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, as 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 do physically.
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 comeback 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
Paul Jerard is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in North Providence, RI. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. To receive a Free e-Book: “Yoga in Practice,” and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html
Showing posts with label Gymnasts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gymnasts. Show all posts
March 2, 2009
February 23, 2009
The Most Common Types of Yoga
As there are so many different types of yoga available today, it can present a major
problem for beginners. It is of best advice to choose a form of yoga that is
appropriate for each individual?s level of fitness, physical and spiritual goals and
health condition.
Some of the most common types of yoga are listed here and briefly explained in
order to assist you in choosing the best type of yoga that you can start off with.
1. Iyengar Yoga
These types of yoga are solely focused on the alignment and precise
movements. Yoga props such as blocks and straps are usually used as part of this
type of yoga for those beginners who are not as flexible as the experts as to
compensate for injuries.
These Yoga props help assist all sorts of people to be able to do the poses
comfortably.
Because of its attention to details and the flexible modification of poses, these types
of yoga is often a good form of exercise for people with back pain or neck pain, as
they are likely to benefit from the random alteration to the poses.
Practicing these types of yoga will give you a good knowledge on the classics in
yoga poses so that whatever other style you practice, you will have the basic
fundamentals on how to do each position.
In Iyengar yoga the teacher focuses more on alignment and inner awareness. This
awareness starts with the body and expands to other parts of the self as one
continues with the regularity of practice.
2. Ashtanga Yoga
These types of yoga are commonly called ?power yoga? because it is
focused on a powerful flowing movement.
Such movements include pushups and lunges, which deals with strength and
stamina. These types of yoga are best for people who have successfully overcome
back injuries and are looking for more challenging practice.
People who are already athletic such as runners, gymnasts and cyclists who want to
add more balance and concentration to their routines are also utilizing these types
of yoga.
3. Bikram Yoga
These types of yoga are also known as the ?hot yoga? for this is
done in a very warm room. These types of yoga are excellent tools for increasing
flexibility because the heat helps tissue to stretch.
But keep in mind that these types of yoga are not applicable to those that have
developed cardio vascular diseases due to the strain placed on the body when
vigorously exercising in the heat.
4. Viniyoga
These types of yoga links breathe and movement in flowing exercises that
are adapted to each individual. These are often a good form of yoga for those with
back problems or neck injuries because it can be easily adapted by anyone.
5. Raja Yoga
These types of yoga aims for liberation through meditation. These types
of yoga are only for those people who are capable of intense concentration.
6. Bhakti yoga
Or commonly known as devotional yoga. These types of yoga focus on
self surrender in the face of the divine.
7. Mantra yoga
Much more know as the “yoga of potent sound?. These types of yoga
aims at liberation through the verbal or mental repetition of empowered sounds,
such as “om”, “hum?, or “ram”.
There are so many yoga institutions to choose from. It is also a good idea that
before going into a class, discuss with the teacher first regarding hi or her
philosophy and beliefs in order to find the most appropriate and personally
appealing form of yoga for you.
? Copyright Melvin Chua, All Rights Reserved.
Melvin has dozens more related articles and tips on doing yoga at his site: doing yoga, check them
out today!
problem for beginners. It is of best advice to choose a form of yoga that is
appropriate for each individual?s level of fitness, physical and spiritual goals and
health condition.
Some of the most common types of yoga are listed here and briefly explained in
order to assist you in choosing the best type of yoga that you can start off with.
1. Iyengar Yoga
These types of yoga are solely focused on the alignment and precise
movements. Yoga props such as blocks and straps are usually used as part of this
type of yoga for those beginners who are not as flexible as the experts as to
compensate for injuries.
These Yoga props help assist all sorts of people to be able to do the poses
comfortably.
Because of its attention to details and the flexible modification of poses, these types
of yoga is often a good form of exercise for people with back pain or neck pain, as
they are likely to benefit from the random alteration to the poses.
Practicing these types of yoga will give you a good knowledge on the classics in
yoga poses so that whatever other style you practice, you will have the basic
fundamentals on how to do each position.
In Iyengar yoga the teacher focuses more on alignment and inner awareness. This
awareness starts with the body and expands to other parts of the self as one
continues with the regularity of practice.
2. Ashtanga Yoga
These types of yoga are commonly called ?power yoga? because it is
focused on a powerful flowing movement.
Such movements include pushups and lunges, which deals with strength and
stamina. These types of yoga are best for people who have successfully overcome
back injuries and are looking for more challenging practice.
People who are already athletic such as runners, gymnasts and cyclists who want to
add more balance and concentration to their routines are also utilizing these types
of yoga.
3. Bikram Yoga
These types of yoga are also known as the ?hot yoga? for this is
done in a very warm room. These types of yoga are excellent tools for increasing
flexibility because the heat helps tissue to stretch.
But keep in mind that these types of yoga are not applicable to those that have
developed cardio vascular diseases due to the strain placed on the body when
vigorously exercising in the heat.
4. Viniyoga
These types of yoga links breathe and movement in flowing exercises that
are adapted to each individual. These are often a good form of yoga for those with
back problems or neck injuries because it can be easily adapted by anyone.
5. Raja Yoga
These types of yoga aims for liberation through meditation. These types
of yoga are only for those people who are capable of intense concentration.
6. Bhakti yoga
Or commonly known as devotional yoga. These types of yoga focus on
self surrender in the face of the divine.
7. Mantra yoga
Much more know as the “yoga of potent sound?. These types of yoga
aims at liberation through the verbal or mental repetition of empowered sounds,
such as “om”, “hum?, or “ram”.
There are so many yoga institutions to choose from. It is also a good idea that
before going into a class, discuss with the teacher first regarding hi or her
philosophy and beliefs in order to find the most appropriate and personally
appealing form of yoga for you.
? Copyright Melvin Chua, All Rights Reserved.
Melvin has dozens more related articles and tips on doing yoga at his site: doing yoga, check them
out today!
Five Reasons Why You Should Not be a Yoga Teacher
Truthfully, there are no reasons why any of us cannot be, or do, what we want, as long as you are not hurting anyone. You should always strive to be the best you can be. However, you may find that many people create obstacles, in front of themselves, to avoid success.
This is truly ironic that we hold ourselves back from making achievements, and teaching Yoga is just one of many goals that are not fully realized. Below is a list of common reasons why many good Yoga practitioners do not pursue their goal of becoming a Yoga instructor.
?I am too old to teach Yoga.?
Actually, age is not a factor. There are many styles of Yoga; and the most common, outside of India, is Hatha Yoga and its many sub-styles. Although Hatha Yoga is the Union of physical mastery, it has many gentle and vigorous styles.
There is a need for mature, passionate, safety conscious, and gentle Yoga teachers. The world?s population is aging and Yoga students are living longer. Who would have thought that hospitals and religious centers would seek out Yoga teachers ten or twenty years ago?
Therefore, Yoga is becoming readily accepted by mainstream society and does not have to apply to any one particular religious group. Some of the old barriers that prevented the masses from being exposed to Yoga are gone.
?Dancers, Martial Artists, and Gymnasts perform better Yoga asanas than I can.?
Yoga is not dance, martial arts, or gymnastics. This is not to take away the importance of any of the above-mentioned arts. After all, I am a martial artist, and I was originally introduced to Yoga in a martial arts setting.
Being a little more flexible than the average person is a gift. However, it doesn?t serve as a top priority for teaching Yoga. The best Yoga teachers are those who can communicate, and those teachers usually have to struggle to excel at Yoga.
Yoga teachers who are naturally flexible think that everyone else should be, as well. This is not always the case, as there are skeletal limitations within some Yoga students. This is not to say that they cannot increase, or improve, their flexibility, but each person?s body is unique.
?Teaching Yoga costs too much money.?
This is true in some cases; however, you can shop around for the best course at the most affordable price. Some onsite Yoga training facilities have Seva Programs, where you can work for partial tuition. This is much like a college, where there are scholarships for students who perform tasks around the campus. There are also a variety of Yoga correspondence courses, which allow flexible study hours, little or no travel, and no extra expenses. My wellness center offers such a Yoga course, and we have interns and graduates worldwide.
?I only want to teach Yoga to a few students and I don?t want to go into the Yoga business.?
Many Yoga practitioners feel this way and that?s fine. This is not a problem because if you are teaching a few friends, as a hobby, it is not necessary to go through the certification process.
If your circle of friends starts to expand, it would be wise to get some type of liability coverage. There are a number of liability insurance programs to choose. You could purchase a sports, Yoga, or home liability policy to cover your specific needs.
You should also learn as much as you can about safety, anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology. The reason I mention this is so that you do not hurt your Yoga students. The compassion and knowledge to become a safe Yoga instructor is very important.
?I have a good paying job and teaching Yoga may not support my family.?
Like all start up small businesses Yoga cannot offer ?instant bundles of cash.? You would want to build your business as an independent contractor first. In our Yoga teacher course, you will find 16 ways to grow your business, with little or no overhead. When you build up enough accounts, the decision, as to whether or not to open your own independent Yoga studio, will be clear.
This has been a radical job change for all of us, who go into teaching Yoga full time, 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.
Bear in mind that the business and marketing information in our Yoga 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 that ?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.
Lastly, there are so many reasons to avoid progress, you could create a book of excuses, but the reason to succeed at anything is your passion. If you are passionate, safe, and knowledgeable about Yoga, this is an excellent starting point for anyone who wants to become a Yoga teacher.
Paul Jerard is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in North Providence, RI. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. He is a master instructor of martial arts, with multiple Black Belts, four martial arts teaching credentials, and was recently inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness to children, adults, and seniors in the greater Providence area. Recently he wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students, who may be considering a new career as a Yoga teacher. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html
This is truly ironic that we hold ourselves back from making achievements, and teaching Yoga is just one of many goals that are not fully realized. Below is a list of common reasons why many good Yoga practitioners do not pursue their goal of becoming a Yoga instructor.
?I am too old to teach Yoga.?
Actually, age is not a factor. There are many styles of Yoga; and the most common, outside of India, is Hatha Yoga and its many sub-styles. Although Hatha Yoga is the Union of physical mastery, it has many gentle and vigorous styles.
There is a need for mature, passionate, safety conscious, and gentle Yoga teachers. The world?s population is aging and Yoga students are living longer. Who would have thought that hospitals and religious centers would seek out Yoga teachers ten or twenty years ago?
Therefore, Yoga is becoming readily accepted by mainstream society and does not have to apply to any one particular religious group. Some of the old barriers that prevented the masses from being exposed to Yoga are gone.
?Dancers, Martial Artists, and Gymnasts perform better Yoga asanas than I can.?
Yoga is not dance, martial arts, or gymnastics. This is not to take away the importance of any of the above-mentioned arts. After all, I am a martial artist, and I was originally introduced to Yoga in a martial arts setting.
Being a little more flexible than the average person is a gift. However, it doesn?t serve as a top priority for teaching Yoga. The best Yoga teachers are those who can communicate, and those teachers usually have to struggle to excel at Yoga.
Yoga teachers who are naturally flexible think that everyone else should be, as well. This is not always the case, as there are skeletal limitations within some Yoga students. This is not to say that they cannot increase, or improve, their flexibility, but each person?s body is unique.
?Teaching Yoga costs too much money.?
This is true in some cases; however, you can shop around for the best course at the most affordable price. Some onsite Yoga training facilities have Seva Programs, where you can work for partial tuition. This is much like a college, where there are scholarships for students who perform tasks around the campus. There are also a variety of Yoga correspondence courses, which allow flexible study hours, little or no travel, and no extra expenses. My wellness center offers such a Yoga course, and we have interns and graduates worldwide.
?I only want to teach Yoga to a few students and I don?t want to go into the Yoga business.?
Many Yoga practitioners feel this way and that?s fine. This is not a problem because if you are teaching a few friends, as a hobby, it is not necessary to go through the certification process.
If your circle of friends starts to expand, it would be wise to get some type of liability coverage. There are a number of liability insurance programs to choose. You could purchase a sports, Yoga, or home liability policy to cover your specific needs.
You should also learn as much as you can about safety, anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology. The reason I mention this is so that you do not hurt your Yoga students. The compassion and knowledge to become a safe Yoga instructor is very important.
?I have a good paying job and teaching Yoga may not support my family.?
Like all start up small businesses Yoga cannot offer ?instant bundles of cash.? You would want to build your business as an independent contractor first. In our Yoga teacher course, you will find 16 ways to grow your business, with little or no overhead. When you build up enough accounts, the decision, as to whether or not to open your own independent Yoga studio, will be clear.
This has been a radical job change for all of us, who go into teaching Yoga full time, 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.
Bear in mind that the business and marketing information in our Yoga 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 that ?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.
Lastly, there are so many reasons to avoid progress, you could create a book of excuses, but the reason to succeed at anything is your passion. If you are passionate, safe, and knowledgeable about Yoga, this is an excellent starting point for anyone who wants to become a Yoga teacher.
Paul Jerard is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in North Providence, RI. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. He is a master instructor of martial arts, with multiple Black Belts, four martial arts teaching credentials, and was recently inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness to children, adults, and seniors in the greater Providence area. Recently he wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students, who may be considering a new career as a Yoga teacher. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html
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