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

By Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Experienced Yoga practitioners make up the largest number of graduates, who pursue Yoga instructor certification online. Some of these teacher interns have decades of experience. Some established teachers take distance learning course for continuing education credits instead of shutting their Yoga schools down for a month for an onsite specialist course.

This is followed by instructors who have been teaching classes for years, but who do not have a Yoga instructor certification.

How is it possible for someone not to have certification, and still be a teacher, training his, or her, students in Yoga? Until recently, many traditional Yoga teachers did not have a formal certification, or diploma, to "hang on the wall.”

Independent study requires a lot of discipline to follow assignments through. A Hatha Yoga certification home study course is not something a novice would pick up and easily grasp. The many aspects of mantras, chakras, mudras, bandhas, doshas, Yamas, and Niyamas, without a foundation of Yoga practice, would be difficult for a beginner to understand without guidance.

Therefore, aspiring instructors, who choose an online Yoga instructor’s course and certification program, are, most often, self starters. Many people who take courses for Yoga certification online are working moms and dads with families, jobs, and responsibilities.

On-site certification programs, which enable a person to start teaching Yoga, may require that person to be away from their family for weeks, months, or years. Some countries have very little Yoga instruction at all. Certification, through online Yoga teacher training courses, can also be a very attractive option for International students or students who live in rural areas.

Recently, I was talking with a teacher, who explained to me that the nearest Yoga teaching certification program, in Ontario, is more than four hours away. Her round trip would be more than eight hours of driving. This commute made a Yoga certification home study course the best option for her. Some aspiring Yoga students have the goal of certification as an instructor of Yoga - but at what price? Keeping a family together and raising children responsibly are priorities in life.

Many companies will not understand, if an employee announced to management, that he or she was leaving for an extended period of time to pursue Yoga teacher training certification programs in San Francisco. Unless you already live in the Bay area, holding down a job, and participating in teacher training certification programs, in San Francisco, may not be an option.

There are many options for instructor’s training courses and certification programs, but the best Yoga certification program is the one that fits your lifestyle. Teaching Yoga is a rewarding past time, but sacrificing your marriage, family, and career, is not good for your well being.

Yoga teachers are like everyone else; they do not live a one dimensional life. You do not have to give up your identity in order to become a certified Yoga instructor.

© Copyright 2006 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

To see find out more about yoga or to see our selection of affordable courses, including our online 500 hour yoga teacher certification program, please use the yoga resources on the right side of this page.

If you are a teacher, yoga studio 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!

What is the Best Yoga Instructor Certification for You?

By Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

There are so many styles of Hatha Yoga and many instructor certifications to choose from, but how do you decide which Yoga course is the best for you? We often refer to all of these styles of Hatha Yoga as Yoga sub-styles because they are divisions of Hatha Yoga, which is just one of many Yoga styles.

You might think it is hard to find the right Yoga teacher training, but there are many options for aspiring Yoga instructors. Below are some of the many choices you should consider, when you are deciding to become a Yoga instructor.

Moderate Hatha Yoga: There are many styles to choose from, but earning a Yoga instructor certification in one these styles will enable you to teach a wide variety of students.

The age and condition of you’re your Yoga students should be taken into consideration, when deciding about which Yoga certification course to join.Traditional Hatha Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, Restorative Yoga, and Sivananda Yoga are some examples of this classification.

Chair Yoga: This is a specialized Yoga instructor certification, but the global population is aging. When you consider how many people turn 50 every day; this Yoga specialist certification may be more mainstream 10 years from now.

Hot Yoga: There is a wide variety of student ages involved in this style, but Hot Yoga does attract a younger crowd. The 105 degree room temperature is not to be taken lightly, if your native climate is much lower. You must feel real passion for this classification of Yoga. Bikram Yoga and Hot Yoga are examples of this type of Hatha Yoga.

Vigorous: Flowing, or powerful, movements and asanas can reach a wide rage of student ages, but most of your Yoga students will be less than 40 years of age. Ashtanga Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, and Power Yoga are examples of this classification.

There are other options for Yoga instructor training, as well. The number of study hours, for Yoga instructors, should be at least 200 hours. There is also the decision of whether you can attend Yoga training in person or take a Yoga instructor distance learning course.

On-site Yoga instructor training might be over the course of many weekends throughout five months, a year long Yoga training course, or the Yoga certification course may last years.
Obviously, time is a factor in your decision, but cost and the quality of the Yoga instructor training should be “weighed in the balance.” Yoga instructor intensive training should be in the range of 200 minimum hours of training.

Home study Yoga certification courses are for interns who cannot attend Yoga instructor intensives. The graduates of these programs have previous Yoga experience and must be self-starters. The type of person who takes “night school courses,” or home study courses, in any subject is self-motivated.

However, a minimum of 200 Yoga study hours is suggested for Yoga instructor interns.

© Copyright 2006 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

To find out more about yoga or to see our selection of affordable courses, including our online yoga teacher training intensives, please use the yoga resources on the right side of this page.

If you are a teacher, yoga studio 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!

When Does One Become a Yoga Teacher?

By Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

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, DVDs, MP3s, CDs 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, DVDs, and CDs 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 instructor? 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.

© Copyright 2006 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

To see find out more about yoga or to see our selection of affordable courses, including our online hatha yoga teacher training intensive courses, please use the yoga resources on the right side of this page.

If you are a teacher, yoga studio 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!

How Could a Shy Person Become a Yoga Teacher?

By Dr. 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 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 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 satisfaction, when you become a Yoga teacher.

© Copyright 2006 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

To see find out more about yoga or to see our selection of affordable courses, including our online hatha yoga teacher training programs, please use the yoga resources on the right side of this page.

If you are a teacher, yoga studio 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!

What Else Should a Hatha Yoga Teacher Know About Teaching Yoga Classes?

By Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Yoga teacher ethics should be thoroughly covered in all accredited 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 many more. No one should play with “Chakra Awakenings,” without proper 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.

The Six 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.

© Copyright 2006 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

To see find out more about yoga or to see our selection of affordable courses, including our online hatha yoga teacher training programs, please use the yoga resources on the right side of this page.

If you are a teacher, yoga studio 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!

What Should a Hatha Yoga Teacher Know? – Part 5

By Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Competent Yoga teachers should have enough knowledge to work with special populations. This includes students with disabilities, 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 fitness 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 young 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

To see find out more about yoga or to see our selection of affordable courses, including our affordable yoga teacher training online programs, please use the yoga resources on the right side of this page.

If you are a teacher, yoga studio 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!

What should a Hatha Yoga Teacher Know? – Part 3

By Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Niyamas are the ethical observances of Yoga. Yoga teachers should know them by heart and 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 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 or do something good for another person, 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 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

To see find out more about yoga or to see our selection of affordable courses, including our affordable hatha yoga teacher training intensives, please use the yoga resources on the right side of this page.

If you are a teacher, yoga studio 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!

What Should a Hatha Yoga Teacher Know? – Part 1

By Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Most of the time, prospective 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 Yogic methodology and philosophy in one Yoga instructor certification course. Even if you “lock yourself up” in an ashram for years, you should realize that learning Yogic philosophy and methodology 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 Yogic methodology, but being athletic is not as important as the knowledge a teacher should possess. So, what should you know in order to become a Yoga teacher? Below is the beginning of what a Hatha teacher should know in order to successfully teach classes.

I can remember one anxious intern at orientation night who became upset over the fact that we were outlining Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. After one hour, she announced that she strongly felt that all she wanted to learn was how to do hundreds of poses. Although there are many more aspects to learn, some interns are very anxious to learn about asanas (postures). For this reason, anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology should always be covered during a Hatha Yoga teacher training course. 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 instructors do not have to know hundreds of asanas to teach a class, but they should be very familiar with 26 to 100 different postures; depending upon the style they teach. Yoga teachers should be able to design a lesson plan using these postures, their variations, and the many other aspects of teaching.

Yoga teachers should know how to modify asanas for their students. Sometimes this could be advising a student in how 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 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 posture. This is very important when working with 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 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 teacher should ever put a student at risk. The body of a Yoga student cannot be forced into a position that a teacher feels is correct. Instead the body is gently guided to its natural limits, without pain or discomfort.

© Copyright 2006 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

To see find out more about yoga or to see our selection of affordable courses, including our online 500 hour yoga teacher training intensive program, please use the yoga resources on the right side of this page.

If you are a teacher, yoga studio 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!

Teaching Hatha Yoga: The Philosophy of Abundance

By Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Is abundance just a covert word for “money?” Can money be used for a good cause? Do you wonder why some Yoga Teachers, Gurus, and Swamis frown on the idea of 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 about 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 one's mind. Let’s look at each aspect of abundance from a Hatha Yoga student’s point of view.

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 egos 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.

Sadly, spiritual abundance is becoming rare in some cultures. The spiritual connection 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 scientifically measure the power of prayer or the benefits of prayer? How does science explain miracles? Science often remains baffled to explain miracles or claims miracles do not exist. Science cannot test, measure or explain the spiritual plane of existence. 

Science and technology are useful in improving the quality of life. On the other hand, science and technology have also created the “virtual world” of video games. Science would verify the virtual world exists because we can see it and measure 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.

If you have 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.

© Copyright 2006 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

To see find out more about yoga or to see our selection of affordable certification courses, including our 500-hour yoga teacher training program, please use the yoga resources on the right side of this page.

If you are a teacher, yoga studio 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!

Teaching Hatha Yoga: The Transformation

By Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

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 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 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 instructors 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 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 classes. This is not a guarantee, but it does happen often. When a 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 teacher experience. If you take a typical Hatha Yoga training session 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

To see find out more about yoga or to see our selection of affordable courses, including our online hatha yoga teacher training programs, please use the yoga resources on the right side of this page.

If you are a teacher, yoga studio 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!

Teaching Hatha Yoga: What is Normal?

By Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

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

To see find out more about yoga or to see our selection of affordable courses, including our online 500-hour yoga teacher training program, please use the yoga resources on the right side of this page.

If you are a teacher, yoga studio 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!

Teaching Hatha Yoga: The Value of Props

By Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

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 two 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 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 training 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 instructors make is classifying and 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 teachers do not have every prop available in their Yoga school. 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 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

To see find out more about yoga or to see our selection of affordable courses, including our inexpensive hatha yoga teacher training intensive courses, please use the yoga resources on the right side of this page.

If you are a teacher, yoga studio 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!

Teaching Hatha Yoga: The Summer Slow Down

By Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

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 teachers and Yoga schools 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 instructors 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 students are no exception. Yoga instructors contribute to the well being of a 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 school.

© Copyright – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division



To see find out more about yoga or to see our selection of affordable courses, including our online hatha yoga teacher training intensive courses, please use the yoga resources on the right side of this page.

If you are a teacher, yoga studio 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!

Yoga Teacher Training and Yoga Certification Choices

By Paul Jerard

The following is an overview of the most popular Yoga teacher training methods. These days, there are so many options for Yoga teacher certification, that it might be good to get a general idea of Yoga teacher training courses first.

Onsite Yoga Teacher Training classes are usually held at Yoga studios and can last anywhere from one month to two years, depending on the depth of the material covered. These Yoga training sessions may meet every weekend or for weeks in succession.

If you have a regular job, it is best to find a Yoga teacher training course that works around your schedule and meets on weekends or evenings. It will be hard to explain your absence to your present employer; especially if you tell the truth, which is: You want to train to become a Yoga teacher.

Training for Yoga Teachers at a Yoga ashram, or Yoga retreat, is usually complete immersion without any of life’s daily distractions. Chances are there are living quarters for Yoga teacher interns and the staff. If you have no family or employer obligations, this is a great way to learn how to become a Yoga teacher. Many Ashrams function like universities, so it is a great atmosphere to study Yoga teacher training.

Luxury Vacation Yoga Teacher Training has become much more popular than most of us would have expected. You would study at a Yoga teacher training intensive in an exotic location. This is also complete immersion within the study of Yoga, but with all the “creature comforts.” If you have the financial resources, this might be the Yoga teacher training course for you.

Yoga Teacher Correspondence Courses are good for Yoga students with previous experience. Independent study, to become a Yoga teacher, requires a foundation of knowledge and previous experience. It also helps if you train with a local Yoga teacher or a group of Yoga enthusiasts.

Just make sure the Yoga teacher correspondence course you choose has a complete syllabus. This is a good option for Yoga teacher interns who have obligations at home or at work.

Weekend Yoga Teacher Training Intensives also require a bit more homework and should meet regularly. Do not fool yourself into thinking that you will learn to become a competent Yoga teacher in a single weekend. It just does not happen that quickly.

The study of Yoga is a continuous and never ending journey. Teaching Yoga requires that you become a perennial Yoga student for life. Whichever method you choose to reach your goal as a Yoga teacher, remember that continuing education is a key component to becoming a competent Yoga teacher.

© Copyright 2006 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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Yoga Teacher Tips: Most Common Yoga Student Corrections

By Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Do you cover a prenatal warning before the start of a Yoga class? Every Yoga teacher should thoroughly go over it when adult female students come to your Yoga classes. You would be surprised how many will not tell you before class.

Also, you may want to add a Prenatal Yoga warning to your initial handout, waiver, or questionnaire, for new students. Prenatal Yoga classes are specifically designed for the safety of pregnant Yoga students. Do not teach pregnant Yoga students without Prenatal and Postnatal Yoga teacher training.

Forward Bend: For students who are in good health and who are not pregnant; the fold should be guided by the breath, while elongating the spine. Then the waistline will gently draw in to a point, while the heart draws toward the toes. This is easier said than done, but will help guide your students.

Neck Rolls, with the head tilted back, can grind the cervical vertebrae against each other, causing premature wear. This is not suggested for Yoga students of any age, especially middle age and up. Your Yoga students might do this warm- up exercise slowly - and that is much better than doing it fast, but it is still not acceptable.

Also related to neck movement - linear movement, and the front part of the neck circle, are fine - if done very slowly, but this still may not be a good idea for your older Yoga students. Any neck movements should be performed in Yoga training sessions, only after gentle isometric exercises for the neck. You should combine Pranayama with these isometric exercises for maximum benefits.

Lunge posture in Sun Salutations: The knee should be right above the ankle during this posture. When the knee is more forward than the ankle, this can cause premature wear of soft tissue within the knee joint.

The only exception to this is when the back knee is on the floor, as this takes pressure off the forward knee. However, if a Yoga student has an existing knee ailment, or is prone to knee problems, the knee should stay directly above the ankle and not beyond it. This may be considered very cautious by some teachers, but Hatha Yoga teachers are supposed to teach restraint and safety during asana practice, at all times.

As a Yoga teacher, your form might be very good, but you will still need to correct all student alignment problems when they arise. In Warrior II, some of your students will need to be reminded to keep the back arm level. It feels normal to them when the back arm is lower.

Tree Pose: Are some of your students are pressing the foot against the side of the knee on the balancing leg? The knee is not designed to take pressure from the side. This could cause premature wear over time. The foot should always be above, or below, the side of the knee - and never to the side.

© Copyright 2006 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

To see find out more about yoga or to see our selection of affordable courses, including our affordable online yoga teacher training intensive courses, please use the yoga resources on the right side of this page.

If you are a teacher, yoga studio 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!