Posts Tagged ‘hatha yoga teacher’

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

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Yoga Diet Tips – Part I

Tuesday, February 15th, 2011

yoga teacher trainingBy Sangeetha Saran

Will Hatha Yoga teacher training courses prepare instructors for working with obese populations? Can Hatha Yoga teachers make an impact on a less physically active society? Can the Yoga diet help people avoid obesity?  Among many other things, Yoga teachers should understand the Yogic diet.

At this time, people move around less than our grandparents did. More technology means less movement as we sit at computers for an occupation. Yoga movement alone cannot make up for sitting still all day. Below is part one of a two part series, which takes a closer look at our eating habits.

Each food category plays an integral role in a healthy weight loss program. Aside from these categories, Yoga uses three traditional categories that are aligned with a corresponding state of consciousness. Sattvic foods are pure, good foods and support a spiritual state. Examples are foods which are cooked with minimum amount of spices or seasonings and are fresh.

Rajasic foods are stimulating foods and support only an intermediate state. Examples are fried, sweet, highly seasoned, or baked foods. Alcoholic, artificially flavored, and processed beverages are also Rajasic. Tamasic foods are overripe or impure and support a gross, undeveloped state. Examples are foods that are prepared with excess spices, salts, and hot seasonings.

Outside of Yogic thought, food is classified and divided into protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Carbohydrates or “carbs” are essential in order to keep your body functioning well. Carbohydrates are the direct precursors to glucose – a form of sugar. Glucose is what fuels both muscle tissue and the brain. Many foods, such as dairy, contain fats, protein and carbohydrates.

This category is very important because a Yogi diet is mainly a non-animal diet, consisting of fruit, vegetables, nuts and bread made of whole wheat. Carbohydrates foods fall into the sattvic or pure food category. These are a basic staple of the Yogi’s diet and examples are fruit, vegetables and grains. It is most important that these foods be enjoyed closest to their pure state. This means that food should be uncooked if at all possible, as cooking destroys vitamins and enzymes. Salt should be avoided and both fresh and dried herbs should be used to flavor food. In this way, the healthy natural flavor of food can be enjoyed.

An optimum Yoga diet encourages eating whole wheat bread and uncooked whole wheat every day. Uncooked wheat is superior to whole wheat bread in supplying enzymes and vitamin B. This vitamin is known to help combat the symptoms and causes of stress, depression, and cardiovascular disease. Natural carbohydrate sources are potatoes, lentils and nutritional yeast. These foods also supply roughage to aid the movement of food in the intestines and colon. Bread is also rich in B-complex vitamins and in the minerals potassium, magnesium, calcium and iron.

© Copyright 2011 – Sangeetha Saran / Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

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Competent Hatha Yoga Teachers Needed

Saturday, August 21st, 2010

By Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

There is a perception that the world has plenty of competent Yoga teachers. Yet, when you attend a class, you discover teachers are attentive to their students and some who are not. Without speculating on the exact percentage of teachers, who are self-absorbed in their own practice during class time, we can easily imagine that this percentage of teachers is significant.

For example: If you travel from New England to California, and stop at a Yoga studio, or ashram, every three hours, you are likely to see many styles of teaching. By this, I am not referring to the style of Yoga, but to the style and competence level of each instructor you meet on this trip.

If you have been practicing any form of Yoga, for one year or more, why would you want to stay in a class with a teacher who never makes eye contact with his or her students? Some teachers do not allow for questions within the Yoga class. Again, I ask, why would students waste their time with a Yoga teacher who would not share knowledge?

The point to understand is people might think that once one completes Yoga teacher training, he or she is competent. While this may be true, in most cases, it is up to the students to observe the quality of instruction they receive.

Does Yoga teacher show compassion, modify techniques, make assists, and give constructive advice, without criticism? These are questions that the public should be asking themselves when they attend our classes. It is not enough to go out and get an impressive certification or a registration card.

Teaching Yoga is a constant learning experiencing – for both the instructor and the student. Some teachers love the stimulation they receive from continuing education. This is an excellent start; but implementing ideas learned, from continuing education, and daily experiences from the interaction with students, is the key to being the best Yoga instructor you can be.

In order to set systems in place for the best possible student experience, we have to develop a comprehensive orientation. This would start with an application, which helps you to understand each student’s physical health and emotional needs. In this way, Yoga teachers will be able to guide new students toward the best choices offered in your facility.

The next step is a formal introduction between both parties. This requires new students to understand that they want to arrive early to their first class. Admitting students, through your doors, after the class has already started, is a very unwise policy.

For example: Let’s say you decide to admit a student, who is five minutes late to class. After all – the class has begun and you are in the middle of getting your students “centered.” This disruption breaks the flow of the entire class. In addition, that student lets you know that she is four months pregnant, after the class has ended.

My point is that you need firm policies and procedures in place, for the safety of those people, who lack the knowledge about how important it is to follow guidelines. For all of the reasons listed above, there will never be too many competent Yoga teachers.

© Copyright 2010 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

To join our free online Yoga community of practitioners and teachers, or to learn more about our online or on-site Yoga teacher training courses, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/

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Has Your Yoga Teacher Certification Expired?

Wednesday, August 18th, 2010

By Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Recently, a fellow Yoga teacher mentioned a startling concept. She went on to say, “The vast majority of Yoga instructors I meet are not certified.” I was surprised to hear this; but she regularly hires Yoga teachers and reviews their credentials.

For some teachers, the reason is simple: They traditionally trained under the close supervision of their Guru; they were approved, as a result of their competence; they received no diploma at that time; and they began teaching Yoga, well before certification ever became as important, as it is today.

This is the way it was – until the past 20 to 30 years. At this time, the Yoga teacher training relationship, between trainer and intern, may not be based on years of tutelage. Some of the training, in fitness styles, of Hatha Yoga, may be specifically geared toward teaching in health clubs.

These styles might teach 24 postures and two pranayama techniques, or they may teach very specific sequences and one pranayama technique (usually Ujjayi). Meditation, philosophy, the subtle body, mudras, mantras, and all the other facets of Yoga are left to independent research or continuing education.

The casual relationship, between teacher and training center, has also led to expired Yoga teacher diplomas. Many liability insurance companies feel confident in training programs that require continuing education.

Hence, the certifying bodies of Yoga require teachers to renew their diplomas, based upon proof of continuing education. The registering bodies (registrars), of Yoga, have similar policies regarding continuing education for teachers.

If you are insured, have a registration card that is current, and a Yoga teacher diploma that expired, are you safe? Maybe, but liability insurance companies tend to prefer “all their ducks in a row.” Here is one example: If you are insured for theft of your automobile, and have a working anti-theft device, will you be covered for theft if you leave your keys in the car?

The point to understand is: Keeping your certification up to date is of the utmost importance, because it is proof of your track record, in keeping current with your continuing education. Learning more about the wider aspects of Hatha Yoga is a lifelong journey for a teacher.

Beside the fact that we should learn more about Yogic techniques, we should also learn more about safety in the class room, modifications, props, working with special students, anatomy, kinesiology, physiology, and sports medicine. Why should Hatha Yoga teachers be so concerned with safety?

Hatha Yoga is popular to a global audience, because students feel and see the physical results. People tend to be more familiar with their primary physical senses, before noticing improvements – emotional, mental, or spiritual well being.

At the same time, Hatha Yoga teachers should provide a safe environment for all students who attend classes. Some of these students have limited flexibility, ailments, pre-existing injuries, and special needs. Setting Yoga class safety policies, in place, is important to student and teacher alike.

© Copyright 2010 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

To join our free online Yoga community of practitioners and teachers, or to learn more about our online or on-site Yoga teacher training courses, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/

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 Classes – Closing a Fitness Yoga Class – Part 3

Saturday, July 31st, 2010

By Sanjeev Patel, CYT

We left off at the prone series in part two. The postures we covered were cobra, king cobra, bow posture, half locust posture, and locust. At this point, students are advised watch me demonstrate a supine series containing partial recline pose, bridge, fish, happy baby, a variety of lying supine twists, and finally we rock side to side in knees to chest pose.

This is a physical wind down, but the mind easily follows these postures into relaxation mode. The purpose of such a relaxing sequence is to prepare for stage-by-stage relaxation in Shavasana. I guide students from the toes to the crown of the head.

At each point of the relaxation sequence, we inhale and focus on a particular part of the body. During exhalation, we mentally and physically release tension at the body part we are focusing on. There is also an emotional release during exhalation in a stage-by-stage relaxation sequence.

After students have finally released tension at the crown chakra (sahasrara), students are advised to slowly roll over to the right side and slowly sit up straight for pranayama. At this point in our class, we may practice six to ten rounds each of Brahmari, Anulom Vilom (both sides), and Udgeeth pranayama, as preparation for the meditation session.

The easiest form of meditation seems to be breath awareness. Students often admit that meditation and all forms of mental focusing are the greatest challenge they encounter during Yoga practice. Knowing this, all Yoga teachers should show students the easiest path to meditation.

It is best to start new Yoga students with shorter meditation sessions. For this reason, beginners should start with ten to fifteen minutes of meditation and gradually expand the duration of meditation practice time. Advanced Yoga students may practice meditation for thirty minutes or more.

After meditation, we may cover a reading from any philosophy or religion. The point is to focus on carrying Yoga practice beyond the mat and into life. This is one of many examples of how my Guru taught me to teach Hatha Yoga classes.

Even though the first two earlier sessions were filled with physical exercise, we cannot forget that we are Hatha Yoga teachers. The entire class is the full Yogic experience for the students.

© Copyright 2010 – Sanjeev Patel / Aura Publications

Sanjeev Patel is a certified Yoga teacher and an exclusive author for Aura Wellness Center.

http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/

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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!

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How You Can Become a Creative Hatha Yoga Teacher

Thursday, July 8th, 2010

By Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Most Yoga teachers follow the lineage, which was designed before them. This is an excellent path to take, as our colleagues share collective thoughts within the “think tank” of a specific style. We have been told, “If we follow the traditional path of our Guru and colleagues, we cannot go wrong.”

For the most part, this is true. However, life may throw us a few curves. What if our Guru passes away, or we live on the opposite side of the world? What if we have fallen out of political favor within our style? What if we discover that some parts of our traditional practice put our students at risk of injury?

There are many “what ifs.” Some Hatha Yoga sub-styles may not be designed for all of our students. Will your knowledge help a person in a wheelchair, a child, a pregnant student, or someone else who needs special attention? If your answer is “no,” you may want to network with other teachers or take specialized Yoga teacher training courses.

Yoga has always been evolving, but has now begun to advance at a rapid pace because of networking and technology. Add to this that Yoga teachers often network with medical professionals. This symbiotic relationship, between Yoga and all forms of medicine, is one of the many reasons why teachers take anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and sports medicine courses.

While it is easy for some to say that Yoga teachers need not worry about anatomy, there is one matter that becomes obvious to all of us. No two bodies are alike. Even identical twins will have differences over the course of a lifetime.

It is true that identical twins will share the same genetics, but the conditions will be different. Identical twins do not share the same exact footsteps, jobs, injuries, repetitive motion, emotional turmoil, and daily activities – over a lifetime.

With this in mind, many Yoga teachers pursue continuing education courses, to tap into a larger collective consciousness of teachers from diversified styles. One misconception among some Yoga instructors is that we must blindly follow ideas that were laid down by others – even if we have a new, creative idea that will prevent hundreds of injuries in the future.

Why rock the boat? This mindset leads to a feeling of helplessness, and it prevents creative ideas. The average workplace runs in this same way. The decision makers are a small group at the top. We could blame our style, Guru, politics, or something else, because our creativity is being stifled by others. In truth, we give permission to those who tell us to be quiet.

The solution is to constantly work on the improvement of our education, personal practice, and teaching techniques. We can point our energy toward a positive cause by helping, discovering, and creating new methods for our students – one day at a time.

© Copyright 2010 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/

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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.

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Teaching Yoga – Warm Ups in Your Yoga Classes – Part 2

Thursday, April 15th, 2010

By Sanjeev Patel

For Hatha Yoga teachers, the importance of safety before, during, and after asana practice is measured by our safety precautions for students.  Although pranayam could also use some safety consideration, let us talk about the value of warm-ups for asanas today. 

Warm-ups are absolutely important to reduce the risk of pulling muscles, injuring joints during the session and reduce the likeliness of muscle and joint stiffness after the session. Also the Yoga postures are more easily performed when the joints have been loosened and the muscles warmed.

All warm-ups should be practiced slowly.  If Yoga students ignore safety, stop them right away and go over precise technique.  Some of the movements I would teach are:

Palm Tree Posture or Palmyrasana: Standing upright with a straight back and the head in line, legs and feet together, the arms raised straight up with the backs of the hands facing each other, inhale and raise high on the toes while stretching arms and body upwards as far as possible. Hold for a few seconds, then lower to the floor exhaling.

Standing Twist: Standing erect with arms extended in front of the chest, palms down and thumbs touching, slowly swing the arms as far to the left as possible while keeping the gaze on the backs of the hands and exhaling. Hold the twist for a second or two then slowly return to front and repeat to the other side.

Standing Backward Bend: Standing upright with arms raised straight up and palms forward, breathe in and bend backwards slowly from the waist keeping feet, legs and pelvis steady. Pause briefly before straightening up then breathe out.

Diver’s Posture: Standing upright with legs together and arms by the side, take a deep breathe and rise high on the toes. Lean forward at an angle of about forty five degrees while taking the arms out and back. Balance on the toes for ten seconds then exhaling stand up straight, bringing the arms to the sides and lowering the heels on the floor.

© Copyright 2010 – Sanjeev Patel / Aura Publications

http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org

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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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The Evolution of a Hatha Yoga Teacher

Sunday, November 8th, 2009

HalasanaBy Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

There are so many styles of Yoga that it can be confusing to anyone, who is taking the first step of beginning the practice. Not long ago, the only way to learn Yoga was through the student and teacher relationship. There are ancient writings and books, but Yoga, in all of its forms, was usually carried by the teacher to the student.

In the 21st century, you have many new choices for discovering wisdom, which took thousands of years to gather. Thanks to electricity, the computer age, and new technology, many of us can learn the answers to the mysteries of life in minutes. Will this make the art of teaching obsolete? Never!

Here is why the art of teaching will never be replaced by technology: People love the personal interaction with mentors, Gurus, and Yoga teachers. The Internet can produce a huge amount of information in minutes, but we often read, hear, or see differing opinions, which seem to have equal weight. If one has a competent teacher, he or she may be able to present a focused view of differing opinions.

If you visit a web site that states, “High blood pressure is always the fault of the patient.” Who is the author? What hard data is this opinion based upon? Upon further investigation, you discover that the author of the article has no knowledge or education in medical science. It is barely acceptable to make such claims after a study has been performed, but some opinions are not based on research, testing, or studies.

In Hatha Yoga, there seems to be two basic schools of thought. One is that the student should fit the requirements of the style or the requirements that a teacher has designed as a basic requirement. One good example of this would be to require every student to perform Triangle Pose (Trikonasana) without the use of a prop, such as blocks, stools, or chairs.

The only problem with this approach is that a student will eventually show up to class, who has limited range of motion for a variety of reasons. These reasons could be the age of the student, trauma, skeletal limitations, or a neurological disorder – such as, Frederick’s Ataxia. In such cases, the teacher has limited knowledge and discourages a student from attending his or her classes.

The opposing viewpoint is seen in therapeutic Yoga classes, where the style can be modified to suit the needs of every student, who manages to come through your doors. This requires Yoga teachers to embrace continuing education. When Hatha Yoga is therapeutic, it meets the needs of everyone.

There comes a point in life when we begin to realize that we are mere mortals. No matter how strong, tough, or arrogant, we think we are – one illness or automobile accident can suddenly change our lives. For any Yoga teacher to become the best he or she can be, we must continue to evolve with compassion as our guide.

© Copyright 2009 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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Hatha Yoga Techniques for Prosperity

Friday, February 20th, 2009
Serenity and Prosperity

Serenity and Prosperity

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Contrary to popular opinion, within different forms of Yoga, there are combined methods of meditation, mantra, and affirmation for prosperity.  The world could use some prosperity right now.  Should you become too prosperous, as a result of the following practices, you can always donate your surplus to the nearest charity.

There are a variety of mantras for prosperity.  For example: Bhakti Yoga practitioners may call upon Parameshwari (the Supreme sovereign Mother Goddess) for wealth, longevity, abundance, and everything we desire in life.  There is also the Ardas Bahee meditation, which is a combination of mantra and meditation performed by some Kundalini Yoga practitioners. 

There are also many more, but what if these practices collide with your religious beliefs?  You may not be comfortable calling upon a live or deceased Yoga Guru or a deity from a religion, with whom you are unfamiliar.  Whatever your religious belief, you have the power of prayer or affirmations.

For non-believers, the concept of prayer might not work for them, but the power of positive affirmations is still very significant.  To believe in one’s abilities to find answers and solutions is a primary step toward any form of empowerment.

For believers, from each of the world’s religions, the power of prayer is universal, and it is taken for granted that miracles happen on a daily basis.  If people collectively have similar prayers, mantras, or affirmations, this creates a massive rebounding wave in the Law of Attraction.

To avoid any religious conflicts, let’s take a look at affirmations.  The following are examples of short, and straight-to-the-point, positive affirmations, which are realistic.  One could repeat one of these positive affirmations as a preventative measure (to prevent negative thinking) or in times of need.

“I love life and accept prosperity unconditionally.”

“I am grateful for my family, friends, and all the prosperity I receive.”

“I become more prosperous each day.”

“Each day is filled with endless opportunities.”

You may be thinking, “My Yoga teacher never covers mantra or affirmations during class.  We basically focus on Yoga as an exercise.”  If this is the case, there is nothing stopping you from pursuing more knowledge.  Some Yoga classes focus only on asana (postures). 

The reason this happened is because some of the most valuable aspects of Yoga were not as popular as the physical exercises.  Past experiences may discourage teachers from discussing the benefits of pranayama, meditation, mantra, kriyas, mudras, bandhas, and so much more.  Now that you know the power of a trained mind, there are two ways to advance your practice.

1. Seek out a competent Hatha Yoga teacher, who will show you a path to control your mind.

2. Develop foundational Yogic training.  Then, immerse yourself in self-study and Yoga studies.  The search for truth is what Jnana Yoga (the path of knowledge) is founded upon.

© Copyright 2009 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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How Important is Physical Assisting in a Hatha Yoga Class?

Wednesday, February 11th, 2009

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Physical Assisting in Hatha Yoga

Physical Assisting in Hatha Yoga

Opinions about the importance of physically assisting students, during Yoga posture (asana) practice, vary. Some styles, such as Iyengar, Restorative, Anusara, and Viniyoga, place much emphasis on proper alignment, props, and physical assisting. Most Yoga teacher training programs focus on physical assists, which guide a student toward proper alignment.

Yet, many students attend classes where a teacher may not look at them for the entire class. Needless to say, there are no physical assists in these same classes. Why? Some teachers feel very uncomfortable physically adjusting their student’s posture. Some teachers are not trained to physically assist students during asana practice.

There is also another factor to be considered: There are Yoga teachers who will not get off their mats. They do not walk around and monitor the room after demonstrating. Sometimes, we refer to this as: “Working the room.”

Physical Assisting in Hatha Yoga

Physical Assisting in Hatha Yoga

One may think of “working the room” as it is related to a social butterfly, who constantly works on public relations. Assisting is a bond between teacher and student. Physical adjustments help any student to feel where he or she should be aligned, and to be present in the moment, while practicing asana.

However, if we are in Downward Dog, with our backs to our students, how will we know if their posture is correct? It is obvious that we cannot see if our students are in good or poor alignment when we turn our backs toward our students.

Granted, some teachers have exceptional cueing skills, but when we are tempted to take our eyes off our students, that is the time to work the room. There are other issues, in regard to assisting and adjusting. Be sure you have asked for permission before adjusting anyone.

Some students do not like to be assisted. If this is the case, there is no need to ask why. They may feel that an assist is an invasion of their space. In a case where a student wants to be left alone, there is no need to push the matter further.

Recently, a Hatha Yoga teacher told me that physical adjustments were highly over rated. Curious about what was on his mind – I asked him to explain. His opinion was that while teachers “tinker” with a few students, who have improper alignment, the rest are made to suffer by holding postures for minutes at a time.

Adjusting Triangle Pose

Adjusting Triangle Pose

While there is a ring of truth in the above-mentioned viewpoint, there is a reward of strength in holding postures beyond 20 seconds. There is also a method to avoid having students hold postures forever.

The method is to disguise repetition, by holding a posture for five breaths, on each side, and coming back to the same, or a much similar posture, later in the class. In this way, students are getting the most out of a session.

© Copyright 2009 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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