Yoga Teacher Training Blog

Posts Tagged ‘yoga teacher certification’

The Best Yoga Certification For You

Tuesday, December 25th, 2012

By 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.

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Tags: 200-hour Yoga instructor training course, yoga certification, yoga instructor certification, yoga instructor training, yoga teacher certification
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History of Yoga Asana

Monday, December 24th, 2012

By Faye Martins

Sometimes, students have questions about the many aspects of Yogic methodology, philosophy, and history. While there are many books in print, there is no single book that can present an answer to every question. No single book, video, website, or Yoga instructor certification course can give you all the answers. So, what do we do? The answer is continuing education and research for life. At the very least, our minds will be sharp well into old age.

Although the practice of Yoga has been around for 5000 years, the modern Hatha styles, that we experience today, must be different than what was in earlier times. The fact that it is still based in ancient practices, yet has managed to evolve and stay ingrained into the world’s culture for so long, is a testament to its powerful influence. Many of the postures we practice today were discovered hundreds or thousands of years ago and have flourished, due to cultural changes and movements, brought to us through influential Yoga teachers.

Studying the history of Yoga is a fascinating journey that both beginners, and those who have been practicing for years, should experience in their own ways. In order to become a better teacher or student, it is recommended to study the movement from the time of the ancients through modern times. Doing so can help to enhance your practice and help you to draw more from it. Studying the history might help you to have a deeper understanding of how to enhance your specific mind-body connection, so that you are getting what you need from your practice. It can help you become more prepared as your body and your emotions evolve.

In ancient times, Yoga was practiced for more than just a way to get into shape physically; it was seen as a way of life. It was also not as easily accessible by the mass population, as it is today. Priests, who spent a lot of time meditating, practicing mantra, and reading or writing scripture, needed to practice asana and pranayama for their health. Bringing it westward, and opening it up to all people, is one of the main reasons it is still so widely practiced today by people all over the world. Yoga asanas help to unify us as well as strengthen our bodies. It is a practice that helps to connect us to others, and gain a deeper understanding of ourselves, in ways that we would not have otherwise.

Much of the Yoga we see today has been pioneered and brought to us by modern masters, who studied quite diligently under Sri Swami Tirumalai Krishnamacharya. This path of the modern masters was guided very early on by T. Krishnamacharya, and he encouraged his many students to think for themselves. Many who are interested in exploring the long and pervasive history of Yoga start with the Bhagavad Gita, an ancient text about the practice. Although there is little doubt that the Yoga asanas of today have evolved throughout the centuries, it is still a very relevant form of exercise and meditation that is known for developing discipline through strengthening the mind-body connection.

If you want to learn more about the history of Yogic practices, you may want to visit a Yoga teacher certification resource.

Tags: history of Yoga, Yoga asana, yoga instructor certification, yoga instructor certification course, yoga teacher certification
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Teaching Yoga for the Endocrine System

Thursday, November 15th, 2012

By Jenny Park

Why should teachers have to learn anything about anatomy? Why should yoga instructors care about the endocrine system? Believe it, or not, some interns in yoga teacher training don’t understand the importance of learning the basics of body mechanics. Some teacher trainings don’t address the significance of the endocrine system at all. Therefore, let’s cover some of these basics together.

What is the Endocrine System?

The endocrine system consists of several glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream. These hormones are essentially “messengers” that help regulate such functions of the body as growth and development, sexual function, mood, metabolism and tissue function. The adrenal, hypothalamus, pituitary, pineal, thyroid, pancreas and reproductive glands are all part of the endocrine system. When the endocrine glands are not working properly, there are hormonal imbalances that can affect physical and psychological well-being.

What are “Chakras” in Hatha Yoga?

Chakras are concentrated energy centers within the body. The seven main chakras are aligned along the spinal column, starting just above the crown of the head and ending at the coccyx. In descending order, these seven chakras are: sahasrara (crown), ajna (brow), vishuddha (throat), anahata (heart), manipura (solar plexus), swadisthana (sacrum) and muladhara (coccyx). The Hatha yoga perspective says the chakras must be balanced and functioning properly to maintain optimal physical and mental health.

What is the Connection between Chakras and the Endocrine System?

The chakras are connected to and influence every organ and system in the body. The chakras and endocrine glands align in the following way:

• Sahasrara and pineal

• Ajna and pituitary

• Vishuddha and thyroid

• Anahata and thymus

• Manipura and pancreas

• Swadisthana and reproductive glands

• Muladhara and adrenals

How does Hatha Yoga Affect the Endocrine System?

Hatha yoga uses physical purification techniques to build health. Included in the practice of hatha yoga training are postures (asanas), breath work (pranayama) and meditation techniques that develop healthy chakras, and, consequently, sound endocrine glands. Examples of specific hatha yoga practices that influence the chakras and endocrine glands are listed below.

• Headstand stimulates sahasrara chakra and the pineal gland by moving the flow of blood to those areas and stabilizing hormonal fluctuations.

• Meditation techniques stimulate ajna chakra and the pituitary gland.

• Bridge pose, camel pose and plow pose invigorate vishuddha chakra and the thyroid.

• Chest openers, such as lying over a rolled blanket, and shoulder openers, such as cow face pose, energize anahata cakra and the thymus.

• Core strengthening poses, such as boat, and invigorating pranayama practices, such bellows breath, affect manipura cakra and the pancreas.

• Hip openers, such as cow face pose and cobbler’s pose, influence svadisthana chakra and the reproductive glands.

• Grounding poses and hamstring stretches, such as standing forward bend, enliven muladhara chakra and the adrenal glands.

• Camel pose moves blood into the adrenal glands and manipura chakra.

Teacher Tips

One 200-hour yoga teacher certification is a good start, but all of us need to learn everything we can for the safety of our students and to be the best we can be at teaching classes.

To see our selection of Yoga instructor 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.”

Tags: 200-hour yoga teacher certification, teaching yoga, yoga teacher certification, Yoga Teacher Training, yoga training
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Teaching Yoga Asanas to Beginners

Friday, October 12th, 2012

By Amruta Kulkarni, CYT 500

When I graduated from my first yoga instructor training intensive, my first assignment was teaching beginners in a corporate gym setting. Those students were dedicated and I can easily say they taught me as much as I taught them. Most of them had very different ideas about what they thought yoga training was all about.

Yoga can be intimidating for beginners because of many preconceived notions about it that may or may not be true. Beginners might think you’ve got to be able to twist yourself into a pretzel and balance on one leg to practice yoga. Those of us who are seasoned yogis might laugh at that because we know better. We know that yoga is a personal experience where you push yourself as far as you wish to go, and you work toward personal goals regardless of what the rest of the class is doing.

In order to get most people comfortable with asana practice, it’s best to start simple and ease into harder poses. New students can feel successful and confident in the less challenging asanas, which will inspire them to reach a little further. Many asanas are perfect for beginners because they do not require much background knowledge or skill.

Pose of a Child

The comfort and relaxation that child’s pose brings to each of us is enough to keep you coming back for more. It’s one of those poses that you can just melt into and stay there as long as you like. You can use it to meditate, to rest or to stretch the back muscles. It’s idea for beginners because it is simple and once you’re in the pose it requires little adjustment or thought.

Forward Bend

The forward bend does wonders for the backs of the legs and the lower back while rerouting blood flow throughout the body. It’s relatively straight forward to perform and it requires just a couple of bodily adjustments to get it right. Beginners really only need to think about keeping their feet hip-width apart, toes forward, knees slightly bent and upper body relaxed.

Downward Dog

Downward dog just takes the forward bend to the next level. Again, it is fairly easy to get into and out of and beginner’s can still perform the pose even if they don’t push their heels all the way into the floor. Teachers should remind beginner students to push firmly into the mat with their hands.

Easy Pose

Easy pose should be taught early on because, well, it’s easy. It is a great pose to know for meditation and breathing work. It also gets people thinking about posture and focusing on the body without having to be contorted in any awkward position.

Mountain Pose

When you can successfully get into mountain pose, you have learned a lot about your body’s posture and alignment. It is good for beginners because it teaches them to pay attention to things like a straight spine, an elongated neck, pushing the shoulders down and back and pulling the belly in. These are all important queues for many other more physically challenging poses.

Tips for Teachers

No matter how many years you teach, or how many yoga teacher certifications you have, beginners will have fresh viewpoints about this practice we value so deeply. Listen to them patiently and you will learn more about yourself as you master patience from within.

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.”

Tags: yoga instructor, yoga instructor training, yoga instructor training intensive, yoga teacher certification, yoga training
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Teaching Yoga and Pregnancy

Thursday, September 27th, 2012

By Jenny Park

Many prospective students are pregnant. Some of them read about the benefits of prenatal yoga or they hear about it from their friends. However, students who are pregnant and new to yoga training should have their doctor’s approval. Additionally, pregnant students should attend classes taught by an instructor who is a graduate of a prenatal yoga teacher training course.

When a woman finds out she is pregnant, the last thing she may be thinking about is exercise. Many don’t realize that practicing yoga during pregnancy can help with labor, and help them recover and get back into shape faster. Of course, there are limits for pregnant women as well, and safety always comes first.

Benefits to Pregnancy and Labor

Yoga helps anyone calm their mind, and learn special breathing techniques that could be beneficial during labor. It will definitely help them handle stress and prepare their body for what it is about to go through. Pregnant women should practice a smooth moving and relaxing type yoga, such as Hatha. They should be focusing on staying relaxed, and meditating. After baby is born, yoga can help mother ease back into a workout routine and get back her pre-pregnancy body.

Precautions

It is extra crucial that pregnant women don’t practice any asanas that strain their back. If an instructor suspects that a student may be pregnant, they should ask before beginning if anyone is expecting. This way there is no danger of singling anyone out. Not only is the back subject to enough strain due to the changes taking place in her body, but pressure on the back can cut off blood flow to the uterus. They should also avoid Hot Yoga as the heat has been proven to possibly do harm to the unborn child. A the pregnant yoga student moves into the second three months of the pregnancy, she should use a chair or wall for support as her growing tummy is bound to throw off her balance. The following are excellent poses for pregnant women.

• Triangle Pose

• Butterfly

• Cat and Cow Stretch

• Squatting Pose

• Standing Forward Fold

• Pigeon

• Warrior II

• Sun Salutation

Avoid overdoing it; during pregnancy the body produces a hormone called Relaxin that softens joints to accommodate for baby. Relaxin can cause one to overstretch joints. Deep twists are also no good, mainly because of the discomfort they can cause. Again, use the wall and chairs as much as needed to avoid injury. Make sure the student’s OBGYN knows they are practicing yoga so they can advise throughout the entire pregnancy on positions to avoid as well.

Side Notes for Instructors

Generally speaking, the typical certified prenatal instructor has a foundational 200-hour yoga teacher certification and a specialist prenatal certification, which is somewhere in the neighborhood of 50 to 100 hours of additional training. When you consider teaching students, the safety of each student, and potential liability, you should only teach students what you are qualified to teach or refer them to a specialist. There are three trimesters to consider, contraindications related to each trimester, and most prenatal yoga instructor courses include some postnatal training.

To see our selection of Yoga teacher 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 manager, 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: 200-hour yoga teacher certification, prenatal yoga teacher training course, teaching yoga, yoga and pregnancy, yoga teacher certification, Yoga Teacher Training, Yoga Teacher Training course
Posted in teaching yoga, yoga teacher | 1 Comment »

Yoga Teacher Training: Chronic Stress

Thursday, September 13th, 2012

By Faye Martins

How much time did you spend on perfecting pranayama techniques during your yoga teacher certification course? Let’s face it; most trainers emphasize asana during a yoga instructor training. We could blame the trainer for the rest of our lives, but it is our responsibility to participate in continuing education and independent research. There are too many therapeutic benefits to be gained to ignore pranayama.

Application to Life Situations

When we get upset, we often say we need to stop and take a deep breath. In its simplest form, that’s what pranayama is. A healing art designed to control prana, or vital life energy, through breathing techniques, the practice of yoga breathing dates back to ancient Vedic texts.

An important part of spiritual traditions like qigong and Yoga for thousands of years, controlled breathing is now being proven effective by scientific research and is increasingly recommended by doctors as a complement to traditional medical care and as a method to reduce stress.

Whether caused by hurried lifestyles, physical ailments or personal belief systems, stress is not only a problem in itself; it is also a contributing factor in up to 80% of all doctor’s visits around the world. Regardless of the cause, tension causes us to take shallow breaths. Adrenaline floods our systems, our muscles tense, and our blood pressure increases.

In our computerized cultures, few of us have been taught how to breathe properly. As a result, we fail to use our lungs to their full capacity, neither taking in enough fresh oxygen nor eliminating the toxins stored in our bodies. We have trouble focusing our minds and completing our tasks, and our immune systems get weaker and more susceptible to illnesses.

Three Easy Pranayama Techniques

• Yogic Breathing consists of long, slow breaths that come from the bottom of the belly. It relaxes the mind and slows down the autonomic nervous system.

• Left Nostril Breathing involves closing the right nostril with the thumb for up to 20 consecutive breaths. It is particularly effective for cooling feelings of anger and anxiety.

• Alternate Nostril Breathing, also known as round breathing, requires holding first one side of the nose and then the other while breathing in a circular pattern. Like the above-mentioned two types of pranayama, it calms the nervous system. It also helps to balance the right and left sides of the brain.

These techniques may be practiced individually or in any combination. The most important thing to remember is to stop or slow down when feeling lightheaded or dizzy. With a little experimentation and practice, everybody can find an individual routine that reduces stress and balances the mind.

As a yoga instructor, you should be a role model of moderation. Too much force doesn’t go well with yoga training.

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

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

Free Report, Newsletter, Videos, Podcasts, and e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

Tags: chronic stress, yoga instructor training, yoga teacher certification, Yoga Teacher Training, yoga training
Posted in Pranayama Archive, Yoga Teacher Training | No Comments »

What Should a Yoga Teacher Know About Anatomy?

Tuesday, May 8th, 2012

By Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

There are a few Yoga teacher training programs that do not view anatomy as a priority. This may be true if the Yoga teacher certification is based upon teaching a style without movement. For example: The practice of Bhakti, Karma, or Jnana has little to do with asana (posture). Our view of what Yogic methodology is can be very different from our colleagues.

Movement

The essence of Hatha and many contemporary styles of Yoga is movement, with each part of the body moving in relation to a counterpart for optimum “body balance.” Yoga instructors need to know how body parts are connected, in order to be able to help students adjust, when they feel discomfort. Anatomy is defined as the study of the structure of the body. When you study anatomy you learn the names of all the bones and how they are connected, as well as how the joints, ligaments, muscles, and organs, work within the body. All of these concepts are crucial to an understanding of how the body moves, the benefits of proper movement, and the dangers of incorrect movement. Yoga teachers do not need to be experts of human anatomy to be good instructors, but basic understandings of alignment, skeletal compression, and tension, are helpful.

Human Skeletal Structure

Understanding Yoga anatomy, in the most basic sense, means knowing the names, location, and purpose of the bones within the human body. Yoga instructors should know the difference between the femur and the fibula. You do not have to use those terms with your students, but they should be a part of your knowledge base. When students ask questions about specific poses, you will be prepared to answer them intelligently. Keep in mind that most students are out to achieve an overall sense of the mind-body connection and total relaxation. They do not necessarily desire to be confused by scientific information during class.

The Relationship Between the Human Body and Asana

Perhaps the most important anatomical information Yoga teachers need to understand is the relationship between the body and the poses. Instructors must be aware of which parts of the body are affected by each asana, and how certain parts of the body work together while a student is holding a posture. You must always provide guidance, safety information, and cues for your students in order to protect themselves from injury. A Yoga teacher without any knowledge of anatomy might not fully understand the dangers of improper alignment.

Dangers of Speculation

Since most Yoga teachers are not anatomy experts, make sure you do not act like one. If a student asks a question that you do not know the answer to, advise him or her to seek help from someone who knows. Give advice only about matters, which you are familiar with. Many students come to our classes for relief of back pain, neck pain, headaches, or other chronic issues. Instead of speculating about what could possibly be going on within the body, offer advice only about techniques that should relieve the issue. Always advise a student to consult with his or her physician.

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

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

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

Tags: yoga anatomy, yoga instructors, yoga is movement, yoga students, yoga teacher, yoga teacher certification, Yoga Teacher Training, yoga teachers, yoga teachers need
Posted in Yoga Anatomy, Yoga Teacher Issues, Yoga Teacher Training | 2 Comments »

Yoga Teacher Training and Internet Technology

Monday, January 30th, 2012

By Bhavan Kumar

Internet technology has made it possible for many more Yoga practitioners to participate in a Yoga teacher training program in their own homes, at their own pace and in an affordable fashion. Traditionally, Yoga teacher training programs required the dedication of a substantial amount of time and money. An aspiring Yoga teacher may even have traveled to India to study with a Yogacharya such as B.K.S. Iyengar or Patti Jois, one of the founders of Ashtanga Yoga, for a substantial length of time.

With the advent of Internet technology, a Yoga practitioner may engage in learning the art of teaching Yoga in their own home. With all of the obligations and commitments we all juggle on a daily basis, it may not be possible for an individual to take time out of his or her life to participate in a residential Yoga teacher training program of thirty days or longer. It may be even less possible to travel outside the country for an extended stay in an ashram or monastery to learn the finer points of Yogic philosophy. Internet technology, including video and audio classes and conferences, makes it possible to engage in the study and practice of Yoga teaching from any location throughout the world with Internet access.

The utilization of Internet technology in venue of online Yoga teacher training programs also makes it possible for a Yoga practitioner to study the art and science of teaching Yoga at his or her own pace. Every individual who is aspiring to become a Yoga instructor has a unique story. This story may be one of great physical training and prowess or profound physical challenge. Regardless of an individual’s level of physical mastery of the asanas, studying to become a Yoga instructor through an online program will allow that individual to perfect the asanas within the context of his or her own life and physical ability.

Residential Yoga teacher training programs can also be quite costly. The tuition alone may be several thousand dollars. When the tuition and the fees for room and board are combined, the cost of a residential program may be beyond the means of many aspiring Yoga teachers. The use of Internet technology to disseminate ancient Yogic teachings to aspiring Yoga teachers allows many more individuals to pursue a Yoga teacher certification. In combination with some weekend workshops at a local Yoga studio and student teaching hours, an online Yoga teacher training program will give you a firm foundation to begin a career as a teacher.

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!

Tags: become a yoga, become a yoga instructor, yoga teacher, yoga teacher certification, Yoga Teacher Training, yoga teacher training program
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Online Yoga Teacher Education

Saturday, January 7th, 2012

By Kimaya Singh

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

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

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

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

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.”

Tags: online yoga teacher education, yoga teacher certification, yoga teacher education, Yoga Teacher Training, yoga teacher training courses
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Are Yoga Teachers Too Concerned with Liability?

Wednesday, December 7th, 2011

By Faye Martins

When teaching yoga in today’s world, liability is part of the package. Yoga has gained popularity and more and more people are giving it a try. This is both a positive and a negative, as some people who are unprepared for the asana practice are taking it on without paying heed to the potential risks involved. Although it doesn’t really fit in with a pure yogic philosophy; students and teachers connecting with their inner spirits, breathing deeply, and stretching through muscles, when faced with a class full of people with various levels of skill, liability is reality. Yoga instructors need to be aware of potential liabilities and plan accordingly. However, they should not let it affect other aspects of teaching a well-rounded yoga class.

Yoga teachers can take some proactive measures to ensure that liability will take a back seat to their yoga classes. Firstly, they should have safety guidelines in place. Most Yoga teacher training programs dedicate hours toward student safety, communication, modifications, assisting, methodology and anatomy. These Yoga teacher certification subjects are extremely important for the prevention of student injuries.

Secondly, all Yoga teachers should obtain liability insurance, which will protect them in the event that a client seeks reparations for injuries due to yoga. By obtaining insurance, yoga instructors can rest assured that if something does happen, the insurance would cover it.

It is also the responsibility of the teacher to ask students about injuries, perhaps by having each student fill out some type of medical history form or questionnaire. The teacher is then responsible for notifying each student of potential risks, based on the information received on each student. Yoga teachers need to explain the potential risks of all poses upon teaching the pose, and caution any specific students accordingly, showing them modifications of poses.

Yoga teachers’ concerns of liability are legitimate concerns. However, it could be detrimental if fitness based yoga teachers and institutions let potential liabilities get in the way of providing a challenging physical class to their students. There is a fine line between ensuring adequate coverage of the instructor and letting fear of injury run the class. For example: If a student walks into an advanced Power Yoga class, he or she expects a physical challenge.

Yoga teachers must keep in mind that part of their job includes teaching ethically, which entails disclosing all necessary information about the poses and breathing methods to the students. If yoga teachers feel confident that they are doing the best they can to alert students to risks, help them learn to listen to their own bodies, and teach them that yoga is not a competitive sport, then liability should be the least of their concerns.

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.”

Tags: yoga classes, yoga teacher, yoga teacher certification, Yoga Teacher Training, yoga teachers
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Posts Tagged ‘yoga teacher certification’

The Best Yoga Certification For You

History of Yoga Asana

Teaching Yoga for the Endocrine System

Teaching Yoga Asanas to Beginners

Teaching Yoga and Pregnancy

Yoga Teacher Training: Chronic Stress

What Should a Yoga Teacher Know About Anatomy?

Yoga Teacher Training and Internet Technology

Online Yoga Teacher Education

Are Yoga Teachers Too Concerned with Liability?

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