Posts Tagged ‘yoga instructors’

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Teaching Yoga: The Power of Observation

Wednesday, February 1st, 2012

yoga teacherBy Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Although a Hatha Yoga teacher must be able to teach a variety of poses (asanas), practice many forms of meditation, and understand the inner workings of Yogic breathing techniques (pranayama), one of the most difficult parts of the job description is observing the class.

It takes a combination of experience, knowledge, and intuition to share concise instructions and ensure each Yoga practitioners’ safety. Good Yoga teachers spend as much, or more, time watching their students as they do demonstrating techniques and postures.

While observation looks simple, it requires a fine balance of attention to individual needs, execution of postures, classroom atmosphere, and safety precautions. In order to have a well-rounded class curriculum, Yoga instructors must simultaneously consider all of these.

Why Observation Is Important in Yoga Classes

• Successful Yoga teachers share information with the entire class while meeting each student on a personal level. Ideally, every person should leave the Yoga studio feeling the lesson targeted his or her specific needs.

• Yoga instructors have a tremendous responsibility to see that every student is safe. This requires knowledge of personal health histories, the risks and cautions related to each activity, and an understanding of the capability of everyone in the class.

• Yoga teachers who are sensitive to students’ learning styles, personalities, and skill levels instinctively know which ones are hesitant to try new techniques and poses or take on new challenges. Some people like risks while others mentally and physically freeze if they feel rushed; some learn best by listening, and others are more adept at listening or observing.

• Yoga incorporates physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health, which can be a huge amount of information. Often, teachers are stronger in one of these areas than they are in others. A Yoga teacher who recognizes a student’s strengths is better prepared to offer encouragement and praise.

• Observation is the only way for teachers to monitor students’ progress, correct alignment, minimize the chance of injury, and establish a practice of good habits. Learning the proper techniques for Yogic breathing, meditating, and practicing asanas is a basic foundation of student growth and success.

Conclusion

For Yoga instructors, observation is much like mindfulness. When teachers pay attention and let go of the need to control or judge, the studio transforms into a place where students gain confidence, poise, and serenity. As a result, every person leaves thinking he or she was in a class designed just for him or her.

As teachers, we must strive for a balance between the controlling instructor, who has to assist everyone in the class, and the teacher who has a fear of leaving his or her mat. Observation by “walking the room” at times when you cannot see all of your students is the answer.

© 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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Ethics Education for Yoga Teachers

Friday, January 27th, 2012

yoga certificationBy Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Ethics training is an important component of any career. Business students must learn how to ethically do business, when dealing with finances, accounts, and employees. Doctors must understand the ethics of healthcare and serving patients in a way that fulfills a moral obligation. Service providers must be willing to follow a code of conduct to ensure the trust of their clients. When it comes to teaching Yoga, ethics are no exception. Yoga instructors must adhere to certain lifestyle choices, and stick to a code of ethics for teaching.

When you are a teacher of anything, you tend to end up living in a fish bowl of sorts – where everyone watches and judges your actions in and out of class. When there is a contrast in behaviors from what people see inside the classroom, as opposed to outside of it, questions of character arise. Who is this person, really? A Yoga instructor, seen guzzling beers every Friday night at the local bar, for example, will be looked upon differently when teaching class. Yoga teachers, who date their students, are opening up many potential problems. Of course, Yoga teachers are people too, and perfection is not the expectation. However, Yogic philosophy encompasses certain principles for living a balanced life, and it is important for Yoga instructors to make those principles inherent to their lifestyles.

The ethics of Yoga include – treating students with respect, honoring other Yoga teachers, and welcoming all students into the class. Yoga instructors must practice truthfulness in their relationships. They should live a life of integrity and honesty in the classroom and the community. Those of us who choose to become Yoga instructors are obligated to make healthy choices in all aspects of life. Teaching Yoga is more than a job; it is a way of life. It means embracing Yoga’s philosophies at all times.  In fact, it is not that difficult to “walk the talk.”  Teachers should have no difficulty understanding the Yamas and Niyamas.  The Yamas and Niyamas are the guidelines for ethical behavior of all Yoga practitioners – especially teachers.

Ethics education for Yoga teachers makes perfect sense.  Whether we like it or not, Yoga students tend to judge their teachers, or have certain expectations for us, to display ethical behavior. When a Yoga teacher meets students’ expectations, it puts students at ease. When a Yoga instructor says or does things that do not meet students’ expectations, they are at risk of losing the respect of students. Ethics education is a crucial component of a Yoga teacher training program. It helps produce well-rounded Yoga instructors who know the importance of living an authentic life.

© 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: Benefits of Yoga Props

Thursday, January 26th, 2012

yoga instructor courseBy Narendra Maheshri

There is an attitude that a few Yoga teachers have in regard to the use of props. This attitude is based on intolerance for new students and students with special needs. Maybe the Yoga teacher has not received in-depth training of anatomy, or a compassion chip, but arrogant yoga instructors should label their craft accordingly.

Some suggestions would be sauna stretch, extreme stretch and torture, hardcore boot camp stretching, or no pain no gain stretching. By discarding the word “yoga,” there is no deception. A new student would realize that there is as much risk of injury in a class with these yoga teachers as there is in a boxing ring.

Why Yoga Props Make Sense

Newcomers to yoga will find certain props invaluable, especially in the beginning when muscles are tight and rigid. At first, there may be a significance dependence on props that will decrease as flexibility increases. The greatest benefit to using yoga props, is they improve the quality of the pose which creates a better stretch.

Yoga Mats

A mat is probably the most useful of all yoga props. The purpose of a yoga mat is to provide a non-slip surface to stand on while performing yoga poses. A yoga mat protects feet from unwanted movement or slippage while holding a pose. This is instrumental in avoiding injury from slipping. A yoga mat may be used to cover another prop, like yoga block, to provide a non-slip surface. The importance of a yoga mat is creates a safe foundation when practicing yoga.

Yoga Blocks

Yoga block are extremely useful props, especially for beginners who don’t have much stretch and extension at first. A well-placed yoga block can extend the reach of an arm reaching to touch the floor when performing a wide leg stretch with a forward bend like in a triangle pose. Using a yoga block can create a deeper stretch without fear of injury. A yoga block can help maintain balance while posing, give support in a seated twist, or help maintain balance during a pose.

Yoga Straps

Yoga straps are indispensable when performing a seated forward stretch to the toes. Tight hamstrings may make it too difficult to reach the toes. Feeding a yoga strap around the toes and holding the ends of the strap in each hand will aid and enhance the stretch gently until the hamstrings loosen. Placing the strap around the toes anchors the yoga strap so the ends can be pulled to increase the stretch from the hips bending forward. A yoga strap aids stretching and holding yoga poses without straining. This makes it easy to push limits and improve yoga poses resulting in greatly improved flexibility.

Yoga Blankets

A yoga blanket may be used to comfort and support the body with a variety of yoga poses. The blanket can be folded and used to sit on to ease the strain of several seated poses, allowing the pose to be held longer with a deeper stretch. A yoga blanket can be folded or rolled to support the back or neck with poses that stress those areas. This is a versatile prop because it can be folded and shaped to suit almost any pose.

What are the Benefits?

Practicing asana, meditation, and pranayama without an injury is what we want for our students.  Some people cannot sit with their legs crossed on the floor.  In that case, we have to find a solution.  As Paulji often stresses, “Hatha Yoga is adapted to the needs of the individual student.”  Our students take yoga classes to have better health and props insure the experience is a good one.  Our objective is no yoga injuries at all.

© 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: When to Assist

Wednesday, January 18th, 2012

yoga certificationBy Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

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

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

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

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

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

© Copyright 2012 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

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

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

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

FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles). Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste!

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Teaching Yoga Without Ego

Wednesday, January 11th, 2012

yoga teacher trainingBy Bhavan Kumar

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

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

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

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

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

© Copyright 2012 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

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

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

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

FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles). Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste!

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Kids Yoga Games

Wednesday, December 14th, 2011

yoga certificationBy Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Common kids’ games often include kick ball, hide-and-seek, red rover, four square, or tag. Games are a fun way for kids to get rid of excess energy, and to maintain a healthy body. From a child’s point of view, however, games are just fun. They provide a way to hang out with friends and have a good time. Children’s Yoga is becoming more popular as parents and teachers realize the benefits it can provide for kids of all ages and abilities. The format of a kids’ Yoga class differs from traditional yoga instruction. To pique the interest of kids, and to keep them actively engaged in the class, children’s Yoga instructors often provide fun, yoga games to play.

Musical Mats

This game keeps kids moving, while giving them practice with a variety of poses. To set up for the game, the instructor needs to place one mat for each student forming a large circle. Then, put one yoga card on each mat that names a pose and shows a picture of it. To play, each child stands at the back of a Yoga mat. When the music starts, children begin moving around the circle using a designated movement, such as skipping, hopping, jogging, or walking backwards. When the music stops, children go to the nearest mat and perform the pose on the card. Instructors should encourage kids to go to a new mat each time.

Interactive Story

Yoga instructors can prepare a story ahead of time; incorporating as many yoga poses as possible throughout the story. As they read the story aloud, children can act out each pose. Choosing a theme for a story is a fun idea, perhaps based on an upcoming holiday, season, birthday, or other event important to the kids. For example, around Christmas, the story might begin something like this: “It was a cold, and snowy night and all was still (mountain pose). The children bundled themselves in coats, hats, and scarves for a walk in the snowy woods (tree pose). They stop to examine some tracks in the snow (downward dog)…”

Animal Games

Since many Yoga poses have animal names, instructors can teach children the pose and encourage them to make the sound while they do it. Go through the alphabet, letting kids choose an animal that begins with each letter, or let each child choose an animal and lead a pose. Kids Yoga teachers can also ask each child to go into an animal pose, and then ask the other kids to guess which pose it is.

© 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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How to Prevent Yoga Student Injuries

Tuesday, December 6th, 2011

yoga certificationBy Jenny Park

Yoga has become more popular in the last few years, with classes popping up in gyms, and fitness and community centers across the country. Its popularity is exciting to those of us who have been reaping the benefits for years and want to “share the wealth.” However, along with its newfound popularity comes an increase in yoga-related injuries. In some cases, inexperienced students might be pushing themselves too far, and in other instances yoga instructors might not be doing the best job of educating participants on potential risks of each pose. Both instructors and students need to make sure they are doing all they can to prevent injuries when practicing yoga.

Students should always check with their doctor before beginning any type of exercise regime to make sure they aren’t putting themselves in a risky situation. Although yoga is beneficial for many types of ailments, high blood pressure, arthritis, back soreness, and more, it is still important to be aware of the potential risks. Pregnant women can also participate in yoga right through the last trimester, but they should always be aware of poses that could cause injuries and learn how to modify them. Since not all yoga students show obvious symptoms, like pregnancy, it is their responsibility to let the instructor know of any specific concerns so the instructor can guide them accordingly.

Although instructors share some of the responsibility of keeping their students safe, it is impossible for them to know every malady of every student. It is therefore important for instructors to educate themselves thoroughly on the common risks associated with each pose, as well as modifications. Yoga instructors should make modifications a part of the routine, by casually mentioning them during each pose, and while walking around to help specific students obtain proper form.

Self-awareness is a large part of any yoga practice. Students should be taught to listen to their bodies, breathe through each pose, and adjust when they feel discomfort. It is the instructor’s job to emphasize this importance, as well as the idea that yoga is not a competition, and there is no wrong way to practice the poses, when they are modified for the student’s body. Whatever feels right to each person is right for that person. People should always avoid comparing themselves to others, or the instructor. Yoga instructors should be sure to create a comfortable class atmosphere where people feel free to practice yoga that will benefit them. Yoga student injuries can happen at home or in a class, but prevention based safety guidelines and compassionate education will reduce the chances.

© 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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Safety Guidelines for Kids Yoga

Friday, November 11th, 2011

yoga certificationBy Faye Martins

Exposing children to yoga helps lay the foundation for a healthy lifestyle. The earlier a child is exposed to the philosophy behind yoga, the breathing and stretching associated with the poses, and its lifelong health benefits, the more apt they will be to integrate it into their daily lives as adults. Kids yoga classes do not follow the same format as typical adult yoga classes. Kids classes are geared to be more interactive, faster-paced, and generally kid-friendly. Children are not expected to hold poses for a long time, incorporate the proper breathing methods, or remain totally quiet. Trained yoga instructors strive to provide a positive, welcoming environment for children to learn yoga.

There are some safety guidelines to follow concerning kids yoga classes. Parents should make sure their children are enrolled in the appropriate class. They need to consider the child’s age, ability, and prior experience with yoga. Children’s yoga classes are offered for all ages, from infants to elementary school-aged children. Classes focus on basic yoga poses, breathing, and the basic philosophy behind yoga. Each class is geared toward the age group it is offered to, with each group having a slightly different format. For example, a preschool yoga class might not be appropriate for a five or six-year-old, and the parents of a toddler might choose a “Mom and Me” type class where the child is accompanied by an adult.

Yoga instructors and parents should also make sure to be aware of potential muscle and joint strains or injuries. Children are naturally more flexible than adults, and might not even realize it when overextending themselves. Yoga instructors should teach children to listen to their bodies and stop if a pose is uncomfortable, to stretch slowly and breathe deeply, and never to force a pose. Yoga should always be practiced on a safe, level surface using clean mats and bare feet to avoid slips. Children should always wear comfortable clothing that will move with their bodies. The room temperature should be kept at a lower, comfortable temperature to accommodate the natural heating of moving bodies, and to avoid over-heating.

Parents need to consider the overall health of their child before sending them to a yoga class. Children with migraines need to avoid any poses that bring extra pressure to the head. A child with asthma, bronchitis, a hernia, or other breathing difficulties may need to avoid certain breathing techniques. Most importantly, parents and instructors should work together to provide a positive yoga experience for children.

© 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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About Yoga for Toddlers

Tuesday, November 1st, 2011

yoga teacher trainingBy Jenny Park

Is toddler Yoga pushing little ones beyond their limits or an education enhancement with rewards that will last a lifetime? While there will be critics of everything, we can definitely see the benefits of yoga for children of all ages.

Think of a toddler and you might conjure images of big, bright eyes, chubby legs standing with wobbly confidence, and an eagerness to explore, explore, explore. Although the word “yoga” probably didn’t cross your mind, it is a healthy activity for toddlers to engage in. No, we cannot expect toddlers to remain silent, breathe in through the nose and out through the mouth, and flow seamlessly from one pose to the next. However, toddlers can imitate versions of many poses and learn the value of stretching the body and energizing muscles with increased blood flow.

Yoga for toddlers can incorporate quiet, soothing music and dim lights. An active leader can name each pose, demonstrate it, and ask the children to imitate it. Often, yoga for children involves tweaking the adult poses a bit to relate them to an animal, nature, or other common item in the world. Toddlers are soaking up sights and sounds every minute of the day and can readily relate to these concrete objects. Animal poses can also incorporate each animal’s sound, which will delight young children. Common poses for toddlers include the frog, lion, mountain, waterfall, tree, butterfly, rolling like a ball, and cobra. Yoga instructors might also consider teaching toddler yoga through an interactive story, where the children act out the poses as the story unfolds.

Yoga for toddlers has many positive outcomes. It improves balance, flexibility, and coordination. In toddlers especially, yoga can help develop language. As toddlers learn to associate body movement with everyday vocabulary, their brains form strong connections with new words. Yoga improves children’s concentration and creativity and gives them a sense of calm.

Please bear in mind, those teaching a toddler yoga class will be required to provide short explanations, lots of movement, and a positive, fun atmosphere. Toddler classes should generally include about 15 minutes of yoga poses. Take breaks when necessary, allowing children to run or explore on their own, encourage children with positive feedback even if poses are not 100 percent accurate, and remember to include a brief warm-up. The importance of the class lies not necessarily in the accuracy of the poses, but in exposure to yoga and providing a positive experience for toddlers.

© 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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