When Should A Yoga Teacher Make A Physical Adjustment?

By Bhavan Kumar

Do you wonder about when you should make physical adjustments? Luckily, I spend a lot of time talking with trainers of Yoga teachers. It is generally agreed that you should walk around the room when you can't see students. Afterward, you will see angles

Get Permission First

While a yoga instructor is teaching a class or providing one-on-one instruction, there are times when a student is having problems replicating a pose based on the verbal instructions. The instructor may instinctively want to fix the student’s pose manually with a physical adjustment, but there are times when this is not suitable. There are individuals who do not welcome touches from anyone and will have a negative feeling about the physical adjustment. It is important for a yoga teacher to think carefully about how to approach physical adjustments of a student’s body to create an accurate pose. A student who has stated that touching is acceptable may still not want to have an adjustment made on certain parts of his or her body.

Avoid Angering Students

There are students engaging in yoga classes who have a bad experience in the past with a physical assault, and they have enrolled in yoga in order to overcome this difficult trauma. Having someone that they barely know touching any part of their body can lead to intense feelings of anger. This means that it is a good idea to discuss physical adjustments with a student before making one. If a student agrees to a physical adjustment during a particular class, then do not assume that they will accept a touch in a new session at a later time.

Consider Other Alternatives

There are alternatives to physical adjustments such as showing the student how they can improve a movement by completing the action at the front of the classroom. A student may also see how a more advanced student is completing a movement or pose in order to understand how to make changes. In some cases, a student is unable to make a pose due to problem such as a previous injury or congenital abnormality and forcing them into a particular position can lead to discomfort. When yoga instructors are permitted to perform physical adjustments, it is imperative to learn how to place the hands on a student’s body to avoid making them feel violated by an inappropriate touch.

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Yoga Student Safety Tips For The Yoga Teacher

By Faye Martins

Yoga conjures up images of peaceful meditation, relaxing stretches and trips to the emergency room. Wait, emergency room? Just as with any other activity people can suffer injuries from yoga. Yoga injuries are most commonly mild muscle strains, but torn tendons and severe back injuries have been known to occur. Teachers need to think about yoga student safety when preparing for classes and during classes.

Too much too soon

Students who attempt moves they aren't ready for are more likely to suffer injury. Simply advertising a class as "intermediate" or "advanced" rarely provides enough detail for students to be able to select classes of the appropriate skill level. Requiring students to complete a beginner class under each program or teacher is the safest approach because it allows the teacher to be sure of the student's skill level before advancing. Teachers also need to remind themselves to teach the students in the room, not to try to teach to a set curriculum. All students advance at different rates. Students who aren't advancing as fast as other students shouldn't be encouraged to try to keep up but should instead be encouraged to work at their own level.

A common cause of injury is competitiveness. Students in group class may try to out-do each other or show off for the teacher or another student and go too far. The teacher should try to promote a non-competitive environment by emphasizing the non-violent, self-honest meditative nature of yoga. Students should be instructed to listen to their bodies and to not push beyond their limits- if it hurts don't do it cannot be emphasized enough. Teachers can remind students that striving for excessive flexibility is neither necessary nor healthy. Excessively flexible joints are unstable joints and unstable joints are injuries waiting to happen.

Teacher education

Some yoga poses will aggravate prior injuries. Teachers should ask students about bad backs, rotator cuff tears, tendonitis, and arthritic joints. Poses may need to be modified or skipped by some people. When it comes to prior injuries, however, the basic mantra if it hurts don't do it isn't enough to ensure yoga student safety. People with uncontrolled high blood pressure should avoid all inverted poses - strokes have been triggered by the sudden elevation of pressure in the head caused by inverted poses. If the teacher is unsure about how a particular injury might respond to yoga poses, referral of the student to a physical therapist or to a different teacher or even a different style of yoga might be best. Some organizations that certify yoga instructors have begun educational programs about the impact of yoga on various injuries. Teachers may want to look into such programs if they haven't already.

Using incorrect technique can of course stress the body and cause injury. The teacher can easily intervene here by emphasizing the correct technique and helping students to learn it. Students should be reminded of the correct technique for moving into and out of poses- collapsing suddenly out of poses, or aggressively springing into a pose, are common causes of injury. Of course it helps if the teacher knows the correct techniques. Even if a teacher has been practicing and teaching yoga for some time it is a good idea to attend a certification program.

An area of particular concern on the topic of injuries and teacher education is the use of hands-on adjustments. If the teacher is moving the student's body the teacher isn't privy to warning signs of imminent injury such as discomfort. Teachers should only offer hands-on adjustments after studying and practicing adjustments under the the direct guidance of a mentor teacher.

Most of all, teachers should remember to teach. The students are going to go home and practice poses there. If the teacher has successfully taught correct techniques and the student has learned how to be mindful and listen to the body yoga injuries both in and out of class won't happen.

Faye Martins, is a Yoga teacher and a graduate of the Yoga teacher training program at: Aura Wellness Center in, Attleboro, MA. 

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Teaching Hatha Yoga: Establishing Ethical Guidelines

By Rachel Holmes

As one of the most traditional methods of health and fitness, yoga is viewed by its practitioners around the world as a sacred art that maintains the highest of ethical standards. This is true not only of its students, but also those who are teaching the ancient art. However, in order to maintain high ethical standards, teachers need to continually make themselves aware of the most important ethical principles.

Of all the ethical principles yoga teachers must abide by, perhaps the most important is leading by example. Managing their personal lives in a healthy way physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually all are deemed to be extremely important. If for any reason an instructor has personal problems or conflicts, it's vital that they be handled in a healthy and appropriate fashion.

Along with this, maintaining professional boundaries with students is also an important key to teaching great classes. While it is perfectly acceptable to develop friendships with students along the way, the best teachers know that when class begins, there are no favorites and all relationships are maintained in a very professional manner.

Because the practice of yoga is open to all who wish to embrace good physical and mental health, yoga teachers should avoid discriminating against or refusing any professional help to others on the basis of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, or other factors. Always expected to use excellent perspective and judgment in their classes, teachers should cultivate an attitude of humanity when teaching their students. In doing so, they ultimately dedicate themselves to something greater, resulting in an excellent teaching experience.

To ensure they provide their students with the greatest possible class experience, teachers should always dedicate themselves to staying abreast of the latest developments in yoga. Continuing education classes, seminars, workshops, and more should all be a part of their professional life, ensuring their students will be given every opportunity to learn the latest techniques and improve their lives in every possible way.

By following these and numerous other ethical standards, yoga teachers as well as their students can enjoy classes that are fun, informative, and professional.

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What You Will Learn In A Power Yoga Instructor Certification Program

By Faye Martins

Power Yoga involves sitting and standing movements that link the usage of meditation, pranayama, breath-work and physical movement. It is able to effectively balance the North American demand for physical exercise and the values of yoga that originated centuries ago in India. It is sometimes practiced as a hybrid style in a room that is maintained at a temperature of 40.6 degrees C or 105 degrees F. In order to become an instructor, a person must successfully complete a Power Yoga instructor certification program.

The popularity of Power Yoga has exploded over the past decade. This has caused many gyms around the world to begin offering it as a class to their members. There is no question that yoga, in all of its various forms, is now one of the most practiced forms of exercise on the planet. Due to the high demand for these types of classes, gyms are constantly looking for qualified instructors to teach these classes. Let's take a look at some of the things that are required in the vast majority of training programs for yoga instructors:

Most of the programs that are available to teach people to become a Power Yoga instructor are able to be completed in only a single semester. This usually consists of somewhere around 60 hours of training. However, there are other schools that require students to have as many as 180 hours of training. Prior to registering for an instructor program, be sure to verify exactly how many hours that the course you are taking requires.

Most of the major Power Yoga instructor classes are held on the weekend, enabling people who work during the week to earn their certification easily. Here are some of the major topics that are included in most classes to become a Power Yoga instructor:

How to become an inspiring teacher

The goal is not just to be able to teach others Power Yoga effectively, but to inspire your students to take the practice of yoga seriously. Ideally, you want your students to adopt the fundamental principles of yoga into their every day lives. This will help to get their friends and family interested in practicing yoga. In a way, a Power Yoga instructor is more than just a person that shows you how to perform various yoga positions correctly. He or she is a public speaker who must be able to communicate effectively with the students in the class. This ability to communicate is just as important as the instructor's knowledge of yoga.

Important qualities of a yoga instructor

Some of the other key elements that every person must master before they can become a Power Yoga instructor are the principles of instruction, correcting/assisting, observation and demonstration. Obviously, a big part of an instructor's job is to effectively show his or her students how to successfully perform the various yoga poses. There will be people who are not able to do some of the poses correctly. It is then the responsibility of the instructor to work with these students until they are able to do the pose correctly, unless they are not physically able to do it. Patience is an important quality that all Power Yoga instructors must possess. This is because it may require working with students repeatedly in order for them to master some of the poses.

Faye Martins, is a Yoga teacher and a graduate of the Yoga teacher training program at: Aura Wellness Center in, Attleboro, MA.

How and When to Correct My Yoga Students

By Sangeetha Saran

This article refers to physical forms of yoga, such as: Hatha, Vinyasa, and Power styles. The activity of yoga is like a precious gem; it is a physical, mental, and spiritual practice with an immeasurable transformational power. The yoga approach is multifaceted and doesn’t require performances, competition, grading or judging as it only involves the practice of physical poses with breath control and meditational process.

The main focus of yoga practice is performing physical postures (asanas) in which correct alignment of body parts and stability is very important. According to expert yogis, appropriate posture is essentially important for practitioners because poses are practiced for gaining lightness of body, wellness and steadiness. The correct positioning of our body helps our muscles and joints to support the body for the best possible movement during practice and in life.

The core aim of a yoga workout is to attain body balance and perfect symmetry. The famous “Yoga Sutra” by Patanjali describes that correct body alignment is necessary for being comfortable, relaxed and stable in any pose. A competent and trained professional teacher always explains again and again every specific asana movement has benefits and risks of getting injured before conducting the practice session. 

It is the responsibility of the instructor to guide students to perform poses in such a manner that helps in eliminating the menace of having harm or injury. The teacher may also advise students to perform according to their own physical limits, listen to their body, pace themselves, and not to compare one’s self with others. If they overdo a pose or push beyond their body limits they may get hurt.

In comparison to dance, physical yoga is a slow paced workout that entails experience and patience, acquired through regular practice. In a normal yoga class there are different levels of practitioners with different health conditions. The teacher should build up a friendly environment and good communication in class.

For a new comer it is difficult to maintain body balance like others who are practicing with more experience, the teacher should encourage these students by giving positive feedback so that they may feel good and try to reinforce correct posture. Do not allow beginners to practice advance level or challenging poses like shoulder stand or headstand.

The teacher should become aware of each and every practitioner’s movement and should resolve their problems in a positive manner.  For example: while practicing standing and bending asanas always check that feet are placed properly because tension and misalignment in the spine is caused by an unequal distribution of body weight on feet. Whereas in seated poses and spinal twists, the sitting bones are tilted forward slightly, for flexible students it is easy to tip forward, but for inflexible one’s it is difficult.

Less flexible students will be aided with the support of props like pillows or a blanket underneath. When performing side angle pose, the body weight is shifted on one side. Therefore, this pose is performed gently and slowly. Overstretching and aggressiveness should the hurt knee joint and adjoining muscles. The teacher should keenly observe students and correct them by demonstrating repeatedly in detail about their proper body placement in order to avoid injuries and attain maximum benefits of asanas. For all of the reasons stated above, educated teachers should offer corrections in form of physical adjustments, variations, or modifications in specific poses.

   

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Tips On How To Teach Yoga Students On The First Day

By Faye Martins

There are many resources available that suggest how to teach yoga students. But if students don't return for the second day, it's all a waste of time. An instructor has just a couple of hours to convince their students that this will be a life-changing experience and that they are the person that can guide them there. Understanding this keeps classes full of curious and dedicated students.

Make a Connection

An instructor that can express how yoga has improved their life gets students interested. It doesn't need to be a story of cancer survival. It could be that yoga helps concentration while in college. Perhaps it calmed anxieties around relationships. Or it even could have been a way to better health. A connection is made with the instructor when the students hear that yoga has the potential of helping them in their everyday lives.

Less Talk and More Doing

The classroom contains a variety of students. Different physical attributes, backgrounds, cultures and experience levels are present. Each student has different questions that will take the entire session to answer. They all share one thing - they are there to do yoga. After a short introduction, show them a breath or warm up technique and "hit the mats."

Target the Beginners

When the class has multiple levels of experience, focus on the beginners. The experienced students know the limits of their bodies. They know how to match their breath with the pose. Help the beginning student master the basics. It will motivate others in the class to perfect their techniques.

Everyone Will Be Successful

When an instructor looks at the class with this thought, they work with the strength of each student. One student may be quick to pick up on a breath exercise. Another may adopt the Mountain pose perfectly the first time. Some students will succeed just by having tried all the exercises and made it to the end of the class. When each student feels that they have had a successful yoga session, they will be back.

Give Them Something to Take From the Class

Students with little motivation to think about yoga after the first class may not be back for the next one. Give them a simple Pranayama exercise such as abdominal breath or alternative nostril breath to do at home. Show them Child's pose and have them do this every morning. Give them something to remind them of yoga each day before the next class. They will be back to see what else they can take away and use in their lives.

Perfection Comes from Practice

However well the students follow the exercises on the first day is perfect for them in that session. Don't be concerned about perfect arm and leg positions. Don't suggest that yoga is not really being done properly until they do attain perfect control of their bodies. Encourage the students to practice. Praise them for having a successful first class. Every student wants to hear "You did great today and you'll do even better in the next class."

Be the Student

Learning how to teach yoga students is something an instructor continues doing throughout their career. Each student provides different challenges. Each student learns differently. The instructor who recognizes this is flexible, adaptable and always asking themselves how they can improve their teaching skills.

Faye Martins, is a Yoga teacher and a graduate of the Yoga teacher training program at: Aura Wellness Center in, Attleboro, MA. 

The Benefits Of Online Yoga Certification Programs

By Faye Martins

Becoming a certified yoga instructor can help you make a career out of something that you enjoy. If you are interested in increasing your physical and mental fitness, teaching a yoga class enables you to do both in a single setting. Additionally, you can meet new people and develop friendships that can last for years. How could online yoga certification programs help you earn your spot as a yoga instructor?

Learn at Your Own Pace

The best reason to take any type of class online is that you can learn at your own pace. Instead of having to take time off of work to get to class or have a set schedule for completing papers and tests, you can do your coursework when it suits you. This can be particularly convenient for those who have kids or a busy social life outside of work.

Online Programs May Cost Less

In most cases, an online program will cost less than a traditional program because there is less overhead when conducting a class over the Internet. Therefore, the company that runs the certification program can pass the savings on to you. However, there may still be mandatory fees that you will have to pay no matter when or where you get your certification.

Online Programs May Take Less Time to Complete

Do you want to get your certification as soon as possible? If time is not on your side, you may want to consider an online program to help you get your certification in a matter of weeks instead of months. Depending on where you live and what you plan on teaching, you may be able to start your own class while you are taking the online program.

Take Classes From Anywhere

If you are planning on taking a trip in the near future, you won't have to choose between giving up the trip and giving up on your certification training. All you need to do is ensure that you have a working Internet connection wherever you happen to go. As long as you have an Internet connection on your smartphone, tablet or computer, you can do your coursework on the beach, in your hotel room or even on the plane as you travel.

Choose From a Larger Number of Instructors

When you take classes from local instructors, you could be limited to the number of people who you can choose to work from. When you take your class online, you can choose from hundreds of instructors who have the credentials and teaching style that best fit your needs. This makes it easier for you to pass your class and learn as much as possible in the process.

Taking an online yoga certification course makes it possible for you to earn your dream job without a lot of time or hassle. If you have a busy work or social life, you don't have to choose between going to class or having fun with your friends. Instead, you can get your work done when you choose and finish your program in less time.

Faye Martins, is a Yoga teacher and a graduate of the Yoga teacher training program at: Aura Wellness Center in, Attleboro, MA.

Why Take A Yin Yoga Teacher Course?

By Faye Martins

What you are about to read applies to any style of Yoga. The point is: There is much potential in teacher training of any kind. Why would you want to take a Yin Yoga teacher course? For those who are interested in yogic methods, it could be a worthwhile way to combine a hobby with a career. When you are doing something that you love, you won't feel like you have worked a day in your entire life. What are some other reasons to take such a course?

Expand Your Horizons

Even if you don't want to become a teacher yourself, taking such a course can be a good way to learn something new and meet new people in the process. At the very least, you can incorporate the things that you learn into your own yoga routine or into the yoga class that you already teach. If you lead a stressful life, understanding various forms of yoga can help you relax and lead a healthier life. It is said that those who practice yoga have lower blood pressure and are generally happier and in better physical shape compared to those who do not practice yoga.

Establish Yourself in a Niche

Establishing yourself as an expert in your niche could provide you with many opportunities to make money. While you could start a yoga studio and teach classes, you could also start a website, write books, and make speeches that will generate many lines of revenue. When you have multiple revenue streams, it provides you with career flexibility that not everyone can enjoy.

Learn How to Teach Others Who Are Interested in Life Improvement

Some people have strong networking skills and networking opens many doors. Once you have become certified as a teacher, you can then start to teach others how to become more than they thought possible. If you aren't one to be interested by creating websites and selling yoga goods online, this may be where you want to take your talents. After you put your time in establishing yourself as a teacher, you may be able to start your own school that is taught by others. Basically, this allows you to use your reputation to make money without having to do anything alone.

Start Your Own Product Line and Earn Commissions 

Another way to leverage your name and reputation is to create your own product line that can be sold on your website, at retailer locations throughout the world and on TV. If you have a big enough name, you could be able to charge hundreds of dollars per product. This means that you could make millions of dollars per year just by lending your name to various products. You will make the money while others do the work marketing and selling the product. It is a win-win situation for you.

It can be lucrative to take a yin yoga class. You can get certified to teach your own class, build your brand to the point where you can sell products or franchise your own yoga services or become a motivational speaker using yoga principles as the basis for your talks. Overall, you have many opportunities to make money and better your life by taking these classes.

Faye Martins, is a Yoga teacher and a graduate of the Yoga teacher training program at: Aura Wellness Center in, Attleboro, MA.  

The Importance Of Teaching Yoga Student Safety

By Faye Martins

Yoga is growing in popularity every single day as one of the best ways to get in great physical shape and rejuvenate the mind and body. However, due to the physical demands of yoga, it is important for every yoga instructor to emphasize yoga student safety in all yoga classes.

Many yoga newbies make the assumption that yoga is easy and not as physically demanding on the body as other forms of exercise. Just because yoga students are not constantly jumping around and running in place certainly does not demonstrate the intense physical nature of yoga and how serious injury is very possible.

Sprains, bone spurs and nerve damage are just a few examples of how students can become injured when they do not practice yoga properly. While more severe injuries are not commonplace, they do happen. Luckily, there are some very easy steps that instructors can take to ensure safety in their classes.

The first thing an instructor must do is properly teach each yoga pose. In addition to simply demonstrating how to perform the exercise, instructors should always teach the proper way for the body to move and how far it should extend to prevent injury. Instructors should also teach warning signs of possible injury. Some students may not realize the difference in pain that comes from working hard and pain from pushing the body too hard.

It is a common practice for yoga instructors to personally assist their students with yoga poses. This is something that every yoga instructor should do to make sure students are performing poses as they should. This will help students to understand what position their body should be in when performing the pose. Obviously, yoga instructors cannot feel the pain that may be occurring with students during yoga poses and should never push students too hard. Yoga safety really begins with those who teach the instructors.

Another important aspect of teaching yoga safety with students is for the instructor to be familiar with their student's medical history. If students have existing injuries, certain yoga poses may cause further injury. If the class size is small enough, the instructor can more easily keep track of any history of injury with their students and can advise proper yoga poses throughout the class for individual students. In larger classes, the instructor should be aware of each pose and how it could aggravate injury. For example, if a certain yoga pose may be difficult for someone with a back injury, the yoga instructor should advise students as a group of such potential for injury.

Instructors should always be mindful of the fact that there will be students in their classes who are over-achievers. These students may push themselves a little harder than they should. Good instructors should closely watch all their students and intervene when they feel as though a student is pushing themselves beyond their limits.

Yoga student safety should be the first concern for every yoga instructor before each class begins. A well-educated instructor who has their student's best interest at heart will ensure a successful and safe yoga experience for everyone.

Faye Martins, is a Yoga teacher and a graduate of the Yoga teacher training program at: Aura Wellness Center in, Attleboro, MA.  To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/