yoga teacher trainingBy Faye Martins 

Most graduates of yoga teacher training courses don’t get any tips about where to find a teaching position.  Why?  The organizers have no intention of sharing that knowledge because they see a finite pie of yoga teaching opportunities.  They don’t want to train you well enough to teach yoga across the street.  Luckily, some us were trained to see the infinite opportunities for yoga instructors.  Networking with your local golf center or country club is such a huge opportunity that I have to share it with you.

Yoga encompasses as much mental work as physical. Golfers rely on physical strength and movement to perfect their swing and stroke. But each time they approach a hole, each time they take that back swing, it is essential to put conscious thoughts away and let the subconscious memory take over. Perhaps Chevy Chase said it best in “Caddy Shack,” the classic movie released in 1980: “I’m going to give you a little advice. There’s a force in the universe that makes things happen. And all you have to do is get in touch with it, stop thinking, let things happen, and be the ball.” 

Some golfers become so frustrated by the mental aspect of the game that they never succeed in the sport. Even if they have the fundamental movements down, the feelings of nervousness and self-doubt creep up each time they play, causing them to throw off the game. Others find ways to overcome the mental barriers, finding peace and satisfaction with the game. Some golfers have found that pairing their game with a few yoga techniques helps to calm the conscious mind and rely on the subconscious to make the hole. 

Breathing 

During intense moments of anxiety, a few deep breaths can work wonders. Golfers should always check in with their physical bodies during a game, sensing any discomfort or fear hidden away inside. To release the anxiety, discomfort or fear they can breath deeply, filling up the entire abdomen, lungs and chest. A slow, gradual release of the breath will immediately calm a person. 

Visualization 

Golfers can also benefit by visualizing their swing or where they want the ball to go. As Chevy Chase would recommend, golfers can truly “Be the ball.” By opening up the mind and visualizing the desired outcome, golfers are able to release from conscious thoughts and feelings. Relying on intuition and the practiced movements that are ingrained in the subconscious, a golfer will find greater success. 

Mantra 

Another yoga technique that golfers can use is positive affirmations and self-talk. Repeating a short, positive mantra will help instill confidence. The mantra can be anything from, “I succeed at golf,” to “A hole in one.” By repeating this over and over between holes or just before a swing, the golfer is letting go of doubts and worries and giving in to positive thoughts. 

In addition to mental benefits, yoga postures can also provide relief for golfers on the physical end. Postures targeting the arms, shoulders and core help to release muscle tension or soreness that builds up over time.

Teacher Tips

Golfers have no worries about private sessions or classes with a yoga instructor.  Many of them take private instruction for golf and personal fitness training.  At the same time, they are dedicated and easy to work with.  If your yoga instructor training course didn’t have the option available for networking and marketing your skills, stay tuned and I’ll give you more. 

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