Posts Tagged ‘Yoga studios’

Teaching Private Yoga in a Student’s Home

Friday, October 14th, 2011

yoga teacher trainingBy Faye Martins

Many yoga teachers are exploring creative ways to expand their current clientele, and one method that is seeing a surge in popularity is the private in-home yoga class. This has worked for personal trainers for decades, so why shouldn’t it work for yoga? As great as this new teaching opportunity is, there are some pros and cons that should be taken into consideration to ensure a fair deal for teacher and student alike.

When setting fees for private in-home classes, care must be taken to make it worth your while as a teacher. Initially, it might seem like teaching yoga in the home of a student is basically the same as teaching in the studio, but travel and setup time should be accounted for. Even driving just a few miles each way can easily end up taking a significant amount of time. Gas prices are also an issue, and may limit the geographical range a teacher is able to serve. In order to be worthwhile for a teacher, the rate per private class should cover mileage and travel time, in addition to compensating for time that could have been spent teaching an entire class of paying students.

Most students understand the need for higher costs, and are more than willing to pay a fair amount for the undivided, individualized experience that a private class offers.

Teaching private yoga in a home is a very different experience than teaching in a studio. Yoga studios have lots of free, open space that is perfect for laying out yoga mats and getting right to work. Few homes have rooms devoid of furnishings, and this physical and visual clutter will need to be worked around. Most rooms have ample space for one individual to practice yoga, but they may not have enough room for two. Routines will be established within the first few private classes, and this will make future classes run smoother and faster.

Pets can be another potential obstacle that yoga teachers may have to deal with when teaching a private class in a student’s home. It is not unreasonable to request that students kindly crate their dogs prior to the start of the private class, and this will prevent any unpleasant run-ins between the yoga teacher and territorial dogs.

Offering private yoga classes gives yoga teachers the opportunity to teach a wider variety of students. Many shy and private individuals are too uncomfortable to attend a yoga class, but would love to have the instruction needed to go deeper into the practice. Private yoga classes fill this need. As the West continues to embrace yoga in the years to come, in-home private yoga classes will become more and more commonplace. Teachers who embrace this trend will help bring yoga to more people than ever before.

© Copyright 2011 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

To see our selection of Online Yoga teacher training courses, please visit the following link.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/

FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter. FREE Yoga Videos. Free Podcasts. Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, 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, including the resource box above. Namaste!

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Posted in Recent Articles, Yoga teacher issues | No Comments »

Yoga Props Are Worthless

Monday, September 12th, 2011

yoga teacher trainingBy Narendra Maheshri 

The following opinions about yoga props are my own. My purpose is not to stir up hostility, but to point out a line of thinking that runs contrary to popular thought in many yoga studios at this time. I also wish to thank Aura Wellness Center for giving me permission to state my side of this issue, which is in opposition to the proliferation of props in yoga classes.

As we know, yoga combines physical, mental, and spiritual aspects. The combination of these traits helps us to attain not only flexibility and strength, but also spiritual insight and tranquility. Yoga and its practices have been around for centuries and have been performed by many. New age yoga usually involved a group of people with an instructor. This new style of yoga, along with yoga props, is not needed.

Figures were found at the Indus Valley Civilization depicting images of men in different positions. Those positions are extremely similar to common practices and poses of yoga that are acted out today. Furthermore, ancient Buddhist writings are probably the earliest texts describing people meditating. Furthermore, these practices existed even before the Buddha. It is important to note that these early practices of what we now know to be commercialized yoga were all acted out in many different places and times.

It is fair to assume that the earliest days of yog were done outdoors. No matter what the weather was, people performed yoga without any props involved. There were no mats, there were no blocks, there were no bands; rather there were just simply people with no props. These people used other practices and aspects of yoga such as meditation to overtake them and lead to a very beneficial session. These people were very much in touch with their inner energies and connections, a practice that is sometimes lost in today’s yoga.

Rather than using props, people need to realize what yoga truly is. Too many people focus on the physical aspects of yoga. While those are important, they are not the end all of yoga; rather mental and spiritual aspects are equally as important but unfortunately overlooked. The entire yoga experience is intended to shape the individual and give the person performing the yoga more balance. Again this balance is not only physical, but it is also mental and spiritual.

Yoga should be carried out as it was intended to. It was created with focus and energy and was performed in any time and any place. Without distraction props such as mats and blocks people need to get back to performing yoga the way it was intended to. Once props are eliminated, the individual will be able to focus on all of the aspects of yoga that make it what it is and truly bring balance to all parts of his/her life.

© Copyright 2011 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

To see our selection of Online Yoga teacher training courses, please visit the following link.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/

FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter. FREE Yoga Videos. Free Podcasts. Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, 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, including the resource box above. Namaste!

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Posted in Yoga Props | No Comments »

Restoring Emotional Balance with Yoga Exercises

Saturday, August 13th, 2011

yoga certificationBy Faye Martins

In times of great change and uncertainty, almost everyone experiences feelings of anxiety and stress. While circumstances are often beyond our control, the way we handle them is not. Research has proven that carrying negative emotions for long periods of time can have adverse effects on physical and mental health. One of the oldest and most effective ways to release blocked feelings and calm the body is the ancient practice of yoga.

Every one of us has personal challenges in life. Some people have far more problems than we do, but they still move forward and greet us with a smile. I see happy people in yoga studios and ashrams. So, what is the secret? Yoga is many things, but it is also a system that teaches us coping strategies for life’s challenges.

Yoga can be literally translated as the union of body, mind, and spirit; and its eight branches are closely intertwined. Although best known in modern society for its physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation, yoga is actually a spiritual practice that encompasses everything from integrity and compassion to concentration and balance. Regardless of how it is practiced, the basic tenets work together to enhance emotional stability, physical stamina, and mental clarity.

Changes made in the mind are manifested in the body, and changes made in the body are manifested in the mind and spirit. A variety of studies have shown the benefits of yoga exercises on emotional stability:

• Research in Scandinavia measured the effect of yoga on brain waves and found that both alpha and theta waves increased after a session of yoga. This means that the brain is not only calmer, but it has greater access to subconscious emotions, as well.

• A study published in an Indian journal found that people who practiced yoga for ten months showed a decrease in depression both during and after the months of their participation.

• Clinical studies at the University of Wisconsin found that meditation increases the action of the prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain associated with increased immunity and sense of well-being.

• An article in www.beliefnet.com lists the benefits of yoga in helping teens manage the physical, emotional, and mental changes occurring during adolescence.

Jon Kabat-Zinn, well-known author and meditation teacher, says: “when you practice yoga…your perspective on your body, your thoughts, and your whole sense of self can change…” During the practice of Yoga poses, the body can recall long-forgotten memories and release them, bringing emotional balance and restoring health.

© Copyright 2011 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

To see our selection of Online Yoga teacher training courses, please visit the following link.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/

FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter. FREE Yoga Videos. Free Podcasts. Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, 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, including the resource box above. Namaste!

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Posted in Yoga for Emotional Health | No Comments »

Practicing Meditation and Affirmations

Saturday, July 23rd, 2011

online yoga teacher trainingBy Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Practicing meditation and affirmations are two of the most powerful ways to change lives, but research suggests that they are even more effective when used together. In 2004, neuroscientists used brain scans to show that meditation can actually change the way the mind works. The study compared two groups of people during meditation – inexperienced college students and Buddhist monks with over 10,000 hours of practice. All of the participants were asked to generate a feeling of compassion toward the universe while meditating.

Results showed that the monks underwent an increase in the production of gamma waves, in levels up to 30 times that of the other participants. The left prefrontal cortex – the seat of positive emotions – lit up with activity, swamping the activity of the right frontal cortex – the seat of negative emotions. Surprisingly, the brains of the monks had been trained through meditation to respond with compassion when they saw suffering. This means that the mind can actually be trained to respond in certain ways, just as the body can be trained to do Yoga or Qigong.

How Meditation and Affirmations Work Together

• The conscious mind, or the logical, thinking part of the brain, does tasks, such as solving math problems or reading maps. It represents the moments when the brain waves are in a beta state or wide awake. This is the time when the mind is focused, tense, alert, or worried; and it can hold no more than six or seven pieces of information at one time.

• The subconscious mind is the part of the brain that makes associations and determines reactions. It contains fear, wishes, worry, habits, and personality traits. The conscious mind, in a waking state, does not easily allow access to the subconscious. For affirmations to be effective, they must bypass the conscious mind and enter the subconscious mind.

• The subconscious is most susceptible to suggestions when relaxed, or just before falling asleep, or waking up – the alpha and theta brainwave states. Because it cannot distinguish between reality and fantasy, the subconscious can be successfully re-programmed with affirmations and visualizations at these times.

Conclusion

In addition to visualization, and traditional styles of meditation, music with binaural beats is sometimes used to induce alpha brainwaves. Inquire with local Yoga teachers about the amount of time they address meditation in a typical class. Some Yoga studios have specific meditation classes. Some audio recordings even contain subliminal affirmations. However, regardless of the style or place chosen, everyone can benefit from practicing meditation and affirmations.

© Copyright 2011 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

To see our complete selection of Yoga teacher training courses, please feel free to visit the following link.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/Teacher-Courses/

FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter. FREE Yoga Videos. Free Podcasts. Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, 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, including the resource box above. Namaste!

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Posted in meditation, Yoga and Meditation | 1 Comment »

Low Cost Yoga on a Budget

Thursday, March 17th, 2011

yoga certificationBy Amruta Kulkarni, CYT 250

With surging gas prices and an uncertain economy, stress is part of everyday life. Yoga is a great antidote, but sometimes the people who need classes the most are unable to pay for them. Others see Yoga sessions as a luxury, when times get tough. Believe it, or not, there are ways to enjoy the benefits while staying within the budget.

For those who have experience, a mat and a pillow may be all it takes to start a regular Yoga practice at home. Setting aside a designated time and getting together with friends help to establish routines and encourage motivation. Videos, streaming television channels, and podcasts provide low-cost options with a variety of styles and challenges.

Even an illustrated book can do the job. Some online websites offer free instruction, guided meditations, and breathing exercises. Yoga Journal, for example, not only has general articles and videos; but it categorizes exercises according to anatomy, therapeutic benefits, levels of difficulty, and contraindications. Also included are helpful tips, safety procedures, and modifications for advanced postures. Other websites cater to particular kinds of Yoga, and Aura Wellness Center covers the gamut.

Traditional options are still popular, and most communities have one or more organizations that provide enrichment courses at relatively low prices. The YMCA is a classic, and so are adult education and community colleges. As Yoga becomes more widely accepted, many churches and hospitals are cashing in on the benefits, as well.

Even senior centers and homeowner associations have on site classes for their members. Free or inexpensive Yoga classes are sometimes offered on beaches or in parks. These are usually advertised in holistic publications and often carry the added bonus of meeting like-minded people and spending time in nature – another way of reducing stress.

Online networks, such as Aura wellness center, are good places to look for free Yoga videos. Visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/category/videos/

Low cost Yoga is a reality.  Some neighborhoods have Yoga groups that meet informally and charge no fees. If there is no local get-together, starting one is free and easy. All it takes are a few interested people and a place to meet. Often members host in their homes, and these gatherings become social gatherings.

Last but not least, some Yoga studios periodically offer free classes to the community. Others give discounts for monthly memberships or package deals, and a few Yoga centers have a sliding scale for fees in extenuating circumstances.

It is always a good idea to have a knowledgeable person to guide you into new Yoga techniques and to make sure that everything is being done safely and properly. However, many gentle stretches and simple postures can safely be self-taught. With a little ingenuity and effort, anyone can afford to take up Yoga.

© Copyright 2011 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

To see our selection of Online Yoga teacher certification courses, please visit the following link.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/

FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter. FREE Yoga Videos. Free Podcasts. Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, 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, including the resource box above. Namaste!

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Posted in About Yoga | No Comments »

Teaching Yoga As a Profession – Consultants and Mentors

Sunday, January 3rd, 2010

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Not so long ago, Yoga teachers, in the West, taught small groups of dedicated students in basements, garages, lofts, backyards, barns, or any other place that was convenient. As seasons changed, the location of the Yoga class would have to change too.

For example: If you live in a northern climate, practicing Yoga in a barn might not be suitable as winter approaches. The same would be true if you live in an area where temperatures exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit, during the summer months. Students, who can accept extreme temperatures and inconveniences, are the exception, but not the rule.

As Yoga classes grew in the West, classes moved into Yoga studios, large ashrams, fitness centers, spas, and large public areas. Suddenly, Yoga became something that teachers could devote their whole day to. As a result, some part-time Yoga teachers became full-time teachers.

It was not uncommon to see Yoga teachers gathering in local book stores, libraries, and ashrams. The reason for these daytime gatherings was networking, mentoring, learning, and sharing information. Along came the Internet, with instant access to resources for teachers, such as videos, forums, Blogs, and podcasts.

Suddenly, there was a need for business consulting, Yoga coaches, and online mentors of teachers. Where would a Yoga instructor start to search for a trainer of teachers? The place he or she graduated from might be a logical choice, if that trainer would share business and marketing knowledge.

If that option was not open, there were still a number of alternatives available, but let’s leap frog into the present. If you are looking for a Yoga teacher consultant or coach, you may want to make certain you are getting reliable knowledge. Consider the following criteria before hiring a consultant or coach that specializes in working with Yoga teachers.

Is the coach in question a Yoga teacher?

The person you hire may be a great consultant for local restaurants, but Yoga students are not exactly the same as a restaurant owner’s customers. Dedicated students are not motivated by the same methods as customers.

Has the coach in question ever owned a successful Yoga studio or ashram?

If he or she previously owned a large and successful chain of gas stations, would that information be relevant? Almost every adult has purchased gasoline, at least once, because he/she had to – unless they lived right next to their place of employment, didn’t transport their children, have their food and clothing delivered, or own a $100,000 electric car. On the other hand, some studies indicate the majority of American adults never participated in one Yoga class.

If you live in Colorado or California, you may find it hard to believe, but a large percentage of American adults are still sitting on the couch. How do you get them off the couch and make them realize the rewards of good health? In truth, it is a lot easier to sell them discount gasoline; especially right now.

Does the coach in question have any experience with teaching Yoga or running a studio in a tough economy?

Economic trends tend to change. Lately, it seems as if we see economic changes every 10 -15 years. If your coach has been successfully teaching Yoga since the early 90′s, you are getting reliable information.

© Copyright 2010 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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