’s ability.

Always, immediately, assist someone who is experiencing extreme discomfort or pain.  Without using words, many people will ask for help as needed. Pick up on the cues the student is giving. If they seem to welcome your advice, keep giving it. If they tend to pull back or become embarrassed by your help, give them the necessary space. Always remind your students to do what feels right and good for their bodies, and not to worry so much about getting the Yoga poses “right.”

© Copyright 2012 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

To see our selection of Online Yoga teacher training courses, please visit the following link.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/

FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter. FREE Yoga Videos. Free Podcasts. Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

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!

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Methods for Correcting Yoga Students

Tuesday, January 17th, 2012

yoga teacher trainingBy Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500 

Yoga students come to class with a variety of pre-existing health conditions.  A diverse Yoga class, full of students, might be a bit intimidating to the new instructor. One student has been practicing for 10 years, and feels comfortable flowing from one pose to the next; another has practiced with a few Yoga DVDs at home, but is still rather new; one has high blood pressure; and another has just informed you of an old knee injury. That is a wide range of concerns to consider. The Yoga instructor must be able to keep an eye on each student, and correct mistakes that could cause injury or discomfort. There are a few different methods to use when correcting a Yoga student’s mistakes.

One of the duties of a Hatha Yoga teacher is to explain the postures – their benefits and risks. Explain how specific mistakes affect the pose, and mention the dangers associated with a mistake. Do not single out one person, but rather talk in general about common mistakes for the pose, and quick remedies. When most of the class is safely and correctly executing the pose, with one or two exceptions, then go directly to the students who need assistance. Speak quietly and calmly, while you gently correct the posture.

Remember that there is a learning curve when it comes to practicing Yoga. Everyone needs time to perfect the poses, and there are often those “Aha!” moments, when a pose finally clicks, and you finally feel the correct stretch within the body. Some mistakes can be overlooked. Anything that isn’t going to cause direct injury, or harm, to the person, probably does not need mentioning. As Yoga students gain more experience, the kinks in postures will work themselves out.

If you notice a student having trouble throughout the class, it might benefit that person to speak one-on-one with you after class. Approach the student in a friendly manner. Begin by asking them if they have any questions about specific poses. Demonstrate specific poses again, or help them get into the pose again. Describe what the pose should feel like – which muscles should feel a stretch, and what to watch for within the body. Some people just need a little extra guidance, and it is the instructor’s job to give it.

Above all else, remember that people are in your Yoga class to better themselves. They are willing to give Yoga a try, and you would not want to turn them off of it. Keep a positive attitude, be patient, and show compassion to your students at all times.

© Copyright 2012 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

To see our selection of Online Yoga teacher training courses, please visit the following link.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/

FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter. FREE Yoga Videos. Free Podcasts. Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

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!

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The Importance of Verbal Guidance in Yoga

Sunday, January 15th, 2012

yoga distance learningBy Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Yoga is such a calming, rejuvenating experience; it is often nice to practice in silence. You can focus on breathing, hearing the air enter and leave your body. You can quiet your mind, allowing your thoughts to come in, then go out with the breath. When you are practicing Yoga by yourself, it is feasible to do it in silence. When you are teaching a group, however, the verbal cues you give are an integral part of a Yoga class. Experienced students may not need any prompting or advice on flowing through a series of poses, but others need those cues in order to practice the postures correctly and safely.  To some Yoga students, your words create a picture within their minds.

To demonstrate the importance of verbal guidance in Yoga, picture Mountain pose. To most novices, it looks as though you are standing there, arms at your sides, looking straight ahead.  Yet, any Yoga instructor knows there is so much more going on within the body than simply standing there. The shoulders are pressed down, with the shoulder blades pressing back, the feet are planted firmly, weight is distributed evenly, the spine is as straight as possible, and your gaze rests in one spot. In order to correctly perform Mountain pose, there is a lot that needs to be said. The same is true for the other postures.

Yoga instructors should try to be concise when giving verbal cues. This comes with practice, and by imitating what more experienced instructors say. Try not to falter with your words; give short, clear explanations that lead your students into each pose. When you demonstrate a pose, students can learn a lot by looking at your body. However, some things are hard to see, such as the act of straightening your spine, lowering your shoulders, and expanding or contracting your abdomen.

Remember to speak in terms that the entire group of students will understand. It’s fine to use the Sanskrit names, but teach the students as you go, by giving reminders. There is no need to speak elaborately. Students, who are taking Yoga sessions, in order to relax and unwind at the end of a long day, will appreciate few words that are spoken concisely.

The words you speak, as well as the way you say them, will set the tone for the class. Speak softly, and use “soft” phrases when reminding students to breathe, or go deeper into an asana. For example, “Take a deep breath.” or “Reach a little farther.” sound a bit like commands.  However, “Breathing deeply,” or “Reaching farther,” have a softer delivery.  Like so many other aspects of becoming a great Yoga teacher, your verbal guidance will improve as you do.

© Copyright 2012 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

To see our selection of Online Yoga teacher training courses, please visit the following link.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/

FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter. FREE Yoga Videos. Free Podcasts. Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

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!

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Teaching Yoga – Observing Yoga Students During Classes

Saturday, January 14th, 2012

yoga teacher trainingBy Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Many Yoga students look in awe at their teachers, wondering at their strong, lithe, bodies. However, teaching Yoga involves a lot more than simply standing in front of a group and demonstrating poses. Effective Yoga teachers must provide a positive, yet relaxing, atmosphere. They must be able to answer any student concerns, and be knowledgeable about the benefits and potential risks of all techniques. Yoga instructors should constantly be scanning the class – checking for proper form, confusion, or misunderstandings, and providing necessary support to the students.

Observing your students requires the ability to multitask, because you must be able to demonstrate a pose or pranayama technique, while giving verbal cues, and looking closely at each student’s form. It takes a bit of practice to get it just right, and it also takes teaching experience. The more comfortable you become with yourself as a Yoga instructor, the easier it will be to observe your students. If you are a new Yoga teacher, who is still concentrating heavily to provide a good flow to the poses, remember all the verbal cues, and so on – it will be harder to focus on the students.

After much practice, observing will become more natural for Yoga teachers. Ideally, you should be able to demonstrate a technique, then glance at each and every student, to ensure they are performing it correctly. If a student needs assistance, first try to give a more specific verbal cue to correct it. If the student does not respond to your cues, or still is doing a technique incorrectly, you might walk over toward that student to offer assistance. Use a calm, quiet demeanor and voice. Ask the student for permission – if you intend to give a physical assist.  Avoid startling the student, or criticizing. Gently make the correction, by placing your hand on the body part that needs adjusting. Generally, the fix is quick and easy; only taking a brief moment. Avoid singling out any of your students or calling out a student’s name.

Remember that Yoga is an individualized activity, and sometimes student limitations call for a slightly different way to perform the pose. Instead of searching for perfection in your students, remind them to do what feels good and right for them. Each student has a unique body and no two bodies are exactly the same.  Correct those errors that could result in an injury, but learn to also let things go, instead of expecting all students to perform all postures without flaw.

As you gain teaching experience in your Yoga classes, you will become more comfortable with observation. You will learn some common mistakes people make on specific poses, and you will be able to prepare your students better. As long as you are aware of the importance of observation, and do it consciously throughout each class, your teaching technique will improve as does the rest of your teaching.

© Copyright 2012 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

To see our selection of Online Yoga teacher training courses, please visit the following link.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/

FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter. FREE Yoga Videos. Free Podcasts. Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

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!

 

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Distance Learning for Experienced Yoga Teachers

Thursday, January 12th, 2012

yoga teacher trainingBy Gopi Rao

Distance learning programs for experienced Yoga teachers is a fantastic avenue for pursuing continuing education credits and specialist training in the art of teaching Yoga. Experienced Yoga teachers should already have completed a minimum basic 200 hour Yoga teacher training program. Refining and expanding your skills and expertise as a Yoga instructor by taking online Yoga teacher training courses will deepen your understanding and repertoire of teaching techniques.

In order to maintain a Yoga teacher certification with your original teacher training organization, a Yoga instructor should re-certify his or her diploma every so many years.  Some schools have you go through recertification every year, while some give as much as five years.   Part of the renewal process to maintain a current diploma is to engage in a specific number of hours of Yoga teaching and 10 hours of continuing education credits over the course of each years. According to many organizations,  continuing education credits may be garnered through taking online courses related to Yoga as part of a non-contact continuing education requirement. This policy is within the ball park of most of the world’s Yoga teacher training organizations.

A distance learning program for experienced Yoga teachers will help to meet this requirement and will also keep you abreast of new information and innovative Yoga teaching techniques. A distance learning program will also offer a variety of optional courses in different categories related to the art of Yoga instruction. For example, you may wish to learn more about the sequencing of poses, modifications for working with special populations, Yogic philosophy or specific pranayama exercises.

A distance learning program for experienced Yoga teachers will offer you many of these options as well as the convenience of a correspondence course or an online program. You will be able to structure your online class participation to fit your scheduling needs. You will also be able to study and integrate the course material into your Yoga classes and personal practice at your own pace. Since you will have already mastered many of the elements of teaching Yoga, an online course geared specifically for experienced Yoga teachers will allow you the flexibility to customize your learning process.

These are some of the benefits of participating in a distance learning program for Yoga teachers. With ease, you will be able to fulfill many of the non-contact hour requirements for maintaining your Yoga teacher diploma through the organization that certified you. Maintaining a current Yoga teacher certification with your trainer is an important professional credential for teaching Yoga in a reputable Yoga studio, health club or community center. You will also continue to expand your understanding and appreciation of the depth of wisdom and knowledge that Yoga offers to students and teachers of all levels.  At the same time, it must be remembered that your valid Yoga teacher diploma proves that you are active in your training and continuing education.  This is very important to insurance companies.  It is doubtful a Yoga instructor would be covered by liability insurance if his or her diploma has expired.

While the cost of recertification can vary drastically, Yoga instructors can sometimes transfer credentials to another certifying body.  There for it may be wise to compare organizations.  For example: Let’s say you have two world recognized Yoga teacher organizations.  Organization A charges an average of $1000.00 per year, while organization B charges an average of $25 per year.  It might be wise to compare these two organizations and transfer over to organization B before organization A raises their prices.

© Copyright 2012 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

To see our selection of Online Yoga teacher training courses, please visit the following link.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/

FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter. FREE Yoga Videos. Free Podcasts. Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

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!

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Teaching Yoga Without Ego

Wednesday, January 11th, 2012

yoga teacher trainingBy Bhavan Kumar

Good teachers in any domain create an environment in which people want to return to again and again. They accept students for who they are and what they can do, while tactfully guiding students to improve and succeed. The most effective Yoga teachers have a way of communicating that is kind and empathetic. Teachers can certainly let their personalities shine, that is what makes most exceptional Yoga teachers well-loved. When it comes to ego, or sense of self, Yoga teachers should check it at the door in order to provide a positive learning experience for the students. Good teachers put the students’ needs ahead of their own, and put most of the focus on the students, as opposed to the teachers.

The philosophy of yoga includes the belief that ego can be an affliction that drives people to act in ways that cause problems in life; materialism, greed, jealousy. Letting go of the ego can bring enlightenment and allow people to live according to their souls and innermost selves. Therefore, yoga teachers especially need to learn how to teach without letting their own ego get in the way. Ego can make a yoga teacher feel superior to his or her students, making the importance of the class lie with the teacher’s perfect execution of each pose. Ego can take the focus of yoga away from the students, putting it on the instructor.

Yoga teachers can learn to release their ego by practicing self-awareness. Teachers should always be aware of how the students are reacting to the class. If the Yoga class doesn’t seem to be going well, perhaps the teacher needs to slow down, review poses, or help students with individual needs a little more. Instead of getting annoyed at the students, or taking negative emotions out on the class, Yoga instructors need to ask themselves what they can do differently to meet the needs of the students.

Another helpful idea for yoga teachers is to ask a colleague or mentor to join the class and provide them with valuable feedback. Perhaps they will be able to see things overlooked by the teacher. The more experience a teacher has, the easier it will be to become the teacher they strive to be, leaving the ego behind. Teachers can learn as much from their teaching experiences as the students learn about yoga.

Teaching yoga is a dynamic profession. To really succeed, Yoga instructors need to be able to admit shortcomings, seek help, and change as necessary. All good teachers are also great Yoga students. They are never satisfied that what they are doing is truly best for the students. Good Yoga teachers have a thirst for knowledge and are constantly seeking to improve. True yoga teachers release their egos for the good of the students.

© Copyright 2012 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

To see our selection of Online Yoga teacher training courses, please visit the following link.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/

FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter. FREE Yoga Videos. Free Podcasts. Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

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!

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Online Yoga Teacher Education

Saturday, January 7th, 2012

yoga certificationBy Kimaya Singh 

The mind and body benefits of yoga are great, often leaving participants feeling as though they want to share it with others. If yoga is one of your passions, perhaps you have considered studying yoga as a profession, to impart knowledge to others, or just to earn extra money on the side. Becoming a yoga teacher today is as easy as ever, with the Internet offering many different online certification courses. The courses are designed for students to be able to work at their own pace, anytime day or night. Upon completion of the program, students receive yoga teacher certification which will allow them to teach yoga anywhere in the world. This is an ideal opportunity for anyone who has a little extra time and desire to study yoga right from the comfort of their home, and then market their skills to the community.

Aura Wellness Center, based in Attleboro, Massachusetts, offers many online training courses for yoga teacher certification. The original course, called “Yoga Teacher Training Camp-in-a-Box” was so successful it led to more specialize training courses including courses in Restorative Yoga, Kid’s Yoga, Prenatal Yoga, Chair Yoga, Meditation, and more. The programs have taken on a life of their own, with many students having had great success at becoming yoga instructors and opening their own yoga teaching centers or businesses. Visit one of the Aura Wellness Center’s blogs to understand about the positive  experiences from online and distance learning yoga teacher training classes.

One unique aspect of Aura’s yoga teacher training package is that they provide the knowledge and skills to open your own yoga business. Not only will you learn the important yogic philosophies, the poses and how to teach them, but also the valuable skills needed to market yourself and your business. The yoga teacher training courses are well-rounded packages that include all the information needed in order to make a successful living by practicing and teaching yoga. It doesn’t matter if you are an experienced yoga practitioner or a beginner; Aura Wellness Center offers a course to suit many individual needs.

Decide if any of the yoga teacher training courses are right for you by joining Aura’s free community of yoga teachers. You can ask questions and talk to others who have taken the course, and get a feel for what the programs of study are really all about. Signing up for the community is is super easy, just enter your name and email address and you will be connected to a vast network of yoga experts and students.

© Copyright 2012 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

To see our selection of Online Yoga teacher training courses, please visit the following link.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/

FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter. FREE Yoga Videos. Free Podcasts. Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

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!

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Teaching Yoga: Ending the Class

Thursday, January 5th, 2012

yoga certificationBy Gopi Rao

Have you ever left a yoga class feeling incomplete? If you felt that way and you taught the class, you probably felt guilty about leaving something out. The most common incomplete ending is when a yoga teacher stuffed the class with asana techniques, but skipped by the pranayama, relaxation, or meditation.

The feelings of relaxation and invigoration are just two of the many responses that people have both during and after practicing Yoga. Many students, especially newer ones, are pleasantly surprised by the emotions they attain from the practice of Yoga. At the beginning of a class, teachers often use guided meditation, breathing techniques and special mantras to set the mood and help students focus. These techniques can also be used at the end of the class.

Many teachers find that ending a class in Corpse Pose while guiding students through meditation are effective techniques. Just as life is cyclical, so is the practice of Yoga. The beginning and the end of a class are usually similar, yet it is what happens during the middle of the class that evokes change. At the end of a class, students are often more aware of their bodies and emotions than they were at the beginning. Many students report feelings of more emotional awareness and strength after Yoga. Moving through the poses while focusing on the breath helps to create and maintain focus.

Many teachers and students begin and end their sessions by saying “Namaste”, which is simply a word that conveys thanks, gratitude and equality between teacher and student. After all, most Yoga teachers are aware that although they are teaching their students, they are also learning from them through the practice of Yoga. Every class is an opportunity for both students and teachers to exchange knowledge and improve upon themselves.

Proper warm up and cool down techniques are essential to any Yoga class. After all, the mind and the body are both challenged through the practice of Yoga, so they must be allowed to rest and relax in order to achieve the optimum results. Some Yoga classes are quite physically challenging and the muscles must be properly cooled down, and that is another important reason to conduct an appropriate ending. The deep relaxation can help students get the most out of the meditation aspect of Yoga as well. Giving time at the end of the class for meditation and relaxation can help the student (and the Yoga  teacher) to fully integrate what they have learned so they can benefit from their practice.

© Copyright 2012 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

To see our selection of Online Yoga teacher training courses, please visit the following link.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/

FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter. FREE Yoga Videos. Free Podcasts. Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

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!

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What Should a Yoga Studio’s Waiver Form Ask and Tell?

Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012

yoga teacher trainingBy Jenny Park

Yoga offers many benefits, but as with any exercise program, there are always potential risks. In order to protect themselves from potential liabilities, responsible yoga studios need to develop a waiver form for clients. Appropriate waiver forms should include specific information about each client.

Personal Information

The first section of a waiver form should include a place for clients to fill in personal information. Start with the basics: Name, address, contact information, emergency contacts, and phone numbers. Then, include a “Risk Assessment,” where a list of specific ailments is noted, and clients are asked to circle those that apply to them. Include items like heart disease, high blood pressure or cholesterol, breathing issues that require an inhaler, joint, muscle, or bone pain, abnormal resting heart rate, diabetes, and tobacco use. Leave space for clients to fill in additional medical information as necessary.

Physical Activity

The next section should include questions about the client’s current level of physical activity. Ask them to list activities they do on a regular basis, or provide a list of common forms of exercise to circle. Get a general feel for the amount of time the client spends on physical activities. Make it easy for them by asking them to estimate the amount of time spent each day. Include another section to list any current medications the client takes.

Agreement

After the client lists all personal information, the waiver needs to state an agreement to which the client must agree and sign. Create a statement saying that the client agrees to participate in yoga knowing the potential risks associated with it, and they claim all responsibility for potential injuries even when associated with negligence on behalf of the yoga studio. They must also agree that they are in good physical condition, are willing to accept the responsibility of self-monitoring and stopping any activity that doesn’t feel good.

If yoga classes are held outside or near a street or other traffic area, include an agreement stating the client is aware of the potential risks associated with the busy street, or to follow all traffic laws. If clients use yoga mats, blocks, or other pieces of equipment belonging to the studio, include a statement vowing to use and return all equipment in good condition.

Payment Information – Optional

Add a section laying out the payment requirements for your yoga studio. Include the formats of payment that are accepted, when they are expected, and the consequences for not paying, or for late payment.

Make sure to include a line for a signature and a date at the bottom of the waiver.

© Copyright 2012 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

To see our selection of Online Yoga teacher training courses, please visit the following link.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/

FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter. FREE Yoga Videos. Free Podcasts. Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

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!

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