Yoga Teacher Training Aspects - Teach your Students about Tranquility

Yoga has been shrouded in mysticism for thousands of years. This is not a bad thing, as the goals of Yoga are far beyond the pictures you see on the covers of Yoga magazines today. So, what are the real goals of Yoga?

Should you go into a long speech about Atman (the soul or true self), and the divine cosmic being (Brahman) becoming one? To be honest, I did once see a Yoga teacher go into an "elevator speech" about the union of self and the "Absolute," but he successfully scared his prospective students away, before their first lesson.

In a nut shell, there are many goals of Yoga, but make it simple for people who walk in the door. Just say: "Tranquility" and they will understand. Tranquility is just one word, which thoroughly explains what a student should be able to expect from his or her first Yoga class, and the following classes, as well.

The initial benefits of physically-oriented classes are balance, muscle tone, improved circulation, and a sense of well being. These are the most basic benefits of Hatha Yoga practice, and they yield a sense of harmony with the world around us.

So, when do you tell them about all the other fantastic benefits? Please let your students "enjoy the ride," as you did. Just because you can show them the deeper aspects, does not mean it is time to do so. Let them develop a sense of self-observance, bliss, wholeness, and tranquility, without all the dogma.

The Yoga teacher's mission is to guide students, when they need our help. We can accomplish this by letting them breathe and practice beyond the classroom. This is the only way a student can become self-sufficient. We cannot hover over our students like concerned foster parents, because we would take away their joy of discovering.

Ultimately, the best students will discover the "teacher within them." When this is accomplished, our students have learned the meaning of "Union." At this point, the student is seriously dedicated to his or her personal practice. Then, the serious questions will come, because an advanced student of Yoga will experience self-realization and spiritual growth.

If the questions do not come to you, do not worry about it. If a teacher constantly chatters, with free advice, no one will listen, because it is free. Loving parents also make this mistake, because they want to protect their children, but free advice is often ignored. Yoga teachers are no different. Keep your explanations simple and show your students the way - when they are ready.

© Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. aurawellnesscenter.com aurawellnesscenter.com He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive a Free Yoga e-Book: "Yoga in Practice," and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

What to Look for When Hiring a Yoga Teacher (Part 1)

How can you tell which Yoga teacher is the best fit for your health club, ashram, spa, or wellness studio? Does it depend on a particular diploma, style of Yoga, or who their Guru was? Let's go over a bit of credential history and a checklist for finding the ideal Yoga teacher.

Lately, there has been a scramble amongst Yoga teachers to gain higher credentials. This is understandable because Yoga became much more of a mainstream pursuit. As Yoga became more and more popular, many experienced Yoga teachers found themselves "out of the loop."

Some Yoga teachers, with decades of Yoga teaching experience, had no credentials, diploma, or "paper trail." The "paper chase" was on, and when it came to credentials, a new "playing field" had been created.

With all the liability suits out there, credentials have become very important, even in Yoga. Credentials make liability insurance much easier to get. Therefore, all Yoga teachers have to jump through the new "flaming hoops."

What Guru or Yoga Master trains the best teachers? Competence has little to do with who a Yoga teacher's Guru - is or was. The Guru is not teaching this Yoga teacher's class. The real question is: How will this Yoga teacher perform within your facility?

Have you ever met a graduate from an "elite" college who was an under achiever? Of course, and we have all seen over achievers from colleges, which are not as prestigious. You might also want to think about the many over achievers who never went to college.

Is there a particular style that trains Yoga teachers the best? Not really, most Yoga teacher training programs, of all styles, produce competent Yoga teachers. To credit one particular style, would take away the credibility of the rest. However, if, for example, you are looking to establish a Yoga class that is vigorous, you might seek out teachers from particularly vigorous Yoga styles.

Most Yoga teachers do a very good job of teaching, but students of any subject will always think more fondly of a particular teacher. This is human nature to make comparisons, but there are much larger issues when it comes to teaching skills and making your best selection.

The real issues, and skills, that count when hiring a Yoga teacher, are safety, compassion, communication, assisting, alignment, listening, modifications, ethics and continuing education.

© Copyright 2005 - 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. 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. yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

Yoga and Neck Problems: What's the Risk?

Firstly, a Yoga student, who has such a serious ailment, should get their doctor's permission before starting to practice Yoga with a teacher. If possible, get a doctor's referral to a particular Yoga teacher, who is more knowledgeable in this area. Many doctors often network with local Yoga teachers, studios, and ashrams, for the benefit of their patients.

Chair Yoga classes may be advisable in some instances. Yoga postures practiced during chair Yoga classes will not put pressure on the neck. It is also wise to find a teacher who has been thoroughly trained in the use of props, modifications, and completely understands your ailment.

Find a Yoga teacher who is understanding, gentle, and knowledgeable. At that point, set up an interview with your prospective Yoga teacher, and explain your ailment in detail. The methods, personalities, knowledge, and patience, of instructors who are teaching Yoga, will vary.

Some of the poses that I would not recommend would be: Sirsasana (Headstand); Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand); Halasana (Plow Posture); or any other posture that could cause severe compression on the cervical vertebrae (neck). Also, your doctor should be made aware of any "risky" movements and positions performed in a Yoga class, such as, chin locks, neck rolls, and fingers clasped behind the neck.

You will find it is important not to do any exercises or postures that hurt, even a little bit. Pain is your body's way of telling you, "not to do that" and "stop now." The Yoga exercises, that will help you the most, are those where you will feel a smooth and gentle stretch. If you don't feel a gentle stretch, I suspect those Yoga poses are not doing you much good.

If any Yoga exercises hurt at all, stop doing them immediately. I have yet to see a student, patient, or client, benefit from doing any Yoga pose that caused pain. To continue further on this point: Any treatment, of any kind, (Chiropractic, massage, physical therapy, or Yoga), should be with the goal of less pain. Why do it, at all, if you are going to be in more pain?

Learning Yoga for a serious condition, such as a neck ailment, should be practiced under maximum supervision of a competent Yoga teacher. I would suggest at least one private lesson before trying a group Yoga class. A Yoga teacher may suggest, at least, a few private Yoga sessions, so that the student understands all the safety guidelines.

As educational as Yoga videos are, they are no substitution for the guidance of a competent Yoga instructor.

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. yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

Spending Time at a Muay Thai Training Camp

If you are looking forward to go on a fitness trip then joining a Muay Thai training Camp in Phuket, Thailand would be a great idea. Indulge in an exhaustive training program in a lovely ambiance and get the experience of your life!

If you are martial art lover or if you are planning to take up any combat sport as a hobby then you must visit the tropical island of Phuket in Thailand at least once. Muay Thai is growing as a sport each day and what can be a better place to learn it than the country where it originated from. Though many 'Muay Thai' training camps have come up in other countries as well, still Phuket is considered as a heaven for enthusiasts of this sport. The increasing number of camps in Phuket region shows the mounting popularity not only among the aborigines but also among people coming from all parts of the world.

Spending time at a Muay Thai training camp in Phuket can be exhaustive but at the same time fascinating. Most of the people around you will be involved in kickboxing and other exercises included in Muay Thai for at least 6 hours per day and 6 days per week. When played in the ring it is considered one of the deadliest sports. So you need to be really tough and strong!

So how does a day at such a camp look like? Let us have a close look. A member of a Muay Thai training camp, Phuket wakes up at around 7-8 am and does some warm exercises like skipping, running, weight training and stretching or even yoga.

Next, they are made to do some technical exercises directly linked to the sport such as kickboxing, shadow boxing, heavy bag kicking, clinching and sparring etc. The schedule in most camps is divided into 2 parts 2-3 hours in the morning and 2-3 hours in the evening. When you are a novice it may be a little difficult for you to adjust, but as time goes on, gradually this strenuous schedule will become a part and parcel of your life. The fitness training program includes teaching the trainees ring skills and disciplines which they would require during professional fights.

If you do not plan to take up Muay Thai as a professional activity and are just interested in engaging in this activity as a hobby, training camps in Thailand especially Phuket ensure that they are worth the amount you are spending on them. Some reasons to go for these camps are- weight loss, fitness training, and mental stimulation and even to throw away addictions.

3 months is the ideal time to spend n a Muay Thai training camp to turn into a professional fighter. Even in 1 or 2 months you will be able to observe miraculous results and your physique as well as mental fitness will not go unnoticed once you return to your home.

When you look for a kickinitmuaythai.com Muay Thai training Thailand, Phuket is a natural choice among locations. Make the right investment by choosing a reputed camp for yourself and enjoy the sun and the wonderful beaches as you train in a kickinitmuaythai.com Muay Thai Training Camp Phuket.

Mindfulness and Contemplation: New Ways to Navel Gaze

There's been a lot of talk about navels in our house lately. You see, my youngest daughter is asking to get hers pierced, and we are saying no--for now. So, naturally, I have been noticing navels more than usual.

The term "navel-gazing" means indulgent contemplation, and that's an interesting concept. Is it possible to be indulgent when it comes to contemplation? Can we get TOO caught up in it?

I'm not too worried about over-contemplation. As long as we are mindful, we aren't likely to overdo anything. What we CAN overdo is our insistence upon a certain contemplative practice as our only hope for greater mindfulness, our tenacious grasping of a particular style, or our adamant belief that mindfulness can or should be limited in any way.

Frankly, I think we could do with a whole lot more contemplation, and if contemplating a navel (pierced or otherwise) inspires mindfulness, it seems we should celebrate that.

The traditional contemplative practices include a variety of activities, such as meditation, mindful walking, mindful eating, yoga, creating art, and writing a journal. But contemplation comes in all shapes and sizes, and if surfing or raking leaves or shooting baskets or giving yourself a pedicure helps you tap into that Wow of Wonder, then focus on THAT.

The good news is that there is no need to add a new activity to your to-do list. You are already doing many activities that, with intention, can become perfect twigs on that Tree of Contemplative Practices.

Nothing woo-woo is required here. Think about everyday opportunities for greater awareness. What are your own little moments of fascination or centering? Seemingly mundane tasks--scrubbing the tub, washing the car, setting the table--are full of possibilities for contemplation.

Be creative with this use-what-you-have approach to mindfulness! Don't feel pressure to adopt a traditional contemplative practice if cleaning your horse's stall or pulling weeds helps you tap into that inner wisdom.

In fact, I'd say that those who use everyday activities as opportunities for greater mindfulness are far more likely to find moments of quiet awareness on a daily basis than those who view contemplative practices as a unique category of experiences.

It's not the activity, it's the intention. Zero in on that. Choose to pay attention, and you've got yourself some mobile mindfulness that you can take with you wherever you go.

Sort of like your navel.

Maya Talisman Frost has taught thousands of people how to pay attention. Her playful, eyes-wide-open approach to mindfulness has been featured in over 150 publications worldwide. To read her free tips and tricks for practical awareness, visit Real-WorldMindfulness.com Real-WorldMindfulness.com

Vacation, Training & Travel Survival Tips For Your Fitness

My better half, Roger & I jut got back from a 'road trip vacation. We drove from Reno,NV to Bend, Oregon, up through the Oregon Wine Country to Portland down the coast of Oregon. One day in between, we flew to Napa for the release of our favorite wine, returned to the Oregon Coast and decided that we wanted to go back to the California Wine Country so we drove to Healdsburg and spent a couple of days. Then it was on to San Francisco for a few days. San Francisco, one of our favorite cities, was having their premiere Food & Wine Festival that I have been looking forward to for months.

I am a foodie & a friend of fitness - some of my friends call me a fitness fanatic... The truth of matter is that I am a food and fitness fanatic, and thank goodness I do train and get lots of exercise because I am truly a foodie at heart! I am writing a healthy gourmet cook book, so any time that I can get in contact with chefs, I am there!

You see, folks, fitness fanatics are people too and I am all too aware of what all this traveling and eating in restaurants can do to can do to my health & fitness regimen. Here is what I am doing to keep things in control - hopefully some of these travel tips can help with your next vacation!

I created my own little portable 'mini-gym'. Here's how:

*I bought a little DVD player that fits into my computer bag - HURRAY!! It was inexpensive (under the $50) & I think it has saved me! I had my current favorite exercise video, P90X with me! I have been setting up my little DVD player in every hotel room or hotel gym. And what a work out it is - a real calorie burner with real results!

* I have my exercise bands with me. Some of the hotels that we stayed in have a gym & weights and some don't - my Beachbody Bands are portable and get the job done! I'm so glad I bought them & have them with me!

*I rolled up my yoga mat and packed it in my suitcase, it went everywhere with us. A person has to stretch, it's imperative for a healthy body.

With that pretty much under control, now it gets tougher - diet. Here's how we have handled it: We eat primarily organic and locally farmed foods. Roger & I love doing business with the small farmer that grows organics! We are lucky to have lots at farmer's markets in the Reno area...Luckily, we have found LOTS of restaurants that have organics and deal with local farmers as well, so the food has been fresh and there have been lots of wonderful vegetables and salads.

 The big tip that I can give you all when it come to the restaurant menu is that there are two options:

1) Split a main course with your mate, restaurant plates always have enough food on them for at least two.

2) Make friends with the 'Appetizer' & 'Salad' sections of the menu. An appetizer with a protein like grilled shrimp and a salad is just perfect. On our last night when we happened onto a restaurant that served both a 'full portion' & a 'petite portion' and we were both able to have our own 'petite portion' -- these portions were the same size that I serve at home: 4 -5 ounces of protein with lots of veggies. It was a real treat.

Having followed this regimen during our trip, I was a lot less anxious about meeting up with my scale when we returned home. It's such a great feeling when you don't have what I call 'post-vacation guilt'! My scale and I had our fateful meeting and not an ounce gained! I felt like I had just won a big race - that feeling someplace between great satisfaction and relief. It just goes to show you that if you hold onto your small daily disciplines that even a foodie can be and stay fit!

To learn more about a legitimate home-based business visit: [fit2prospernow.com]. To learn more about the author, Nina Pucillo, visit: fitness-coach-nina.com fitness-coach-nina.com. E-mail Nina at:

Baby and Mommy Yoga - How it Helps You Bond With Your Child

As new mothers struggle to get their lives back on track without compromising the love and attention for their babies, it sometimes gets quite frustrating to accommodate certain simple things into your daily routine such as working out. For a new mother, it is very hard to leave her child in someone else's care and take that time to go to the gym. So the best solution comes in the form of Mommy and Baby yoga classes that are nowadays offered throughout the USA at a number of leading health and fitness institutes.

Yoga not only helps to get back in shape postpartum, but also provides good and quality bonding time for the mother and child. In addition it also restores flexibility and strength for the new mom. The primary focus in a mommy and baby class is placed on the movements and breathing tips that are advantageous to new moms. Instructors play an emphasis on strengthening the back, abdomen and pelvic floor muscles, as these are the ones that get traumatized the most during pregnancy and childbirth. Close attention is also paid to relieving tension from the shoulder, neck, back and arms that could be troubling for new moms that have to carry the extra weight of a new baby.

The most beneficial part of these sessions though lies in the amount of time spent in close contact with your newborn child. In particular, working mothers really prefer to enroll in these classes, as they get to spend time stimulating the baby's senses and most classes offer a routine of massaging the baby along with toning their own bodies. For stay at home moms, these mommy baby classes provide the opportunity of getting out of the house and spending time with the baby and at the same time relaxing and exercising their own bodies. As these classes are full of other new moms as well, that can provide a good source of outlet for anxious mothers.

The majority of mommy and baby yoga classes present a combination of slow yoga exercises and special breathing techniques that help to counteract the effects that the pregnancy has left on your body. So they help to improve the joint stability that is lessened due to the rapid changes that affect the body during pregnancy and help to strengthen the entire body. Normally these classes offer personalized attention to all participants and are therefore able to lead the women through routines that best suit their physical condition.

Mommy and Baby classes are held in an informal and lively way so that the students do not feel any added stress in their lives. The interruptions provided by the various babies are also welcomed happily, and mothers break up occasionally during class to tend to their baby's needs including feeding, changing or just soothing a fussy baby.

Most organizations hold classes that are slow paced and really easy to follow even without prior yoga experience. For women who already have advanced yoga training, more strenuous sessions are also available at some gyms. So depending on your needs and requirements, you can find a class close to you throughout the USA.

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