Yoga Teacher Training FAQs

Yoga Teacher Training FAQs2017-12-12T15:41:28-05:00

Yoga Teacher Training FAQs

Online Yoga Certification – How Technology is Changing the Face of Teacher Training Courses2019-09-07T13:34:10-04:00

yoga teacher trainingBy Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, YACEP

Traditional Yoga teacher training programs still exist, but traditional programs often last years. Not so long ago, the concept of an intensive face-to-face training, for a month, seemed like a new idea. All you had to do was schedule your time, and you could combine your training, with a vacation, at a beautiful or exotic location.

Some of the pre-requisites would be previous experience. It would be wise to have two years of working knowledge as a student of Yoga before considering teaching classes. This may seem obvious, but there are those who jump “feet first” into everything.

There are more pre-requisites for the exotic Yoga teacher intensive. You should have the money required for travel, housing, meals, study materials, and any hidden costs. You should be single, with no children at home, or in a position to put your family on hold.

 

You should also be unemployed, or have an employer, who will allow you to take a lengthy vacation. Not many employers will rejoice to know you are attending a Yoga teacher certification course, while your work piles up. If your employer understands your desire to become a Yoga teacher, you are in a unique situation.

For all the above-mentioned reasons, most of us are not in a position to drop everything and attend an intensive course, without making some complicated arrangements with our families and employers. Hence Yoga instructor training, at home, has become a viable solution.

Books were, and still are, good learning tools, but Internet access, online video, DVDs, and CDs make learning the subtleties of Yoga much easier. The ultimate distance learning course should have an interactive mix of learning tools.

There was a time when Yoga books and face-to-face lectures, with a Guru, were the primary tools of learning; and they still have a valuable place. However, times are changing, and new technology has been integrated to produce a new breed of correspondence training for those who wish to teach Yoga classes.

© Copyright Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Questions about 200 to 240 hour Yoga Teacher Correspondence Courses from Aura Wellness Center2017-12-12T10:03:25-05:00

become a certified yin yoga instructorBy Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

There was a time, when we had one Yoga teacher training course. The original Camp in a Box was located on a five page website for years, but times change and we receive many requests from those who teach Yoga and those who want to teach in the future. We developed specialist courses for Prenatal/Postnatal and Restorative teachers.

Yoga instructors often desire to reach out to specific groups of people. For this reason, we kept developing courses, which would help teachers who want to specialize. Below is a compound question related to our 200 and 240 hour Yoga certification courses.

Q: The style of Yoga I prefer is Vinyasa, I saw you also had an instructor’s training in this style. Now which do you recommend? You have the Camp in a Box, the Recycled 240-hour version, the Camp in a Box Basic, and the Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training Course. How do they differ?

A: People are guided by their passion for a subject. You stated: “The style of Yoga I prefer is Vinyasa.” With that said, will any other course honestly meet your needs? However, let’s review these four courses and compare them to each other.

The Camp in a Box and the Recycled sale: These two 240 hour Yoga teacher correspondence courses are the same course. The biggest difference is the Recycled sale materials have been used by an intern at our facility, or the materials arrived new, but were scuffed, scratched, or dented in transit to us. However, they have been inspected and are guaranteed to work.

The Camp in a Box, and the Recycled sale courses, are for teachers who want to reach the largest audience students. These courses are Hatha Yoga based. As a result, they focus on every aspect of Hatha Yoga.

The 200-hour Camp in a Box basic is a streamlined and slimmed down version of the original Camp in a Box. The foundational knowledge, which every Hatha Yoga teacher should know, is the bedrock of this course. There is one DVD about marketing and business included as an elective part of the program.

The 250-hour Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training Course is a specialist program for teachers who feel that they are going to teach active crowds that crave a lot of movement. If your heart calls you to Vinyasa, you may want to take a closer look to compare it with the other Yoga courses we offer.

All of these courses have a foundational written exam and each one evolved as a result of requests from existing Yoga teachers and those who aspire to teach. Just as a glimpse into the future, we plan to develop a platinum line of courses, which will give interns a deeper grasp of anatomy, assisting, and modifications. We also plan to develop Hot, Power, Yin and Yoga therapy courses for teachers who have requested them. We do listen to your requests, while we work on research and development.

© Copyright 2009 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

See our testimonials to find out what our graduates have to say about teaching therapeutic yoga sessions and our selection of online yoga instructor training intensive courses.

If you are a teacher, yoga school 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. Namaste!

Are there additional costs in your Yoga teacher course, which I need to be aware before I start the training, so that I can factor them in.2017-12-12T10:03:25-05:00

For International Yoga teacher interns, the only additional cost would be, if customs charges an Import Fee, on educational materials.

Will the Yoga teacher training package you provide be enough to make me competent to teach Yoga.2019-06-20T10:44:35-04:00

Q: Will the Yoga teacher training package you provide be enough to make me competent to teach Yoga. This is bearing in mind that I do not have access to a local Yoga instructor, who can supervise my Yoga teacher training?

A: Yes – The Aura Yoga teacher training course is entirely complete and if you wanted to send me an early video or DVD to monitor your progress, I would be happy to give you a review for free.

A mirror, camera and audio recorder also make great learning tools for monitoring your progress while you prepare to become a Yoga teacher. Do not judge yourself too harshly. This is a common reaction when we record anything we do. When you can get past your own self-criticism; you will be on the path to become a Yoga teacher.

Within your Yoga teacher training course there are step-by- step instructions, numerous resources and we also point you in the direction of additional Yoga teaching resources. In fact, any time you have a question, you can send me an email. Some Yoga teacher interns call me by telephone in the afternoon, on week days.

This price, for a Yoga course, sounds too good to be true. Your price is really low, are there any hidden charges for tutoring online or phone calls?2017-12-12T10:03:25-05:00

There are no hidden costs for Yoga teacher tutoring online or by phone. If you have an international order, your country may have customs fees. These vary in rate within each country. We do declare exported Yoga courses as “educational materials” and some countries have lenient policies with duty charges for education.

I live outside North America, what kind of video formats do you use for your Yoga course materials?2017-12-12T10:03:25-05:00

We now send all Yoga course videos in DVD format. This seems to be a universal format for domestic and worldwide orders and no one has had any difficulty with our DVD’s.

Could you provide me with contact info for some of your customers who will act as a reference?2017-12-12T10:03:26-05:00

Firstly, we have a Privacy Policy posted at: //www.yoga-teacher-training.org/privacy-policy-statement – This guarantees your privacy and the privacy of every contact we have.

Getting satisfied students and graduates to volunteer contact information is a problem. People value their privacy and get very upset about Spam.

Under the new US laws in regard to privacy and Email, (CAN- SPAM Act of 2003), this illegal and subject to criminal prosecution.

Unless, I have their written permission, I cannot post their contact information, no matter where they come from.

On our testimonials page, there are two people who gave permission and did volunteer their Email contact information: //www.yoga-teacher-training.org/testimonials/

Some of our Yoga teacher graduates have listed their web sites. So, it is possible to contact them as well.

Does the Multi-Payment Option contain the same Yoga training materials and bonuses as the Camp-in-a-Box?2017-12-12T10:03:26-05:00

Yes, everything is the same including $221.95 worth of Free bonuses. The only difference is that your Yoga certification course is shipped in three separate modules, as you make your monthly payments.

Would I still be able to teach adults if I were to purchase the Kids Yoga Teacher package?2017-12-12T10:03:26-05:00

Your diploma would state that you are a certified Hatha Yoga instructor for children. As mentioned earlier this is a specialist course for teaching Yoga to kids. If you want to teach as a “general practitioner,” to a wide variety of students, the Camp-in-a-Box is the Yoga course for you. This course will cover teaching Yoga to a more diversified group of students

What are the requirements for successful completion of the Restorative Yoga teacher’s diploma course?2017-12-12T10:03:26-05:00

There are five requirements for the Restorative Yoga Teacher’s Diploma Course: 1. The foundational written exam is based upon the study of two teacher’s texts and contains a 50 question essay format test.

You can Email any completed exam in a Word document, PDF, or cut and paste your exam into the body of your Email. You can also send your exam by regular postal mail.

2. The Practical Exam is a video of you teaching Yoga for at least 60 minutes. It should contain asanas, pranayama, modifications, assisting a partner on alignment, cueing skills, and a meditation or relaxation sequence. You can send your practical exam in Video Stream, VHS/NTC, VCD, or DVD format.

3. Your Essay should be about Yoga, and its relation to any specific health topic (for example: Yoga for seniors, Yoga for chemical addictions, Yoga for diabetes, or a field you have passion for). Your essay could also be an overview of Yoga and its relationship to health. Your “Yoga and health” essay should also be at least three pages long, single spaced.

4. The Modifications and Props exam contains 25 questions. Most of them are in relation to Yogic prescriptions for ailments. The Anatomy and Physiology exam is also contains 25 questions. It is basically foundational information for any Yoga teacher who wants to know a bit more about anatomy. 5. A Yoga Teacher’s ethics agreement is also included for you to return with your exams.

How Credible is Aura and the Aura Yoga Teacher Certification?2017-12-12T10:03:26-05:00

Yoga In Practice eBookAura Wellness Center and Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500 have global credibility.

Successful graduates in North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, South America, and many island nations, have been certified by Paul Jerard for over two decades.

Paul is a registered E-RYT 500 with the Yoga Alliance (An authorized trainer of Yoga teachers).

Aura Wellness Center is a Registered Yoga School (RYS) with the Yoga Alliance.

By the suggestion of Swami Maitreyananda, Aura Wellness Center is one of the US Yoga Teacher Training Centers recognized by the International Yoga Federation (The largest Yoga teacher association in the world).

We are listed under the heading, United States, as a “Yoga Teacher Training Centre.”

We are accredited by the World Metaphysical Association.

https://www.worldmeta.org/schools.htm

The Yoga teacher certification for graduates of the Camp-in-a- Box is a “Yoga Teachers Diploma.”

You will notice in the left hand column that we belong to the Better Business Bureau (BBB). We had to go through a screening process to be recognized by the BBB.

Aura BBB Link

The BBB would not hesitate to cancel our membership, if we violate their ethical standards.

Also, Aura Wellness Center is PayPal certified, which, again, means we are a legitimate organization and went through another screening process.

If you search “Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500” on Google, you will easily find that he is a recognized trainer of Yoga teachers – as well as an author of newsletters, articles, and books, about Yoga.

Our diploma has been recognized by organizations on every continent. The marketing material, inside the course, will show you many ways to find Yoga students.

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© Copyright 2005 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

See our testimonials to find out what our graduates have to say about our selection of distance learning yoga teacher certification programs.

If you are teaching a yoga class, a yoga school 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. Namaste!

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Related Posts:

Yoga Instructor Certification Courses: How Important is a 200 Hour Certification for Yoga Teachers? 

Who would take an Online Yoga Instructor’s course and Certification Program?

Hatha Yoga Certification Home Study Courses

The Best Yoga Certification For You

Expectations of a 500 Hour Yoga Teacher Certification Course

Online Yoga Certification – How Technology is Changing the Face of Teacher Training Courses

What is the difference between the Yoga Camp-In-A-Box and the Kids Yoga Camp-In-A-Box?2017-12-12T10:03:26-05:00

The Kids Yoga Camp-in-a-Box (Kids Yoga Teacher Certification) is a specialized Yoga course and geared toward teaching Yoga to kids only.

Are the materials in the scratch and dent Yoga teacher kits guaranteed to work?2017-12-12T10:03:26-05:00

Yes, the DVD’s and CD’s have been inspected and repackaged, but if you have any problems with them, send us an Email and we will replace them free.

All of the texts are functional, have been inspected for missing pages, and we do reject excessive wear. Most books have been scuffed and show signs of usage, but some will have highlighting or a little writing on the pages.

Most of the materials have been used by our on-site Yoga teacher training graduates and interns. Occasionally, we get a shipment that has been handled roughly, so some of the books have never been used.

I have been practicing Yoga about 5 years and I still seem to be in the same spot. What are some of the practices I can do to master the side crow pose? It seems as if my arms are too short, when I put my arms to the side I can’t bend them to get in the position. Also what are some positions I can practice and how long should I stay in the position to open up my hip area. I do practice Yoga about 2 to 3 times a week.2017-12-12T10:03:26-05:00

As you already know Side Crow Posture (Parsva Bakasana) can be a test of patience. Sometimes cultivation of patience is the deeper reason certain asanas exist. Some Yoga students never quite get it, despite how many years they practice.

This could be compared to a golfer, who has never made a particular shot despite years of practice, games played, camps, lessons, professional guidance, etc.

Within the study of Yoga, asanas should be used as tools for self-mastery and not so much viewed as end-goals. The process of learning Yoga techniques happens on a multitude of planes. However, that is another matter.

Asanas that will help build upper body strength.

  • Adho Mukha Vrksasana (Handstand Pose)
  • Chaturangasana (Crocodile – Push up)
  • Kakasana (Crow)

By using the Internet, we are learning and teaching Yoga online. It is not possible for me to see if your hips are a factor. You may want to discuss this with your local Yoga instructor. Below are a few very useful hip openers for your personal Yoga sessions

Hip Openers

  • Baddha Konasana (Bound Angle Pose) also known as cobbler
  • Kapotasana (Pigeon Pose) also known as dove or swan
  • Viparita Karani (Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose). When performing this pose you can widen your legs as your range of motion permits and this is easier to hold for a longer time.

Try to hold these asanas up to a minute at a time. This is a goal – in and of itself.

I hate the fact that I have to wait 2 hours after I eat to practice Yoga. What is the reasoning for this? I work out at the gym immediately after I eat.2018-01-30T08:16:23-05:00

The two hour window between eating and a physical Yoga (Hatha, Ashtanga, Kundalini, etc.) practice is a general guideline. Severe twists, forward bends, and prone Asanas, such as Bow pose (Dhanurasana), can cause indigestion or worse. Some people will vomit, if there is too much food in their stomach, during a physical Yoga session.

If the Yoga class is in a heated room combined with too much food in the student’s stomach there is potential for digestive problems.

This not only applies to Asana practice, but also to Pranayama. For example: Kapalabhati Pranayama, which consists of active rapid forced exhales, and is followed by passive inhales, could cause an adverse reaction if too much food is in your stomach.

Digestion is an individual matter, and it sounds like you digest your food very quickly. Age of the individual, the amount of food consumed, and the type of food consumed; are all factors in the time required to completely digest a meal or snack.

You could always try a light meal or snack before a Yoga class to see how you feel. Some of my suggestions are small portions of milk, fruit, salad, yogurt, cereal, or steamed rice. If the portions are kept small or moderate, most students should not have digestive problems. You know your body better than anyone, so use your best judgment.

I am interested in your Yoga home-study course, but I live outside the United States. What can you tell me about extra fees for your instructor training program?2017-12-12T10:03:26-05:00

Shipping cost depends upon the destination and the type of shipping service. Generally speaking, the further our Yoga course travels, the more expensive the shipping will be.

The services we use are Priority Mail and Express Mail. Both of them are easy to track, and are very reasonable in price, if you compare them to UPS or Fedex. Express Mail is more expensive than Priority, but the service is much faster.

Although we mark all of our courses as “educational materials,” your country may charge an additional import fee. Each country has different import policies.

Therefore, if this is an issue, you should contact your country’s Customs Authorities about the cost of importing educational materials.

I tried to log in to your Yoga teacher training web site – my Email and password were rejected at the accounts page. Can you tell me why I have not received the newsletter lately?2017-12-12T10:03:26-05:00

About not receiving our newsletter: We constantly ask subscribers to add us to their address book and please check their spam filters for legitimate Email.

Your filter system may have classified us as Spam. If our newsletter is in your spam filter, and you clear your Spam filter out, without looking, our system gets a complaint message from your server.

Once this happens our system will not send anything more. If we send you another newsletter to the same address, we are breaking the Law.

We try constantly strive to deliver interesting newsletters, to Yoga teachers worldwide, but we kindly ask that you please add info@yoga-teacher-training.org to your address book, or unsubscribe, if you do not want our newsletter.

How exactly do the Monthly Payment Option plans work for Yoga Teacher Training?2017-12-12T10:03:26-05:00

Aura Wellness Center offers payment plans for non-digital Yoga Teacher Training Courses $300 or higher.  These payment plans are completed over 3 months in 3 monthly installments. (Courses on sale are not applicable).

*Level 2 Complete Courses are the only exception ($997 and higher), they can be put into 4 monthly payments.

Initially, both Options need to be set up by phone. The remaining payments are automatic. You will have the full course shipped to you after your first payment, so that you can get started right away. Payment plans have a $10 fee per payment; for example – the 3 payment option an additional $30.

If you would like to receive a quote, on a payment plan, please email info@aurawellnesscenter.com, and include the following information:

  • The Full Name of the Course You Would Like to Enroll in (Example: The Power Yoga Teacher Training Camp-in-a-Box – Level 1 (PLATINUM)
  • Name
  • Shipping Address
  • Phone number
  • Best Time to Reach You (Please include your time zone)
  • Number of Monthly Payments (3 or 4 Payments) *4 Monthly Payments are only for courses $1,000 or more.
  • Type of shipping you would like.  Aura offers the following services:
  • UPS
  • UPS Ground (US Only)
  • UPS Next Day Air (US Only)
  • USPS
  • Express Mail (US and International)
  • Priority Mail (US ONLY)
What methods of payment do you accept?2017-12-12T10:03:26-05:00

The Aura Online Store Accepts ALL Major Credit Cards Including PayPal.

We can also accept everything except PayPal via Telephone at: 508-222-0092

Process a payment with PayPal: https://www.paypal.com

Send a transfer by Western Union: www.westernunion.com

What is your policy on re-certification?2017-12-12T10:03:27-05:00

All the reputable Yoga organizations that handle licensing for Yoga instructors believe in continuing education courses and the re-certification process. It is very easy to become stale and “rest on your laurels,” after graduation. As a certified Yoga teacher, you should stay current and be sharp. This means, attending workshops, taking continuing education workshops, reading trade publications, and attending Yoga teacher seminars.

Medical, Physical Therapy, and Sports Medicine knowledge is moving at a rapid pace. All of these fields pertain to you as a Yoga teacher, if you want to prevent student injuries. If you do not continually “stay on top” of what is going on, you will set yourself up for negligence. In these times, that can be financially costly to you and leave you feeling guilty about it.

Our re-certification policy is as follows:

First Certification – Two Years

Second Certification and Beyond – Five Years

You can take one of our continuing education courses for Yoga teachers. However, you can take courses from a variety of local Yoga workshops, seminars, and Yoga teacher training online courses.

What is your Privacy Policy?2017-12-12T08:49:29-05:00

AURA, Inc. collects Email addresses and postal addresses of those who contact us via Email or postal mail. We use this information to notify visitors about Yoga information and when there are changes to our website. We never have, and never will, share any information of any kind, about you, to third parties. On occasion, one of our satisfied graduates posts contact information on the testimonials page. This is strictly voluntary and we do not post contact information without your permission.

Will I be charged extra for study materials, Email replies, meals, lodging, phone calls, tutoring, etc.?2017-12-12T08:48:59-05:00

Everything you need to become a yoga instructor is in the Camp-in-a-Box. We do charge for shipping, but there are no hidden fees. Factor all the costs – including the lost wages due to time away from your place of work and any transportation costs. When you consider all the money you could spend at an on-site camp, it may more than double your base tuition cost. This is in fact, a very low cost Yoga teacher training program.

Teaching Hatha Yoga: Assisting, Demonstrating, and Verbally Cueing2017-12-12T08:48:24-05:00

Yoga Teacher Training - Half Moon PoseBy Paul Jerard

Some Yoga instructors feel that one method for teaching Yoga is better than the rest; but which one is it? If a Yoga teacher does not give a physical assist, is that wrong? If a Yoga instructor does not demonstrate poses, how can students who learn visually make progress? What about the Yoga instructor who makes an assist before verbally cueing?

There are many methods for teaching Yoga, but students either learn by seeing, feeling, hearing, or a combination of senses. With this in mind, there is no right or wrong method, but Yoga teachers should be aware that some students may have a dominant sense when it comes to learning. This is why teaching methods for Yoga should be integrated.

There will always be a Yoga student who does not like your method, but you should be able to effectively communicate with the vast majority of your students.
Ever since the first Hatha Yoga teacher trained the first Yoga student, there had to be a bonding for the relationship to progress, and for Hatha Yoga to flourish into the many physical Yoga sub-styles, we see to this day.

There are times when, despite all the verbal cueing skills imaginable, a Yoga teacher must make a physical assist. No matter what is said, some Yoga students will learn more from a solid assist than by cueing. This helps a student “feel” where he or she should be. A verbal explanation is close, but is not the same as feeling proper alignment while an Asana is practiced.

This is difficult, if you are from a culture where men and women do not casually touch each other. Sometimes, some students just do not feel comfortable getting physical assist from their Yoga teacher. So, what do you do?

Firstly, before giving an assist, during Asana practice, a Yoga teacher should ask permission. If anyone has an objection, you are better off to demonstrate the Yoga technique or explain it verbally. It is not worth the potential conflict, and each Yoga student has a right to his, or her, own space. With that said, “Tread carefully,” when volunteering to give a physical assist to any Yoga student.

Demonstrating Asanas also has its pitfalls for Yoga teachers. Too much demonstrating can make some Yoga students feel like they are just an extension of your workout. Too little demonstrating and some Yoga students may grumble that it is easy for the Yoga teacher to say, when the Yoga teacher is “just walking around.” So, what do you do to please most of your Yoga students?

Make sure your Yoga students are exposed to a combination of Assisting, Demonstrating, and Verbal Cues. In this way, you will have satisfied most of them.

© Copyright 2006 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles) – Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul
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Teaching Hatha Yoga: The Summer Slow Down2017-12-12T08:48:00-05:00

By Paul Jerard

Let’s face it, Yoga teachers who live in Northern climates have been looking forward to a break from the “winter chill.” Your Yoga students have also been looking forward to the warm weather and they want to take a vacation. What can Yoga teachers and Yoga studios do to compensate for the “Sumer Slow Down?”

You have taught your Yoga students about empowerment all year, but some students may not return to your regular classes, without a reminder. Many North Americans take a couple of weeks off in July and some summer vacations will be planned for August. Most of my friends in Europe take August off, therefore, Yoga teachers are looking at a minimum of one month during the summer that is predominantly slow, depending on your exact location and culture.

Some Yoga teachers in the Southern United States will experience a slow down, if the temperatures rise too much and too soon. Yoga classes can become sparse, especially if the temperatures jump to the 90’s Fahrenheit during late spring or early summer. So, what action can Yoga teachers take to deal with this vacation season?

How about special classes? Did you ever think about teaching Yoga classes in a pool? What about testing Yoga classes that you had not considered during a busy season? What about an “Introduction to Hot Yoga” or a Vinyasa style Yoga class that is a little warmer than usual? What about testing a short-term Pranayama class or Yoga meditation workshop as a “pilot class” for the busy season?

Once again, I ask you to enlarge your vision and “think outside the box.” Do enough ground work and research to become an innovator, rather than “follow the crowd.” Even if your Yoga classes do slow down a bit, you can cater to your “regular students,” who are with you “through thick and thin.” Ask your Yoga students for feedback.

One last major point to bring up: Make sure you are working on “reminders” to your Yoga students who regularly attend classes during cooler weather. It is best to use this time to get a list of all of your Yoga students and prepare for a mailing in late August, or early September.

This is the time when children go back to school, and family plans are made for the fall schedule. If you teach Yoga for a living, your first priority is to thank your students for their past participation and remind them that you still teach Yoga.

It is very easy for anyone to forget their priorities, and Yoga students are no exception. Yoga teachers contribute to the well being of their student’s mental, physical, and spiritual health. When you see inactive Yoga students around town, they often thank you for what they have learned from you.

Therefore, do not take a summer slow down personally. This is a season that you should make the most of by taking action and testing new ideas for your Yoga classes.

© Copyright 2006 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
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FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter.
Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”
//www.yoga-teacher-training.org/docs/Yoga-in-Practice-eBook.pdf
Visit: //www.yoga-teacher-training.org
Affiliates: //www.yoga-teacher-training.org/signup.html
Sister Blog: https://yoga-teacher-training.blogspot.com/
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FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles) – Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul
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Teaching Hatha Yoga: Religion and Western Culture2017-12-12T08:47:30-05:00

By Paul Jerard

When you teach Hatha Yoga, you are asked many questions. Although public awareness of Yoga, and its teachings, has increased, many people are just discovering some of the benefits within the many styles of Yoga. Therefore, you have to be prepared for the unexpected questions that arise about the mysteries of Yoga.

Once in a while, the question of religion does come up. Many times, Yoga teachers are asked if they are a Hindu, Sikh, or Buddhist. To the public’s amazement, many Yoga teachers come from all of the major religions in the world. There is no single religion that all Yoga teachers participate in.

How can this be? Some Gurus preach that Yoga should be founded within a particular religion. Some Yoga teachers read the Rig Veda, Bhagavad Gita, and speak Sanskrit words, so they must be covertly teaching Hinduism, or some other religion, right? Wrong – some Yoga teachers do teach religion in their classes, and some do not.

If your Yoga teacher has the Vedas, Torah, New Testament, Holy Quran, and the Gnostic Gospels, in his or her library, what does that mean? It means that your Yoga teacher likes to read, study, and does not have a closed mind. That is all it means, unless your Yoga teacher preaches religion as part of his or her practice.

If a Yoga teacher does preach religion within Yoga classes, this should be easy enough to see and hear. In Yoga studios that reside in the Americas and Europe, this may not be what most Hatha Yoga students are seeking. Each student has the right to leave, but the public should be made aware that a Yoga studio is conducting religious classes.

Many of these potential Yoga students are not seeking religious conversion, religious instruction, and live in a culture with a strict separation of religion from government. This means that religion in the West is often compartmentalized.

For example: If a concerned doctor recommends Yoga to a patient with back problems – the patient is not being referred to a Yoga studio for religious instruction.

Therefore, if you teach a form of religious Yoga in the West, be honest about it. Most students, from western cultures, are in Hatha Yoga classes for the physical and mental aspects.

If you want to teach Yoga as spiritual health, get the proper training first, and give the public “fair warning.” Teaching good virtues is one thing, but teaching religion to your Yoga students is quite another. This is the “line in the sand” that some Yoga teachers should never forget.

The answers to spiritual enlightenment are within all religions, but it is up to Yoga students to pursue their own religion and find the answers to their spiritual health. There is no single “man made path” to spiritual health, enlightenment, or union. This is a myth that, as a species, we never seem to learn.

Throughout our history, Holy wars are always justified by both sides. Of course, the other side is always less human, less understanding, evil, and ignorant of the true path. “The world would be a better pace without the unbelievers;” is always a good battle cry.

Religion is too volatile a subject to discuss within a multi-cultural Hatha Yoga class. Therefore, if you are going to mix any religion with Yoga practice, it should be taught within a sectarian atmosphere.

© Copyright 2006 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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Teaching Hatha Yoga: The Value of Props2017-12-12T08:47:01-05:00

By Paul Jerard

For Yoga teachers the value of props as a tool for alignment is priceless. Yet it is amazing when a Yoga teacher has a negative view of props and the students who use them. Every once in a while you get to hear contrasting views, but below I have listed a few quotes that no one wants to take credit for.

“There are no props in my style, in my classes, or in my town. My Yoga teacher says props are a crutch and there is no reason to make them available to students.”

This is a closed minded view, if I ever heard one. What about the student who cannot bring his, or her, spine in a straight line when practicing Triangle posture? One block, placed in the correct location, will change the alignment of the entire body.

A wall might also make a major difference to some Yoga students. So why not adjust a student into a better alignment so she or he can hold the position longer? This will build strength and the Yoga student will actually memorize correct alignment by feeling it.

“Yoga props are fluff. These people are not really practicing Yoga.”

This one comment “takes the cake.” My answer to this person was that she should seek a Yoga teacher who shared her lack of tolerance. Since Yoga encompasses many things; who should say what “real Yoga” is, or is not?

Props are used by Yoga teachers from many styles of Hatha Yoga such as Iyengar Yoga, Tri Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Prenatal Yoga, Chair Yoga, and many more Hatha sub-styles. To be honest, the Yoga mat is a prop. It was not that long ago when Yogis did not use Yoga mats. Why reject progress being made by some of the most innovative minds in modern day Yoga?

One mistake that most Yoga students and Yoga teachers make is thinking of postures as beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Each body is unique and will be exceptional in some ways and less exceptional in others. We should stop focusing on the next “advanced posture” and think about the alignment of the Yoga posture we are in at the present moment.

Proper alignment should never be compromised for the sake of the ego. When you know that a blanket, bolster, ball, strap, block, chair, wall, or another prop would help a student’s alignment; using a prop is a “no brainer.”

Yoga teachers should make props available, but also be prepared to improvise. Most Yoga teachers do not have every prop available in their studio. This is not a problem, and it will teach you to be creative. One of our Yoga teachers shows her students how to use the kitchen counter, the bottom steps of a stair case, and towels as props for Yoga practice at home.

There is no limit to what can be used for a Yoga prop. Our true potential, as Yoga teachers, is only limited by our thinking.

© Copyright 2006 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
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Teaching Hatha Yoga: What is Normal?2017-12-12T08:46:26-05:00

By Paul Jerard

Do people puzzle you sometimes? When you think you have heard it all, someone comes up with a “new spin” on an old idea. When you teach Yoga techniques for a healthy mind, body, and spirit; are you trying to help your students reach a normal state? If that is your goal, you may just frustrate yourself and confuse your Yoga students in the process.

The fact is: Yoga teachers should help students improve their lives, but the goals are really up to the students. You can teach goal setting skills, but a Yoga student has his or her own idea of what is normal and what the ultimate goal is.

Many Yoga teachers have a preconceived notion about which kind of behavior is acceptable within their Yoga class. When you trained to become a Yoga teacher, you listened to lectures about Yoga teacher ethics. You learned about what you could and should not do, when teaching a Yoga class. Later, you signed a Yoga teacher ethics agreement.

Then one day, a Yoga student displays behavior that is not in the “text books.” Is that normal? Well, it seems normal to him or her, but you have to be calm and keep your Yoga class as organized as possible.

No one can prepare you for every unexpected situation and life does not go in harmony with the best prepared plans. If you are commuting, by car, to teach your next Yoga class, and you are delayed by an auto accident, or a mechanical break down, your priorities have changed instantly. You are not in control of this situation and all you can really do is “damage control.”

Therefore, we cannot count on a Yoga class, or life, to be normal. Earth quakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, death, and behavior are very hard to predict. All a Yoga teacher can do is help one person, one student, or one Yoga class at a time.

Discard any ideas about what is normal. The universe, Yoga students, and life are constantly changing. As Yoga teachers, we must react to unforeseen problems, when they occur. Preparation does prevent hesitation, but you cannot prepare for infinite situations.

If a student has a heart attack, in your Yoga class, your swift and even-tempered reaction is all that really matters. It also helps if you have current CPR training and certification, but reaction time is crucial.

Remember this: Expect the unexpected, react calmly to every possible situation, and do not lose sleep over situations that you cannot control.

© Copyright 2006 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
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Teaching Hatha Yoga: The Transformation2017-12-12T08:46:01-05:00

By Paul Jerard

Anyone who decides to become a Yoga teacher goes through many transformations, but your students will go through a variety of transformations, as well. The relationship between Yoga teacher and student is healthy because of the sharing of knowledge. Due to this constant sharing of ideas, the Yoga teacher and his or her students become healthier, wiser, and spiritually connected.

Yoga Teacher Transformations start from the moment you decide to become a Yoga teacher, but they continue as you decide to take a Yoga teacher training course. After the Yoga teacher certification process, most Yoga instructors continue to learn more about Yoga philosophy, anatomy, other forms of Yoga, meditation, Ayurvedic medicine, or any one of the many Yoga subjects that Yoga teachers would logically pursue.

However, teaching Yoga classes on a regular basis is a form of continuing education, as you learn to teach Yoga students with different bodies, minds, and health conditions. This is where many Yoga teachers go through a gradual transformation toward Samadhi. Samadhi is the ability to control functions of the mind and body, while eliminating life’s daily distractions from the goal of complete consciousness.

To anyone who has never studied Yoga this seems like “mission impossible.” Yet, Yoga teachers learn to “walk the talk” of Yogic philosophy. What, at one time, seemed like a lofty goal; can actually be realized gradually. This all stems from teaching, sharing knowledge, and becoming a living example of steady Yoga practice. This is not a mystery, but a path that all Yoga teachers should walk.

These changes of body, mind, and spirit do not happen instantly. Some Yoga teachers and serious Yoga practitioners will receive different benefits and reach different levels of Samadhi, as a result of steady Yoga practice.

Yoga Student Transformation can sometimes be more easily felt or seen. In fact, a new student, who has never practiced Yoga before, may find relief from head aches, hypertension, or a back ache within a few Yoga classes. This is not a guarantee, but it does happen often. When a Yoga student feels the physical or mental benefits of practice he or she becomes transformed by discarding pain and gaining new found enthusiasm.

Within any given Yoga class, there is a form of collective transformation that students and Yoga teacher experience. If you take a typical Hatha Yoga class and consider the warm ups, Pranayama, Sun Salutations, asana practice, meditation, relaxation, or an integration of any other Yogic components; the transformation is quietly happening to the entire group.

There is no mystery here. Transformation of mind, body, and spirit is a result of steady Yoga practice.

© Copyright 2006 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
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Teaching Hatha Yoga: Should a Yoga Teacher be a Vegetarian?2018-02-04T11:12:12-05:00

cultivating gratitudeBy Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

There are many beliefs and myths about what one should do to become a Yoga teacher. Some Yoga teacher organizations do make official statements in regard to Yoga teacher ethics; and diet is included, sometimes.

However, if you teach Yoga, should you be a vegan? Are dairy foods and eggs okay? What about goats, chicken, or fish? Yes, some Yoga teachers do eat goat, but not beef. Some people still claim that fish feel no pain, but I never heard that from a Yogi. Are you confused? What is right and what is wrong?

Firstly, let’s step back a second. What you were taught about your religion and diet should be followed. This is for your spiritual health. You will feel more at ease, and you can live with it. Maybe Yoga teachers, and the world, could be a little more conscious of meat consumption and its consequences.

Due to the cultures people are raised in, they are used to the taste of a particular meat. An example of this is the global beef consumption. The Japanese had been used to eating whale meat. There are cultures that have acquired the taste of dogs and cats. Luckily, cannibalism has been outlawed worldwide.

Most of us are in agreement that our forests should be preserved. The forests serve as a filtering system for all of the fossil fuels we expel into the atmosphere.

Global warming may not be the only problem, if the last human on earth is gasping for oxygen. Removing any more forests, to make room for cattle to graze, is a slow form of global suicide. This only makes environmental sense.

Health problems, due to meat consumption, will require a book. If a person consumes any kind of meat, it should be in moderation. Obviously, there are better choices to eat than others, when considering cholesterol, cancer, and parasites.

Most of us have heard of Mad Cow, salmonella, E. coli, and campylobacter. With fish consumption, mercury is always a factor. Fish is an excellent source of Omega-3 fats, but consumption should be limited when you consider mercury. Pregnant women should get a professional opinion about any fish consumption.

For the record, flax seed oil is also a good source of Omega-3 fats. Therefore, we do not have to eat fish for Omega-3 fats. When you eat meat, you are always gambling that nothing will happen. This is life – and life is a gamble – however, let me approach one last point.

Is eating any kind of an animal humane – when we do not have to eat them? Does any one of us really think that animals feel no pain? In the past, I have heard people state than animals have no soul. Throughout history, some people made the same claims about slaves. Will our opinions of animals evolve over time?

In summary, Yoga instructors are teaching an holistic method of health for maintenance of mind, body, and spirit. When you teach Yoga, awareness is instilled within you and your students.

At the very least, global meat consumption should be cut back. This is in the best interest of human survival, and all life on this earth. Yoga teachers should be examples of holistic health and high moral standards.

© Copyright – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Yoga Teacher Training

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If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles) – Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul
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Teaching Hatha Yoga: The Philosophy of Abundance2022-03-22T12:27:17-04:00

philosophy of abundanceBy Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, YACEP

What is the philosophy of abundance? Is abundance just a disguised word for “money?” Can money be used for a good cause? Do you wonder why some Master Yoga Teachers, Gurus, and Swamis frown on the idea of Yoga teachers “talking up” the concept of practicing Yoga for abundance? The reason is quite simple: Most people think of material wealth first. Why? This is an example of survival instinct, and money is a part of survival; but there are many more types of abundance for Yoga students to learn beside money. Physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional abundance are worthy of note, but the desire for a better life, by acquiring material wealth, is hard to put out of your mind. Let’s look at each aspect of abundance from a Hatha Yoga student’s point of view.

Forms of Wealth

Firstly, please remember that wealth is not always material. Physical abundance could be seen as physical prowess. This is why Hatha Yoga has become so popular outside of India. When a new student becomes proficient in Hatha Yoga, he or she feels better almost immediately; sometimes to the point of ego bolstering and this is not a direction for Yoga teaching to take. The physical senses are our most primal and can be realized without any difficulty. Your friends, family, and coworkers may even notice the changes that are happening to your body due to Hatha Yoga practice. When teaching Hatha Yoga classes, remind your students to keep their ego in place. Mental abundance can easily be seen as intelligence. However, a person’s intelligence cannot be demonstrated, unless it is successfully projected and proven through the use of good communication skills. Union by knowledge, which we know as Jnana Yoga, will also require much more work than most people would initially think, and communication is a necessary skill required in order to share knowledge.

Spritual Wealth

Sadly, spiritual abundance is becoming rare in some cultures. The spiritual connection to God cannot be seen, but can be felt. Unfortunately, we try to measure the spiritual world with scientific instruments from our physical world. How can you measure prayer or the benefits of prayer? How does science explain miracles? Science often remains baffled or claims miracles do not exist. Science is useful, but has created the “virtual world” for a generation who may end up lost in computer games, obesity, poor health, and unconstructive use of time. However, we know the virtual world exists because we can see it. Emotional abundance is most often taken for granted. Our family and friends provide security, but we wish for more material wealth. When death or illness knocks at our door, all the money in the world may not be enough.

Emotional Wealth

If you have positive emotional abundance, you are truly rich. When you have material wealth, emotional abundance may be very hard to find because you do not know who your friends really are. Money attracts people, but those people might not have friendship in mind. Many of the financially wealthy are givers, and there will always be someone who wants to take advantage of it. Now, you see that abundance is many things, but the most valuable treasures in life can be attained by the financially poor. If, or when, you mention abundance in a Yoga class, start with the most important forms of abundance first. If you find yourself with too much material abundance, give the excess to a worthy cause.

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What should a Hatha Yoga Teacher Know? – Part 12017-12-12T08:44:43-05:00

By Paul Jerard

Most of the time, prospective Yoga teachers have a very strong foundation in Yoga, but sometimes they originally come from a related field like Martial Arts, Pilates, Dance, Gymnastics, or Fitness. This is fine, but be prepared for a “learning curve” and do not expect to learn all about Yoga in one Yoga teacher training intensive course. Even if you “lock yourself up” in an ashram for months, you should realize that learning Yoga is a life-long journey and not a race.

Now, if you come from a related field; you have a lot more mental work to do than a long-time student of Yoga. Hatha Yoga is physical form of Yoga, but being athletic is not as important as the knowledge a Yoga teacher should possess. So, what should you know in order to become a Yoga teacher? Below is a list of what a Hatha Yoga teacher should know in order to successfully teach Yoga classes.

Anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology should always be covered during a Yoga teacher training session. Yoga student safety is especially an important issue for those who will be teaching Yoga. Students are always physically different and Hatha Yoga practice can be made to adapt to anyone; regardless of age or physical ability. Anyone who desires to teach Yoga should have a complete understanding of how the physical body works.

Asanas are the postures held during Yoga practice. Hatha Yoga teachers do not have to know hundreds of Asanas to teach a Yoga class, but they should be very familiar with 26 to 100 different Yoga postures; depending upon the style of Yoga. Yoga teachers should be able to design a lesson plan using these postures, their variations, and the many other aspects of Hatha Yoga teaching.

Yoga teachers should know how to give Asana modifications to their students. Sometimes this could be advising a Yoga student to use a block, strap, bolster, chair, ball, blanket, or any other prop for proper alignment and safety. Other times, this might be giving a yoga student an alternative variation of an Asana.

Yoga teachers should be familiar with contraindications for Asanas; which are cautions that can be related to a specific Yoga posture. This is very important when working with Yoga students who are pregnant, have high blood pressure, or have a specific ailment.

Yoga teachers should take the time to be familiar with each student and his or her particular health condition. This means researching health conditions that Yoga students have and staying on top of your own continuing education. After becoming familiar with an ailment; learn how you can help, but never give medical advice.

No Yoga teacher should ever put a student at risk. The body of a Yoga student cannot be forced into a position that a Yoga teacher feels is correct. Instead the body is gently guided to its natural limits, without pain and little discomfort.

© Copyright 2006 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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What should a Hatha Yoga Teacher Know? – Part 22017-12-12T08:44:18-05:00

By Paul Jerard

Yoga teachers should have good working knowledge of Yoga posture alignment and know how to assist a Yoga student who is holding an asana. When you are about to give an assist – ask for permission first; as this might be considered an invasion of privacy by some of your Yoga students. Yoga teachers should not take for granted that all students want a physical assist and respect their space.

Yogic philosophy: Yamas and Niyamas are the ethical principles of Yoga. Most of us read Patanjali’s guidelines from the Yoga Sutras. If you want to become a Yoga teacher, you should get your own copy of the Yoga Sutras. The Yamas contain the following five self restraints.

Ahimsa: A Yoga teacher should be a living example of how to avoid violence, harming, and especially killing. This principle can be carried further, as you should avoid purposely injuring yourself in any way. To avoid harming animals could also be included within this principle of Yoga. It is one more reason to consider vegetarianism or, at least, to cut back on meat consumption.

Satya: To be true and honest in every way. This is a very simplistic principle and includes avoiding deception of any kind, shape, or form. However, the truth can sometimes hurt people deeply, so you must use your best judgment when you want to avoid harming someone, but do not lie.

Asteya: This is to avoid stealing in any way. This is a simple principle, but throughout history, laws were sometimes modified to justify stealing. The problem is desire of something to the point of jealousy, and finally: Out right theft. The elimination of the Cathars, Africans, and American Indians are just three examples of people who suffered from modified laws that took away their land.

Brahmacharya: To be free from sensual imprisonment and to live in moderation. At first we might think of lust and correct this by seeing another person as more than a sexual object. However, with global obesity on the rise, in the industrial countries, the lust that may kill most of us is over consumption or food.

Therefore, we should strive to be moderate in eating, drinking, sex, Internet use, consumerism, computer games, television, and our behavior. With that said, the use of any illegal drugs is very far from moderate or responsible behavior.

Aparigraha: To be free from greed, wanting, hoarding, and to avoid being selfish. This is one more good reason to give to charity and help those in need.

Yoga teachers should not only know these principles, but should live by them.

© Copyright 2006 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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What Should a Hatha Yoga Teacher Know? – Part 32017-12-12T08:43:46-05:00

By Paul Jerard

Niyamas are the ethical observances of Yoga. Yoga teachers should know them by heart; they do not conflict with any law or religion.

Shaucha: To put it simply, be clean in hygiene, diet, and behavior. Hygiene and a Sattvic diet can become a daily ritual, but avoiding unhealthy or unclean thought is a daily challenge. This means controlling angry thoughts, angry actions, and suppressing the ego as much as humanly possible.

Santosha: This is commonly considered to be contentment, but it is also acceptance of life as it is. This is most difficult to attain in societies where material gain is the number one objective. Acceptance does not mean giving up but accepting what we cannot control. When we realize there is much in life that we cannot control, we open the door to inner peace.

Tapas: When we think of Tapas, the first word that comes to mind is austerity. This is fine, but Tapas is a way of life, based on fortitude, perseverance, dedication, discipline, and regular Yoga practice, put into action. Tapas will produce results, but may require you to practice Yoga, when it is much easier to eat a chocolate doughnut. One of the biggest problems with the world today is the lack of commitment toward goals.

Swadhyaya: This is taking the time to study sacred scriptures of your specific religion. The answers to all your spiritual questions can be found within them. You do not have to change your religion, but the more you read from your own religion’s scriptures, the more ways you can learn to appreciate people who practice a different religion.

If you take the time, you will see commonality in the principles of all the major religions. Jesus said, “Do to others what you would have them do to you.” All of the world’s religions have a similar saying, but who really puts the words into practice and action? Only an enlightened person would make a statement such as: “Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you.” This statement was made by Mohammed.

Therefore, reading and studying Holy Scriptures, mean nothing if you do not take positive action from what you learn. All of the scriptures tell us to live in peace. The worst crime against humanity is when a political or religious leader preaches hate and incites war or killing.

Ishwara Pranidhana: Acknowledge God as a supreme being by whatever name you are familiar with. Pray daily and actively participate in your religion.

© Copyright 2006 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Become a Yoga Teacher

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What should a Hatha Yoga Teacher Know? – Part 42017-12-12T08:43:21-05:00

By Paul Jerard

Yogic Methodology: When thinking about Yogic Methodology there are two kinds that come to mind. One is the application of Yoga techniques to daily life and the other is Yoga teaching methodology. Competent Yoga teachers should thoroughly know both.

When considering the application of Hatha Yoga techniques to daily life, we know that Yoga will change a student’s health for the best and improve his or her lifestyle, but it must be gradual. The mind, body, and spirit will not change much in a month, but a year of regular Hatha Yoga practice will yield some significant health changes.

How many Yoga students want an instant life change? Too many, and this is why we should not make unrealistic promises. It is up to the Yoga student to take action, come to classes regularly, and practice what you have taught in your Hatha Yoga classes. It is up to the Hatha Yoga teacher to fill the student’s mind with knowledge and encouragement.

If it took decades of neglect for a new student to achieve poor health, how can he or she expect a little bit of Hatha Yoga practice to perform miracles? Every aspect of a student’s health will be changed for the better by regular Yoga practice, but this is an “on demand” world, where some people are willing to risk the side-effects of a pill rather than take positive action toward better health.

The natural effects of regular exercise, proper breathing, better posture, improved diet, and self-discipline will result in a Yoga student who is less stressed, has fewer ailments, lives longer, and sleeps better.

When a Yoga student continues to make Hatha Yoga a part of his or her life for years; the true value of good health will be felt and seen. This same student will most likely practice Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Raja Yoga or other forms of Yoga “down the road.” The benefits of Yoga in any form will cause a student to go deeper into his or her personal Yoga practice.

Yoga teaching methodology is how a teacher reaches out to the audience through the use of teaching, communication, or observation methods.

Student corrections in regard to Yoga techniques should be straight to the point, but every Yoga teacher should take care to be tactful in the process. Yoga students come to you for guidance, so keep your ego “in check.” A few “rogue” Yoga teachers who are gruff and condescending can ruin any student’s desire to continue practicing Yoga.

What are the qualities of a good Yoga teacher? There are many, but being able to spot students in need and still show compassion is very important. Being able to teach any student is another strong trait. The realization that each Yoga student is uniquely different from each other, and cannot be “cloned” is a milestone in teaching.

Demonstrating and correcting Yoga techniques is only part of the job when teaching Yoga classes. A successful Yoga teacher must communicate with all students throughout the class and keep the passion for Yoga going.

© Copyright 2006 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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What Should a Hatha Yoga Teacher Know? – Part 52017-12-12T08:42:53-05:00

By Paul Jerard

Competent Yoga teachers should have enough knowledge to work with special populations. This includes handicapped students, seniors, and many more specialized groups with physical limitations. The reason is that Hatha Yoga is a health maintenance system, but some people only look at the superficial aspects.

If a Yoga teacher is only capable of instructing elite athletes who are 16 to 25 years of age, that’s wonderful. However, such a Yoga teacher should accept the title of “Yoga coach,” as this is a limited method for teaching Yoga students.

As Yoga teachers, we always remember the students who can turn their bodies into pretzels, but that is not all there is to Hatha Yoga. If Yoga were a physical competition, we could invite some top gymnasts to teach classes and retire from teaching Yoga because we were too old to perform feats that impress a crowd.

This is not meant to imply disrespect to gymnasts, martial artists, dancers, or any other highly trained athlete. There is a tremendous amount of knowledge, effort, work, and time that is involved in their specific training. Therefore, the same can be said for Yoga; since teaching Yoga requires in-depth knowledge and training.

Some of the children, I have trained, around 10 years of age are capable of performing amazing asanas with fantastic form. Should they be teaching Hatha Yoga to the rest of us? By now, I hope you understand my point.

Many Yoga teachers work with special populations because it challenges the mind. You have to research ailments, consult with other Yoga teachers, and find solutions to problems. This might be frustrating to a Yoga teacher who wants to show what he or she can physically do.

Therefore, a Yoga teacher who has not matured much past “showing off” should not be teaching Yoga to special populations. As long as he or she doesn’t hurt any elite athletes, everything should be fine. Some Yoga teachers are capable of working with the young and the old Yoga students, within the course of a week, but this is not usually the case.

The key ingredients for teaching Yoga to special populations are compassion, patience, understanding, and maturity. When Yoga teachers work with these groups, we always remember the fantastic comebacks Yoga students made from a stroke, heart attack, ailment, disease, trauma, or a special condition.

To be in the presence of a positively charged human spirit is an amazing feeling. This is what usually happens when Yoga students, who the world might have given up on, make a come back from a near death experience. These very special Yoga students will never be forgotten due to their indomitable spirit.

© Copyright 2006 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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What Should a Hatha Yoga Teacher Know about Pranayama?2019-08-21T13:01:12-04:00

about pranayama benefitsBy Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, YACEP

Pranayama is possibly the most overlooked aspect of Hatha Yoga. Every Yoga teacher training course includes a significant segment about Pranayama. Although B.K.S. Iyengar wrote detailed works on the subject, some Hatha Yoga teachers barely scratch the surface on the subject of cultivating vital energy through breathing. Why is this happening in Yoga classes?

Proper breathing is most likely the most important physical aspect of Hatha Yoga training. Yes, proper breathing is more important than fancy Asanas. Should this lack of attention to the importance of Pranayama, within the class, be corrected by those groups who certify Yoga teachers? Why do some educated, and competent, Yoga teachers “skip by” Pranayama during a Yoga class?

 

When an intern goes through his or her Yoga teacher training, the teacher trainer does cover many Pranayama techniques. For many Yoga teacher interns, this is a review. Each intern, who becomes a Yoga teacher, knows in detail the value of proper breathing, but when a Yoga teacher graduate goes out into the world, he or she finds that the student audience wants to learn “fancy tricks.”

This performance of fancy tricks has taken on a whole new identity and has become “advanced Yoga” in the minds of those who forget that Yoga is for the union of mind, body, and spirit. At no time is the ego part of any union.

The ego does not want to share anything. The ego wants everything, especially credit for beauty, material rewards, and feats of strength or flexibility. This is the reason why some beginner students are “bored” by Pranayama.

 

However, without Pranayama, we are not practicing Hatha Yoga. Therefore, students at all levels should learn all of the aspects of Hatha Yoga. The reason is simple: Hatha Yoga is not a gymnastics event.

Gymnastics is a wonderful sport, but if that is what a Yoga student wants, he or she should pursue that path. The fact is – Yoga is not a sport. Although Hatha Yoga is physical, it has many components, and all of them should be presented with the same enthusiasm as impressive physical feats.

Hatha Yoga teachers should still take the time to explain the laws of Prana to new students. Prana is more than just air, but proper breathing is the best method for cultivating it. If a new student has difficulty grasping the theory or philosophy of Prana, and Pranayama, at least he or she will learn how to absorb extra oxygen and oxygenate the blood much more efficiently.

For all of us, air is the most important resource we absorb. Water and food are also significant, but none of us will last long without air. Therefore, any discussion about Pranayama is is of value.

© Copyright – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

How to Become a Yoga Teacher

What Else Should a Hatha Yoga Teacher know about teaching Yoga Classes?2018-02-04T10:50:47-05:00

how to become a certified yin yoga instructorBy Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Hatha Yoga teacher ethics should be thoroughly covered in all Yoga certification programs. With the current laws about harassment, all Yoga teachers, and anyone who works with the public, should beware. The less said, in your Yoga class about trivial matters, the better.

Just like Yoga teachers often say to their students, “Stay in the moment.” Within your class, “it’s all about Yoga” and anything else beyond that can be open to misinterpretation. Walk the middle path, avoid extremes, show loving kindness, and maintain a standard of professionalism within all of your Yoga classes.

Communication should be clear at all times. You must demonstrate, communicate verbally, and assist, if you have permission to do so. Always ask permission before making a physical assist during Asana practice.

Chakras are the energy centers of the physical and astral body. Yoga teachers know about balancing and cleansing them. Most Yoga teachers are familiar with the seven main Chakras, but there are more. No one should play with “Chakra Awakenings,” with out guidance from a Guru.

Bandhas are the many locks, but Hatha Yoga teachers should know Mulha Bandha, Uddiyana Bandha, and Jalandhara Bandha very well. These are the three main Bandhas.

Mudras are gestures and they are often integrated with specific Pranayama techniques for healing. Not all Mudras are performed with the hands. In Sanskrit Mudra means “seal.” There are many Mudras and learning this is part of a Hatha Yoga teacher’s continuing education.

Kriyas or Shatkarmas are the six hygienic “deeds” or “actions.” A Yoga teacher should be clean in mind, body, and spirit. Every Hatha Yoga teacher is familiar with these six Kriyas.

Meditation is a part of each form of Yoga. It is a tool for clearing, calming, and focusing your mind, but there are also many methods of meditation. Each path of meditation leads to tranquility. All Yoga teachers should practice meditation twice per day. Guiding Yoga students is one thing, but a Yoga teacher’s meditation practice should be regimented.

A Yoga teacher should also be familiar with relaxation methods, specially, stage-by-stage relaxation. This relaxation method should be practiced privately, and Yoga teachers should make their students familiar with this technique.

With all of the above points mentioned, you can now see why the jump from Yoga student to Yoga teacher will take some time and serious practice.

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Related Posts:

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Teaching Hatha Yoga – How Do You Become a Yoga Teacher?

Has Your Yoga Teacher Certification Expired?

Questions about Yoga Teacher Training Online

Teaching Hatha Yoga – How Do You Become a Yoga Teacher?

Yoga Teacher Certification Courses – The Importance of Yoga Anatomy

Online Yoga Certification – How Technology is Changing the Face of Teacher Training Courses2017-12-12T08:40:09-05:00

yoga teacher trainingBy Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Traditional Yoga teacher training programs still exist, but traditional programs often last years. Not so long ago, the concept of an intensive face-to-face training, for a month, seemed like a new idea. All you had to do was schedule your time, and you could combine your training, with a vacation, at a beautiful or exotic location.

Some of the pre-requisites would be previous experience. It would be wise to have two years of working knowledge as a student of Yoga before considering teaching classes. This may seem obvious, but there are those who jump “feet first” into everything.

There are more pre-requisites for the exotic Yoga teacher intensive. You should have the money required for travel, housing, meals, study materials, and any hidden costs. You should be single, with no children at home, or in a position to put your family on hold.

You should also be unemployed, or have an employer, who will allow you to take a lengthy vacation. Not many employers will rejoice to know you are attending a Yoga teacher certification course, while your work piles up. If your employer understands your desire to become a Yoga teacher, you are in a unique situation.

For all the above-mentioned reasons, most of us are not in a position to drop everything and attend an intensive course, without making some complicated arrangements with our families and employers. Hence Yoga instructor training, at home, has become a viable solution.

Books were, and still are, good learning tools, but Internet access, online video, DVDs, and CDs make learning the subtleties of Yoga much easier. The ultimate distance learning course should have an interactive mix of learning tools.

There was a time when Yoga books and face-to-face lectures, with a Guru, were the primary tools of learning; and they still have a valuable place. However, times are changing, and new technology has been integrated to produce a new breed of correspondence training for those who wish to teach Yoga classes.

© Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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I am a Christian and have a religious objection to this Yoga instructor certification course. I have been told that meditation is dangerous and possibly an evil practice.2017-12-12T08:39:07-05:00

Please research objective resources before making any judgments about meditation.

Roman Catholic priests, brothers, monks, and many Christian ministers also meditate. This practice has been going on for centuries. In fact, meditation has been a part of Christianity since the beginning.

Christian meditation consists of prayer, chanting, (For example: Gregorian Chanting) and scripture study. In Joshua 1:8, God tells his people to meditate on his word (the Bible) day and night.

Joshua 1:8 – “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” The spiritual aspect of Yoga will be revealed to you in the shape of your own religious belief, when you are ready for it. There is no need to for anyone change their religion or anything, just try to relax and be mindful of your daily actions. Mindfulness is an essential step in meditation practice.

How will I learn more about teaching Yoga safely?2017-12-12T08:38:37-05:00

Some, but not all, of the different safety issues are covered in your first two books. For example: contraindications are mentioned in the first book in preparation for your written exam. There is also a continuing education text in your third module, (if you are on the Multi-Payment Option Plan), that touches on these points. The continuing education text is also included in the Camp-in-a-Box version 3.5 and the Scratch and Dent Sale.

If you want a resource that goes completely in-depth on Yoga safety, there is a book called:

B.K.S. Iyengar Yoga The Path to Holistic Health ISBN 0-7894-7165-5.

This is an extremely valuable book. The first time I picked it up and started to read it, I had to have it. It has lesson plans for many special conditions and goes into more detail about props than any Yoga resource on the market.

Some basic guidelines for safely teaching Yoga classes: There are many conditions, but the three most common are limited range of motion, high blood pressure, and pregnancy.

With limited range of motion, you encourage students to use props. Over time and regular practice, your student’s range of motion will increase.

With high blood pressure, you should discourage inversions and possibly twists, if the condition is severe.

With pregnancy, you discourage twists, prone poses, and inversions. However, Yoga practice for pregnancy is different for each trimester and is more complicated, to say the least. That is why we carry a separate Pre and Postnatal Yoga teacher course for certified instructors, written by Jane Mackarness.

If you want to scratch the surface on this subject Yoga Zone has a pregnancy video that is informative and helpful. Shiva Rea also has informative videos on Prenatal and Postnatal Yoga.

How can I develop Cueing Skills?2017-12-12T08:38:11-05:00

Cueing skills are developed by copying your past Yoga instructors, video tapes, and repeating the directions you have read in your texts. Once you have finalized your lesson plan, try it out on a friend. Practicing your cueing technique will develop your skills.

If you want to critique yourself objectively, run a tape recorder and teach a mock lesson. When you play it back, you will see how your voice carries throughout the room. You can also follow along with the tape to see, if your directions are easy to understand. This type of an exercise will fine tune your ability to teach a Yoga class, as you learn to overcome any weak points you find.

How can I practice alone?2017-12-12T08:37:40-05:00

You don’t have to; you can practice with a local Yoga teacher, with the videos in your kit, with additional videos, with friends, or visit us for an inexpensive Yoga teacher training intensive.

What should my Yoga and health essay be about?2017-12-12T08:37:05-05:00

Your essay about Yoga, and health, can be very specific such as: Yoga for neurological disorders, Yoga for stress management, Yoga for seniors, Yoga for children, Yoga for sciatica, or any other health subject.

It could also be an overview of the many physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health benefits of Yoga practice.

The subject you choose should be something you are very interested in.

Therefore, anything you choose is fine.

Your essay should be approximately three pages long and a 12 point font.

At the end of your essay, please make a reference list of all sources used.

When to reference:

  • Paraphrasing or summarizing someone else’s opinions, theories, or data.
  • Using specific data, statistics, or graphical information, such as tables, photos or diagrams.
  • Using a direct quotation

You can use any reference system you like.

For some reason, many people use the Harvard referencing system.

https://www.lc.unsw.edu.au/onlib/ref.html

Why do I have to send a practical exam?2017-12-12T08:36:32-05:00

The practical exam (Video, DVD, or Streaming Video) portion, or if taken in person, is an integral part of the testing process. We must be able to view how you would teach a typical Yoga class.

You must have at least one Yoga student with you. This could be a friend or family student.

We are looking for the following skills – cueing, assisting, demonstration, voice inflection, and alignment knowledge. None of these can be measured by writing on paper.

On receipt of the Aura Yoga course material how do I proceed with my Yoga teacher training? What do I need to have in order to fully benefit from the Yoga instructor training material?2017-12-12T08:36:06-05:00

Upon receipt of your Yoga training course material, you will receive step-by-step instructions – however, let’s go over the highlights of your Yoga teacher certification course.

  • You would want to focus on your written exam first. Set a goal of reading a realistic amount of pages each day. For example: if you were to read 10 pages per day – within 3 months – you would have your written exam complete.
  • You would have developed a complete lesson plan for your Yoga class with Question 50 of the written exam.
  • You would pick a health topic to write about for your essay (3 pages – typed). It could be an overview of Yoga, and its relationship to health, or it could be Yoga and its relationship to a specific ailment. Either way, it is your choice, and I would pick a Yoga and health subject that motivates you
  • Once you have your Yoga lesson plan template, you can start to refine it for your practical exam (video or DVD). As far as VCD’s, or DVD’s, we can read any format – from any part of the world. We cannot view video tapes that use PAL format.
  • In your Yoga course, there are also a number of continuing education resources, for Yoga teachers, such as – How to set yourself up in business – Chakra Balancing – and Marketing your Yoga studio.

You should not get side tracked by these during the Yoga certification process. Therefore, focus on your Yoga teacher written exam, the essay, and the practical exam first – and in that order.

When using a Yoga correspondence course, how would I know, if what I was doing was a posture correctly?2017-12-12T08:35:38-05:00

About alignment: Always work with other Yoga teachers, even after becoming a certified Yoga teacher. It helps you learn new things, creates valuable contacts, and keeps you sharp. Find the best Yoga teachers in your area to learn from, work with, and possibly work for.

If you are far away from a Yoga instructor, mirrors are the next best thing, because they help you see your asana alignment, but sometimes Yoga without a knowledgeable assist is like cutting your own hair.

With the aid of mirrors you could develop your knowledge of alignment.

If you have a Yoga friend who has knowledge of posture alignment, you can both make progress together.

How much time will it take to be ready to teach Yoga to others?2017-12-12T08:35:09-05:00

Every Yoga practitioner is different, but an average amount of experience for an intern would be; to have a minimum background in Yoga of at least two years of steady practice, before starting a Yoga Teacher certification course.

This will give you a strong foundation in relation to the basics of Yoga. Within Yoga training, there will always be something new to learn. Every good Yoga instructor is a student at heart and will continue to be for life.

Is it possible for a person who is in his/her early 40’s to learn yoga and teach later?2017-12-12T08:34:39-05:00

Yes, the best Yoga teachers are the students who are serious about practice, know what they want, and are challenged along the way. Naturally athletic and youthful students can make good teachers, but they often push their own students to do things that they naturally perceive to be easy.

What Yoga teacher training level should I start from, and how do I proceed to the next teacher levels?2017-12-12T08:34:06-05:00

If you are not a certified Yoga teacher, you should start with a Camp-in-a-Box, which is a Level 1, 240-Hour, Yoga teacher training course.

What should be the ideal age to start yoga?2017-12-12T08:33:40-05:00

There is no ideal age for learning Yoga and there are many styles of Yoga, which focus on the many different aspects within such as Diet, Hygiene, Asanas for strength, Asanas for flexibility, Asanas for better health, Pranayama, Relaxation, Meditation, Enlightenment, and much more.

The fact is; anyone who can breathe can practice Yoga. Older students will be more familiar with their bodies and less prone to injure themselves, due to competitive thinking. Younger students are usually more flexible than older students, but there is much more to Yoga than flexibility.

Yoga Therapy – Helping Yoga Students who have Ailments and Illnesses2017-12-12T08:32:54-05:00

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Yoga is a confusing topic, because it is so wide in its reach. Outside of India, Yoga is often seen as a form of mind and body exercise. Yet, Yoga has deep therapeutic value, which is being observed in medical and scientific research studies.

The current opinion of medical professionals is that Yoga is a useful adjunct to medical and psychological treatment. This is why foundational Yoga Therapy courses and programs have begun to grow. Students often remark how much better they feel after practicing on a regular basis. This has led to wide spread research about the reasons why Yoga practitioners feel positive results.

After years of teaching Yoga, many instructors learn as much reliable information as possible, about teaching Yoga as therapy. This usually happens as a response to student needs. Yoga teachers learn how to modify a typical practice despite a student’s pre-existing ailments and illnesses.

The next step after learning from a foundational Yoga Therapy course; would be to build on that platform of knowledge. This second phase of learning about Yoga as therapy should cover the needs of students or clients who have common health problems.

At this time, it seems as if there are far more ailments than there are Yoga therapists. If you consider, the different neurological disorders, different forms of cancer, stress related problems, and various heart diseases; each of these areas are very in-depth.

For example: Neurological disorders come in many different forms, such as – Parkinson’s Disease, Stroke, Ataxia, Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy, Alzheimer’s disease, and Epilepsy. This short list has only scratched the surface as to the depth of how many varieties of neurological disorders there are.

Knowing this, any Yoga teacher who wants to expand his or her knowledge of Yoga therapy would be best to concentrate on the immediate needs of his or her students with pre-existing ailments and illnesses.

© Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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Yoga Teacher Training
FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter. FREE Yoga Videos.
Free Podcasts. Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”
——————————————–
On-Site Training: https://www.aurawellnesscenter.com
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FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles) – Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul
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Yoga Teacher Question About Pre-existing Knee Problems2017-12-12T08:32:25-05:00

500 hour hatha yoga certification courseBy Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Some of the questions I receive are timeless. Hopefully, my answers will be too. The following question and answer session is about pre-existing knee injuries, but the same general guidelines and precautions are applicable to any joint injury. One of our duties, as Yoga teachers, is to empower our students to be able to make wise decisions regarding their personal health issues. Our best advice regarding pre-existing injuries is to point our students toward the professional advice of a physician or specialist. 

Q: At the moment, one of my Yoga students has a pre-existing injury to his knee joint caused by football in February this year, and there still is fluid on it to this day. I am not exactly sure what to do with the knee. Yet based on my understanding, hamstring stretches and quads stretches will be useful for him, as well as advising him to elevate his knee higher than the heart, as much as possible.

Would that be a right assumption? In regards to his back, shall it be treated as lower back injury or just stiffness? I know both of these would be advised with a different set of poses.”

A: Elevating the knee is a good idea because he should stay off his feet when possible; Viparita Karani (legs up the wall pose) is one suggestion. Seated asanas, without putting stress on the knee, are another consideration.

Related to this, it is very important that he visit a doctor, because a fluid build-up that lasts for months indicates a serious injury. He may have damaged connective tissue, and the fluid is a result of his body’s natural protection to an inflammation within the knee joint.

His physician will likely recommend some ice and heat therapy, but he needs to schedule an appointment for a hands-on inspection of his injury. He might also have to get an X-ray and MRI of his knee for his doctor to give him the best solutions. Seated forward bends should help, but he really needs to see a doctor first, and get approval for the type of postures he practices.

© Copyright 2010 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

See our testimonials to find out what our graduates have to say about teaching therapeutic yoga sessions and our selection of affordable yoga teacher training intensive courses.

If you are a teacher, yoga school 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. Namaste!

Will teaching Yoga to patients, who are recovering from Cancer, be of benefit to them?2017-12-12T08:31:57-05:00

Please bear in mind that I have no medical degree and am not a medical professional. The advice given is that of a Yoga Teacher. Always consult with your physician for a professional opinion.

Yoga cannot replace the medical treatment that cancer survivors must experience. However, gentle, restorative yoga speeds the recovery process and provides therapeutic healing to a ravaged body.

Cancer does not discriminate, and strikes young and old with impunity. The good thing about yoga is that it offers an appropriate therapy, exercise program, and even life path, for anyone young, old, or in between.

The benefits go far beyond improved flexibility and relaxation. Yoga sets cancer survivors on the road to healing, with a life-centered focus and a real way to cope.

Health care facilities, around the world, are now incorporating yoga therapy into their cancer recovery centers. Medical professionals are beginning to recognize the extraordinary benefits yoga provides to patients.

The difficult road of recovery back from cancer is not always lit well enough within basic clinical care. Yoga focuses on the union of mind, body, breath, emotion, and spirit, to finally give cancer survivors a holistic leg to stand on.

People recovering, from most types of cancer, share at least a few maladies. Fatigue is the most common. Any time the body is subjected to high stress situations, such as – surgeries, radiation, chemotherapy and pain, fatigue is an obvious result.

As part of the recovery process – The body has been fighting a disease and then fighting to heal. Regular yoga practice will increase energy levels, and allow those recovering from cancer, to feel able again. Yoga postures strengthen and tone core muscles in the body. This low-impact movement also improves circulation and mobility.

The particular postures and yoga routine, that will help someone recovering from cancer, will be prescribed on an individual basis. There are many types of cancers, and what may benefit one recovery, or individual, may not be as effective in the case of another. That is why highly trained, and expert yogis, are so important for therapeutic yoga and cancer recovery.

Knowledge of particular healing or therapeutic properties, of each posture, breathing method, and other yogic healing aspects, is indispensable.

Pranayama, or yoga breathing, focuses on specific breathing exercises that invoke relaxation and enhance optimum recovery. Yoga instruction often employs guided relaxation, meditation, breath awareness, visualization techniques, and guided breathing exercises.

Students are guided to find a peaceful place, where they release their anxiety and pain. Pranayama techniques also have an extremely beneficial impact on the nervous system. Focused breathing brings calm to the mind and body, allowing for healing. Stress is the number one enemy to effective healing.

As with many ailments, yoga students, recovering from cancer, often suffer from decreased range of movement. Along with increasing muscle strength, yoga postures improve range of movement and flexibility.

Posture is also improved, allowing proper body alignment and balance. With freer movement and mobility, cancer survivors will begin to grow lighter in spirit and feel more independent.

Yoga for cancer recovery should focus on providing the most benefit possible. This means patients should not push past the point of pain. The important thing for anyone to remember, who has been through a serious medical procedure, is to begin slowly.

Perform the yoga poses in a way that is comfortably challenging. There will be some discomfort on the road to recovery. Steadily press forward, and find the internal limits, but avoid approaching the pain threshold.

Yoga instructors need to remember that yoga therapy requires adapting yoga practice to individual needs. Each student’s case will be different. Each class period will be different. Teachers must also learn to be healers and “go the extra mile” for any student recovering from cancer.

Those recovering from cancers, who choose yoga practice to assist their healing, will benefit greatly across the board. In addition to regular yoga practice, pay close attention to diet and nutrition.

Yoga nutrition focuses on natural, whole foods that support the body’s functions. Support your body in every possible way to make a complete recovery when healing from cancer.

I teach a class with a 60 year old Yoga student who can’t do Halasana or Saravangasana. What would be good substitutes for these poses?2017-12-12T08:31:31-05:00

We cover modifications in all of our Yoga teacher training courses. The solution depends on the reason why your student cannot practice these asanas and if these postures will benefit your student. If the reason is a neck problem or high blood pressure, Viparita Karani (Legs-up-the-wall pose) would be a good substitution for both asanas.

If is a matter of modification, you can use a wall for both asanas. In Halasana, a wall behind the head gives your student a variety of heights and depths to work with. To use the wall in Sarvangasana, start is Viparita Karani, bring the legs hip width apart and ask your student to slide the feet down (around 12 inches depending on your student’s size) with the soles resting on the wall, bend the knees, and then raise the lower back off the floor by pressing the feet into the wall. This is a modified version of a supported shoulder stand.

You can view modifications and demonstrations at our video archives.

//www.yoga-teacher-training.org/category/videos/

Will I learn to care for my students so they can avoid injuries and work around injuries they may already have?2017-12-12T08:29:25-05:00

Student safety is Priority #1. If you injure your students, they will not be back and you may be opening yourself up for a liability lawsuit. Teaching Yoga is not a “show or exhibit.” Teaching is about the care and concern of your students and passing on your knowledge to them. Many “gifted” student practitioners, who are able to manipulate their bodies due to elongated joint capsules (“double jointed”), believe that everyone in the class is the same. Unfortunately, this type of thinking will push your students to the threshold of injury.

I know that inversions and twists are discouraged for students with high blood pressure. But is this only if it is untreated? Can a person who is taking medication and whose BP is normal safely do inversions and twists?2017-12-12T08:29:00-05:00

Please bear in mind that I have no medical degree and am not a medical professional. The advice given is that of a Yoga Teacher. Always consult with your physician for a professional opinion.

Generally speaking this does apply to untreated Yoga students with high blood pressure.

However, when you have a new student with high blood pressure or any other ailment, you should always have them clear it with their physician, by getting formal permission to take classes. Even if your student is taking proper medication and the blood pressure readings are normal.

The doctor’s answer for students who are on prescriptions and middle-aged or younger is usually the same. The student is fine, and can take classes, if they stay on their prescription. However, the student should still get his or her doctor’s approval before participating in Yoga training sessions.

Why should you concern yourself with this? For the safety of each student, your peace of mind, to stay in touch with the medical community, and to avoid potential liability suits.

Staying in touch, by opening lines of communication, with the medical community will also bring you referrals and many more students.

The liability factor can be financially devastating, so never take anything for granted and as a Yoga teacher – never “play doctor.”

Is a Yoga lesson suitable/safe for those who have had slipped- disc (neck) problems?2017-12-12T08:28:33-05:00

Please bear in mind that I have no medical degree and am not a medical professional. The advice given is that of a Yoga Teacher. Always consult with your physician for a professional opinion.

Firstly, a student, who has such a serious ailment, should get their doctor’s permission before starting to practice with a teacher. If possible, get a doctor’s referral to a particular Yoga teacher, who is more knowledgeable in this area. Many doctors often network with local teachers and ashrams, for the benefit of their patients.

The methods, personalities, knowledge, and patience, of yoga instructors who are teaching, will vary. Some of the poses that I would not recommend would be – Sirsasana (Headstand); Sarvangasana (Shoulderstand); Halasana (Plow Posture); or any other posture that could cause severe compression on the cervical vertebrae (neck). Also, your doctor should be made aware of any movements and positions, such as, chin locks, neck rolls, and fingers clasped behind the neck.

You may find it is important not to do any exercises that hurt, even a tiny bit. Pain is your body’s way of telling you, “not to do that.” The exercises that will help you the most are ones where you will feel a gentle stretch. If you don’t feel a gentle stretch or strain, I suspect the poses are not doing much for you.

If they hurt at all, stop doing them immediately. I’ve never seen any benefit from doing any asana, or any treatment of any kind (chiropractic, massage, physical therapy, etc.), that hurts.

Learning how to practice asanas for a serious condition, such as mentioned above, should be practiced under maximum supervision of a competent Yoga teacher. I would suggest at least one private lesson before trying a group class. A teacher may suggest, at least, a few private Yoga training sessions so that the student understands all the safety guidelines.

As educational as videos are, they are no substitution for the guidance of a competent Yoga instructor.

I have a prospective Yoga student who was recently informed that he has Type 2 diabetes. His doctor suggested Yoga classes. How can I explain how Yoga will help him?2017-12-12T08:28:06-05:00

Please bear in mind that I have no medical degree and am not a medical professional. The advice given is that of a Yoga Teacher. Always consult with your physician for a professional opinion.

His doctor has already explained the benefits of Yoga to him, but it seems he needs a bit more coaxing. So, let me go a bit further and draw a “bigger picture” of the many benefits that Yoga has for Diabetics.

There are two basic Types of Diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 Diabetes is insulin dependent. The pancreas no longer make insulin thus patients with Type 1 Diabetes need to take insulin shots or use insulin pumps.

Type 2 Diabetes is not “insulin dependent” and is the most common form of Diabetes. This type of Diabetes can be developed by anyone of any age.

In Type 2 Diabetes, the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, and the fat, muscle, or liver cells do not use it properly. Yoga students and people who are overweight have a higher risk in developing Type 2 Diabetes, since both body fat and fat circulating in the bloodstream seem to interfere with the ability of cells to use insulin.

Most of the time, it is easy to ignore Diabetes in its early stage, especially when you see or feel few, if any symptoms. This is can be dangerous. Diabetes affects almost all your major organs such as the heart, nerves, eyes, and kidneys and can lead to both long and short term complications.

Exercise is very important: Regular Yoga practice and physical activities, such as exercise can have beneficial effects for diabetics.

In the case of those with Type 2, often over weight, exercise favors weight loss, increases the absorption of one’s own insulin and diminishes the need for oral hypoglycemiants.

For people with Type 1, exercise seems to bring little improvement to the metabolic control of Diabetes, but reduces certain risk factors for heart disease. Diabetics should know the possible problems which may occur during or after Yoga exercise and know what to do about them.

Below are some basic guidelines for Diabetics who want to practice in order to cope with their condition. This should all be cleared with your physician before starting a class.

Suggestions for Diabetic students who are beginning Yoga classes

  • Before starting a Yogic exercise program, measure your exercise tolerance. Start with simple movements and postures before progressing slowly to complicated asanas.
  • Avoid over-exertion during classes. Perform the flows (vinyasa) and postures slowly and smoothly, stretching the limbs and joints, and gently compressing the abdomen, without straining. Maintain asanas for a comfortable length of time. The amount of time holding Yoga postures should be increased gradually from 5 seconds to one minute, or even longer depending upon the posture and ability of the Yoga student.
  • Yoga students should learn to live in a holistic manner, at all levels of your being: physical, mental, and spiritual by recognizing the results of stress, emotional imbalance, diet, and living habits in relation to Diabetes.
  • While taking Yoga classes glucose levels should be monitored under the supervision of a doctor and appropriate medicinal dosages should be taken when required. After several weeks of regular classes, Diabetic students might be able to reduce such dosages.
  • Diet should be monitored throughout the Yoga training program. Avoid simple sugars such as white sugar, honey, glucose and sweets. Eat complex carbohydrates such as multi-grain, oatmeal, wheat, oat bran, buckwheat, beans, and brown rice. Avoid foods like white bread, white pasta, and white rice. Avoid all processed foods and eat foods with lots of fiber.
I have fibromyalgia and want to become a yoga teacher. Can you please advise me?2017-12-12T08:27:41-05:00

Please bear in mind that I have no medical degree and am not a medical professional. The advice given is that of a Yoga Teacher. Always consult with your physician for a professional opinion.

According to scientists at the University of Missouri- Columbia, “Patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) who exercise and practice relaxation and other non-drug techniques report fewer symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and morning stiffness than do patients who receive medication alone. Optimal treatment of FMS should include non- pharmacological interventions, specifically exercise and cognitive behavioral therapy, in addition to appropriate medication management as needed for sleep and pain symptoms,” says Lynn A. Rossy, M.A., head of a study that made these conclusions.

As you already know, fibromyalgia is a condition that often produces pain, fatigue, insomnia, headaches, and other symptoms. It mainly affects muscles and their attachments to bones.

This cycle of pain and other physical symptoms can lead to frustration, anxiety, and other forms of emotional upset.

Among recommended treatments are moderate physical exercise that stretches muscles and improves cardiovascular fitness, and relaxation techniques.

For those who suffer with fibromyalgia, Yoga exercise, breathing, relaxation and meditation techniques offer a variety of benefits. Yoga training doesn’t require special equipment and can be practiced any time of the day, a few techniques at a time, as needed to maintain or cultivate energy and strength.

Many Yoga techniques can be performed in a chair, in a bed, or on the floor.

Yogic exercises stretch and relax all of the major muscle groups and help release tension and fatigue. Some asanas that involve spinal decompression are useful, as they work to relax tight, sore muscles, stimulate circulation and the hormonal system, and push fresh oxygen throughout the body.

In addition to strengthening and limbering the muscles, Yoga exercises and postures leave you feeling energized.

Yoga breathing exercises (Pranayama) counteract fatigue and help to reduce harmful stress reactions. Deep, rhythmic breathing helps to lift depression and reduces anxiety.

With depression or anxiety, the breath becomes shallow and less oxygen is available to the brain. The breathing exercises and physical exercises increase the flow of oxygen in the blood, to the muscles, and to the brain.

When practicing Yoga relaxation and meditation techniques, you learn to relax every muscle and forget about the pain within your body, while turning more attention to breath awareness during meditation.

Meditation will teach you to stop reacting to intense sensations and begin a more supportive relationship with your body. When you stop excess thought, even for a moment, your mind and body experience a much needed rest.

You can also practice meditation before bed to improve sleep patterns and possibly reduce dependency on drugs. Fatigue and disturbances in normal sleep cycles are common symptoms of fibromyalgia, daily meditation is helpful, as it provides deep rest that is, often, hard to achieve with normal sleep.

Regular practice of Yoga enhances physical, mental, and emotional well-being, providing a solid support system while coping with fibromyalgia.

You should seek out a gentle and compassionate Yoga teacher. It is wise to study with Yoga teachers who focus on therapeutic applications and healing your body.

Students, who have fibromyalgia, should not push muscles to point of exertion. Holding Asanas (Yoga poses) for too long, can cause symptom flare-ups as contracting a muscle for any period of time can activate trigger points. Movement should not be excessive although immobility is another fairly common cause of trigger point flare-ups. You should pause between repetitions and allow your muscles to relax.

Always consult with your physician or a medical professional about practicing Yoga or any exercise program before starting. 

With all of that said, some of our yoga teacher training graduates have fibromyalgia and teach classes to their students daily. All of them feel that a restorative practice has improved the quality of their lives.

Can I take this yoga teacher training course if I’ve had a foot injury?2017-12-12T08:27:12-05:00

Please bear in mind that I have no medical degree and am not a medical professional. The advice given is that of a Yoga Teacher. Always consult with your physician for a professional opinion.

Every case and every individual’s situation is unique, so we can’t provide a general answer for everyone. For information purposes, below you can find an actual request from someone and our response.

(Q): I take Yoga classes, but I had an accident when I was younger.  My foot is stiff and out of shape.  There are some stretches in asana practice that I cannot do because my foot is not strong enough and I have internal scar tissue that restricts movement within my foot and ankle. Will this affect my yoga teacher training?

(A): Yes, the health your foot will affect your training, but with the right teacher, modifications, adjustments and medical care, you will be able to work around it. You will also have to be patient with yourself and that can be the greatest challenge for most of us.

Podiatric medicine is so diversified and foot or ankle ailments come in so many different varieties, that it would be hard for me to give you any specific Yoga training advice without more information and meeting you.

Lastly, tell your doctor you are taking classes and plan to become a Yoga instructor in the near future. Your doctor may even know of a helpful instructor in your area.

Teaching Yoga involves many more skills than mastering an asana (posture) practice. Postures are valuable for a healthy body, but they are just a part of Yogic methodology. With modifications to your postures, you should do the best you can, be the best you can be, and see many improvements toward a better quality life.

If your current teacher is patient, you are in the best place right now. However, if your teacher does not allow props and modifications, you may want to look for a local Yoga teacher (mentor), who has a compassionate and therapeutic perspective, to be in good hands.

Can I safely perform Yoga if I am suffering from disc herniation or scoliosis?2017-12-12T08:26:22-05:00

Please bear in mind that I have no medical degree and am not a medical professional. The advice given is that of a Yoga Teacher. Always consult with your physician for a professional opinion.

Every case and every individual’s situation is unique, so we can’t provide a general answer for everyone. For information purposes, below you can find an actual request from someone and our response.

(Q): My wife is suffering from disc herniation and this pain has caused 15 degree scoliosis. Some doctors has recommended surgery, but physiotherapists do not recommend it and they say just exercise will improve it. She is doing her exercises for 2 months but no improvement is observed. I would appreciate if you help me in this matter.

(A): Thank you for your inquiry. Please understand that my opinion is that of a Yoga teacher and I have no medical degree. That said – I understand both opinions and both sides of the issue. Sometimes surgery is the only option left, but alternative methods, such as chiropractic medicine and Yoga therapy also have a proven “track record.”

In order to see if this situation can be corrected without surgery or further pain to your wife, you may want to locate a physiotherapist or chiropractic doctor with a Yoga certification. This would be someone with a medical background, who specializes realigning the spine, and teaches Yoga.

Since your wife has been in therapy for two months, with no change for the better. It would seem her present exercise routine is not sufficient. It is still possible for her to get relief without surgery. One strategy is for her to practice asanas that decompress and realign the spine.

Another possibility is a Yoga therapist. Yogic therapy improves the quality of life for many people with back problems and Scoliosis, but you need a therapist who will get you results.

Lastly, when it comes to the spine and back pain, there are no guarantees – even with surgery. That is why surgery is often the last resort.

Questions about 200 to 240 hour Yoga Teacher Correspondence Courses from Aura Wellness Center2017-12-12T08:13:09-05:00

become a certified yin yoga instructorBy Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

There was a time, when we had one Yoga teacher training course. The original Camp in a Box was located on a five page website for years, but times change and we receive many requests from those who teach Yoga and those who want to teach in the future. We developed specialist courses for Prenatal/Postnatal and Restorative teachers.

Yoga instructors often desire to reach out to specific groups of people. For this reason, we kept developing courses, which would help teachers who want to specialize. Below is a compound question related to our 200 and 240 hour Yoga certification courses.

Q: The style of Yoga I prefer is Vinyasa, I saw you also had an instructor’s training in this style. Now which do you recommend? You have the Camp in a Box, the Recycled 240-hour version, the Camp in a Box Basic, and the Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training Course. How do they differ?

A: People are guided by their passion for a subject. You stated: “The style of Yoga I prefer is Vinyasa.” With that said, will any other course honestly meet your needs? However, let’s review these four courses and compare them to each other.

The Camp in a Box and the Recycled sale: These two 240 hour Yoga teacher correspondence courses are the same course. The biggest difference is the Recycled sale materials have been used by an intern at our facility, or the materials arrived new, but were scuffed, scratched, or dented in transit to us. However, they have been inspected and are guaranteed to work.

The Camp in a Box, and the Recycled sale courses, are for teachers who want to reach the largest audience students. These courses are Hatha Yoga based. As a result, they focus on every aspect of Hatha Yoga.

The 200-hour Camp in a Box basic is a streamlined and slimmed down version of the original Camp in a Box. The foundational knowledge, which every Hatha Yoga teacher should know, is the bedrock of this course. There is one DVD about marketing and business included as an elective part of the program.

The 250-hour Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training Course is a specialist program for teachers who feel that they are going to teach active crowds that crave a lot of movement. If your heart calls you to Vinyasa, you may want to take a closer look to compare it with the other Yoga courses we offer.

All of these courses have a foundational written exam and each one evolved as a result of requests from existing Yoga teachers and those who aspire to teach. Just as a glimpse into the future, we plan to develop a platinum line of courses, which will give interns a deeper grasp of anatomy, assisting, and modifications. We also plan to develop Hot, Power, Yin and Yoga therapy courses for teachers who have requested them. We do listen to your requests, while we work on research and development.

© Copyright 2009 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

See our testimonials to find out what our graduates have to say about teaching therapeutic yoga sessions and our selection of online yoga instructor training intensive courses.

If you are a teacher, yoga school 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. Namaste!

Is a Correspondence Yoga Teacher Training course comparable to on-site training?2017-12-12T08:12:08-05:00

Yes, home study certification courses are not a new concept. Written distance learning Yoga courses have been around for years. Yoga teacher training online (with technical Email and telephone support) is a new method of tutoring. When you add Yogic methodology and meditation videos to the audio CD’s on the chakras, you have a powerful combination.

We still use many written materials, because they are so valuable, but videos, web clips, and CD’s make learning how to become a certified instructor much easier than it used to be. Many reputable universities have correspondence courses and “night school” classes. Graduates of those same programs are always very successful “self-starters” in life. Based on the number of calls we receive from spas, health clubs, ashrams, etc., there are a large number of employers eager to hire graduates of this correspondence teacher training course.

Why do I have to send a video or DVD for my practical exam? Couldn’t I just send a few photos or do an extra essay instead?2017-12-12T08:11:42-05:00

The practical exam (Video / DVD) portion or, taken in person, is an integral part of the Yoga certification process. In order to evaluate you, we must be able to see how you would teach a typical Yoga class. We are looking for the following teaching skills – cueing, assisting, observation, demonstration, voice inflection, and alignment knowledge. Many good teachers walk around the room, while helping students who need it.  None of these factors can be measured by still photos or writing on paper.

Please explain the complete examination requirements to succefully become a Yoga teacher.2017-12-12T08:11:11-05:00

The examination process for the 240-hour Yoga teacher training intensive course consists of three parts. 1. The written exam is based upon the study of two teacher’s texts and a 50 question test. The written exam consists of knowledge, which any Yoga instructor should know. You can Email it in a Word document, PDF, or send it by regular mail.

2. The Practical Exam is a video of you teaching Yoga, with at least one person, for at least 60 minutes. It should contain asanas, pranayama, modifications, assisting a partner on alignment, cueing skills, and meditation or a relaxation sequence.

You can send it in a streaming video by Internet or you can send a VHS/NTC, VCD, or DVD format by mail, UPS or Fedex. There is the option to visit here for your practical exam, but there is an on-site test fee of $95 for taking a practical exam in person. There is no charge for testing by video.

3. Your essay should be about Yoga, and its relation to any specific health topic, or an overview of Yogic methodology and its relationship to health. Your essay should also be at least three pages long, single spaced.

Additionally, you should also send a signed copy of your Yoga teacher ethics agreement.

How many Yoga students should be with me during a practical exam video?2017-12-12T08:10:39-05:00

When teaching a Yoga class for your practical exam video, there is a minimum of one student required, but there are no limits on the maximum number of students that could be be present. Some of our graduates have recorded their practical exam videos with a close friend as a student, while others have taught in a studio full of students.

For us to evaluate how you observe, interact, cue, make corrections and assist when needed, while teaching a class, it is required that you have at least one student present for your practical exam video session.

Will I be charged extra for study materials, Email replies, meals, lodging, phone calls, tutoring, etc.?2017-12-12T08:10:09-05:00

Everything you need to become a yoga instructor is in the Camp-in-a-Box. We do charge for shipping, but there are no hidden fees. Factor all the costs that are part of a typical instructor training course – including the lost wages due to time away from your place of work, study materials, lodging, meals, mentoring fees, membership fees, application fees, financing fees, exam fees and any transportation costs. When you consider all the money you could spend at an on-site teacher training intensive, it may more than double your base tuition cost. This distance learning program is, in fact, a very low cost Yoga teacher training program.

Is your course syllabus complete?2017-12-12T08:09:35-05:00

Yes, a complete Yoga certification course should contain all aspects of Yogic methodology, and there are many. After all, Yoga is the best health maintenance the world has ever known. Your course should cover most, but not all, of the following:

  • Asanas
  • Modifications and Contraindications
  • Yogic Philosophy
  • Anatomy
  • Physiology
  • Kinesiology
  • Alignment
  • Working with Special Populations
  • Teaching Tips
  • Yoga Teacher Ethics
  • Chakras
  • Bandhas
  • Mudras
  • Yamas and Niyamas
  • Pranayama
  • Meditation
  • Relaxation
  • Business Development
  • Communication, Marketing, and Networking

If a course does not come close, you will not feel comfortable in a situation, where a student has asked a question you do not have the answer to. You may, in the process, inadvertently, injure your students due to what you do not know.

This Yoga certification course has a lot of material, is there an easy way to concentrate on each stage?2017-12-12T08:09:01-05:00

Yes, each section of your Yoga instructor training course has a different emphasis. Included with every Camp-in-a-Box is a set of step-by-step instructions to help you concentrate on your teacher training, without being diverted by all the “toys” in the kit. If you think that you might get “side tracked,” it would be best to follow these instructions included in your course, to the letter. 

What is the average time frame for completion of this course?2017-12-12T08:08:26-05:00

The average time for completion of this course and to become a Yoga instructor is 90 days. This is based upon the average turn around time of our graduates. Please bear in mind, there are two main factors to consider when considering time for completion.

1. How much Yoga experience do you have?

Many of our interns are experienced practitioners and some are practicing Yoga instructors without credentials. Some instructors have been teaching for decades, but have no certification. The more knowledgeable you are about Yoga, the easier this home study certification course will be. Therefore, if you have a lot of experience as a student, or you have previous teaching experience, this course will consume less time for you than it will for a student with a few years of experience.

2. How much free time do you have?

Each person has unique obligations in life. Some of us have children, jobs, college, house work and other duties in life. To study independently, you have to be able to set aside budgeted time for your distance learning each week. Once you get into the habit of reserving this study and practice time for your Yoga teacher training course, you are on the way to become an instructor.

What style of Yoga is taught in this course?2017-12-12T08:07:57-05:00

The original 240-hour program is a Hatha Yoga teacher training course, but many materials are included from different branches of Hatha. The same could be said for the basic 200-hour and 300-hour platinum courses. There are many different courses to choose from for teaching different groups, including prenatal and postnatal, restorative, vinyasa, chair, hot, kids, power and therapeutic programs. In each case, all of these are sub-styles of Hatha Yoga.

How long will it take me to complete this yoga instructor course?2017-12-12T08:07:27-05:00

On average, our teacher interns complete the 240 hour course in three months or less.

You have one year to complete your Yoga certification course. However, experienced students consistently complete this course in three months or less.

Call or Email for an extension if you are going to run over the one-year deadline.

Will I ever be required to attend an on-site Yoga Teacher Training intensive?2017-12-12T08:07:00-05:00

No, this entire Yoga teacher learning program is set up for home study with online (Email) and telephone support. You are always welcome to visit us – our next on-site Yoga teacher training intensive is posted at our studio website

Although it is not required, we enjoy meeting our interns and graduates. We will be happy to organize an inexpensive yoga teacher training intensive, if you are interested.

When do the practical exams and Yoga Teacher Training workshops at Aura take place?2017-12-12T08:06:33-05:00

Practical exams take place every Spring and Fall. Yoga Teacher Certification workshops go on all year long on Friday evenings and some Sundays. Yoga Teacher Training classes do not meet on holiday weekends. You can also call ahead to set a private test date. You can take an exam on-site with other interns or schedule a private session.

How could a Shy Person Become a Yoga Teacher?2017-12-12T08:05:35-05:00

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

The calling to teach Yoga classes can reach into any of us, but what about obstacles which hold each of us back. A shy person may want to become a Yoga teacher, but how can he or she develop the voice of a Yoga teacher?

For an aspiring Yoga teacher, shyness is like a prison which stops him or her from life’s rewards. This person knows what to do, but feels serious anxiety when having to address a person or when having to speak in front of a group.

So what is a shy, but aspiring Yoga teacher to do, when confronted with this impasse? Should he or she give up the dream of becoming a certified Yoga teacher? Some trainers of Yoga teachers would agree, but the truth is there is a solution for the shy, but aspiring Yoga teacher.

Luckily, we are surrounded by recording devices. You can record your voice or film a mock Yoga class to develop your Yoga teaching skills. Watch the recording of yourself teaching Yoga, and later, practice along with the film or the audio recording. Then you can make corrections as you deal with the learning curve involved in becoming a Yoga teacher.

If you have some areas in your video or audio recording that need work; you will find a solution, but you must be patient with yourself. We are our own worst critics. This is just a part of the learning process in becoming a Yoga teacher. It is guaranteed that if you try, you will succeed, and you will not be let down.

Many of my best Yoga teacher training graduates spent their lives under estimating themselves, but found independence and a better quality life, teaching Yoga. The harshest judge many of us face on a daily basis is ourselves.

This is not an exercise in self-criticism, but a proven method for developing your Yoga teaching skills. Do not “beat yourself up,” but do take a constructive look at ways you can improve the range of your voice, cueing skills, and your Yoga lesson plan.

You should also seek out a trusted friend or an experienced Yoga teacher for constructive advice. Some Yoga teacher mentors will tutor you through any part of learning process.

Later, you may need at least one student and you can film your lesson plan in any open room. Some Yoga teacher interns have filmed a Yoga class outside, depending upon the season. Teaching Yoga in different settings will also build new found confidence.

You will learn to develop your own lesson plan. This is not acting, but a way to see your personality evolve into a Yoga teacher. This evolution of personality knows no boundaries. Most Yoga teachers are very confident and make the most out of enjoying life to its fullest potential every day.

To be honest, I was nervous when I taught my first Yoga class. I never thought I would be a public speaker, and I never considered that I would some day train Yoga teachers from every part of the earth. The raw skills are within all of us, but your dreams will not be realized without positive action by you.

Life happens, and hopefully, most of us change for the best. As a result, you will help others and have a tremendous feeling of job satisfaction, when you become a Yoga teacher.

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© Copyright 2005 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

See our testimonials to find out what our graduates have to say about our selection of distance learning yoga teacher certification programs.

If you are teaching a yoga class, a yoga school 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. Namaste!

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Related Posts:

Has Your Yoga Teacher Certification Expired? 

Five Methods for Yoga Teacher Progress

Yoga Develops One’s Mindset

Teaching Yoga Classes – Showing Gratitude

Yoga Meditation to Rid Self-Criticism

Competent Hatha Yoga Teachers Needed

 

Could a Blind Man Become a Yoga Teacher?2017-12-12T08:05:01-05:00

how to teach yogaBy Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Recently, I ran into a case in which a Hatha Yoga teacher, who had been teaching for years, was being refused from a Hatha Yoga teacher training course. Before anyone gets stirred up over this and the Act on the Affairs of the Handicapped, in the United States, this story gets better.

His wife is also a Hatha Yoga teacher and they teach Yoga classes as a team. Yet, he was still refused the opportunity for certification as a Hatha Yoga teacher. At this point, you might be thinking of the legality of refusing anyone an equal opportunity. I am not an attorney, but this sounds like a viable case to me.

Do you think that the Yoga organization, which refused this gentleman the right to participate in their Yoga teacher training course, consulted their attorney before making such a decision? Honestly, I doubt it, and the idea of a Yoga organization showing discriminatory judgment goes against the purpose of Yoga.

Yoga means union or unity. Where is the “unity” in discrimination? Discrimination originates from a closed mind. Discrimination works closely with intolerance and can lead to unjustified acceptance of blatant lies or worse.

It is the morality of this issue that should concern us all. It is hard to imagine being blind every day, with so many things that most of us take for granted.

If you want to take a short tour of what it feels like to be blind, close your eyes, and within minutes your other senses will improve. Did you ever notice your hearing improves, when you try to meditate? Try to move around without opening your eyes, but use caution.

When you shut one of your senses off, the rest of your senses will become sharper, as a result of your “handicap.” A blind Yoga teacher will most likely have better cueing skills than most of us. With another Yoga teacher in the room, to assist, a student would get “the best of both worlds.”

This is why we have laws that protect all of us from discrimination. Sometimes, we think that common sense should rule our society, but as you know it does not always work that way. Everyone should make an honest effort to understand others.

We do not have to agree on every issue, but different viewpoints that work together make a healthier and creative world around us. If a blind man has a desire to become a certified Yoga teacher, who has the moral right to refuse him.

 

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© Copyright 2005 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

See our testimonials to find out what our graduates have to say about our selection of distance learning yoga teacher certification programs.

If you are teaching a yoga class, a yoga school 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. Namaste!

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Related Posts:

Three People Most Unlikely to Become a Yoga Teacher 

Five Methods for Yoga Teacher Progress

Questions about Yoga Teaching and Taking Our Yoga Teacher Training Courses

Has Your Yoga Teacher Certification Expired?

Finding the Best Yoga Teacher Training – Tutoring Limitations

Questions about Yoga Teacher Training Online

 

When does one become a Yoga Teacher?2017-12-12T08:04:32-05:00

restorative yoga teacher certification courseBy Paul Jerard

When you teach a friend, co-worker, or family member one Yoga technique, you have taken the first step toward becoming a Yoga teacher. This is the traditional way Yoga was initially taught before Hatha Yoga classes became such a “magnet” to the public. Large Yoga classes are not a bad thing, but it is easy to forget the way Yoga was taught for centuries.

Now, let’s fast forward into the 21st century. Today we have access to instant information. You can learn Yoga from television, the Internet, books, DVD’s, MP3’s, CD’s and e-Books. It would seem anyone who wants to become a Yoga teacher has all the tools, at hand, to pursue his or her dream of teaching Yoga.

Should you read Yoga books to become a Yoga teacher? Yes, you will have to read and much more. Yoga books, DVD’s, and CD’s set a foundation of Yoga teaching knowledge, but there is much more to this, in order to become a Yoga teacher. It is daily experience gained through teaching Yoga students, which causes a Yoga teacher to further evolve beyond the initial teacher certification process. Practical knowledge and experience becomes a “treasure chest” for any Yoga teacher.

Teaching Yoga is a journey. If Yoga teachers sit still, without expanding their knowledge, they will become stagnant. Yoga books are great references, but Yoga teachers are works in progress. In fact, Yoga is a work in progress. Yoga changes as teachers make new and innovative discoveries along the way.

Hopefully, innovative Yoga teachers will record their discoveries for future generations. None of us has a life long enough to learn all that has been written over 5,000 years, but we learn everything that will help our students live a better quality life and more. Every student ailment is researched again and again.

Yoga teachers may eventually run into a situation where the right Yoga book is not available or maybe it was never written. Always remember that Yoga books are very valuable, but they are learning tools for the beginning of the journey, and good references, to come back to, when you put Yogic principles into practice.

So, when do you know if you are ready to become a Yoga teacher? If you have been practicing Yoga for years, reading Yoga information, and showing your friends Yoga techniques you have already taken the first step.

There is no promise that the journey to become a Yoga teacher will be easy, but it is rewarding. Yoga has much history behind it, but many new chapters are being written at this moment, and many more will be written in the future. The public is always in need of competent and innovative Yoga teachers.

 

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© Copyright 2005 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

See our testimonials to find out what our graduates have to say about our selection of distance learning yoga teacher certification programs.

If you are teaching a yoga class, a yoga school 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. Namaste!

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Related Posts:

How could a Shy Person Become a Yoga Teacher?

Could a Blind Man Become a Yoga Teacher?

Become a Better Hatha Yoga Teacher

Finding the Best Yoga Teacher Training – Tutoring Limitations 

Becoming a Yoga Teacher: Preparing Emotionally 

Aura Yoga Teacher Training Announcements

 

 

Should an Obese Person Become a Yoga Teacher?2017-12-12T08:04:04-05:00

power yoga instructor certification courseBy Paul Jerard

There seems to be a stereotypical view of what a Yoga teacher should look like. Worse yet, there seems to be a preconceived notion about what a Yoga teacher should weigh. There are many reasons for this – Athletes, doctors, and exercise instructors are expected to be slim and trim. Hatha Yoga teachers are also expected to be role models of good heath.

This type of thinking will not change, but we can make the public aware that stereotypes are often wrong. Most of the adult population, in the west, is overweight. Some Yoga teachers also fall into this category.

Many adults can identify with the daily struggle at the plate and on the scales. Does this mean a person should go through a “weigh in,” before deciding to become a Yoga teacher?

Consider this: Any style of Yoga causes life style changes. Yoga students and Yoga teachers make gradual changes that result in weight control. These are not the changes of “instant gratification” that we are so familiar with.

We are not talking about, “Losing 30 pounds in 30 days.” The many “Yo-Yo” diets and weight loss pills can make those promises, but at what cost to your overall health? Life endangering weight loss products are a waste of money and an insult to your intelligence.

Then again, teaching most people to drink more water, eat more fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, and whole grains is not as easy as showing them the “new ultimate diet pill.” The Yogic diet has been around for thousands of years, so it’s “old news.” Remember the saying, “Out with the old, and in with the new?”

People fall for the “new and improved,” more than old and proven methods, until the hard data comes in. This is why people, who said Hatha Yoga was just another fitness fad, were terribly misinformed.

Yoga was around long before the Shaolin temple and Yoga influenced the health maintenance of the Shaolin priests. Kung Fu was then created within the Shaolin temple, but the relationship to Yoga is still apparent.

The exposure of Yoga to the west is only centuries old, but the Pilates method is one more example of a “Hatha Yoga spin off.” This is not meant with disrespect toward any health maintenance system, but most of them have origins in Yoga.

In the west, Yoga teachers have a responsibility to be role models for physical health. So, if an obese Yoga teacher lost weight at a safe rate that is a good thing. A Yoga teacher who takes positive action is a good role model.

Especially, since Yogic dieting methods are sensible, safe, and proven, in comparison to the many fad diets that come and go. Over the years, I have seen people lose weight from a Yogic life style change, but it is a very gradual process. Life style changes, like Yoga, also result in weight loss that stays off.

Getting back to an obese person becoming a Yoga teacher; does the public feel that he or she should go on a diet first? We are all guilty of classifying and itemizing, until it affects our perception of reality. Tolerance is a daily challenge for all of us.

There are many good Yoga teachers who carry a few extra pounds due to any number of different reasons. The idea that a Yoga teacher should only be a young, thin, very flexible, super model, with a background in gymnastics is a pure myth.

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© Copyright 2005 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

See our testimonials to find out what our graduates have to say about our selection of distance learning yoga teacher certification programs.

If you are teaching a yoga class, a yoga school 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. Namaste!

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Related Posts:

Yoga for Obese Children 

Kids Yoga to Improve Body Image

How could a Shy Person Become a Yoga Teacher?

When does one become a Yoga Teacher?

Could a Blind Man Become a Yoga Teacher?

Finding the Best Yoga Teacher Training – Tutoring Limitations

 

Becoming a Yoga Instructor: Is it a Good Fit for Me?2017-12-12T08:03:37-05:00

By Paul Jerard

If you’re reading this, it’s probably a given that you are already a yoga fan. You know firsthand the benefits of incorporating yoga into your life: stress management, mental balance, and more. Perhaps it’s time to take your love for this art and discipline a step further and become a yoga instructor.

Whether you’re thinking of leaving your current job, or simply supplementing your income, becoming a yoga instructor may be the change you’re craving. Deciding whether it’s a good fit for you will require you to do some soul-searching. Take inventory of your own yoga experience and see if you relate to any of these benefits to teaching the art yourself:

* Have I ever been inspired by a yoga instructor? If you’ve been practicing for a long time, you may recall an instructor who really helped you achieve something that surprised you. What was it about him/her that made you accomplish what you thought you couldn’t? How did you feel afterwards? Now, imagine being able to inspire that same sense of delight and accomplishment in others. Does this sound like something that appeals to you?

* Has yoga changed my life? Few regular participants would disagree that yoga has made a change in them. Those who practice regularly report increased flexibility, improved muscle tone, an overall sense of wellbeing and a decrease in stress related problems. This includes fewer headaches, less anxiety and the ability to positively deal with potential conflict. Now consider how rewarding it would be to pass this ability on to countless others around you. Plus, you get the joy of participating in this discipline on a regular, maybe even full-time basis.

* Am I passionate about physical fitness? That’s probably an easy answer. If you’re like most participants, you engage in yoga because you have a commitment to physical fitness. Not only does it produce positive physical changes, it also enhances your body’s abilities in relation to other sports and physical activities. Runners who regularly do yoga report less muscle fatigue and improved speed. Gymnasts notice increased agility. Those who play sports find that they are able to concentrate better and think faster under pressure. Does the idea of sharing this ability with others who are committed to physical fitness excite you?

* Am I in need of a positive change? Maybe your life isn’t lacking. But if you’re looking to make it just a little bit better, becoming a yoga instructor may be the way to do it. You’ll be taking your love for the practice one step further. You’ll learn how to instruct and motivate others to experience the health and wellbeing that you know is possible for anyone. Plus, the sense of accomplishment you’ll receive from finishing an instructor’s course will reward you even if you don’t plan to become a full-time instructor.

If you answered ‘yes’ to most or all of these questions, then you probably have what it takes to become a yoga instructor. The option of doing a job that not only fits your lifestyle, but also inspires your spirit is well worth investing.

© Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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How Long Does It Take to Become a Certified Yoga Teacher?2017-12-12T08:02:50-05:00

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Being a yoga instructor is a very rewarding career, especially if you have a passion for helping others grow mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. It is your opportunity to touch someone’s life in a positive way, teaching them to be flexible, how to build their strength and how to enhance their life, through a feeling of unity with all life.

Teaching yoga to others is a form of service, and while it may seem like a fun job, it is a very serious and focused career as well. Many people who want to become yoga instructors often wonder how long training takes in order to become a certified instructor. The answer varies; depending on your level of commitment to learn. Outlined below is the general criteria needed to become certified.

Where to Begin Yoga Instructor Training

The first step in becoming a certified yoga instructor is to have practiced yoga yourself for at least several years. You must have a basic understanding of the fundamentals surrounding yoga including:

* Physical and individual growth

* Basic understanding of anatomy

* Focus on alignment when performing specific yoga positions

* Practicing proper technique.

Levels of Certification

There are two widely recognized levels of yoga certification:

The first is 200-hour certification, which is something all prospective instructors should complete. This is the minimum amount of time it takes for you to earn certification. There is a slim chance that any facility will hire you without at least the 200-hour certification.

For those who are ambitious and career-oriented, the 500-hour certification is the road for you. More often than not, teachers who have completed the 200-hour certification will continue their studies. The 500-hour certification is also very important if you aspire to open your own yoga facility someday.

Once you have completed your training and earned your certification, you have gained the right to place the initials CYT (Certified Yoga Teacher) after your name to signify your certification. This really helps with credibility in the yoga community at large.

How Long Will Yoga Certification Take

Training may take place at a physical location, while other programs offer training courses that are taken in the privacy of your own home. You move through home study yoga teacher programs at your own pace. You will also benefit by working hands-on with yoga friends or a local certified instructor, which can be done in combination with home coursework.

The average time to complete a 200-hour course is between three to five months. Completing the 500-hour course level may take from six months to a year for successful completion. Again, it all depends on your level of commitment and how fast you want to get the training done.

© Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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Is an Online Yoga Teacher Certification Reputable?2017-12-12T08:02:24-05:00

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

What are employers looking for in newly hired Yoga instructor? The needs of employers are straight forward: Any facility, which hires a Yoga teacher, is looking for safety, competence, and certification. When considering a Yoga teacher training program, a prospective intern must consider the depth of the course in the above-mentioned areas.

Online Yoga teacher courses are an outgrowth of recent technology and the demand for affordable training options. Home study programs exist for aspirants, who want to advance, and deepen their knowledge, in any given aspect of Yoga.

At a time when most new Yoga instructors are teaching a few hours per week, who wants to spend the monetary equivalent of college tuition to earn part-time wages? It is a fact that most instructors begin teaching Yoga on a part-time basis.

This is the most conservative approach toward breaking in to a new field, while you continue to earn your full time income. Although you may have been participating in Yoga for years, it is not the same as teaching classes, marketing, networking, advertising, and all that entails a small business.

If you find the concept of a business to be offensive, the best option to take is working for someone else as an independent contractor or a part-time employee. In this way, you work for an agreed rate and do not have to be concerned with expanding your student base.

That is, unless your student participation suddenly drops, and the facility cannot afford to keep you on. Sometimes companies cut back programs permanently, or temporarily, during a slow season. Therefore, if you are teaching Yoga you have a vested interest in learning all you can about marketing, networking, advertising, and business skills, to keep your classes going.

This is why most veteran Yoga teachers do their best to learn many skills which apply to the business world. There is also the choice to operate as a non-profit, but you still have to file taxes and make sure you are within the guidelines of the law.

Now, let’s get back to: Is an Online Yoga Teacher Certification Reputable? In short, yes it is, as long as you become certified to teach. Make sure you will receive a teacher’s diploma upon successful completion of your course. Of course safety, competence, and some basic business survival skills are a pre-requisite to a comprehensive course, which would prepare you for the world of teaching Yoga.

Do you still feel that business and Yoga is not a good mix? Consider this: Some Yoga teacher graduates have spent over ten thousand dollars for their training. In the process, they never learn anything to prepare for interviews or business survival. There is no harm in preparing for success as a certified Yoga teacher.

© Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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What Can I Do with a Yoga Certification from a Camp-in-a-Box?2017-12-12T08:01:57-05:00

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Even though we regularly receive testimonials from our graduates, an aspiring student wants to know what to expect when he or she has become a Yoga teacher.

Pages full of testimonials, and FAQ’s, do tell stories of success, but a big question looms: Will the doors of opportunity really open after acquiring your Yoga certification? This is followed by: Will I be a successful Yoga teacher?

Let’s look at my education process and the results. The certification, for graduates of the Camp-in-a-Box, is a Hatha Yoga Teachers Diploma. The studies and examinations processes are very “real,” and are composed of three parts.

1. The Written Exam is based upon the study of two teacher’s texts and a 50 question test. You can Email it in a Word document or send it by regular mail.

2. The Practical Exam is a video of you teaching Yoga, to at least one student, for at least 60 minutes. It should contain asanas, pranayama, modifications, assisting a partner on alignment, cueing skills, background music, and meditation or a relaxation sequence. You can send it in Video Stream, VHS/NTC, VCD, or DVD format.

3. Your Essay should be on Yoga, and its relation to any health topic, or an overview of Yoga and its relationship to health. Your essay should also be at least three pages long, single-spaced.

Once you have successfully completed all of your examinations, you are awarded a Hatha Yoga teacher’s diploma – but what do you do, and where do you go? Within the Camp-in-a-Box are business and marketing tools, which prepare you for the many opportunities beyond what many graduates see on the surface.

Our graduates teach at corporate facilities, Yoga studios, martial arts schools, hospitals, universities, ashrams, fitness centers, women’s health clubs, senior centers, assisted living complexes, public schools, pre-schools, day care centers, religious centers, housing developments, apartment complexes, private schools, dance schools, and many more places, which are completely explained within the business and marketing sections of my course.

The reason for this is simple: There are more opportunities to teach than there are teachers. Life teaches us many lessons, which we must put into practice to be successful. For a skilled Yoga instructor, opportunities must be prepared for every day, because they occur every day.

When you have the teaching skills, certification, preparation, and an opportunity, all that is required is for you to recognize it and take action. Over the years, I have coached many skilled Yoga teachers through this process. Success is always the result, because these skills are transferable.

© Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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Become a Certified Yoga Instructor – Online Training in the Current Economy2017-12-12T08:01:30-05:00

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

If you have your heart set on becoming a Yoga teacher, but your budget will not allow you to spend ten, fifteen, or twenty thousand dollars, on a certification course, you have to consider a few options. Should you talk to your family about a loan? Should you wait a few years? Should you give up or go after your dream?

No matter how much they love you, your family members may not be able to finance ten, fifteen, or twenty thousand dollars, in the current economy. You will have to teach hundreds of hours to pay back your relatives.

You will also have to learn about marketing, business, networking, and develop a whole new skill set after you finish your Yoga teacher training. After all, most Yoga certification courses focus on techniques like asanas, Pranayama, mudras, meditation, mantras, and other aspects.

So, you may also want to take a few courses, at a local college, for marketing, business, networking, and communication; or you may want to search for an instructor training course, which covers every aspect of teaching Yoga, and contains useful information for running a business.

For what it’s worth, there are very few teacher training courses that cover business and marketing skills specific to the Yoga industry. Where could you find such a course and how much would it cost?

Maybe you are thinking: “The price must be through the roof.” It could be, if you consider taking each course separately – between college tuition and on-site Yoga teacher training.

However, you can save a lot of money with an online home study course. As you shop around, look for a course, which contains, at least, 200 hours of study. You want a course that prepares you to teach, and prepares you to be teaching, for years to come.

The business learning curve can set you back financially, if you are not prepared for it. This is why business tools, for Yoga teachers, are so important. Therefore, make sure every aspect of teaching and business are covered.

An on-line course for Yoga instructors is self-paced, affordable, and you can study in the comfort of your own home.

Correspondence courses have existed for years, but thanks to the Internet, you can contact a tutor by Email and receive answers within 24 hours or less. The better online Yoga teacher courses will allow you unlimited support by phone and Email.

Therefore, be certain that the course you select meets all of the above criteria and any other specific needs you have.

© Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles) – Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste
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What Do Yoga Certification and Yoga Registration Mean?2017-12-12T08:01:02-05:00

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Many students, who aspire to be Yoga teachers, are left confused as to the purpose and difference between certification and registration of Yoga teachers. Let’s take a look at both processes and some of the differences between them.

The purpose of the Yoga teacher certification process is to make sure that instructors have an excellent working knowledge of all Yogic aspects and safety issues. There is much ground to cover in the process; and many styles emphasize different aspects.

It should also be noted that anyone can teach Yoga without certification or registration, but these processes reinforce a professional standard among teachers. To the best of my knowledge, “Yoga police” do not exist. However, students are put at ease when their instructor has a teaching credential.

On the national and International levels, Yoga is a self-regulated practice. Many certifying bodies work toward a standard of excellence in teacher knowledge, ethics, and student safety.

Liability insurance companies look favorably upon policy holders who have credentials in the field in which they provide services, and Yoga is no exception. There is a perception that a credentialed policy holder is professional, mature, and the odds of claims are reduced. Liability insurance companies are in business for a reason, so they must have hard facts and statistics to reflect their actions.

Certification among Yoga teachers is a reflection that a successful graduate can teach at the level specified on the credential. Certification alone, will open better than 90% of the teaching opportunities that exist. Some programs produce continuing education certificates for pre-existing teachers.

There is a difference between a continuing education certificate and a Yoga instructor’s diploma. The diploma will open many teaching opportunities. However, introductory and continuing education courses do not award graduates a diploma for Yoga teachers.

A Yoga teacher’s diploma is usually awarded after a minimum of 200 training and study hours. Although teachers tend to train and study for life, 200 hours has become a minimum international standard among schools and registries.

Registries, such as Yoga Alliance, British Wheel of Yoga, and The Yoga Register, accept certified Yoga teachers as applicants. However, each organization has different standards. The registration process is usually expensive, but registration is often viewed as a higher credential in comparison to a certified Yoga teacher’s diploma.

If you have decided to become a Yoga teacher, you should weigh up your options, and find the course, which best suits your needs.

© Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles) – Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste
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How Should the Topic of Asana be Covered in a Yoga Teacher Certification Course?2017-12-12T08:00:33-05:00

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

If you are going to teach Hatha Yoga classes, there are many subjects to cover, but asana (posture) is often the starting point of most Yoga teacher training courses. It could be debated that we should follow the Eight Limbed Path, as explained by Maharishi Patanjali, by reviewing the first two limbs (Yama and Niyama) before asana.

However, let’s put this debate aside and discuss the details of teaching asana to the public. In the average 200-hour Hatha Yoga instructor training program, more than half of the course time is spent covering the intricacies of asana and pranayama (Yogic breathing techniques).

When a student is young, asana can change the body’s physical appearance within a year or two. Sometimes, results are seen at a faster rate. The body can develop strength and flexibility within months, but depending upon age and health, physical appearance can take a while longer.

On top of this, there is no fear of creating a huge muscular body by practicing asana. This is one of the reasons why Yoga has become so popular among women. In general, most women do not want a huge muscular body, but they do desire a physically toned appearance.

Beneath the superficial physical appearance of a toned body, the energy channels open, the nervous system’s functions are improved, and a natural detoxification process begins to take place. The reason so much attention goes into asana is because the positive results have made it very popular for students of every age.

Specific asana sequences can be recommended for particular ailments. If you have an ailment, illness, pain, or a pre-existing injury, and gradually receive positive results through asana practice, this physical aspect of Yoga can change your life without any side effects. To suddenly be pain free, after years of chronic pain, is a life changing event.

A competent teacher guides his or her students to avoid pain, common mistakes, and to master the best possible alignment. Each student’s skeletal body is different. As a result, students should be encouraged to do their personal best, but to avoid making comparisons to others or engaging in self-criticism.

Demonstrating, cueing, and assisting are some of the tools a Yoga teacher uses to help students focus on inner awareness, pranayama technique during asana practice, and alignment. These teaching skills are developed within the certification process, but they continue to be improved as a Yoga teacher matures.

© Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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How Should the Topic of Pranayama be Covered in a Yoga Teacher Certification Course?2017-12-12T08:00:04-05:00

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

When teaching Pranayama (Yogic Breathing Techniques), to a student who is new to Yoga, you realize that beginners take their breathing for granted. It is natural to take breath and life for granted.

Breathing happens naturally, or conditionally, without giving it a thought. At the same time, breathing makes life, itself, possible.
In the Yoga Sutras, Maharishi Patanjali mentions pranayama as the fourth limb in the Eight Limbed Path.

Pranayama has therapeutic value, and it is the most basic tool for creating a mind / body connection. Through pranayama practice, self-realization and presence in our Yoga practice are discovered.

As you sit on a mat practicing meditation, asana, pranayama, mudra, bandhas, japa, or any Yogic method – this is just practice for daily life situations. All of these aspects should be part of your daily life, regardless of the location of your Yoga mat. The easiest method to transfer into daily life is pranayama.

How many people practice pranayama with every breath of life? Actually no one can do this because it is impossible to monitor your breath, with complete awareness, for days at a time. You have to go to sleep sometime. The moment you go to sleep, your breathing will not be monitored, and it will take an unconscious course.

However, if you make a concerted effort to practice pranayama throughout the day, you will feel much healthier. There are some pranayama techniques you can perform, during the day, without making anyone aware of it. The only awareness required is yours alone.

During 200-hour Yoga teacher training sessions, it is not necessary for interns to learn one hundred pranayama techniques. On the other hand, any pranayama taught in a teacher course should be thoroughly covered and practiced repeatedly.

Of the many pranayama techniques to choose from, Bhastrika, Kapalbhati, Anulom-Vilom, Brahmari, Udgeeth, and Ujjayi are essential. There are many more valuable methods, but these six techniques are priceless. Interns must be properly guided and monitored, as they will teach these techniques to their students. Complete understanding of six to ten techniques is essential.

Therefore, the ability to completely understand the therapeutic application, and how to perform each technique, is much more important than quantity of pranayama methods learned.

At the 200-hour level, it is better to know the application and mechanics of six essential pranayama methods thoroughly, than it is to learn one hundred techniques. Consider this: After the teacher training is over, how many graduates will remember more than six techniques?

© Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles) – Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul
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Online Yoga Certification – How Technology is Changing the Face of Teacher Training Courses2017-12-12T07:59:27-05:00

yoga teacher trainingBy Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Traditional Yoga teacher training programs still exist, but traditional programs often last years. Not so long ago, the concept of an intensive face-to-face training, for a month, seemed like a new idea. All you had to do was schedule your time, and you could combine your training, with a vacation, at a beautiful or exotic location.

Some of the pre-requisites would be previous experience. It would be wise to have two years of working knowledge as a student of Yoga before considering teaching classes. This may seem obvious, but there are those who jump “feet first” into everything.

There are more pre-requisites for the exotic Yoga teacher intensive. You should have the money required for travel, housing, meals, study materials, and any hidden costs. You should be single, with no children at home, or in a position to put your family on hold.

You should also be unemployed, or have an employer, who will allow you to take a lengthy vacation. Not many employers will rejoice to know you are attending a Yoga teacher certification course, while your work piles up. If your employer understands your desire to become a Yoga teacher, you are in a unique situation.

For all the above-mentioned reasons, most of us are not in a position to drop everything and attend an intensive course, without making some complicated arrangements with our families and employers. Hence Yoga instructor training, at home, has become a viable solution.

Books were, and still are, good learning tools, but Internet access, online video, DVDs, and CDs make learning the subtleties of Yoga much easier. The ultimate distance learning course should have an interactive mix of learning tools.

There was a time when Yoga books and face-to-face lectures, with a Guru, were the primary tools of learning; and they still have a valuable place. However, times are changing, and new technology has been integrated to produce a new breed of correspondence training for those who wish to teach Yoga classes.

© Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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Yoga Teacher Certification Courses on the Internet2017-12-12T07:58:54-05:00

500 hour yoga instructor training courseBy Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Do you wonder about the value of certification earned on the Internet? How do you sort out who is reputable? When is a Yoga teacher correspondence course a viable option? How can anyone benefit from online certification? Will virtual training ever replace traditional face-to-face education of Yoga instructors? Let’s review these questions and sort through your options.

1. Is there a value in Yoga certifications or diplomas earned on the Internet? Many of the world’s Yoga registries, and certifying organizations, recognize the value of non-contact continuing education credits (CEUs).

Correspondence courses, and online courses, are a form of independent study in many fields, including Yoga. Distance learning credits may be applied toward re-certification or to keep a registration active.

2. How do you sort out which Yoga courses are reputable? If the certifying body specializes in Yoga, this is a major step. The certifying body should have a qualified Yoga instructor trainer on its staff. If the certifying body writes courses for aircraft mechanics and computer repair; you may want to shop around.

3. When is a Yoga teacher correspondence course a viable option? If a person is busy at work, has children at home, or has limited funds for a Yoga education, an online course may be the best option. If you live in a rural area or on an island, distance learning may be your only choice.

4. How can anyone benefit from online certification? Even a bad course would teach you more than you knew about Yoga. However, a well-rounded Yoga teacher course should give you new ideas, even if you have 10, 20, or 30 years of teaching experience.

5. Will virtual training ever completely replace traditional face-to-face education of Yoga instructors? Absolutely not. Yoga instructor education is an ongoing process. Over the years, teachers go through many stages of life. For example: The world economy will improve again. Instructors will have the funds for workshops, camps, and seminars in the future.

On the other hand, why turn away the chance for virtual online training? In comparison, it is much more cost effective than traditional face-to-face Yoga training. With the development of the Internet, and various forms of broadband technology, teacher trainers can now review interns, or established teachers, by streaming video.

This is only the beginning, because 3-D technology is about to make leaps forward within the next decade. Online Yoga teacher training will help instructors improve in an instant. Therefore, it will always be a valuable source of foundational training and continuing education.

© Copyright 2009 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

See our testimonials to find out what our graduates have to say about teaching therapeutic yoga sessions and our selection of online yoga teacher training intensive courses.

If you are a teacher, yoga school 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. Namaste!

Related Posts

Yoga Teacher Training in the 21st Century

Questions About Yoga Teacher Distance Learning

 

What will my certification say? Is it a Hatha Yoga or another type of certification?2017-12-12T07:58:24-05:00

Your Yoga diploma will state that you are a completely certified Hatha Yoga Instructor. It is the same world recognized diploma we issue to our on-site Yoga teacher training graduates. You can see a copy at the bottom of the home page.

Will I be completely certified, when I successfully finish this course?2017-12-12T07:57:55-05:00

Yes, you will receive a diploma as a Certified Yoga Teacher (CYT) and a letter of recommendation, allowing you to find job opportunities in a variety of settings. You will need to be CPR certified, if you work with health clubs or groups with large numbers.

What is the difference between and CYT and RYT? Do you offer both or just the CYT?2017-12-12T07:57:31-05:00

What is the difference between and CYT and RYT? Do you offer both or just the CYT?

CYT is a Certified Yoga Teacher RYT is a Registered Yoga Teacher

The first step in teaching Yoga would be to become a Certified Yoga Teacher. Think of this step as earning your Bachelor’s Degree.

Optional steps, after becoming a CYT, are to become a Registered Yoga Teacher or to go for level 2 certification. This is a more enhanced aspect of being a CYT. Think of this achievement as earning your Master’s Degree.

AURA has onsite classes, and also offers “The Original Camp- in-a-Box”, which is a Yoga Teacher Training Correspondence Course, for those individuals who aspire to become a Certified Yoga Teacher.

With respect to becoming an RYT: Yoga Teacher Training schools certify, but don’t register Yoga teachers. Yoga Teacher Registration is done by a third party registrar like the Yoga Alliance.

You can also be registered through the Yoga Alliance, if you have the contact hours to meet their requirements. For their 200-hour RYT credential you will need at least 180 contact hour plus an additional 20 hours of onsite Yoga training or independent study.

For the latest information about Yoga Alliance Standards please visit:

www.yogaalliance.org

Which is best: Yoga Teacher Certification or Registration?2017-12-12T07:57:05-05:00

Lately, there has been a lot of confusion as to what credentials are needed to teach Yoga. There have been some recent changes within the certifying bodies who train Yoga teachers. Here are some of the most common questions and answers in regard to Yoga credentials and regulations.

Why should a Yoga teacher be certified? What about established Yoga teachers who don’t have a diploma? What is the “right” Yoga credential to have? When should I become a Registered Yoga teacher? Who regulates Yoga?

In many parts of the world Yoga teacher credentialing is a new phenomenon. Yoga teachers had very small groups of loyal students and Yoga was not a mainstream activity. This same lack of credentialing still occurs within Tai Chi and some of the Chinese martial arts. The belief among some traditional Yogis has been that credentials would lead to commercialization.

As Yoga became more popular the need for certification became clear. Yoga teachers should be certified for their own protection. With liability law suits being so popular these days, it would be prudent to have a Yoga teacher’s diploma on your wall. Yoga is not considered to be as dangerous as some of the other activities in health clubs, but some Yoga classes can be surprisingly vigorous, to say the least.

With Yoga classes reaching every corner of the earth, some students are jumping off the couch and going straight into the nearest Yoga class, without asking questions. This is one very good reason why Yoga teachers should have a questionnaire for new Yoga students. A questionnaire will inform you of health conditions, ailments, history, fitness level, and if a Yoga student is pregnant.

This sudden popularity of Yoga also creates a less formal relationship between the student and his or her Yoga teacher. Yoga may be seen as something to do in order to lose a little weight before swim suit season. Many new students of Yoga are “just trying it out.” The incentive may be a doctor referral, a magazine article, or a news segment on television.

Yoga teaching credentials make acquiring liability insurance much easier. Depending upon the activities within a studio, the liability insurance policy chosen could be for Yoga only or a sports liability policy similar to what a health club would carry. So the short answer to the question, “Why should a Yoga teacher be certified?” It’s all about liability and don’t leave yourself uninsured. Yoga is a relatively safe pursuit, but you should still cover yourself.

What about established Yoga teachers who don’t have a diploma? Yoga teaching credentials are a relatively new concept. Many “seasoned” Yoga teachers have suddenly found themselves in need of credentials.

Most of the certified Yoga teachers are from Hatha Yoga, one of Hatha Yoga’s many sub-styles, or Kundalini Yoga. This may be due to the physical aspect of these Yoga styles. Yoga teachers, who are without credentials, should contact a certifying body to inquire about recognition or credit for past experience.

What is the “right” Yoga credential to have? There really is no right or wrong Yoga credential. A Yoga teacher should have a minimum of 200 hours of study. The Yoga teacher course selected should cover all the facets of Yoga, but when considering liability, anatomy, kinesiology, physiology, safety, modifications, props, and contraindications are of prime importance.

When I hire a Yoga teacher; safety, communication, and knowledge override any credentials. The teaching performance within a Yoga class is more important than any other factor. This is why some Yoga studios do an evaluation of a new Yoga teacher on a trial basis.

When should I become a Registered Yoga teacher? The fact is you don’t have to join a Yoga teacher’s association or become a registered Yoga teacher, to teach Yoga in any country. In Great Britain, you have a choice to register with the British Wheel of Yoga (BWY) or The Independent Yoga Network. Until recently, I thought BWY was the sole regulator of Yoga within the UK. Apparently this is a myth.

Some studios may require you to be a registered Yoga teacher, but most will not. In North America, South America, Australia, Asia, and most of Europe, Yoga teachers are not required to be registered. However, certification may be required.

Who regulates Yoga?

There is no government backed regulator of Yoga. If you are in doubt, contact a local Yoga teachers association to be assured of local laws and regulations.

It is a wise practice to network with local Yoga teachers and Yoga teacher associations. This will keep you informed and educated about the changes within Yoga. You will also learn about workshops, seminars, retreats, and Yoga camps that are coming to your area.

Lastly, Yoga teachers should stay on top of information concerning sports medicine, anatomy, kinesiology, physiology, safety, modifications, and contraindications. The safety of every Yoga student is the single most important factor involved in teaching Yoga.

Do I have to change my religion to teach Yoga?2017-12-12T07:56:37-05:00

You do not have to change your religion to study, practice, or teach Yoga.

People of all faiths can practice Asana, Pranayama, and Meditation, without conflicting with their own religion.

Yogic philosophy does not conflict with any religion. In each of us, religion is our particular and familiar path toward God. Knowing this, we should respect each other’s right to worship God differently.

When I finish the Yoga teacher training, can I use your Yoga certification diploma to teach Yoga in a neighboring country?2017-12-12T07:56:11-05:00

You can use your Yoga teacher certification in any country. I am not aware of any country that does not recognize our Yoga teacher Certification. As it would be – we have Yoga teacher graduates worldwide.

I have a local certified Yoga teacher who will work with me during my internship with you. What is the best course of action for me to become a Registered Yoga Teacher after I successfully complete my Yoga teacher certification requirements with you?2017-12-12T07:55:47-05:00

Since you are currently working with a certified Yoga teacher you should meet the Yoga Alliance’s requirements.

From the Yoga Alliance site, you can download a copy of their application to see their current requirements, and discuss this with your Yoga teacher. He or she can act as your tutor, during your internship, so you are in a much stronger position, than most distance learning interns.

You should discuss these options with your Yoga teacher and make a decision from there. Since, he or she will vouch for your Yoga teacher training contact hours and we will vouch for your Yoga study hours with us.

Lastly, always contact the Yoga Alliance to clarify their current standards for the Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) credential.

For the latest information about Yoga Alliance Standards please visit:

www.yogaalliance.org

How would I get contact hours that the Yoga Alliance will recognize?2017-12-12T07:55:15-05:00

There are currently three ways to get contact hours for the Alliance RYT.

1. Mentor with an E-RYT or RYT 500 who will vouch for your hours.

2. Visit a Yoga teacher training center for an intensive training session.

Our on-site training program will make you eligible to apply for the Yoga Alliance RYT. Dr. Paul Jerard is an E-RYT 500, with the Yoga Alliance, and does train interns, on-site, for the Yoga Alliance RYT. Getting contact hours with him is not a problem.

If you ever need to schedule an intensive for contact hours, mentoring, or a short apprenticeship, we can make arrangements. This could take one week or two depending upon the amount of material we have to cover.

You are always welcome to visit us for a customized Yoga teacher training intensive. Call or Email, at least, 30 days in advance to find out details and make arrangements.

There is also a current schedule of Yoga teacher workshops posted under “Yoga Teacher Training” at our studio website.

For the latest information about Yoga Alliance Standards please visit:

www.yogaalliance.org

Is this course recognized by the Yoga Alliance?2017-12-12T07:54:38-05:00

The Yoga Alliance has changed its standards over the years. To apply for the RYT 200 you will need “contact hours.”

If you desire an RYT certification with the Yoga Alliance, we have a program for it, but it involves on-site training. No correspondence course will meet the contact hour requirements of the Yoga Alliance. There are many certified and practicing Yoga teachers who are not currently members of the Yoga Alliance.

Our on-site training program will make you eligible to apply for the Yoga Alliance RYT. As of 2006, the Yoga Alliance wants 180 contact hours and will allow 20 hours for independent study. The Yoga Alliance has been tightening their standards, in the past few years, and the independent study hour credits may end in 2007.

Yoga Alliance will recognize our course for continuing education of current RYT’s. To be sure of current Yoga Alliance standards you should contact them directly.

For the latest information about Yoga Alliance Standards please visit:

www.yogaalliance.org

What is the Yoga Alliance?2017-12-12T07:54:12-05:00

The Yoga Alliance is an independent third party registrar. If you are from North America, it can enhance your Yoga teaching certification to join Yoga Alliance. To apply for an RYT, you should download a copy of their latest application or call them for details.

The Yoga Alliance will research your contact hours, Yoga teaching certifications, Yoga teacher courses studied, and so on. The Yoga Alliance registration process may take months to process, so be patient.

For the latest information about Yoga Alliance Standards please visit:

www.yogaalliance.org

What are the benefits of becoming a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT)?2017-12-12T07:53:42-05:00

The RYT certification is an enhanced credential, issued by independent third party registrars like the British Wheel of Yoga and The Yoga Alliance. It is not currently required in the U.S. or Canada, but may be required within some countries. You should check on your country’s regulations, if any, pertaining to the licensing for Yoga instructors. Yoga is largely unregulated in many countries.

Yoga certification alone will open employment doors, but becoming a Registered Yoga Teacher will open many more.

For the latest information about Yoga Alliance Standards please visit:

www.yogaalliance.org

Teaching Hatha Yoga – When Should You Teach Free Yoga Classes?2017-12-12T07:52:56-05:00

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Sometimes, Yoga instructors are asked to teach classes for free; there is nothing wrong with giving your time for free, but this brings up many more underlying issues. Are “true Yogis” obligated to teach for free because anyone who would accept payment is violating the fifth Yama: Aparigraha? What is a “true Yogi?”
What is Aparigraha?

The term, Aparigraha, can mean many things, but the definition can range from voluntary poverty, to limiting your possessions, to only what is necessary. So, are Yoga teachers who receive payment for services “pseudo-Yogis?” After all, a true Yogi should never receive payment to teach Yoga – Right?

Wrong – In fact, dead wrong. The people, who talk this foolishness, do not teach Yoga, but will accept your services for nothing. They may accuse you of greed, covetousness, and hoarding. Yet, they accept payment for their livelihood.

So, here’s the logic: For a Yoga teacher to live with no money, and no material possessions, is fine because we have all taken a vow of poverty by the act of giving or teaching. If you believe this, please wake up. You live in a modern society, and you need to earn a wage in order to survive.

Unless you live under the protection of a fellowship or charitable trust, you have to consider food, clothing, and shelter a priority. What is your family supposed to live on, or should you give up the right to have a family too?

After you decided to become a certified Yoga teacher, it was only natural that people would want to receive lessons, sessions, or classes. Most of your students see a value in what you do, while a rare few do not.

There are always a few people who manipulate their way through life looking to get everything for nothing. In fact, they are practicing greed, covetousness, and hoarding, but will gladly take anything you have for nothing.

There is nothing wrong with giving, if you can afford to give your time or money. Karma Yoga is selfless service and it is goodness for all humanity, but do not feel guilty for accepting student tuition fees. How can you feed your family otherwise?

Please observe and learn from the fitness industry. The masses consider fitness to be physical torture. As a result, some health clubs charge less than ten dollars per month. The cost of a daily shower is more than $10 per month. Fitness centers also give a free month membership, in hopes that will lure new memberships.

How can they cover equipment, building lease, utilities, taxes, wages, and liability insurance costs? On top of this, health clubs run each other out of business by giving everything away for free.

The truth be known, the fitness industry is hanging on by a very thin thread, and that thread is about to break. Yoga is not fitness, we do not teach people who join for a New Year’s resolution and quit by Valentine’s Day. Yoga is a lifestyle, and changes are clearly seen over the long haul.

Every Yoga certification course should teach interns about marketing, networking, communication, business, and advertising. This is an essential part of surviving in any economy. Yoga teachers cannot give their time freely, unless they have the means to do so.

© Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles) – Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste
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I have an opportunity to teach Yoga at a local health club. What is the best way for me to go about negotiating an agreement? I just want a mutually beneficial agreement with the health club management.2017-12-12T07:52:23-05:00

A flat, hourly rate is nice; and rates do depend on the location where you live.

However, the best way to work with a fitness center is to get a percentage of the class fees.

Generally speaking, health clubs try to get 50%, so they want a 50/50 split.

Some Yoga teachers are getting 60% and even more.

Splitting up the class fees between the Yoga teacher and health club is a win-win situation for both parties. The reason is because Yoga teachers will market their classes with flyers and other methods of advertising, including using the web.

A health club could not get a better deal – and your class fees, per hour, could be huge.

I already have a yoga studio, purchased your Yoga business pack, and am making great progress with the Yoga materials you sent me. Do you have Yoga marketing and business coaching services available?2017-12-12T07:52:02-05:00

Yes, we do have Yoga marketing and business coaching services, but due to demand, Paul has only a few openings available to work with Yoga teachers or Yoga studios. Paul will work with you for one hour a month by phone and you will receive unlimited Email support.

Space is definitely limited.

You may want to call 508-222-0092 for more information about Yoga marketing and business coaching.

Could I actually make a good living, owning a yoga studio? I work for the Post Office now, with 14 years in, so a change like this would be pretty radical!2017-12-12T07:50:47-05:00

You would want to build your business as an independent contractor first. In this course, you will find 16 ways to grow your business with little or no overhead. When you build up enough accounts, the decision to of whether or not to open your own independent Yoga studio will be clear.

This has been a radical job change for all of us, but you do not have to take any sudden or financial risks. Growing your own Yoga business can start on a part time basis and later develop into full time, if you get the right guidance and take the proper steps.

Lastly, bear in mind that the business and marketing information in this course is current and “field tested.” This information is specific to Yoga instructors and contains successful methods used, with regard to return on investment.

Right now, there are a lot of Yoga studios who flounder economically, because the owners have insufficient business or marketing skills. Within this kind of climate, it is not hard to get your market share of Yoga students within your geographic area.

I am from South Africa and teach Yoga to my best friend once a week. Do I really need to be registered to teach Yoga?2017-12-12T07:50:18-05:00

In answer to your question, ” No, you don’t have to be registered. The type of ‘unofficial’ Yoga practice you mention exists, even in strictly regulated countries.”

One of the main reasons Yoga teachers go through a certification process and later another registration process, is to cover themselves from potential malpractice or negligence lawsuits.

A Yoga instructor may also pick up Yoga teacher liability insurance, for added protection.

This is a sad state of affairs when healers and Yoga teachers have to worry about being sued by their students and clients. Unfortunately, the temptation to sue a Yoga instructor, for their assets or possessions, exists in many countries and cultures.

However, in the case of teaching Yoga to close and honorable friends, you should be safe.

If you truly love teaching, you should teach for free. How can you justify charging for Yoga instructor training?2017-12-12T11:09:24-05:00

My friend, I want to thank you for the opportunity to answer your sincere question.

Firstly, I have had the experience of teaching free yoga classes in parks and holding down a full time job, at the same time. Many of those students really didn’t see a value in free Yoga. It was just something to do, if they were around the park.

When the park asked me to pay a “permit fee,” for teaching free classes on their grounds, I asked my students to give me a little help. Some of them let me know walking is free and left.

The first day I charged for Yoga, the remaining students stayed because they saw a value in learning Yogic practices. Their attendance was much more consistent. Some of my first “paying” students have since become successful Yoga teachers in their own right.

If you are serious about something, you are willing to pay for it. Would you like a free vacation spent in a conference room, with someone trying to sell you a “land deal” or would you just like some time to relax away from home? Personally, I am not interested in a free trip to learn about buying a swamp and am willing to pay for a nice vacation.

Nothing in life is really free, when you think about it. All the water that you drink is paid for by you or the local taxpayers. Most people have to travel to inhale fresh quality air at the beach or in the mountains. Even walking requires some fuel in the form of food and drink that is paid for by somebody.

I graduated from a Yoga Teacher Training School in India. What will I need to start a Yoga business in New York?2017-12-12T07:49:25-05:00

You will do well, in New York, as a graduate of a Yoga teacher training school from India. This is an excellent opportunity and a valuable point you will want to make in all of your marketing materials.

The first questions an ashram or health club, in the States, will ask is: Did your Yoga school issue you a diploma and if not, which Yoga training school did you graduate from?

It is best to gather any papers you can now, including reference letters from your teachers and/or guru. These credentials will be very important once you get here and seek job opportunities as a Yoga instructor. Once you get here, you may want to contact the Yoga Alliance to enhance your existing Yoga credentials. With your present training, you should easily meet the standards to become a registered Yoga teacher.

www.yogaalliance.org

You do not have to be a registered Yoga teacher in the U.S. or Canada, but it is an extra credential that helps open doors.

Lastly, you may want to get our Yoga Business pack. Included are business and marketing materials that will help you get started teaching Yoga with little or no overhead. This will put you on the “fast track” to success, as a certified Yoga teacher.

Once I am a Certified Yoga Teacher, how should I start opening my business?2017-12-12T07:49:00-05:00

Learn to Market Yourself: Learn everything you can about marketing and take charge of it. This will be one of your most expensive overhead costs, especially when you do any paid advertising. In a small “mom and pop” type business, you can’t afford to ignore marketing and advertising costs.

If you already have the money, you can delegate it to someone else. However, you really should take charge of bringing new students in. Since this is your business, you will be more concerned with your numbers and return-on- investment than anyone else. Ignoring your marketing tasks, statistics, return-on-investment, and techniques is a classic way to be out of the Yoga business.

Start Teaching Part Time: This will keep your overhead down and there are many opportunities that most active Yoga teachers are not aware of, as I have mentioned in the bonus book How to Grow Your Own Successful Yoga Business.

Continuing Education: To become a certified Hatha Yoga instructor is one thing, to stay at the top of your game is quite another. You should still keep your practice sharp, but you should also expand your knowledge of Chakras, Mudras, Yogic philosophy, anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology.

Luckily, the Camp-in-a-Box has plenty of material to keep you going after graduation.

There are plenty of online Yoga homestudy courses and we are developing some of our own as I write, but there are also workshops, seminars, state or province wide Yoga teacher associations, videos, trade magazines, and books.

With all of these options — there is now, no excuse to stagnate.

How can I know if running my own Yoga Business is right for me?2017-12-12T07:48:36-05:00

That is a very good question. Choosing to run your own Yoga business is an important, potentially exciting, and rewarding decision. You will need detailed information from teachers and managers about business planning; whether you decide to become an independent contractor or open a studio location. Obviously, starting a studio is a more complicated step. Yet, how can you know all of these details?

We’ve got just the thing to help you make an informed decision. Our information-packed ebook, “Is Running A Yoga Business Right For You,” will help you answer those questions.

Click the link to learn more.

“Is Running A Yoga Business Right For You,” will help you evaluate yourself and plan your future as a successful Yoga teacher training graduate.

Yoga and the Workaholic2017-12-12T11:07:42-05:00

yoga for the workaholicBy Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Can Yoga help workaholics? Sometimes, each of us needs a reality check to assess work and the rest of our life.  Granted, we need to work, unless we are independently wealthy, but we need balance in our lives.  Yoga brings life into balance.  Yoga training for the workaholic is usually long overdue.  People can submit to many vices; among them are alcohol, food, cigarettes, or other addictive substances. In some circumstances, a person is not addicted to a substance; they are addicted to behavior such as: gambling, sex, and excessive work hours.

A workaholic isolates him or herself from social and family bonding time. Thus, one’s lifestyle is thrown out of balance. Work can also be an addiction for a multitude of reasons—whether a pressing need to earn a living, wanting to escape from their everyday life, or perhaps a driving need to be wealthy. Whatever the reason, working too much can put considerable stress on a person’s life in both body and mind. Yoga can be an excellent remedy to these stresses and with proper use, certain techniques can even be fit into the busiest work schedule.

Practicing Yoga at your desk is a great way to relieve common work pains. To soothe your wrist and hands, try sitting in your chair with feet flat on the floor, hip-width apart. Lengthen your neck. Interlace your fingers in your lap and breathe in, reaching hands in front of you with palms facing out. As you exhale, raise your arms above your head and try to straighten your elbows, but please do not lock them. Hold this pose for ten breaths then release. Repeat this exercise at least five times.

A seated version of cow face pose (Gomukhasana) is also great for stretching your arms and shoulders. To relieve foot and ankle pain, try this exercise: cross your ankle over your thigh and interlace your fingers around your lower shin. Make ten slow ankle circles, reverse the circle then repeat and then bend your toes gently back, then forward. Repeat this movement on both sides ten times.

Your back is most likely suffering from your working lifestyle as well. At the end of each day, take a little time before sleep to stretch it. While laying in bed, you can stretch your back by slowing bringing one leg over the other until you are lying on your side with your knee crossed over your leg and resting on the bed while your gaze is facing the opposite direction of the twist, and your arms are held out sideways in a linear alignment. Repeat this three times on each side. You can also hug your knees in to your chest and breathe deeply; this is a great stretch of the lower back.

In this day and age, it is quite relevant to say that work is important, but it is also crucial to take care of yourself and enjoy life. We only have a limited amount of time on this earth. Therefore, it is best to make precious time count!

Please feel free to share our posts with your friends, colleagues, and favorite social media networks.

Visit our testimonials to find out what our graduates have to say about our selection of online yoga and meditation certification courses.

Visit our online Yoga instructor training community.

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How Effective are Online Classes to Teach Yoga?2017-12-12T07:44:22-05:00

how to become a yoga instructorBy Foras Aje

After my interest was sparked a while back in regards to becoming an actual Yoga Instructor (or at least certified to teach it), based on my present schedule and commitments, I looked to see if there were any options online to get a certificate, hence the interest in online classes to teach Yoga.

But how effective are they really?

I would assume the main thing to keep in mind will be to be sure that any choice that one makes on online classes to teach yoga should cover ALL the facets of yoga.

Considering that one will be teaching this ‘art’ of physical culture and with the weight it has on innocent students’ charisma, aura or any other spiritual facet, this factor can’t be overlooked.

Nonetheless, the rewarding part of being a certified yoga instructor is that it could get you as much as $85 per hour AND not unlike online universities, you can get your certificate right at home.

Some sites seem to offer good instructions on online classes to teach yoga and I tend to size them up based on the fact that such options would have to contain comprehensive instruction in all of the following areas to be worthwhile.

These include: * Asanas

* Yoga philosophy & methodology

* Chakras

* Bandhas

* Mudras

* Pranayama

* Meditation and Relaxation

* Working with special populations

Right now I’m looking at two main choices to formally certify my teaching skills and make me some money out of something that I actually enjoy, I mean why not eh?

Here’s to improved and improving health through Yoga.

Aje

Foras Aje is an independent researcher and co-founder of BodyHealthSoul LLC. Stop by His Yoga for Beginners Blog today for more information on yoga certification online.

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Become a Certified Hatha Yoga Instructor
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© Copyright 2005 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

See our testimonials to find out what our graduates have to say about our selection of distance learning yoga teacher certification programs.

If you are teaching a yoga class, a yoga school 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. Namaste!

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Is a Distance Learning Yoga Instructor Certification Right for You?2017-12-12T07:43:23-05:00

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

There are many factors, which affect our choices in choosing the right Yoga teacher training program. We could join an onsite program, at an exotic resort in Bali, but what about our responsibilities? Obligations at home, on the job, or in college, are also part of our decision-making process in choosing the best Yoga certification program.

Consider this: If you took a solo vacation whenever you wanted – would you be employed, would you finish college, or would you have a family waiting for you, when you came home again? We all know someone who lives life to the beat of their own drum. This is fine, but we should not expect our employer, family, relationships, and obligations, to stay on hold.

Now, if we are financially independent, and we have no obligations or relationships to hold us back, then we can take a solo vacation any time we please. There are windows of time, in our lives, when we do not have obligations or relationships.

There is also the drain on your finances to be considered. How much are you prepared to invest in an onsite certification program? Will you be able to recover your investment in the next year, or will you be paying for it the rest of your life? These questions may not seem Yogic, but you are the only one who finances your education.

We have come full circle. Obligations and finances are part of life, so we have to consider them any time we make an investment. The goal of becoming a certified Yoga teacher can be taken in small steps; it is just a matter of putting your plans into action.

© Copyright 2007 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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Yoga Teacher Training Online – The Hidden Catch2017-12-12T07:42:53-05:00

become a yoga instructorBy Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

People are used to “hidden catches” in everything, so where is the hidden catch in an online Yoga certification course? Have you ever priced a personal computer or software, only to see the price double or triple? People get used to the idea of surprises when ordering anything these days.

What are the extra costs of a Yoga teacher correspondence course? If you have books, CDs, or DVDs shipped to you, there may be some shipping costs. People, who buy products online, have seen price gouging in shipping before, so be aware of the cost to have a course shipped to you.

If you live outside the country, from where a Yoga teacher course is shipped, there may be import fees. Each country has different rates for import taxes. Depending on the country, you may get a break if they are marked, “educational materials.”

An organization that exports anything cannot claim it is a gift. Making false claims on exported packages is a sure way for the certifying organization, and the shipper, to end up in “hot water.”

Other potential hidden costs, such as exam fee, membership fee, and a re-test fee, are a possibility. Many on-site courses charge these fees as well. However, some online and on-site yoga courses do not charge any hidden fees at all.

Over all, online certification courses for Yoga teachers have hardly any hidden costs, in comparison to their on-site counter parts. Onsite programs are well known for mentoring fees, and this may be thousands of dollars on top of the tuition cost.

On-site Yoga courses often charge extra for books, CDs, and DVDs. Onsite courses often have a non-refundable deposit, which is usually more than the cost of an online Yoga instructor course. Online courses usually include books, CDs, and DVDs – at no extra charge.

Many hands-on training programs will not teach you anything about marketing or business. They may tell you that Yoga and business do not mix. If that is really so, why are they charging you so much?

The real reason to avoid teaching you about business and marketing is to prevent local competition. Typically, this is because the ownership of the Yoga studio imagines only a finite market share and does not know how to expand into other markets.

If you are a self-starter, online Yoga training will save you a small fortune, in comparison to a face-to-face training.

© Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles) – Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul
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Online Yoga Certification – How Technology is Changing the Face of Teacher Training Courses2017-12-12T07:42:24-05:00

yoga teacher trainingBy Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Traditional Yoga teacher training programs still exist, but traditional programs often last years. Not so long ago, the concept of an intensive face-to-face training, for a month, seemed like a new idea. All you had to do was schedule your time, and you could combine your training, with a vacation, at a beautiful or exotic location.

Some of the pre-requisites would be previous experience. It would be wise to have two years of working knowledge as a student of Yoga before considering teaching classes. This may seem obvious, but there are those who jump “feet first” into everything.

There are more pre-requisites for the exotic Yoga teacher intensive. You should have the money required for travel, housing, meals, study materials, and any hidden costs. You should be single, with no children at home, or in a position to put your family on hold.

You should also be unemployed, or have an employer, who will allow you to take a lengthy vacation. Not many employers will rejoice to know you are attending a Yoga teacher certification course, while your work piles up. If your employer understands your desire to become a Yoga teacher, you are in a unique situation.

For all the above-mentioned reasons, most of us are not in a position to drop everything and attend an intensive course, without making some complicated arrangements with our families and employers. Hence Yoga instructor training, at home, has become a viable solution.

Books were, and still are, good learning tools, but Internet access, online video, DVDs, and CDs make learning the subtleties of Yoga much easier. The ultimate distance learning course should have an interactive mix of learning tools.

There was a time when Yoga books and face-to-face lectures, with a Guru, were the primary tools of learning; and they still have a valuable place. However, times are changing, and new technology has been integrated to produce a new breed of correspondence training for those who wish to teach Yoga classes.

© Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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Free Podcasts. Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”
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On-Site Training: https://www.aurawellnesscenter.com
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FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles) – Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul
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Yoga Teacher Certification Courses on the Internet2017-12-12T11:10:16-05:00

500 hour yoga instructor training courseBy Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Do you wonder about the value of certification earned on the Internet? How do you sort out who is reputable? When is a Yoga teacher correspondence course a viable option? How can anyone benefit from online certification? Will virtual training ever replace traditional face-to-face education of Yoga instructors? Let’s review these questions and sort through your options.

1. Is there a value in Yoga certifications or diplomas earned on the Internet? Many of the world’s Yoga registries, and certifying organizations, recognize the value of non-contact continuing education credits (CEUs).

Correspondence courses, and online courses, are a form of independent study in many fields, including Yoga. Distance learning credits may be applied toward re-certification or to keep a registration active.

2. How do you sort out which Yoga courses are reputable? If the certifying body specializes in Yoga, this is a major step. The certifying body should have a qualified Yoga instructor trainer on its staff. If the certifying body writes courses for aircraft mechanics and computer repair; you may want to shop around.

3. When is a Yoga teacher correspondence course a viable option? If a person is busy at work, has children at home, or has limited funds for a Yoga education, an online course may be the best option. If you live in a rural area or on an island, distance learning may be your only choice.

4. How can anyone benefit from online certification? Even a bad course would teach you more than you knew about Yoga. However, a well-rounded Yoga teacher course should give you new ideas, even if you have 10, 20, or 30 years of teaching experience.

5. Will virtual training ever completely replace traditional face-to-face education of Yoga instructors? Absolutely not. Yoga instructor education is an ongoing process. Over the years, teachers go through many stages of life. For example: The world economy will improve again. Instructors will have the funds for workshops, camps, and seminars in the future.

On the other hand, why turn away the chance for virtual online training? In comparison, it is much more cost effective than traditional face-to-face Yoga training. With the development of the Internet, and various forms of broadband technology, teacher trainers can now review interns, or established teachers, by streaming video.

This is only the beginning, because 3-D technology is about to make leaps forward within the next decade. Online Yoga teacher training will help instructors improve in an instant. Therefore, it will always be a valuable source of foundational training and continuing education.

© Copyright 2009 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

See our testimonials to find out what our graduates have to say about teaching therapeutic yoga sessions and our selection of online yoga teacher training intensive courses.

If you are a teacher, yoga school 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. Namaste!

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Yoga Teacher Training in the 21st Century

Questions About Yoga Teacher Distance Learning

 

In regard to the written exam, should my answers be straight from the book, other resources, or from my personal experience?2017-12-12T07:41:19-05:00

Unless the question asks, “according to the author” you are free to insert information from outside resources, your own experiences, and your Yoga knowledge. It is always more interesting to read your thoughts and experiences. One of the purposes of the Yoga teacher written exam is for you to have this basic knowledge “at hand,” when you teach your own Yoga classes.

When I send in my Yoga teacher practical exam, what video formats do you accept?2017-12-12T07:40:36-05:00

We can accept Yoga teacher practical exam videos in the following formats: VHS / NTC (North American VHS), DVD, VCD, and Video Stream. Unfortunately the PAL VHS videos are not compatible with our North American VHS players.

Do not send small video tapes, such as: Hi8 format. These are de-magnetized by government security equipment.

What subject should my essay be about?2017-12-12T07:40:05-05:00

Your essay can be about Yoga and any health issue that motivates you. For example: Yoga for the Handicapped, Pre and Postnatal Yoga, Yoga for Seniors, Yoga for Kids, Yoga in School Systems for Physical Education, Yoga for Drug Rehabilitation, Yoga for Menopause, Yoga for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Yoga for Psychotherapy, and the list goes on.

Your own life experiences on Yoga and any health topic, injected into your essay, is always more interesting than another author’s experiences and opinions. At the same time, you will need some solid Yoga, health, fitness, or medical resources to back up your findings.

What exactly are you looking for on the Practical Exam?2017-12-12T07:39:32-05:00

A well designed lesson plan, containing warm ups, sun salutations, asanas (Yoga postures), pranayama, and meditation. You can substitute a stage by stage relaxation sequence for the meditation segment of your Yoga class.

Suggested Sequence of Asana Series: sun salutations, standing, seated, cat or table, prone, and supine. There are many other options, but this gives you a basic guideline.

Inversions are fine, but remember that they are not wise in the case of certain medical conditions. In extreme cases of high blood pressure or an aneurysm, inverted asanas can be life threatening.

You should mention modifications for Yoga postures and contraindications. Be especially aware to give warnings for high blood pressure or pregnancy. If you have students with special conditions in the audience, you should mention any modifications and contraindications that apply. You do not have to point that student out.

If a student has difficulty holding a pose, feel free to make an assist. However, make sure you demonstrate an asana long enough for your visual Yoga students.

You should convey a feeling of compassion for your students.

Do not look or stare at your notes. We strongly suggest that you get used to teaching Yoga classes without notes. You may use them through your Yoga teacher training process, but they look unprofessional when you teach a Yoga class.

Lastly, select good background music that will motivate or calm your students, depending upon the task.

I really want an on-site practical exam. What is the procedure for an on-site Yoga teacher practical exam if I can’t be there for your Spring or Fall dates?2017-12-12T07:38:53-05:00

The on-site practical exam is an excellent option. Many Yoga Teacher graduates prefer the preparation and live feedback they get after their on-site practical exam session.

Below are the steps and procedures for an on-site practical exam.

1. Set a date with us. Right now, we need at least 30 days notice to schedule you in. There are no exams on holiday weekends. You should be at AURA – 30 minutes before your scheduled exam time. Your class may have beginners in the audience.

2. Have your Yoga class lesson plan ready. Your lesson plan should be geared toward beginners, have warm ups in the beginning, asanas, pranayama, and relaxation or meditation at the end of the class.

3. You have the option to have a Pre-Lesson Plan Review. This consists of going through your lesson plan with Paul Jerard and/or senior members of the faculty at a scheduled time before your exam. For interns, this a great way to “break the ice” before an exam. This process usually takes an hour or a little more. (Call 508-222-0092 for fees)

4. Practical exam test fee. This does not include a pre- lesson plan review. The total for a practical exam and a one hour Pre-Lesson Plan review (Contact an Aura Representative for Pricing)

Let us know, if you have a particular week for your on-site Yoga teacher practical exam date. We will do our best to find an open time slot, so please schedule early.

How can I know if running my own Yoga Business is right for me?2017-12-12T11:08:56-05:00

That is a very good question. Choosing to run your own Yoga business is an important, potentially exciting, and rewarding decision. You will need detailed information from teachers and managers about business planning; whether you decide to become an independent contractor or open a studio location. Obviously, starting a studio is a more complicated step. Yet, how can you know all of these details?

We’ve got just the thing to help you make an informed decision. Our information-packed ebook, “Is Running A Yoga Business Right For You,” will help you answer those questions.

Click the link to learn more.

“Is Running A Yoga Business Right For You,” will help you evaluate yourself and plan your future as a successful Yoga teacher training graduate.

Could you give me some guidelines for pregnant Yoga students?2017-04-26T15:31:17-04:00

A Yoga teacher’s number one priority in classes is the safety of all students. Please bear in mind that I have no medical degree and am not a medical professional. The advice given below is that of a teacher. Always consult with your physician for a professional opinion.

Each trimester has specific contraindications. There are many contraindications for practicing Yogic techniques during pregnancy, and all instructors and students should be aware of them.

Pregnant students should have their doctor’s permission to participate in prenatal Yoga classes. If you are teaching pregnant students without their doctor’s approval and you do not have a prenatal Yoga certification, you are “playing with fire.” It is hard enough to address the needs of all students in a typical yoga class. For pregnant students, we strongly recommend that they participate in specific prenatal classes.

We have a special page devoted to issues and concerns about Prenatal yoga and yoga during pregnancy. It contains important information for teachers and students alike.

For those who already have completed a 200-hour Yoga instructor certification course or an equivalent qualification, take a look at our Prenatal and Postnatal Yoga Teachers Diploma Course. This course is highly recommended for certified instructors with pregnant students.

How long will it take me to complete this yoga instructor course?2015-04-03T18:31:46-04:00

On average, our teacher interns complete the 240 hour course in three months or less.

You have one year to complete your Yoga certification course. However, experienced students consistently complete this course in three months or less.

Call or Email for an extension if you are going to run over the one-year deadline.

What are the benefits of becoming a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT)?2017-12-12T09:05:47-05:00

The Registered Yoga Teacher designation is an enhanced credential, issued by independent third party registrars like the British Wheel of Yoga and The Yoga Alliance. It is not currently required in the U.S., Canada or the majority of countries internationally, but may be required within some countries. You should check on your country’s regulations, if any, pertaining to the licensing for Yoga instructors. Yoga is largely unregulated in many countries.

Yoga certification alone will open employment doors, and enable you to obtain teacher insurance.

Could I actually make a good living, owning a yoga studio? I work for the Post Office now, with 14 years in, so a change like this would be pretty radical!2015-04-03T18:23:13-04:00

You would want to build your business as an independent contractor first. In this course, you will find 16 ways to grow your business with little or no overhead. When you build up enough accounts, the decision to of whether or not to open your own independent Yoga studio will be clear.

This has been a radical job change for all of us, but you do not have to take any sudden or financial risks. Growing your own Yoga business can start on a part time basis and later develop into full time, if you get the right guidance and take the proper steps.

Lastly, bear in mind that the business and marketing information in this course is current and “field tested.” This information is specific to Yoga instructors and contains successful methods used, with regard to return on investment.

Right now, there are a lot of Yoga studios who flounder economically, because the owners have insufficient business or marketing skills. Within this kind of climate, it is not hard to get your market share of Yoga students within your geographic area.

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