Posts Tagged ‘yoga certification’

« Older Entries

Yoga in Everyday Life

Wednesday, December 26th, 2012

yoga instructor certificationBy Faye Martins

One of the interesting aspects of teaching Yoga is finding out how many students actually take their practice home with them. Most students give honest feedback through a show of hands or a survey. My point is that some students won’t practice meditation, pranayama and asana on their own, while others will practice almost daily. The reasons for this can vary depending on the results experienced, the student’s desire to practice, how much spare time a student has to practice, and many other factors.

Yoga training offers students a wonderful escape from the stresses of modern life, but at some point, students need to discover ways to apply what they learn on the mat to other aspects of their lives. A teacher maybe programmed to practice before or during a Yoga certification course, but students might not lean on meditation, pranayama and relaxation techniques right away. Long-term practitioners are likely to use every aspect of Yogic methodology and philosophy in daily life, but beginners will tend to lean on the physical senses, which make asana practice beneficial.

Asana in Life

The flexibility that dedicated and regular practice of asanas offer help students go about their daily lives with less injury. Forward bends help strengthen the back so that when a person bends over there is less chance of suffering a back injury. Regularly practicing sitting and standing twists gives students a larger range of motion, which can make backing the family car out of the garage much easier.

Yoga offers students a chance to discover where they may be holding tension and stress within their bodies. Many students are shocked to learn that they are holding tension in their hips, so poses such as Downward Facing Dog help release the stress while strengthening the entire body.

As Time Goes By

As students face more and more stress at the workplace, it’s important that they learn effective ways to deal with the stress. Yoga teaches us to unleash stress through deep breathing, and medical science supports the idea that deep cleansing breathing helps to lower blood pressure and cortisol levels in the body.

Yama and Niyama in Practice

In addition to the physical, Yoga offers students a spiritual path, even for those who claim no religious affiliation whatsoever. Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras offer a code of living with others that can be followed no matter what one’s religious affiliation. Practicing non-violence or harm to one’s self (including surrendering to low self esteem or depression) encourages a student to practice a form of compassion for every person they meet. And holding ones-self to a code of honesty towards others and within one’s yoga practice helps students avoid false relationships or veer toward a path of lying or stealing from others. Samadhi encourages a student to practice unity not only within the confines of his or her meditation but oneness with the Universe itself.

The lessons students learn on the Yoga mat are easily transferred to their everyday lives. Yoga training can help make movement and stress relief easier for students as they progress through their practices. In addition, yogic principals can form a basis of a spiritual practice that students can follow in their asanas, meditation periods and in any aspect of their everyday lives.

© Copyright 2012 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

Free report, newsletter, videos, podcasts and e-Book: “Yoga in Practice.”

Visit our online Yoga teacher training community.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in about yoga | No Comments »

The Best Yoga Certification For You

Tuesday, December 25th, 2012

online yoga certificationBy Faye Martins

Getting a Yoga instructor certification can be an enlightening and uplifting experience. It will allow you to bring the power of Yogic methodology to others so that they may improve their health and reduce stress levels. There are different levels of certification and once the most basic one is achieved, there are also training courses offered in specific types of Yoga. Of course, it is also a good idea to have some basic knowledge and experience with Yogic practices before deciding on a teacher training course. You should be comfortable within your own practice before you begin teaching others.

As Yogic methods continue to diversify and grow, it attracts more and more students. The most basic 200-hour Yoga instructor training course will educate you about the foundational aspects, but in order to fully take your practice to the next level, an advanced certification will most certainly be beneficial. The more fields you are trained in, the more you can grow your practice. There are training courses in Chair Yoga, which is great for seniors and people with limited mobility. It is also a course that may be conducive to teach in an office environment, as many more companies are incorporating Yogic exercise programs into the daily schedule for their employees.

Kids Yoga is another great field. Although sports such as soccer, basketball, and softball are great for kids, Yogic exercise can be as well. Teaching kids Yogic methods at a young age can help to decrease stress and increase focus. It can also be used as a way enhance and improve the sports they already play. Prenatal and postnatal is another specialized but popular field to get into. Women who are currently pregnant or have just had a baby often practice Yoga as a way to stay energized yet relaxed during their pregnancy, during delivery and even after the baby is born. They can also be very fulfilling classes to teach.

The right Yoga teacher certification for you is the one that will allow you to enhance your practice in a way that is conducive for you to teach others. It will allow you to expand your practice and create more challenges for yourself. Do you want to start your own studio? Do you want to teach at a gym or an already established studio? Are you familiar with marketing and business and ways to attract clients? The right course will do more than just teach you specific styles, it will also give you the tools you need to build a successful business.

© Copyright 2012 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

Visit our online Yoga teacher community.

Free report, newsletter, videos, podcasts, and e-Book: “Yoga in Practice.”

If you are a Yoga Teacher, studio owner, 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! 

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in yoga certification | No Comments »

Yoga Training for Students With Diabetes

Friday, December 21st, 2012

yoga instructor trainingBy Jenny Park

Chances are a student has asked you about yoga for diabetes. You might want to create a handout for the most common health conditions, but you don’t have enough time. You look through your old papers and books to find that your yoga certification course didn’t cover diabetes. Let’s be honest, how many medical conditions can you cover in one yoga teacher training intensive? Don’t worry, below this line I’ve prepared a handout for your diabetic students and their friends.

Diabetes and Yoga

Diabetes affects more and more people each year. This is largely believed to be due to poor diet choices and obesity. However, this is not always the case and it is responsible for one of the highest percentages of death. Though it is true that it can be caused by genetic factors, in the majority of cases those suffering could afford to exercise for their own good. The good news is that it’s never too late to begin a healthy lifestyle. By decreasing glucose levels, we can reduce are stress level and in turn reduce our chances of suffering a heart attack or stroke due to Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes. Sadly, the majority of cases are undiagnosed. One way to prevent diabetes is to practice yoga. So whether you’ve been diagnosed or not, yogic exercise is certainly a beneficial activity to take up.

Symptoms of Diabetes

If by chance you are one of the millions of undiagnosed people who suffer from diabetes, there are certain symptoms to consider that may push you to begin a healthier lifestyle now. They include extreme thirst, constant hunger, frequent urination, irritability, unexplained weight loss, fatigue and blurry vision. Once diagnosed a doctor will prescribe anything from insulin shots to medication. Sometimes, people who have taken up a healthy lifestyle have actually come off their diabetes medications.

How Yoga Helps

By strengthening muscles and massaging the endocrine, nervous, and circulatory system, asana practice will ultimately decrease overall stress levels. It also helps the student gain control over their mind, body and spirit allowing them to make clear lifestyle choices, and lose weight. A wide array of poses (asanas) is wonderful for those suffering diabetes. Each has its own benefit, and should be practiced 3 to 5 days a week for maximum benefit.

It’s important to take a class that relaxes you, as stress is a huge factor in diabetes. Slow, controlled poses like Sun Salutation along with plenty of meditation are perfect. Studies have shown that asana practice releases cortisol, which is a known stress hormone. The end results show that yoga is more effective than most forms of exercise. Practice will be most beneficial with the help of a certified yoga instructor who can get students not only in the correct postures, but also help them travel to that mental place where they can strengthen not just their bodies but also their minds.

© Copyright 2012 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

To see our selection of Yoga teacher training and continuing education courses for specialized Yoga certification, please visit the following link.

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

Free report, newsletter, videos, podcasts, and e-Book: “Yoga in Practice.”

If you are a Yoga Teacher, studio owner, 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!

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Yoga Teacher Training, yoga training | 1 Comment »

Yoga Teacher Tips: Seven Student Questions

Wednesday, December 12th, 2012

yoga teacher

By Bhavan Kumar

When you finish a yoga certification course, you may want to prepare yourself for all the questions you will have to answer. Many students new to your yoga school have questions about the practice. Here are seven questions that beginners typically ask and some answers that you might use..

Q: What is yoga? Is it a religion?

A: Yoga is a healing spiritual practice that includes breath control, meditation, physical postures and ethical guidelines. While some practitioners may consider yogic practices to be a religion, it differs from religion in several ways: there aren’t any priests, ministers or rabbis, there isn’t a membership process, there are no temples or churches, there aren’t any worship services and it is accessible to everyone of any religion.

Q: Can I practice yoga if I am not flexible?

A: Your inflexibility is exactly the reason you should practice! However, be sure to select an appropriate class for your ability. If you practice consistently, over time your body should become more flexible.

Q: What style should I practice?

A: Yoga training sessions can be quiet and meditative or active and sweaty. Decide what kind of experience you want to participate in and call or visit the facility to learn what the classes are like.

Q: What should I wear to a fitness oriented class? What equipment do I need?

A: Wear comfortable exercise clothing. In order for the yoga teacher to see your posture and alignment, wear form-fitting tops and bottoms. Find out ahead of time if the room will be hot or cool and dress accordingly. The only equipment you must have is a mat, and many gyms and studios provide them. Regardless, you might consider purchasing your own personal mat for sanitary reasons.

Q: What is “Om” and “Namaste?”

A: These are two Sanskrit words you’ll frequently hear in classes. “Om” is a mantra that represents the sound of the universe. “Namaste” is a greeting that means, “Salutations to to you.”

Q: How often should I practice the asanas?

A: Ideally, posturing is a daily practice. However, you may feel the positive benefits of asana practice if you practice at least two or three times a week.

Q: Is yoga a workout? Will it help me lose weight?

A: Physical styles can be a workout that includes building strength, flexibility and cardiovascular capacity. The intensity of the class depends on the style you choose and how the teacher leads the class.

Some additional questions yoga instructors should be prepared for include:

 • Is the class strenuous?

 • What is the temperature of the room?

 • Is the class suitable for beginners?

 • Is the focus on the class on postures, breath work or meditation?

Conclusion

There is nothing wrong with having a prepared handout for new students. Additionally, a teacher should be prepared to patiently answer questions. Some teachers don’t answer any questions during class time, but what if a student is experiencing pain? Let students know that questions during the session should be important and directly concern the lesson at hand. Otherwise, they can speak with you before and after the class.

© Copyright 2012 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

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

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

Free report, newsletter, videos, podcasts, and e-Book: “Yoga in Practice.”

If you are a Yoga teacher, studio owner, 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!

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in yoga teacher, Yoga Teacher Training | No Comments »

Yoga Training Tips For Medical Professionals

Tuesday, December 11th, 2012

yoga teacherBy Jenny Park

You’ve just finished your Yoga certification course and an exciting opportunity has landed at your feet. A friend gave you a reference at a nearby medical building and you have been chosen to teach a bunch of healthy medical professionals. You visit the space and love it, but you begin to realize that stress and bad health habits are rampant through the entire facility. What can you do? Are you going to lecture them? Doctors lecture us everyday and I don’t think they’re up to listening about health habits from the local Yoga teacher.

The Stressful Lifestyle

Almost everyone has to deal with stress at work or just life in general. Some of the most stressful jobs are those within the medical field. Doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals are almost constantly on the go, while facing life or death situations every day, often multiple times a day. Many of them have high stress levels that often lead to physical ailments such as high blood pressure, aches and pains, and even depression. Having an outlet that will reduce stress and promote relaxation is something that can be a true lifesaver, and Yoga sessions can often be the outlet.

Although more doctors are seeing the benefits of Yoga for their patients, they don’t always practice what they preach. It is important for people to realize that taking time out of a busy schedule in order to practice Yoga can actually be very restorative and lead to better productivity. Numerous studies have shown that regular exercise, including Yoga training, goes a long way toward reducing stress and other harmful health conditions. It can lower blood pressure, help with digestive issues, and lead to better sleep. And many people, even if they don’t work in the medical field, can benefit from all of those things.

Creating New Habits

Although medical workers definitely lead hectic lives that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to schedule some downtime. It might mean getting up fifteen minutes earlier to move through some poses, or taking time out of the end of the day to stretch and do some meditation. Taking time out to go to a class at least once a week can help to put things in perspective, both on the job and off. Getting recharged through relaxing the mind and the body is something that is good for everyone, no matter what their profession is.

One of the best things about Yoga practice is that it is portable. It can be done almost anywhere, even in an office. There are poses that are specifically geared toward people who lead busy lives that may only have a few minutes here or there. Even meditating for short periods of time can help to calm nerves and reduce stress, and doctors and nurses are often especially mindful of the benefits that go along with that.

Tips for Teachers

Opportunities to run your own Yoga school at a nearby medical building or hospital are springing up. Rather than lecture, it would be best to act as a sounding board. Yoga instructors wear many hats and it’s best for teachers to offer a haven from anxiety. A quiet space and time away from the madness is what they need. If you’re ever tempted to say anything, hold your tongue and be a good example. 

© 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/Teacher-Courses/

Free report, newsletter, videos, podcasts, and e-Book: “Yoga in Practice.”

If you are a Yoga Teacher, studio owner, 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!

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in teaching yoga | No Comments »

Yoga Instructor Training: Yogic Philosophy

Monday, December 3rd, 2012

yoga teacher certificationBy Kimaya Singh

How important is philosophy in a yoga certification course? Yoga teachers should know the history and philosophy of yogic practices. Patanjali – whose teaching led to the codification of the Eight Limbs – taught that a yoga practice includes a dedication towards truthfulness. Even students who practice yoga training for athletic of physical reasons find that eventually yoga leads them to deepen their spiritual and ethical practices due to the lessons that they learn on the mat.

Patanjali broke his teachings, the Eight Limbs of yoga, down into Yamas (ethical teachings) and Niyamas. The Yamas deal with how we use our personal energy to deal with the world around us and those we interact with. The concept of Satya, or commitment to truthfulness, is one of the fundamental Yamas. This dedication includes being genuine, sincere and honest with other persons, regardless of their station in life. It also ask practitioners to follow a path of being considerate to others needs and feelings.

Many times students ask if this means that we should always speak the truth. Or if there is room for what we commonly refer to as white lies. Others want to know if the “sin of omission” is something that yogis should never practice. Satya teaches that if something we say could hurt another, we should refrain from saying it. That may place students into ethical quandaries, but if we try to live with Ahisma (being considerate and seeking to do no harm to any living thing), we will find a way to resolve this conflict within ourselves. Satya teaches us that we must ground all of our relationships within honest communication, and refrain from any action that deceives or harms others.

One way that yoga teachers can help students train “truthfulness” is in being honest with our physical limitations. Too often, beginning practitioners try to push past their body’s limits to try a pose or modification that is too difficult for them or could do them harm. If a student wants to be truthful, he or she will accept that their body is not designed to perform a particular pose, such as Crow, or at least they are not ready yet. Satya is an effective way to keep students from trying to be competitive and push themselves past their known limits. It teaches them to be honest within their own body while working with it and honoring it.

Satya, or truthfulness is a concept that encourages students to develop honest both within themselves and with the world around them. While it may seem to contain contradictions, when used with other concepts such as Ashima, it can be a useful compass in our practice and our actions.

© Copyright 2012 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

To see our complete selection of Yoga teacher training courses, please feel free to visit the following link.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/Teacher-Courses/

Free report, newsletter, videos, podcasts, and e-Book: “Yoga in Practice.”

If you are a Yoga Teacher, studio owner, 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!

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Yoga Teacher Training | No Comments »

Yoga Teacher Training: Diabetes

Sunday, December 2nd, 2012

yoga certificationBy Gopi Rao

If you are considering a yoga certification course, you may want to understand diabetes and many other ailments. For those of us who already teach classes, all of the progress we have seen against diseases and suffering do not count in the eyes of scientific research. Science only recognizes its testing, studies and research as factual. At first, we might resent science for throwing out thousands of years of yogic research and claiming it is all biased information. For us to prove yogic methods work, yoga schools have to open the doors to medical and scientific scrutiny. We also have to be prepared to deliver proof and name sources of studies.

One Sample Diabetes Study

Source: Hegde SV, Adhikari P, Kotian S, et al. Effect of 3-month yoga on oxidative stress in type 2 diabetes with or without complications: a controlled clinical trial. Diabetes Care. 34(10):2208-10, 2011.

In 2011, researchers announced links between yogic practices and improved health amongst diabetes patients. While most yoga instructors can give anecdotal evidence that yogic exercise relieves diabetes symptoms, the research helped bolster the link between the two.

The 2011 study followed 123 students who were middle aged or older, and who participated in gentle or restorative forms of yoga. Participants reduced their BMI (Body Mass Index) by an average of four points, many of them from the cusp of what is considered to be obese to that of a healthy adult.

These students were able to lose an average of two to five pounds within a three month period, and experienced a drop in their blood sugar levels. The students added yoga to their existing forms of care, including regular exercise and healthy eating.

While the researchers were quick to point out that the classes did not give students a large change in weight or hip circumference, they also stated that the participants who did not add posture practice (asana) to their care, experienced no additional benefits whatsoever. The fact that yoga training had an even slight effect on weight and blood sugar levels gave researchers enough confidence to suggest that diabetes patients add it to a regular exercise practice.

The researchers were also quick to point out that some forms of yogic movement should be avoided by students who were not already regular practitioners. Ashtanga and power styles had the highest risk of injury for students who were not experienced in practicing asanas. Regardless of the type of postures a student practiced, the more vigorous poses should be avoided by most diabetes patients due to the risk of injury if they were improperly performed.

Some studios and diabetes treatment centers responded to the study by starting yoga training sessions that were tailored to meet the weight management and the specific health needs of diabetes patients. While prospective students are always cautioned to consult with a doctor before starting a program, these classes give novices a safe place to begin a practice under a yoga instructor’s watchful eye.

While gentler forms of yogic exercise do not offer the blood glucose management effects that aerobic exercise provides, asana practice as been proven to be an efficient way for students to manage their diabetes. Students who chose to start a practice will find yogic methods to be additional tools to manage their health while improving their overall well being.

© Copyright 2012 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

To see our complete selection of Yoga teacher training courses, please feel free to visit the following link.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/Teacher-Courses/

Free report, newsletter, videos, podcasts, and e-Book: “Yoga in Practice.”

If you are a Yoga Teacher, studio owner, 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!

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Yoga for Health, Yoga Teacher Training | No Comments »

Teaching Yoga for Students with Diabetes

Wednesday, November 7th, 2012

yoga teacher trainingBy Kimaya Singh

Many graduates of Yoga certification courses tend to think that all of their students will be healthy. When one begins teaching classes it becomes obvious that Yogic methodology was created to relieve the suffering of mankind.

Asana practice is known to be a way to get in shape physically as well as enhance moods. Many people do it to help ease joint pain and reduce anxiety. But recent studies have shown that it can also help people with diabetes. There is definitely something to the mind-body connection aspect of Yoga that can help to improve a number of conditions that ail us, both physically and mentally. And although diabetes is a serious disorder that can wreak havoc on a person’s body, it’s good to know that there are options like Yoga available in order to help you manage it.

Diabetes is a serious condition. Doctors believe that genetics, diet, and other environmental factors may contribute to the disease. Many people who are diagnosed with it are overweight and may have other health issues as well. Sometimes it can be treated with diet and exercise, but some people may need to rely on insulin injections. Whichever form the disease takes, Yoga training may be able to reduce some of the wear and tear diabetes causes on the body. Eating right and getting the right amount of exercise can go a long way toward improving your health, even if you have been diagnosed with diabetes.

Building muscle and reducing fat cells is just one of the ways that Yoga can make your body stronger. Devoting time on a regular basis to practicing asana can often have many restorative effects on your body. Many people notice higher energy levels, the ability to sleep better, and even weight loss. Those are all positive factors that can influence other areas of your life as well.

Although the thought of beginning a Yoga training session can be daunting to some people, there’s no doubt that it can be a great habit to get into. Some of the poses might seem a little difficult at first, but rest assured that there are modifications for most poses that can make them easier to attain. The important thing to remember is that Yoga can help to improve your health and your outlook. It often contributes to a positive mindset that allows us to move forward with confidence. Yogic methodology is definitely not a “cure all” treatment, but it has shown to have significant and positive effects on many of the ailments that we suffer from, even diabetes. 

© Copyright 2012 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

To see our selection of Yoga teacher training and continuing education courses for specialized Yoga certification, please visit the following link.

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

Free report, newsletter, videos, podcasts, and e-Book: “Yoga in Practice.”

If you are a Yoga Teacher, studio owner, 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!

Tags: , , ,
Posted in teaching yoga | No Comments »

Teaching Office Yoga Exercises

Tuesday, November 6th, 2012

yoga teacher trainingBy Faye Martins

Graduates of chair yoga teacher training programs have many opportunities in the corporate sector. If you’ve ever sat at a desk in front of a computer screen for hours on end, you know the aches and pains associated with an office job. By the time afternoon rolls around, many office workers are feeling lethargic, achy or even pain.

Sitting in a chair all day can cause the body to rebel. Thankfully, office workers can find relief by practicing a few easy yoga poses that can be performed right in an office chair – although getting up and taking a walk can also do wonders for a tired body.

Forward Neck Rolls

Sit with a straight spine, resting your feet firmly on the floor. Drop your chin down to your chest. Inhale as you roll your neck slowly to the right edge. Exhale as you do the opposite roll to the left edge. Slowly repeat a few times, creating a breathing pattern where you inhale to the right and exhale as you move to the left. Do not tilt the head back and roll the head backwards. This can compress the cervical spine and grind the cervical vertebrae.

Shoulder Shrugs

Release the tension in your neck and shoulders by pulling both shoulders up, getting them as close to your ears as possible. In one quick movement, allow your shoulders to drop back down to their original spot. Repeat several times. If desired, you can match the breath to the movement by inhaling as your shoulders come up and exhaling as you shrug them back down.

Wrist Circles

If you work at a computer keyboard all day, you no doubt feel it in your wrists. Release the tension by performing wrist circles. Make slow circles with each wrist, much like neck circles. Perform circles with both wrists at the same time or alternate. Make sure to alternate directions several times. Breathe in and out deeply and visualize the tension in your wrists leaving the body.

Twist

Make your back, spine and neck feel better with a simple twist to each side. Begin in a seated position, feet flat on the floor and spine straight. Twist the upper torso to one side, leading with the shoulder. Place the leading arm behind your hip or grasp the chair to intensify the twist. Take several deep breaths as you hold the twist on one side. Repeat on the other side.

Breathe

Sometimes all it takes is a few deep breaths to rejuvenate your body and mind. Sit with good posture. Inhale deeply through the nose, allowing the breath to fill the abdomen, chest and lungs until you can’t pull anymore air into your body. Hold the air for just a second, then slowly let it out through your nose, beginning with the lungs and chest and then the abdomen. Repeat several times.

Teacher Tips

Learn all you can about teaching yoga in a chair or take a chair yoga certification course. Many offices don’t have a recreation area, but you can easily have a yoga training session in the office area or a break room.

© Copyright 2012 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

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

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

Free report, newsletter, videos, podcasts, and e-Book: “Yoga in Practice.”

If you are a Yoga Teacher, studio owner, 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!

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Office Yoga, teaching yoga | No Comments »

Walking on the Yoga Teacher’s Path

Friday, October 26th, 2012

yoga certificationBy Gopi Rao

Walking on the yoga teacher’s path requires dedication and discipline. Perhaps surprisingly, it doesn’t require you to be the most flexible or advanced person in your yoga class. Anyone with the desire to work hard and subscribe to yogic philosophy can become a successful yoga teacher. In fact, many people feel more comfortable with a teacher who has flaws and limitations like the rest of us. Students don’t expect perfection and neither should you. Like every other yogic journey in life, the teacher’s path takes you on a trip of reflection, personal growth and physical wellness.

Be Yourself

As you learn to become a yoga instructor, you will most likely study the work of others, take notes on how seasoned teachers format their classes or learn specific teaching techniques. While all of these items are valuable, keep in mind that you are still you and you have your own unique style and personality to add to your class that no one else has. Never feel as though you have to do things another teacher’s way. Integrate the techniques and philosophies you learn with your personal style to create a class that works for you.

Let Go of Fears

Teaching can be a scary venture as you put yourself in front of a group of people, each with their own set of expectations and judgments about you. Remind yourself often that yoga is not about judging others, but a much more personal practice about each individual. The same holds true for the teacher. In order to be an effective teacher, you need to let go of your fears and anxieties so you can give your best to your students. The more you teach, the more confident you will become and the easier this will be. Yoga certification gives you a foundation of knowledge, but experience and will improve your skills every day.

Seek a Mentor

Teaching is an ever-changing profession that requires keeping up with industry changes, students’ needs and teaching trends. In order to be the best teacher you can be, it’s important to seek the help of a mentor. A mentor can be there for you for advice, a shoulder to cry on or just as a colleague who is traveling the same path as you. Look at your fellow yoga teachers not as competition, but as people who have valuable advice to give.

Go With the Flow

Never expect your teaching practice to remain constant. As you gain experience, attend more yoga teacher training intensives, or change classes, you’ll want to occasionally change your lesson plan, the flow of the class, or emphasis on health benefits. A good teacher will not fear change, but will embrace any new way of doing something that helps him or her become a more effective teacher.

© Copyright 2012 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

To see our selection of Yoga teacher training and continuing education courses for specialized Yoga certification, please visit the following link.

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

Free report, newsletter, videos, podcasts, and e-Book: “Yoga in Practice.”

If you are a Yoga Teacher, studio owner, 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!

Tags: , , ,
Posted in teaching yoga, yoga teacher | No Comments »

« Older Entries

SEARCH