By Bhavan Kumar
When you finish a yoga certification course, you may want to prepare yourself for all the questions you will have to answer. Many students new to your yoga school have questions about the practice. Here are seven questions that beginners typically ask and some answers that you might use..
Q: What is yoga? Is it a religion?
A: Yoga is a healing spiritual practice that includes breath control, meditation, physical postures and ethical guidelines. While some practitioners may consider yogic practices to be a religion, it differs from religion in several ways: there aren’t any priests, ministers or rabbis, there isn’t a membership process, there are no temples or churches, there aren’t any worship services and it is accessible to everyone of any religion.
Q: Can I practice yoga if I am not flexible?
A: Your inflexibility is exactly the reason you should practice! However, be sure to select an appropriate class for your ability. If you practice consistently, over time your body should become more flexible.
Q: What style should I practice?
A: Yoga training sessions can be quiet and meditative or active and sweaty. Decide what kind of experience you want to participate in and call or visit the facility to learn what the classes are like.
Q: What should I wear to a fitness oriented class? What equipment do I need?
A: Wear comfortable exercise clothing. In order for the yoga teacher to see your posture and alignment, wear form-fitting tops and bottoms. Find out ahead of time if the room will be hot or cool and dress accordingly. The only equipment you must have is a mat, and many gyms and studios provide them. Regardless, you might consider purchasing your own personal mat for sanitary reasons.
Q: What is “Om” and “Namaste?”
A: These are two Sanskrit words you’ll frequently hear in classes. “Om” is a mantra that represents the sound of the universe. “Namaste” is a greeting that means, “Salutations to to you.”
Q: How often should I practice the asanas?
A: Ideally, posturing is a daily practice. However, you may feel the positive benefits of asana practice if you practice at least two or three times a week.
Q: Is yoga a workout? Will it help me lose weight?
A: Physical styles can be a workout that includes building strength, flexibility and cardiovascular capacity. The intensity of the class depends on the style you choose and how the teacher leads the class.
Some additional questions yoga instructors should be prepared for include:
• Is the class strenuous?
• What is the temperature of the room?
• Is the class suitable for beginners?
• Is the focus on the class on postures, breath work or meditation?
Conclusion
There is nothing wrong with having a prepared handout for new students. Additionally, a teacher should be prepared to patiently answer questions. Some teachers don’t answer any questions during class time, but what if a student is experiencing pain? Let students know that questions during the session should be important and directly concern the lesson at hand. Otherwise, they can speak with you before and after the class.
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[…] Yoga teachers do a good job with handling student questions. However, here is something to think about: Do you try to clarify why a question is being asked? […]
Thanks for sharing this question and answer, Its very helpful for understanding more about yoga.
A teacher should be prepared to patiently answer questions. Thanks for this and question & answers seasson.