Posts Tagged ‘yoga instructor’

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Kinesiology Education for Yoga Teachers

Tuesday, January 31st, 2012

yoga certificationBy Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Kinesiology is the study of movement. It includes the study of all of the physiological mechanisms of the body. The study of kinetics is important in educational disciplines such as rehabilitation therapy, sports medicine, exercise, biomechanics, and orthopedics. Since Hatha Yoga is based on movement, it makes perfect sense that someone specializing in teaching a physical form of Yoga would be knowledgeable about the kinetics of the body.

More specifically, kinesiology is the scientific study of the body’s bones, joints, tissues, nerves, and muscles. The practice of Yoga focuses largely on moving the body into positions, which will strengthen and lengthen the joints and muscles. It seems that kinetics and Yoga go hand in hand. When you are teaching Yoga, you are teaching your students how to safely move the body into specific postures for specific results. A Yoga teacher must be knowledgeable about the way the different parts of the body work in conjunction with each other.

Imagine a scenario where you are teaching a class full of beginners how to perform Triangle pose for the first time. You will make sure that students get into a wide stance with proper alignment, and then turn the toes out to the proper degrees. Then students must focus on their hips, keeping them squared forward, and practice moving from the hips as opposed to leading with the shoulders or another body part. Once the hips are in place, students must reach with top arm upward, shoulders down and back. Finally, the Yoga instructor must convey how to reach out and down toward the front foot, while reaching up to the ceiling, opening up the chest, and cast the gaze upward.

That one pose covered nearly the whole body, from toes to head. As students learn to go into the pose, the Yoga instructor needs to be able to understand student limitations and adjust bodies accordingly. This not only requires knowledge of the pose itself, but knowledge of how the body works. If a student experiences pain or discomfort due to a pose, it is the Yoga instructor’s job to tweak the body to alleviate the discomfort. This requires knowledge of body kinetics.

Kinetic knowledge is crucial background information for Yoga instructors. Although you might not always teach your students about specific tissues or joints, it is important in forming a general understanding of how human bodies work. One of the aspects of Hatha Yoga is to become more in touch with our bodies, so it just makes sense that a Yoga teacher should know the scientific ins and outs of the body.

© 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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Interpersonal Skills of a Yoga Teacher

Saturday, January 21st, 2012

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

Students attending a Yoga class expect to find a calm, comfortable environment; a warm, inviting space, soft music, and quiet voices. They expect to be greeted with a smile by the Yoga instructor, as well as the other students. Yoga students often form relationships, based upon the mutual interest in Yoga and wellness. This entire atmosphere is created and nurtured by the instructor. The Yoga teacher sets the tone for the entire class through his or her own methods of interpersonal communication.

Therefore, it is important that the Yoga teacher has a set of interpersonal skills that are role model worthy. Although Yoga teachers spend much of the class talking by giving cues, information, and reminders, it is also important for them to be active listeners. Teachers need to tune-in to the needs and personalities of their students in order to serve them well during class. Students want to feel like valued members of the group, and Yoga teachers can support this need by listening.

Yoga instructors also need to work on their tone of voice. They should deliver material in a voice that is calm and even. It must be loud enough for everyone to hear, but not so loud that it changes the calming atmosphere of the room. Many Yoga instructors deliver cues in a lilting voice that can encourage students to go deeper into a state of relaxation. It is fine to laugh and have fun during Yoga class, while keeping the structure of class intact.

Body language is an integral part of non-verbal communication. Instructors need to convey a welcoming spirit through body language. They should avoid crossing their arms, instead placing them loosely at their sides when talking with students before and after class. It is also important to maintain eye contact when speaking individually with students, and always scan the room making eye contact with students while teaching class.

The actions and words of a Yoga teacher should convey respect toward the students. Instructors should never boast, or demean students in any way. A modest approach is best, where the instructor imparts his or her knowledge of Yoga while remaining humble.

Even if these skills do not come naturally, they can be developed and honed by Yoga instructors who are eager to succeed. It can help to watch more experienced instructors during their classes to observe how they interact with students. Allow your own personality to shine as well, but make sure you are always communicating in a way that is open, comfortable, and friendly.

© 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: 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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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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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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Online Yoga Teacher Community

Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011

yoga teacherBy Jenny Park 

Technology enables us to do amazing things; connect with others around and across the globe, create friendships and colleagues with people we may never even meet face-to-face, and stay on top of the latest trends and information in any field imaginable. Within the field of yoga, the Internet has made it easy for yoga teachers to take courses, train, connect and interact through online yoga communities.

Yoga teachers can network, ask questions, get answers, learn more about specific disciplines, grow as teachers, and so much more. Online yoga communities are giving yoga instructors the chance to improve without ever leaving their home.

Aura Wellness Center is an example of a thriving online yoga community. At Aura’s Yoga teacher community, yoga enthusiasts and teachers can sign up for weekly newsletters, join in forum participation, listen to pod casts, participate in the blogs, or watch lectures and workshops on a variety of yoga topics. Aura Wellness Center provides a wealth of topics to browse, and the website is user-friendly, allowing you to search for what you are looking for. There is no yearly fee to join, and Aura Wellness Center is a daily contributor of articles that Yoga teachers can read or share with their students for free.

At Aura’s Yoga teachers forum, is a specialized forum site for yoga teachers. You can sign up for free, and then create your own profile, where you can spotlight yourself by entering your opinions, research, papers, and your writings. Search the forum to look for yoga-related jobs, read about others who have become yoga teachers, and access other resources for yoga teachers. Aura Wellness Center really puts the emphasis on the people in the community, giving them opportunities to chat through the forum, and free advertising of many events including workshops that are for yoga teachers and serious practitioners.

Online yoga teacher communities can give all yoga instructors the opportunity to connect with other professionals. If you are teaching yoga in a remote area, perhaps you don’t have the chance to meet with others in your field on a regular basis. Talking and sharing ideas with others is one of the best ways to become a better yoga teacher, to feel good about yourself as a yoga instructor, and to give back to the community of yoga in general. Since there are so many online communities to choose from, take a look around and decide which one is best for you. Avoid signing up for too many sites, if you feel this might just become overwhelming. Instead, find the one that fits your needs and go for it.

© Copyright 2011 – 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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Beginning Yoga Postures for Trauma Survivors

Saturday, November 19th, 2011

yoga teacher trainingBy Kimaya Singh 

Practicing Yoga postures can be a powerful and effective healing modality for trauma survivors. One of the primary defenses of trauma survivors is to repress or dissociate from painful memories and emotions. Yoga asanas and Yogic breathing techniques help a trauma survivor to be aware of his or her own boundaries, feelings and anger at being victimized. This new emotional awareness will empower a trauma survivor to speak his or her truth. This is one of the building blocks of healing from trauma. Continually repressing painful emotions and experiences will contract the flow of energy throughout the body, leading to fatigue and aches and pains.

Beginning Yoga postures for trauma survivors gently open up the doorway to somatic awareness. These beginning postures, if offered by a trauma-sensitive Yoga instructor, will also empower the survivor to choose to practice the poses that nourish his or her well being and to decline from practicing the poses that do not without necessitating an explanation. Mountain Pose or Tadasana is great pose for helping a trauma survivor to feel centered and grounded. Uttanasana or Forward Fold will help a trauma survivor to look within as he or she releases tension that resides in the hamstrings.

Tadasana or Mountain Pose

To practice Tadasana, come to the front end of your Yoga mat and stand comfortably in Samasthiti or Equal Standing Pose. Your feet may be touching or a few inches apart. Feel the weight of your body being supported by your feet, and how the distance of your feet from each other impacts your balance. Choose a distance that is comfortable for you today. It is fine if the distance of your feet changes from day to day. Breathe deeply and fully three to five times, while feeling the entire surface area of your feet. Feel the earth below you, and how you are supported in this moment.

Uttanasana or Forward Folding Pose 

Often emotional conflict and holding resides in the hamstrings and hips. Practicing Uttanasana will help a trauma survivor to become aware of tightness in the hamstrings and conflicted feelings that may be residing in those muscles. To practice this posture, start from Tadasana. Take one, full complete breath. With your next exhale; bend forward as far as you comfortably can without strain. Let your head hang down and clasp your elbows with the opposite hands. Close your eyes and become aware of any sensations, feelings and memories. Witness these sensations, memories and feelings with deep compassion and love for yourself as you continue to breath. To come out of the posture, place your hands on your hips and with your next inhale slowly come back up into Mountain Pose.

© Copyright 2011 – 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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Is There an Optimum Age for Power Yoga?

Wednesday, November 9th, 2011

online yoga certificationBy Sangeetha Saran

Power yoga is a specific practice of yoga, based on India’s Ashtanga yoga. Traditionally, Ashtanga classes flow through a specific series of poses with an emphasis on concentration and breathing. Since its arrival in the United States, the practice has been dubbed “power yoga” as a credit to its vigorous nature and physical results. Depending on the instructor, power yoga classes might take on a slightly different form from a traditional Ashtanga class, but will follow the basic idea behind it. Power yoga classes are not for children, as they require advanced coordination, stamina, and flexibility.

The optimum age for power yoga lies more in the condition of the body, as opposed to the number of years one has existed. It is not recommended for children under twelve, as the body’s core muscles are not fully developed yet. Adults interested in power yoga should first check with their doctor to make sure they are physically fit enough for a power yoga workout. Power yoga is physically demanding, and requires a bit of practice before the full benefits will be realized. Someone interested in beginning power yoga should have a bit of background with some basic yoga poses, they should attend a power yoga class designed for beginners, or make sure the yoga instructor is knowledgeable enough to modify poses for beginners.

Although seniors often consider chair yoga first, there are some people who enjoy power yoga well into their 70s or 80s. As the body ages, so does a person’s knowledge and sense of self. Older people know their limits, and how to listen to their bodies. Each unique person has a different background, level of strength and flexibility, and emotional history. Power yoga can emphasize and improve all of these things, making it a positive practice for adults in the “mature years.” However, it is most important for power yoga instructors to be aware of the physical limitations of their students and help to modify when necessary.

While power yoga is enjoyed by many adults, there are other things to consider besides age. To fully benefit from power yoga classes, adults should practice it every day for at least 15 to 20 minutes. They should eat a healthy diet, rich in fruits and vegetables, and they should also remember never to practice power yoga on a full stomach. Most healthy people can thrive by practicing power yoga if they are willing and dedicated.

© Copyright 2011 – 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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Make Your Yoga Class a Motivation Mecca

Monday, October 24th, 2011

yoga instructor certificationBy Jenny Park

As a yoga instructor, an important part of your job is playing the role of motivation master. Not only is vital for your students, but effective motivation techniques mean a higher rate of returns. “What can I do to improve the motivation mojo in my class,” you ask? Below are a few simple pointers to get you started.

Spend Time Crafting the Art of Yoga

Think of yourself as the Balanchine of yoga and really take the time to plan out each and every asana within your lesson plan. If your classes are fluid and intuitive, you’ll find that students will take more easily to your routine – and that translates into impressive attendance numbers.

 Be Mindful of Your Words

Be conscious and careful with our tone of voice. If you’re tired or feeling under the weather or in a terrible mood, the pitch and positivity of your voice may wane. And believe it or not, humans subconsciously pick up on this change in tone, which alerts our “danger Will Robinson” instinct. So remember to keep your voice encouraging and consistent. If you really are under the weather, instead of risking coming off tired and angry, while spreading a flu around, call  in sick – your yoga class, and the person who gets to substitute, will thank you for it.

Be Mindful of the Music

Choosing the right tunes is essential. Our bodies respond to sound and vibrations; if your music selection clashes with the pace of the yoga class, it makes for an awkward experience. Make sure to coordinate the slower parts of class with serene songs, and choose more vibrant melodies for the power parts.

Motivate Through Relaxation

A deep relaxation routine at the end of a class is always a good idea. As you know, our bodies love to stretch and breathe after an intense – or particularly deep – workout. Build it into your yoga class, your students will love it, and the great feeling at the end of every class will contribute to student motivation.

Awareness is at the root of yoga practice. As instructors, we must not only be aware of our own postures, but we must also keep an eye on our students. Keep notes of people’s progress; be sure to acknowledge individual improvements; let your students know that you really do have a genuine interest in their efforts. If you follow these simple tips, in short order, you’ll be known as the maverick of motivation.

© Copyright 2011 – 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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Yoga for Parkinson’s Disease

Monday, October 17th, 2011

yoga instructor certificationBy Faye Martins

Today, more than 1.5 million Americans have Parkinson’s Disease, with 60,000 diagnosed every year, according the National Parkinson’s Foundation. If it seemed that no one in your Yoga class could possibly have this condition, think again. Typically appearing around ages 55-60, “early onset” Parkinson’s can appear at any time in adulthood.

I wasn’t aware of this at all, until I visited adult day care centers with Paul. Suddenly, my eyes were opened as to the population of middle-aged people who have Parkinson’s and the variety of neurological disorders that abruptly strike young seniors.

Parkinson’s reduces the dopamine the body produces, a chemical needed for rapid, smooth movements and coordinating muscles. At diagnosis, a patient may already be producing 20% less dopamine than normal and as the level drops, symptoms like tremors and muscle stiffness appear. Treatment typically consists of dopamine-boosting medication and supportive therapies. These can include regular Yoga practice.

Cornell University conducted a pilot study in 2005 involving 15 Parkinson’s patients doing regular Yoga over a ten-week period. They reported better sleep, less trunk stiffness and a general feeling of well being at the conclusion of the program. A host of other studies, including a 2002 study at the John F. Kennedy Institute in Denmark, which showed a 65% short-term increase in dopamine levels while Yoga and meditation were practiced, seem to support this conclusion. Yoga instructor and Parkinson’s Disease-sufferer Paul Zeiger has even developed specific classes for those with the condition in the Denver, Colorado area.

So, how can Yoga help students with Parkinson’s?

First, the yoga instructor should be aware that Parkinson’s compromises certain body movements and areas more than others. Shoulder mobility is often the first problem experienced, showing in a stooped posture and lack of arm movement. Backbends and shoulder-openers can be an asset in a situation when the shoulders are rounding forward. Inner hamstring tightening can be counteracted with a Wide Leg Forward Bend (Prasarita Padottanasana). Tree pose (Vrkshasana) helps with balance issues. Yoga Journal writer Peggy van Holsteyn writes that Standing Forward Bend (Uttanasana), and Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II), help with her Parkinson’s symptoms. Twists can keep the core pliant and maintain mobility.

Most teachers agree that doing a short series of asanas, several times a day, can be most beneficial for students with Parkinson’s. Muscles lacking in dopamine can tire quickly and lose flexibility when overworked. Encourage students with Parkinson’s to move at their own pace and stop when they feel fatigued. It is also common for medication to lose and re-gain effectiveness, so students’ ability can come and go from day to day. Supporting Yoga practitioners with Parkinson’s will help them improve their own quality of life.

© Copyright 2011 – 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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