What Should a Hatha Yoga Teacher Know? - Part 5

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

Yoga: When Should You Consider a Private Lesson?

Shouldn't Yoga should be easy for everyone to understand? There are so many Yoga books, containing detailed, full color pictures and loaded with content.

At this time, it is easy to find audio books, DVD's, and various video formats made by world famous Yoga teachers. The world of Yoga has changed from small classes, in a Yoga teacher's home, to gymnasiums full of eager Yoga students.

This is a good thing - so who needs a private lesson when you can buy a Yoga video and learn from the masters? Learning Yoga should be a "piece of cake," right? Wrong; as a matter of fact - Painfully wrong.

Yoga videos are great learning tools for "Yoga Teachers." Sometimes, I use them at workshops for Yoga teacher interns, but we stop the film at certain points and cover intricate techniques. This gives a Yoga teacher, or an intern, a more complete understanding of the subject covered.

On more than one occasion, we have had a new Yoga student join because he or she was injured while practicing Hatha Yoga, with a video, at home. How is that possible? It is as simple as watching the television and cranking your neck to the side while practicing a Shoulder Stand (Sarvangasana ) or Plow (Halasana).

Why would someone do that? Someone who is new to Hatha Yoga, and has had no formal guidance from a Yoga instructor, does not know better. Hatha Yoga is a safe practice, if you develop a foundation of knowledge by coming to Yoga classes and learning from a competent Yoga teacher.

If there is no Yoga teacher in your nearby area, use a Yoga DVD or video. Please watch the Yoga practice at least one time, completely, so that when you physically participate, you do not injure yourself. You should take notes and develop a safe practice, based on the easiest postures you see.

When you start to develop a Hatha Yoga home practice, never force your body to do anything. Always stay in the "comfort zone" and play it safe. In your spare time, read about contraindications for Yoga postures. This will help you expand your knowledge of Yoga and stay safe.

If you do have a Yoga teacher nearby, and get injured because you did not visit a class, or set up a private lesson - Shame on you. Whenever, you take a private lesson with a Yoga teacher, ask questions. That is what you are paying for.

If you are new to Yoga, and have a health condition, it would be wise to inform your teacher. It would also be in your best interest to take a private Yoga session. In the case of pregnancy, you should seek out a certified Prenatal Yoga instructor, if approved by your physician.

© Copyright 2006 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. http://www.riyoga.com 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

Nine Things You Should Know About Yoga for Children

Here are some guidelines and realistic expectations for parents, who are considering Yoga for their children. For your child, Yoga is much more than a kid's fitness class. Just like adults - kids need time to learn to deal with life's daily pressures, too.

Make sure your child starts with easy postures, and be patient with your child's progress. Some beginner children can often be more flexible than advanced adult Yoga practitioners, but they don't know their own limitations.

Discover your child's real passions. When your child wants to go to Yoga class, it is much better than what you want for your child. This is not to say that you should avoid guidance. However, it is not advisable to push a child into a Yoga class, if your child doesn't enjoy it - no matter how popular Yoga may be. All children are different, and what is good for one of your children, may not agree with another.

Encourage your child to see the deeper benefits of Yoga: Learning to live within the moment, and appreciating the present situation, instead of focusing on desires, these are built-in mental assets of Yoga practice. Enhanced concentration skills are another benefit that will result in improved academic performance.

Look for a qualified Yoga instructor, who has experience in teaching children. Make sure the child's Yoga instructor has adequate experience.

Watch your child practice, with his or her, Yoga teacher, and make sure you are comfortable with the environment, policies, and safety guidelines. Rules and discipline policies are usually in place so that each child can learn Yoga and get the most out of their experience.

For your child's safety at home: Parents who are not familiar with Yoga, should not let their "beginner Yoga children" practice anything beyond beginner techniques, without a competent Yoga instructor's approval. Once your child's Yoga instructor gives approval of home practice, you are fine. This one safety factor should encourage parents to learn Yoga, practice with their children, and live a healthy life.

A smaller kid's Yoga class is actually better than a larger one. This insures that your child's Yoga instructor can pay close attention to each student during practice session.

Price should not be the top factor in choosing your child's Yoga teacher. Would you choose the cheapest dentist, clothes, or car? Very often, "you get what you pay for."

Lastly, with steady practice, you should expect to see your child gradually gain self-esteem, stress management tools, self discipline, enhanced academic performance, and improved athletic skills.

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 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

Why Yoga Should Be a Part of Your Daily Fitness Routine

If you would like to really put your daily fitness routine in overdrive and get better results than you ever have in the past, you really should consider adding yoga exercises into your home fitness workouts. Aerobic exercise is great for burning calories, and strength training works very well for strengthening your muscle groups. But yoga goes far beyond either of those forms of exercise and can benefit you both physically and mentally. Let's see how.

Physical Benefits

1. Flexibility -- strength training helps improve muscle mass but it does very little to improve muscle flexibility. And studies have shown that short powerful muscles are prone to injury. So one of the major benefits of yoga exercises is the prolonged stretching found in many of the yoga positions and poses.

2. Balance -- especially as we get older balance becomes more critical. It also allows you to move more easily and comfortably. Most yoga positions stress some form of balance in order to maintain the position.

3. Energy level -- higher levels of energy often come through higher levels of relaxation in the body. Tension on the other hand is an energy killer. Yoga exercises help lower stress and tension and and improve oxygen flow in the blood. All of that helps lead to a higher energy level.

4. Pain management -- many people today suffer with chronic pain, often in their back. Much muscle pain has its roots in tension. If you can get your muscles to relax, often the pain can even disappear. This is another great benefit of the relaxation techniques found in yoga.

Mental Benefits

1. Through the yoga positions and breathing exercises you are helped to focus inward rather than on the outward distractions of your life. This introspection can help clear your mind and focus your attention on the more important things in your life.

2. Stress levels can be greatly reduced by a regular yoga exercise routine. As was already mentioned, many yoga poses and breathing techniques encourage extreme relaxation of body and mind. This can help you let go of daily stress and it's damaging influences.

3. Yoga can help promote a feeling of inner peace and tranquility because many yoga practices encourage time for meditation, which helps you gain control over your own thinking instead of being at the mercy of negative thoughts.

As you can see, there are lots of very good reasons for including yoga exercises in your daily fitness routine. Why not start learning more about yoga right away, and put it to work for you?

Thad Pickering writes on many consumer related topics including fitness. You can find free yoga exercises and free yoga poses by visiting our Home Fitness website.

5 Reasons Why You Should Start Practicing Yoga and Meditation

The practice of yoga and meditation has become increasingly popular in the past few years, but I am sure that there are many people who are still asking themselves, "What's in it for me?" So, if you have been wondering whether it would be worth your time to start practicing yoga and meditation, I would like to give you five good reasons why it would be a very worthwhile activity for you.

1. Yoga and meditation will improve your health

Yoga postures put gentle pressure on the internal organs of the body and help them to function properly. In particular the postures help your digestive system to work smoothly and thus avoid problems such as constipation, acidity and indigestion, which are common conditions that can lead to more serious problems later on. Meditation and deep relaxation can be just what you need to lower your blood pressure. Thus, yoga postures plus meditation is a great combination for maintaining and improving health.

2. Yoga and meditation will help you to overcome bad habits

What's a "bad habit?" It's something that you are doing continually, and something that you know is harming you but you can't stop it. Are you smoking now? Maybe you thought it was good when you started, but you would now like to stop. The trouble is that it is not so easy to quit smoking or a similar habit once it has become established.

This is where yoga and meditation can help you out. The yoga postures help you to become more relaxed and mentally balanced. Meditation can help you to concentrate your mind and build up your will-power. Once you become internally balanced and have a stronger will power, it will become possible for you to break any habit, even one that you have been troubled by for many years.

3. Yoga and meditation will help you to lose weight

Obesity is one of the biggest health problems of the modern era. Our lives have become more sedentary and our food sources have changed over the last 100 years and this why many adults and even children are now overweight.

Although this is a life-style problem, it is something that can be dealt with. The surest way to lose weight is to get more exercise and to control what you are eating. This is of course, easier said than done. But yoga and meditation can help you out. There are some yoga postures that are helpful in weight loss programs. Similarly, the mental strength that you can get from both yoga postures and from meditation can help you to gain a better control over your diet and this can result in healthy and permanent weight loss.

4. Yoga and meditation will bring you inner peace

You may be earning a lot of money and you may have a lot of social prestige but is physical or social wealth the goal of your life? Whatever material or social wealth you have, if you are not contented, satisfied and at peace with yourself then you will not be a happy person.

The goal of meditation is to help you find the inner core of your being. Who are you? Is it the name and address on your identity card? If you start meditating you will find that deep within you is a pool of infinite love and peace. This is the real you. If you can reach this place, then you will find peace and contentment; it is guaranteed!

5. Yoga and meditation will make you a wiser person

Every one of us has made mistakes that we regret. There is nothing we can do about the past. We can't go back in time and not make the mistakes. But what we can do is to build up our capacity to see what has permanent value and what is transitory. When we attain this state of discrimination, then we will not do actions that we will regret later on.

Meditation helps a person to go beyond the "chatter" of the mind and attain a state of wisdom that will always be of help. Wisdom does not mean stuffing your mind with "facts" but it does mean to have a mind that will choose a course of action that brings about the welfare of everyone.

I have a list with many more reasons why yoga and meditation are helpful, but I thought I would start off with these five reasons. So, if any one of these items are interesting for you, then why not see for yourself, and start practicing yoga and meditation?

Dada Vedaprajinananda is a senior yoga teacher with the Ananda Marga Meditation Society. He is also the editor of the Life Weight Loss website where you can find more articles on health, weight loss, self improvement and spirituality. You can visit the directory at http://www.lifeweightloss.com

Everything About Yoga You Should Know

Time passing challenges people to newer and newer adventures. The same happens in life. Once with aging, the body starts to feel the heavy pressing of health conditions. Doctors and specialists dedicate their entire work in finding the best treatments. Therapies also improve their patients' lifestyle. Among all the solutions, an old therapy has been found. Yoga is more than some exercises; it is a state of mind.

Many of us do not know what yoga is and how it works on our bodies. Before knowing the benefits of this therapy, let go through a short history of yoga. India seems to be the place of birth for yoga. The approximate date is about 26,000 years ago. "Yoke" is the Sanskrit word that names this sport, if we can call it a sport. Translations to this word have been made through words connected to union, joining and uniting. Yoga is connected more to religion in Hindu countries and its main purpose is to unite both body and spirit in an equilibrated corpus. At a deeper level, yoga can be used in conjunction with meditation.

Today, yoga is becoming one of the most required workout regimes for those who treasure their bodies and their bodies' wellness. The common purpose of those who chose to practice yoga is for weight losing and also to gain strength and flexibility that their bodies have lost. You can practice yoga right in a cozy space in your house or at yoga studios.

For those whom stress takes them down, yoga is the best ally. Relaxation becomes something natural and normal. Once a person gets into yoga secrets, he learns that this is not just a way of doing exercises. It is more than keeping in shape and doing exercises, yoga is a philosophy of life. And once caught in its trap, you become a true worshiper of what a good philosophy of life means.

Yoga is mostly practiced to keep the body in shape. People go to a specialized trainer who gives them all the necessary instructions on how to practice yoga. A few sessions are good enough to learn the techniques of equilibrating mind, soul and body. The list of the benefits yoga can bring to those who choose to follow is long and continuously increasing. From the physical to the psychological aspect, yoga works efficiently in both ways. Stress, weight problems, flexibility problems, all of them can be treated through yoga. Every day we continue to hear new things about the great benefits yoga has on the wellness and health of our body.

Through these practices, the whole body will feel the benefits of a regime that aims at giving the perfect balance between mind, body and soul.

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Why You Should Start Yoga

Yoga is one of the oldest forms of exercise on the planet, with new research suggesting that it may be up to 5000 years old! Yoga has a huge number of benefits, improving physical, mental and emotional health, so it's no surprise that its popularity is again on the rise! Here are my 10 top reasons why you should start doing yoga today!

1. Stress busting

Stress causes one in five British employees to suffer from anxiety and depression, and costs the UK ￡100 billion in lost output every year. Yoga is one of the most effective methods of stress relief, and recent research supervised by a British University found that a six week programme of weekly Yoga classes reduced anxiety and fatigue, while increasing emotional well-being and resilience to stress.

'The benefits that Yoga has brought me have dramatically reduced my stress levels and increased my awareness of the daily pressures that are faced by most of my colleagues. I am more conscious of not taking on this stress myself. As a result, people value my increased creativity, clarity and calm, and my client base has expanded.' - J.M. senior management consultant, UK

2. Reduces anxiety

'I hardly recognise myself as the person I was six years ago, before starting a regular yoga practice. The bouts of depression, anxiety and low self-esteem I used to suffer on a regular basis have gone, to be replaced by increasing self confidence and a joyfulness in life that I'd forgotten was possible.' - Catherine, Yoga teacher, UK?

3. Good for your back

Yoga is one of the safest forms of exercise to improve back pain. In a recent study, 72 % of yoga practitioners questioned found Yoga reduced their back pain. Many people believe that rest is best for back pain, whereas in fact, gentle exercise such as Dru Yoga helps to stretch and relax the tight muscles that can cause back pain.?

4. Increases energy

One of the surprising benefits of yoga is the higher levels of energy which regular practitioners experience. Rather than relying on coffee or other stimulants to get going in the morning, ten minutes of daily yoga can give you a great energy rush with no side effects. Yoga students reported that 86% of them enjoyed increased energy levels after practising yoga.?

5. Emotional balance

Yoga can help you to feel good, no matter what the weather's like! True happiness comes from within, and the inner joy that comes from a great yoga class or meditation session is second to none. Many people find that a regular practice of yoga helps them to keep emotionally balanced, and ready to face each day with an optimistic attitude. Try it!?

6. Banish aches and pains

Yoga's gentle movements and stretches are a perfect way to deal with general aches and pains. I've found that a ten minute practice of Yoga daily helps keep my body in top condition and to melt away the niggling aches which can build up when we're working hard, or not exercising enough. Dru's Energy Block release sequences, which systematically twist, bend and stretch the body from the top of the head to the tips of the toes, are the ideal yoga practice to soothe away bodily pains.

7. Better breathing

Many people come to yoga because of health conditions such as asthma or bronchitis. Pranayama, or yoga breathing exercises, can be very benefiicial in helping you to relax and gain control of your mind and emotions, thus helping you to breathe easier. In Yoga, exercises such as the pigeon breath or the windmill are often taught to help people with breathing problems - to great effect.

8. Feel ageless

One of my yoga students trained as a teacher at the young age of 85! Yoga is one of the most effective ways of keeping young, fit and health - both in mind and body, no matter what your age! It naturally tackles all those signs of aging from inside out - as it restores the elasticity of the spine and joints, firms the skin, corrects poor posture and brings higher energy levels.

9. Improved flexibility

If you've had trouble bending or twisting recently then you'd benefit from yoga's effects of increasing flexibility. Yoga stretches are a gentle way of helping the muscles and joints regain their natural mobility. When I was a teenager, I was so inflexible that I couldn't touch my toes, whereas after just a few months of regular?Yoga pracice, my flexibility had increased hugely and I could easily touch my toes! Many people who do sports such as football, climbing or running appreciate the fact that yoga quickly increases flexibility.?

10. The feel-good factor

A recent study of yoga in the workplace found that just one yoga class a week led to increased life purpose and satisfaction, and feelings of greater self-confidence during stressful situations. Yoga increases self-confidence by improving posture, increasing health and feelings of well-being. So if you fancy having a post-yoga glow - then get to a yoga class!

Jane Clapham is a Dru Yoga teacher trainer, and leads meditation retreats and holidays in the Celtic mountains of Wales and worldwide. Contact her at hello@druworldwide.com to be included in the weekly newsletter from Dru worldwide, which includes yoga and stress-busting tips. For more information about Dru Yoga, which is the perfect preparation for meditation, visit http://www.druworldwide.com/ You'll find yoga classes, yoga holidays and yoga training courses which are taught in the UK, North America, Netherlands and Australia. Have a stress-free day!

Five Reasons Why We Should Practice Yoga

It is great to see so many people are willing to take time to work out, especially now that they have numerous options to choose from. There is however, one single activity that is suited for every individual, irrespective of age, physical condition or desired outcome: yoga. Yoga is more than a sport; it is a medical practice that has been used in India for more than 5000 years with great results, so it is definitely worth practicing.

1. Yoga improves your health. The poses that have to be carried out during yoga sessions are great for the locomotor system because they help you stretch the joints and the muscles. If you suffer from back problems yoga is the best sport for you because the movements you make are rather gentle, so they do not force your spine. Yoga is also good for the circulatory system because the inverted poses stimulate the blood flow through the upper areas of your body.

2. Yoga is good for your spiritual mood. The meditation that is meant to accompany the yoga postures gives people the opportunity to clear their minds of the everyday stress. People who work in stressful environments choose to slow down the rapid paces of their lives and regain their inner balance through yoga.

3. Yoga helps you stay fit. Obesity affects a large part of our population as a result of sedentariness and bad food habits. Yoga can help you get rid of these bad habits because meditation enables you to find the inner strength you need to stick to your plans. Ponderous people may find sports like jogging or bicycling difficult; yoga, on the other hand, enables them to lose weight and tone their muscles without making exaggerate physical efforts.

4. Yoga gives you the possibility to set your personal training. Since there are various types of yoga poses, people have more possibilities to choose from. The choice of the type of yoga you want to practice depends on the results that people want to achieve and their physical built.

5. Yoga may be practiced in the most beautiful environments. There are numerous retreats that have been purposefully arranged in the middle of the nature to offer practitioners the most peaceful places to practice yoga poses. The trainers that hold yoga classes are dedicated to Hinduism and they can teach you some of the principles of this religion, too.

Thus, if you want to take up a sport that can completely change your lifestyle, you should take up yoga. As simple as the yoga poses are, they are extremely efficient and they will soon improve both your physical and your psychic state.

The exclusive and private yoga retreats are the best places to relax and meditate after a hard year.

If Your Life Is Spinning Out of Control - Maybe You Should Give Yoga a Try!

Yoga was developed in ancient India around 4000 years ago. Today, traditional yogic lifestyle is built around five principles: relaxation, exercise, breathing, diet, and positive thinking and meditation. In today's frenetic world, yoga works to reduce stress and anxiety and improve energy levels through concentration on deep breathing, meditation, and relaxation.

1. Balance. As we age, our centers of gravity often shift, causing problems with balance. One in three people over 65 fall each year, and the risk of falling increases as you get older. Steadiness, eye-to-hand coordination, and dexterity improve with the regular practice of yoga.

2. Alignment. Yoga positions stretch our bodies in new ways, causing our bones to realign themselves as they were when we were young. You become more aware of your body's posture, alignment, and patterns of moving.

3. Posture. New alignment helps us stand taller and straighter. One of the sure signs of aging is a stooped, shuffling presentation. Learn again to stand tall and proud.

4. Flexibility. Muscles shorten and tighten over time. All the bending and stretching leads to more flexible joints and tendons. Range of motion and resiliency increase.

5. Energy. Deep breathing and physical exertion gives us more energy. Sleep improves.

6. Metabolism. Higher energy boosts metabolism, making it easier to burn calories. Weight loss is often the result.

7. Strength. Regularly practicing yoga positions increases muscle tone and strength.

8. Endurance. Deep breathing and relaxation increases endurance.

9. Improved lung capacity. A key component of yoga is deep breathing through the nose, helping to build lung capacity.

10. De-stressing and calming. At the beginning and end of every session, practitioners are encouraged to breathe deeply and let go of the stresses of daily living. It is designed to draw your focus away from your chaotic day.

11. Concentration and focus. Doing the poses correctly requires focus and concentration. Attention and memory improve.

12. Better mood. You feel better, calmer and more at peace.

13. Lower blood pressure - slower heart rate. Cardiovascular efficiency increases.

14. Decreased cholesterol & triglycerides.

15. Boosted immune function.

Everyone - young and old, male and female - can benefit from the practice of yoga. There are different types and levels. If you are a beginner, look for a class in easy yoga. There are different levels of difficulty for most poses. Start easy and work up to the more demanding. Of course, you should consult with your doctor before embarking on any new exercise activity.

You don't need much in the way of special equipment - just a mat and a yoga block. Give it a try - you'll be amazed at how much better you feel in just a few weeks. And you'll understand why yoga studios are popping up all over the country.

Whitney Smith is a direct marketing consultant and copywriter specializing in health, beauty and anti-aging skin care. She is the editor of an on-line newsletter for BioLogic Solutions, a leading provider of quality, doctor-recomended anti-aging skin care products. Check it out at http://www.biologicsolutions.com.

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

What Should a Hatha Yoga Teacher Know? - Part 1

Most of the time, prospective Yoga teachers have a very strong foundation in Yoga; but sometimes, they originally come from a related-field, such as 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 Yoga in one Yoga teacher training intensive course. Even if you "lock yourself up" in an ashram for months, you should realize that learning Yoga 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 a physical form of Yoga, but being athletic is not as important as the knowledge a Yoga teacher should possess. So, what should you know in order to become a Yoga teacher? Below is a list of what a Hatha Yoga teacher should know in order to successfully teach Yoga classes.

Anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology should always be covered during a Yoga teacher training session. Yoga 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 teachers do not have to know hundreds of Asanas to teach a Yoga class, but they should be very familiar with 26 to 100 different Yoga postures - depending upon the style of Yoga. Yoga teachers should be able to design a lesson plan using these postures, their variations, and the many other aspects of Hatha Yoga teaching.

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

© 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

Yoga: One Reason You Should Not Do Yoga Posture - The Plank

The Plank - (called sometimes High Chaturanga)

The Plank posture is a good precursor to more challenging arm balances postures.

In the Plank the body is in a straight line from the ears, through the shoulders and hips, to the heels. The body should not arch or sag.

During performing this posture the abdominal muscles are kept lifted throughout. If your body starts to shake, release the posture, relax for a moment and start to hold the Plank again.

Mostly the Plank targets the abdominals (muscles responsible for holding in the stomach and giving the appearance of a flat stomach), but it can be an excellent way to get a full body challenge. In order to do the Plank properly, there must be integration of all the core stabilization muscles, and the arms, as well as keeping the gluteus (large muscles which form the buttock) and legs active.

The Plank posture is a well-known exercise that can be seen in many exercise systems. It is one of the most popular exercises for developing core strength and stability. It strengthens muscles of the arms, shoulders and the spine, and strengthens the wrists.

This posture improves nervous balance and develops a sense of inner equilibrium and harmony.

The Plank is a preparatory posture for more advanced and demanding poses in yoga classes having many benefits. It can be done even by a beginner; however in one health condition the Plank posture is strongly not recommended.

One reason not to do the Plank posture:

1) If you have a Carpal tunnel syndrome, do not attempt this posture.

(It is compression of the median nerve at the wrist, which may result in numbness, tingling, weakness, or muscle atrophy in the hand and fingers. The disease typically affects the thumb, index, and middle fingers and is often particularly troublesome at night).

Caution: Always check with your doctor if you have any doubts or concerns regarding the suitability of this posture for you. It is best to perform this yoga posture in presence of a qualified yoga teacher.

Issued in the interest of people practicing Hatha Yoga by Subodh Gupta, Yoga Expert based in London.

Mr.Subodh Gupta, a Corporate Yoga Trainer has conducted more than 500 workshops on Yoga and Stress Management. He has been interviewed by various TV channels in India and London.

For reaching to Subodh Gupta Yoga website http://www.subodhgupta.com/ and for Subodh Gupta Corporate yoga webpage http://www.subodhgupta.com/corporateyoga.html

Yoga: Two Reasons You Should Not Do Yoga Posture - The Four-Limbed Staff Posture

Four-Limbed Staff Pose - (Chaturanga Dandasana)

'Chatur' means four, 'Anga' means a limb and 'Danda' means a staff, hence the name Chaturanga Dandasana given to this posture. The four limbs which are supporting the body are hands and feet and the body is parallel to the floor and stiff as a staff.

Chaturanga Dandasana is a very challenging posture frequently practiced as part of the traditional Sun Salutation vinyasa sequence in yoga classes.

The completed form of Chaturanga Dandasana is quite difficult to perform at first, until the arms, back, and legs are strong enough to support the posture. The excellent preparatory posture - the Plank can be practice to prepare the body for this much more challenging posture.

The Four-Limbed Staff posture is a great arm and wrists strengthener, developing mobility and power. It contracts and tones the abdominal organs.

In this posture the body is kept firm and straight while being held off the floor by the action of the arms, legs and torso. This strengthens the legs and upper body and tones the muscles of the back.

The Chaturanga Dandasana increases strength, balance and stability by developing many muscles in the body. The most important muscles are: triceps (back of upper arm) and biceps (front of upper arm), pectoralis major (a large muscle of the chest), abdominal muscles, deltoids (a large triangular-shaped muscle that forms the prominence of each shoulder), and the scapular muscles.

For beginners: You can drop the knees to the floor until you build enough strength to support the body with your arms.

The Four-Limbed Staff is a great strength developer posture, however, in some health conditions this posture should not be practiced at all cost.

Two reasons not to do the Yoga Posture - Chaturanga Dandasana:

1) If you have a Carpal tunnel syndrome, please do not attempt this posture.

(It is compression of the median nerve at the wrist, which may result in numbness, tingling, weakness, or muscle atrophy in the hand and fingers. The disease typically affects the thumb, index, and middle fingers and is often particularly troublesome at night).

2) In case of pregnancy avoid practicing this posture.

Caution: Always check with your doctor if you have any doubts or concerns regarding the suitability of this posture for you. It is best to perform this yoga posture in presence of a qualified yoga teacher.

Issued in the interest of people practicing Hatha Yoga by Subodh Gupta, Yoga Expert based in London.

Mr. Subodh Gupta, a Corporate Yoga Trainer has conducted more than 500 workshops on Yoga and Stress Management. He has been interviewed by various TV channels in India and London.

For reaching to Subodh Gupta Yoga website http://www.subodhgupta.com/ and for Subodh Gupta Corporate yoga webpage http://www.subodhgupta.com/corporateyoga.html

Yoga - Three Reasons You Should Not Do Kapalabhati Pranayama

Kapalabhati - (Frontal Brain Cleansing Breathing)

'Kapal' in Sanskrit language means 'Forehead', and 'Bhati' means 'Light'. Practicing Kapalabhati on regular basis brings a state of light and clarity to the frontal region of the brain with the inner radiance. Kapalabhati is a highly energizing abdominal breathing exercise.

In Kapalabhati Pranayama, the inhalation is slow and passive and require only releasing tension in the abdominal wall. On the other hand, the exhalation is active, sharp and vigorous. Normally exhalation takes one fourth of the time of inhalation. Quick exhalation and natural inhalation follows each other.

The breathing exercise activates and invigorates the liver, spleen and the abdominal muscles. It balances and strengthens the nervous system, tones the digestive organs and improves digestion. It develops strength and stamina and it teaches to coordinate the abdominal muscles.

Kapalabhati Pranayama is especially effective in lowering carbon dioxide (CO2) in the lower parts of the lungs. It cleanses the lungs and entire respiratory system. The blood is purified and body gets an increased supply of oxygen to all cells.

On a mental level it energizes and prepares the mind for meditation, it removes sleepiness and removes sensory distraction from the mind.

Kapalabhati should be practiced on an empty stomach, three to four hours after a meal. It is best to practice it after asanas and before meditation.

Note: If you start experiencing any pain or dizziness, stop the practice immediately.

The Kapalabhati Breathing has tremendous benefits to a practitioner. However, there are some health conditions in which this breathing technique should not be practiced.

Three important reasons not to do Kapalabhati Pranayama:

1) If you have High blood pressure, do not practice this pranayama.

2) Anyone suffering from heart disease should not attempt Kapalabhati.

3) In case of Hernia avoid doing this breathing exercise.

Caution: Always check with your doctor if you have any doubts or concerns regarding the suitability of this breathing technique for you. It is best to perform this breathing exercise in presence of a qualified yoga teacher.

Issued in the interest of people practicing Hatha Yoga by Subodh Gupta, Yoga Expert based in London.

Mr.Subodh Gupta, a Corporate Yoga Trainer has conducted more than 500 workshops on Yoga and Stress Management. He has been interviewed by various TV channels in India and London.

For reaching to Subodh Gupta Yoga website http://www.subodhgupta.com/ and for Subodh Gupta Corporate yoga webpage http://www.subodhgupta.com/corporateyoga.html

Yoga: Three reasons you should not do Yoga posture - Half Moon

The Half Moon - (Ardha Chandrasana)

'Chandra' in a Sanskrit language means moon, and 'Ardha' means half, and as the posture resembles the half moon, hence the name.

The Half Moon posture tones the lower region of the spine and the nerves connected with the leg muscles. It is highly effective for strengthening the legs, buttocks, abdomen, knees and the ankles. The leg strength is gained from balancing on one leg.

The Ardha Chandrasana stretches the groins, hamstrings, calves, shoulders, chest, and the spine. It improves coordination and sense of balance. It helps relieve stress and improves digestion.

You are not ready for the Half Moon posture if your body and top shoulder are dropping forward. Use a support (at first use a chair, then once you are comfortable with the chair use a box that is lower than the chair), until your body is strengthens enough to hold a beautiful and straight Half-Moon posture.

When you are ready to reach down and up simultaneously, you will reintegrate parts that feel separate from the whole and recognize that the body is a whole made of parts that are all aware of each other.

Note: If you have any neck problems, do not turn your head to look upward; continue looking straight ahead.

Although the Half Moon posture has many benefits, in some health conditions it should not be practiced.

Three important reasons not to do Half Moon posture:

1) Do not practice this posture if you have hips injuries.

2) If you have low blood pressure, avoid this posture.

3) In case of shoulder injury do not attempt this posture.

Caution: Always check with your doctor if you have any doubts or concerns regarding the suitability of this posture for you. It is best to perform this yoga posture in presence of a qualified yoga teacher.

Issued in the interest of people practicing Hatha Yoga by Subodh Gupta, Yoga Expert based in London.

Mr.Subodh Gupta, a Corporate Yoga Trainer has conducted more than 500 workshops on Yoga and Stress Management. He has been interviewed by various TV channels in India and London.

For reaching to Subodh Gupta Yoga website http://www.subodhgupta.com/ and for Subodh Gupta Corporate yoga webpage http://www.subodhgupta.com/corporateyoga.html

Hot Yoga Benefits - The Benefits You Should Know More About

You are never too old to begin reaping the health benefits of doing yoga. It doesn't matter which form of yoga you choose to do you will discover that it is going to improve your health from head to toe. Below are just some of the hot yoga benefits that you can get from doing this form of exercise in the future.

There are many physical benefits to be gained from taking up yoga. As you use more of your muscles in your body to maintain the yoga positions, as well as your balance, over time these muscles become much stronger. Not only will the muscles in your lower back, shoulders and legs become much stronger so will those in your feet, arms, hands and stomach.

Another physical benefit of doing yoga is that the various breathing and stretching exercises will make you a great deal more flexible as they help not only tendons and ligaments but also joints will remain much limber. Certainly if you are someone who suffers from medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis then practicing various yoga postures and poses can help to improve your stiffness and pain quite noticeably over time.

Another of the hot yoga benefits to be had is that your endurance will improve especially if you choose to perform the more athletic forms such as power, Ashtanga or Bikram yoga. These particular forms of yoga require you to follow a specific sequence of poses that as you progress become increasingly more challenging. Also these particular forms of yoga require you to keep your body moving constantly between each pose, so as a result you are doing a more strenuous cardiovascular workout which is then helping to improve core strength.

For those who suffer from chronic back or neck pain they can find relieve through performing Hatha yoga. This is because the poses and postures you perform with this form of yoga gently stretch and then strengthen the muscles in your neck and back. Of course it is a good idea before you do actually choose to start using yoga and suffer from any injury that you seek advice from your doctor beforehand.

One of the other hot yoga benefits that women can reap from doing this form of exercise is that it can help to improve bone density. For women who are approaching the menopause by improving bone density there is far less risk of them developing osteoporosis of thinning of the bone.

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What is Yoga and What Should Be the Yoga Company's Vision?

Yoga is designed to improve the health, performance, and mental acuity of athletes or individuals interested in improving their level of fitness. Based on the ancient fitness science of hatha yoga, it blends balance, strength, flexibility and power in a fitness format. Yoga training overcomes the mystery of yoga by delivering a practical, user-friendly style, which is accessible, understandable, and doable by individuals at any level of fitness.

Many people think that yoga is just stretching. But while stretching is certainly involved, yoga is really about creating balance in the body through developing both strength and flexibility. This is done through the performance of poses or postures, each of which has specific physical benefits.There are still a lot of misconceptions about Yoga, for instance, Yoga being a religion. Yoga is not a religion. It is more of a set of techniques for us to find spirituality.

Breathing techniques were developed based on the concept that breath is the source of life. In Yoga, students gain breathing control as they slowly increase their breathing. By focusing on their breathing, they prepare their minds for the next step - Meditation. Yoga has gotten popular over the years and is now known as one of the best ways to stay fit.

The vision of Yoga Companies is to bring Yoga to the public. When mainly 10 percent of the US populace is associated with a health and fitness club, there is a yearning and need to get folks moving is necessary. Yoga is a gift belonging to the body and also the mind. In the flagship Yoga Studio in Hermosa Beach, CA, companies started giving Yoga courses for donation exclusively. The community responded gratefully.

Businesses such as these think that if everyone within the planet offered one hour per week of neighborhood service work, the earth would be a greater place. That is why they call for each and every Yoga Trainee to do 8 hours of practice teaching within a Community Service environment before obtaining a Certificate of Completion. These students have brought the practice and benefits of Yoga to senior citizens in long term care homes, stressed out business professionals, cancer patients and survivors, disabled persons, imprisoned persons, terminally ill individuals, children, mentally challenged people and military servants, only to name some.

The Community Service Program presents the Trainees the means to apply their fresh teaching abilities inside a less stressful environment with an appreciative crowd. As the hundreds of letters we get inside our corporate office, state, volunteering time and effort has proven to be probably the most satisfying experience for a number of our Trainees. This particular yoga company is focused on this function since it advances the fact of giving and sharing without restraint.

This then promotes and supports the philosophy of "Conscious Business." In this Millennium they think that the businesses that are socially responsible will prosper from great will and great karma. Together they are changing the paradigm of what it really signifies to do good business... really good business.

Yogafit has a lot of very informative advice in all aspects of yoga teacher training, poses and everything else. She also has a number of conferences several times a year, a very popular yoga DVD and is known yoga guru and mogul around the world.

Yoga: Three Reasons You Should Not Do Yoga Posture - Crow

The Crow - (Kakasana, sometimes called Bakasana)

"Kaka" means crow (a large black bird with a loud cry) and "Baka" means crane (a tall water bird with very long legs). The body in this pose resembles that of a bird, thus the names, crane or crow.

The Crow is a moderate inverted balancing posture, which builds strength in the upper extremities (arms, forearms, elbow joints, hands, wrists, clavicle, and scapula) and gives you the confidence to begin work with the Headstand and the Handstand. The Crow requires courage (to risk falling on your nose) and hip flexibility (to bring the thighs alongside the chest).

The Crow is one of the yoga poses that actually looks a lot harder than it really is and it requires much more coordination, concentration and awareness than the muscular strength in the upper arms.

As you hold this asana the chest is immobilized so that you can only breathe abdominally. Remember to keep your attention on the breath because this asana brings the habit of holding the breath as you focus on the balancing act.

This asana reinforces the arm, shoulder and abdominal muscles, wrists and the upper torso. It stretches and lubricates the joints, tendons and ligaments of the upper body. It tones the abdominal organs and opens the groins.

The Crow pose increases both physical and mental balance, concentration and tranquility. It balances the nervous system, brings lightness to the body and prepares the mind for meditation.

Although the Crow pose gives us tremendous benefits for the mind and the body, in some health conditions this pose is not safe to be performed.

Three important reasons not to do Crow:

1) Do not practice this pose if you have a carpal tunnel syndrome

(It is compression of the median nerve at the wrist, which may result in numbness, tingling, weakness, or muscle atrophy in the hand and fingers. The disease typically affects the thumb, index, and middle fingers and is often particularly troublesome at night).

2) In any stage of pregnancy do not attempt this pose.

3) If you have high blood pressure, avoid this asana.

Caution: Always check with your doctor if you have any doubts or concerns regarding the suitability of this pose for you.

Issued in the interest of people practicing Hatha Yoga by Subodh Gupta, Yoga Expert based in London.

Mr. Subodh Gupta, a Corporate Yoga Trainer has conducted more than 500 workshops on Yoga and Stress Management. He has been interviewed by various TV channels in India and London.

For reaching to Subodh Gupta Yoga website http://www.subodhgupta.com/ and for Subodh Gupta Corporate yoga webpage http://www.subodhgupta.com/corporateyoga.html

Yoga: Three Reasons You Should Not Do Yoga Posture - Monkey Pose (the Split)

The Split - (Hanumanasana or Monkey Pose)

Be patient! It usually takes a long time to master this posture.

Hanumanasana is dedicated to Hanuman, a powerful monkey-faced God from India's great epic, the 'Ramayana' and his famous leap across the sea from the southern tip of India to the island of Sri Lanka to rescue Sita, the Rama's wife. Hanuman is known for his devotion to Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Vishnu and this pose honors that devotion.

Commonly referred to as the split, Hanumanasana, is one of the most challenging poses in Hatha yoga practice, because it demands two seemingly opposite actions in the pelvis. While one leg is moving in a forward direction, the other leg is moving backwards. Although it may appear that flexibility is the main requirement to perform the split, strength is a necessity in mastering this position safely.

The Split tones the leg muscles and improves flexibility and blood circulation in the legs and hips. It massages the abdominal organs and tones the reproductive system.

Be careful! This posture is an intense hamstring stretch. Only come down as far as is comfortable. Practice this posture on a bare floor without a sticky mat.

The excellent preparation for the full split posture is to begin in a basic lunge and then shift the hips back, until the front leg is straight and the back leg is bent. Then try to shift forward and back, in and out of the lunge, until the two actions begin to feel complementary. At this point you can slide the front leg and back leg as straight as possible, approaching the full split pose.

When both actions are equal, the pose becomes grounded and balanced.

The Split gives many wonderful benefits when practiced safely and patiently. However, in same health conditions the Split posture is not recommended to perform.

Three important reasons not to do the Split:

1) In case of dislocation of a hip do not attempt this posture.

2) Anyone suffering from slipped disc and sciatica should avoid this posture.

3) If you are suffering from groin or hamstring injuries do not do this posture.

Caution: Always check with your doctor if you have any doubts or concerns regarding the suitability of this pose for you. The reader of this article should exercise all precautions before deciding to attempt this posture and the responsibility lies solely with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

Issued in the interest of people practicing Hatha Yoga by Subodh Gupta, Yoga Expert based in London.

Mr.Subodh Gupta, a Corporate Yoga Trainer has conducted more than 500 workshops on Yoga and Stress Management. He has been interviewed by various TV channels in India and London.

For reaching to Subodh Gupta Yoga website http://www.subodhgupta.com/ and for Subodh Gupta Corporate yoga webpage http://www.subodhgupta.com/corporateyoga.html