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What to Look for When Hiring a Yoga Teacher (Part 2)

Saturday, May 2nd, 2009

Safety is a number one priority. Yoga teachers, who take risks with their students, put your business at risk. The Yoga teacher, who physically abuses, his or her students, is not in the right profession.

Compassion is more than diplomacy and popularity, but these are a big help. When a Yoga teacher has compassion, the class is motivated to come back to the next Yoga class. This is a “win-win” situation for any facility, which employs compassionate Yoga instructors.

Communication is more than good cueing skills. Students learn primarily by seeing, listening, and feeling. One of these senses will be more dominant than the rest. A competent Yoga teacher will be able to reach all of these types of students.

Cueing is a skill refined by describing specifically how the body moves from one posture to the next. This is the hardest communication skill for most Yoga teachers to master.

Assisting is another communication skill, but must be applied gently, and with knowledge of alignment. Yoga teachers should ask for permission before making an assist. Otherwise, this can lead to misunderstandings. Assisting is great, but should not take over the entire class.

Demonstrating is very important. Some Yoga instructors like to walk around and cue. This is fine for part of the class, but what about the Yoga student who learns visually? This student is looking around at the Yoga teacher and everyone else.

Knowledge of alignment is not hard to learn, but some teachers get carried away with “their own demonstration” and forget about everyone in the room. If a Yoga student is showing poor posture, it should be corrected.

Listening does not seem like a “big deal,” but what about the Yoga teacher who doesn’t listen to his or her students? For example: A student has a problem in the L-5 area and the Yoga teacher decides to push the lower back a little. This could also be a lack of compassion, but some Yoga teachers do not listen to their students at all.

Modifications for beginners, older students, or those who have limited range of motion, due to skeletal compression are very important. The Yoga teacher, who makes no allowance for these conditions, also puts your facility at risk. Therefore, all Yoga teachers should know how to use props and have a good grasp of body mechanics.

Lack of teacher ethics can put you out of business. We are all aware of the consequences of harassment suits, so we do not have to go too deeply on this one. The best Yoga teachers treat everyone fair and equally. Discrimination of any kind is wrong and very costly.

Continuing education is important in any field, and Yoga is no different. Yoga teachers should stay current in their knowledge of safety, modifications, anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology. They should also learn how to keep Yoga classes interesting with fresh ideas. In turn, this keeps members coming back for more.

Therefore, the best selection is a Yoga teacher with a balance of all these factors. The one dimensional Yoga teacher is not an optimum fit for any organization. Within this current climate of liability suits, safety is the most important factor of all.

Lastly, ask each Yoga candidate do an audition, and do not hire him or her until you have been part of the Yoga class. Always remember, “Seeing is believing” and “talk is cheap.”

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

[tags]Yoga teacher training, Yoga certification, teach Yoga, Yoga instructor, Yoga teacher, Yoga course[/tags]

Tags: teach yoga, Yoga certification, Yoga course, Yoga instructor, Yoga teacher, Yoga teacher training
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Yoga Teachers, Prepare for the New Year’s Rush – Part 3

Thursday, April 30th, 2009

This is the last article of this series, and by now, you should be getting some fresh ideas that will help you design a couple of new Yoga classes in your studio.

Yoga on the Ball: This has been around for awhile, but it still can add some excitement to a Yoga class. Whether you use it in a workshop, or to break up a class, the stability ball can put some life into a class.

However, not everyone will like it, especially those students who have difficulty just sitting on one of these balls. Make sure anyone who is unsteady is made aware of the hazards. It is best for some to practice near a wall, or in the corner, for stability. In this case, the wall is a secondary prop. Suzanne Deason has some interesting information on using the “Balance Ball” as a prop, in DVD format

Family Yoga: This is a great concept for most families, but it is worth noting that this type of class can attract some parents who desire to be in control of every aspect of their child’s life. This type of parent will be easily noticed from the start, when he or she corrects their son’s or daughter’s every move.

Therefore, it is best to establish who will do the cueing, assisting, and correcting. One unchecked parent can ruin the entire class. Kids acting like kids are understandable, but when parents act like kids, it is time to put your diplomatic skills to the test. That’s why it would be wise to have guidelines in place.

Partner Yoga for Singles: My wife, Marie, and I taught classes like these, and they do “break the ice.” Helping and assisting someone breaks down all the barriers. This class works better as an occasional workshop.

Laughter Yoga: The first I heard of this was when a friend of mine attended a Laughter Yoga class in Ireland. Some of the Chair Yoga classes I teach have a little humor injected into them. With all the stress people get these days, this is a stress management method that will allow Yoga students to be less serious about everyday situations.

Pet Yoga: This is a nice idea, but this is for friendly and “house trained” pets, only, unless you teach the class outside. Dog Yoga has been referred to as “Doga.” This is a great workshop concept, as long as there are no hostile pets present.

Chair Yoga: Most of these classes are held at senior centers, assisted living complexes, nursing homes, and physical rehabilitation facilities. It will be hard to establish a following at most Yoga studios, as this group is less mobile and transportation is a big issue.

[tags]Yoga, Yoga teacher, Yoga instructor, Yoga certification, teaching Yoga, Yoga class, Yoga course[/tags]

Tags: teaching Yoga, Yoga, Yoga certification, Yoga class, Yoga course, Yoga instructor, Yoga teacher
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What’s Stopping you from Becoming a Yoga Teacher

Friday, April 17th, 2009

What are some of the common hurdles to becoming a Yoga teacher? What can you do about them? Here’s a way to accomplish your dream of becoming a Yoga teacher, without causing you any stress.

Does the thought of changing careers, to become a Yoga teacher, cause you anxiety? Most people do get nervous when thinking about a career change. Even though teaching Yoga is a gratifying career – leaving the security of your regular job can cause excitement, anticipation, and apprehension.

Teaching Yoga might look a little scary, and you may wonder about getting a regular weekly pay check. Will your income be unsteady? After all, you still have “bills to pay.” So, money may be the biggest cause of turmoil within your mind.

Therefore, you should cautiously venture into teaching Yoga as a “part time hobby.” Have fun and watch your Yoga student memberships grow, without putting any pressure on you. There is no need to “jump in with both feet,” unless you are in a financial position to do so. It is better to take small steps toward your goal of teaching Yoga than to make one giant leap without looking.

Fears can be justified, but you should envision your life from a successful viewpoint first. This will enable you to find rational solutions toward realizing your goals. Fear of failure can paralyze any of us.

Are you guilty of wishful thinking? This is what most people do every day. This is what happens when we have an idea, but take no action. When thinking about becoming a Yoga teacher, or anything else, you need to design a plan.

Your plan should be in writing and should contain a sensible sequence of events. Avoid “settling for less,” when you draw up a plan for your future. If you want to make a career change – think big and take action. Design a low risk plan that progresses in small steps. You will be much more confident in yourself, once you take action.

Design a web site, business cards, letterhead, or Blog, for your Yoga teaching services. These small steps create self confidence and expand your vision. Take note of your strong points, weak points, and educate yourself to “fill any gaps.” Learn everything about Yoga and teaching that you can, while you have the time.

Find Yoga teacher mentors, take Yoga courses, read books, watch Yoga DVD’s, go to workshops, seminars, or Yoga retreats. The only thing that can stop you from becoming a Yoga teacher is inaction.

[tags]Become a Yoga teacher, teach yoga, teaching Yoga, Yoga teacher, Yoga instructor, Yoga certification[/tags]

Tags: Become a Yoga teacher, teach yoga, teaching Yoga, Yoga certification, Yoga instructor, Yoga teacher
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Facts about Successful Yoga Teachers, Part 1

Friday, April 10th, 2009

Should a Yoga teacher take money for classes? How do you define success for a Yoga teacher? Is it your contribution to the common good? Is it by producing successful teachers? Is it by technical prowess? Is it by how many students you have? Or, is it a combination of these factors?

First things first: Are you “selling Yoga?” If you accept a fee for teaching Yoga, no matter how small or large, you are selling Yoga. If you do not like my frank approach to this issue, then teach Yoga for free. This is not a problem, and that is good Karma Yoga.

However, do not open next to a commercially aggressive Yoga studio or ashram. If you decide to do this, you will see your finances “crash and burn” – while your students flock to the wealthy Guru down the street. Yoga students often think that free Yoga is “junk.”

Once upon a time, I taught free Yoga too. It is not easy to explain a passion to your family, which drains your finances and challenges the quality of your life on a daily basis. If you keep teaching Yoga for free, you will lose a lot of sleep, before you live on the street, with the homeless, or finally, start charging for Yoga lessons.

It is amusing when very wealthy Yoga Gurus claim Yoga is not for making money. My answer: “Excuse me, how did you acquire all that wealth?” Why would a rich Yoga Guru lead anyone to think that taking a payment for teaching Yoga is wrong?

This is why we should appreciate Bikram Choudry’s candid remarks. He says what he thinks and makes no secret about living a life of luxury, due to teaching Yoga. At least, he is honest about his ideas, and he is not a hypocrite.

Therefore, if you accept payments from your students, be honest with yourself. You can always use the money to help others, but you need to pay your overhead costs, eat, and sleep with a roof over your head, first.

If you still feel bad about taking money for teaching Yoga, please open a studio down the street from my North Providence location. We will regularly donate toward your meals at the local soup kitchens. I hope you clearly see my point. So, please do not listen to anyone who tells you that taking money for teaching Yoga is wrong.

Whether a Yoga teacher is rich or poor, a successful Yoga teacher does not worry about money – the universe will supply it.

[tags]Yoga, Yoga teacher, yoga instructor, North Providence, Yoga teacher training, yoga certification[/tags]

Tags: North Providence, Yoga, Yoga certification, Yoga instructor, Yoga teacher, Yoga teacher training
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Insider Secrets to the Business of Teaching Yoga, Part 4

Wednesday, April 8th, 2009

The authors, previously mentioned, have more than one motivational audio book out on the market – and this is only the “tip of the iceberg.” Some of their stories will entertain you and give you insight to success. Every Yoga teacher, who succeeds, learns from past failures. It’s less painful to learn from other Yoga instructor’s failures and much less expensive, too.

If you brainstorm with successful Yoga teachers, or people in general, you will find many of them read or listen to inspirational material. They don’t participate in, or listen to, much negative talk, and you can’t afford to either.

As a Yoga teacher, you have to be positive when teaching every Yoga class. Your students will feel negative energy from you, and it is hard for any Yoga teacher to help others if he or she is “feeling down in the dumps.”

Some negative thinkers will tell you to resign yourself to teach Yoga as a hobby. This is what each Yoga teacher should do if he or she doesn’t believe in success. Forget about your dreams, and believe in doom and gloom. You learn worthless concepts like:

“That will never work.”

“You have to be born with money.”

“Life sucks and then you die.”

Enough already! Stay away from these people, who want to shatter your dreams, of being a successful Yoga teacher, and believe in yourself. If you need more audio book or e-Book recommendations; send me an Email. When you develop a positive outlook, you will find yourself surrounded by positive people.

When each of us chooses to study Yoga, and then to teach Yoga; we learn about the many positive components of Yoga. Go back to the basics and cultivate prana. Practice positive meditation and positively visualize your future every day.

Eat a sattvic diet or eat as close as you can to sattvic. In truth, all Yoga teachers must “walk the talk.” When we decide to become a Yoga teacher, we are supposed to be examples of good mental, physical, and spiritual health.

This does not mean we have to have perfect bodies, but all Yoga teachers should be in the best health possible. Otherwise, what kind of a message are we sending to the public at large? Being a good example of health is part of the job description if you decide to teach Yoga.

[tags]Yoga teacher training, how to become a Yoga teacher, Yoga teacher, Yoga instructor, Yoga training[/tags]

Tags: how to become a Yoga teacher, Yoga instructor, Yoga teacher, Yoga teacher training, Yoga training
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Restorative Yoga for Stress Management

Tuesday, March 31st, 2009

We now know that stress contributes to a multitude of ailments, such as: headaches, backaches, high blood pressure, stomach disorders, lowered immunity, muscular tension, depression, heart attack, and much more. Stress is definitely a “killer” and the source of many health problems.

In fact, stress will prevent and distract your body from healing itself. While you are feeling “stressed out”, your body and mind make dealing with stress the number one priority. Your mind and body need to cope with regular maintenance and overall health, on a daily basis, by putting stress on the back burner.

Are you looking for a way to release stress, tension, and pain from your body? Are you tired all the time and feel the need to rest, but you know you should get some exercise? How can you do both? The answer is to start regularly attending Restorative Yoga classes, and reap the rewards of healing without a tremendous amount of effort.

There are many styles of Yoga to choose from. In India, there are nine main styles of Yoga, and Hatha Yoga is just one of them. Hatha Yoga, “the union of physical mastery,” and its many sub-types, are the most popular in the West.

Among the many Hatha styles of Yoga, are traditional and contemporary types of Yoga. Restorative Yoga is classified as a contemporary type of Hatha Yoga. Some might also say that Restorative Yoga is an evolutionary form of Hatha Yoga. The use of props, “sinking into” postures, safety factors, and attention to the internal body, is very rewarding.

This is not usually a class for the vigorous Yoga practitioners who want to move, push, and sometimes strain, in a Yoga posture. Unfortunately, straining will cause long-lasting injuries. Learning Yoga does not have to be a strain or struggle. Restorative Yoga usually attracts a person who is interested in healing his or her body, in the process of attending a Yoga class.

If you have ailments, feel nervous, or are attending your first Restorative Yoga class, you should consult with your Yoga teacher, before class time. Your Yoga teacher may be able to advise you in regard to techniques that will alleviate stress or pain. You can expect that your Yoga teacher will be compassionate and modifications to postures will be taught.

Your body and mind will feel the benefits of relaxing into a Yoga posture. As a result, you be able to balance your life, and feel the benefits of integrating good posture, stillness, movement, relaxation, proper breathing, and meditation.

Every one of these aspects is covered within a typical Restorative Yoga class. So, you can expect to start healing your body and mind during your first Yoga class. You will also continue to keep your priorities in order, while keeping worry, stress, depression, and fatigue on the “back burner.”

[tags]Yoga, Yoga class, learn Yoga, yoga teacher, Yoga instructor, Yoga certification, restorative Yoga[/tags]

Tags: learn Yoga, restorative Yoga, Yoga, Yoga certification, Yoga class, Yoga instructor, Yoga teacher
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Facts about Successful Yoga Teachers, Part 3

Wednesday, March 25th, 2009

Do successful Yoga teachers produce more successful teachers? The short answer is, “Yes, they do.” Tirumalai Krishnamacharya produced many good Yoga teachers, but how many of us could match his accomplishments? Among his many Yoga students are four Master Yoga teachers: Pattabhi Jois, B.K.S. Iyengar, Indra Devi, and T.K.V. Desikachar.

Therefore, most of the Hatha Yoga sub-styles of today have been affected by Tirumalai Krishnamacharya. His legacy has cast a long shadow, and his accomplishments may never be matched. To some, this is success and to others, success is simply helping people with health and well being.

While others, might consider Bikram Choudhury, to be the most successful Yoga teacher of our time. It is said that his style produces, in the neighborhood of, 900 Yoga teachers per year. Not bad, considering he had a serious knee injury as a teen and made quite a come back. He aggressively markets his style of Yoga, has patented his asana sequence, has been in the American “lime light,” and lives a very wealthy life.

So, this is a very different form of success. In his own right, Bikram Choudhury is one of the most successful Yoga teachers of this time, and he has produced many more successful Yoga teachers. Success means many things to many people, and we each have a different viewpoint of the meaning of success. Success can be easily classified into physical, mental, spiritual, and material categories.

What about Yoga teachers who demonstrate technical prowess? Yes, a Yoga teacher who understands alignment should be successful. Unfortunately, perfect alignment is not abundant. The human body has many imperfections, and this can be a struggle if a Yoga teacher becomes a perfectionist.

This can sometimes affect the ego of a Yoga teacher for the worst. The teaching style should still be compassionate – when assisting or demonstrating Yoga techniques. When an instructor of Yoga becomes arrogant and self-absorbed, he or she will start to lose students, among many other things.

Is success measured by how many Yoga students you have? To put it simply: “No.” Many successful Yoga teachers have small schools, but their agenda is not materially based. They enjoy helping others and improving the lives of their Yoga students. This is definitely success and gratification.

However, if you want to earn a living – have financial obligations, or just want to be comfortable, your life will be much easier, when you have more Yoga students.

[tags]Yoga, Yoga teacher, yoga instructor, yoga teacher training, yoga student, yoga class, teach yoga[/tags]

Tags: teach yoga, Yoga, Yoga class, Yoga instructor, Yoga student, Yoga teacher, Yoga teacher training
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The Truth About Options for Yoga Teachers; Part 2

Wednesday, March 18th, 2009

At the very least, a Yoga teacher should have knowledge of the latest trends in Yoga classes, and the latest continuing education options for Yoga teachers. If something does appeal to you, there are many different continuing education options available for Yoga teachers. There are a number of workshops, seminars, and camps around the world for interns and established Yoga teachers.

If you already have a running Yoga studio, children, or responsibilities at home, onsite Yoga teacher training may not always be the best option. You may want to consider Yoga distance learning, also known as “Yoga Home Study,” as a viable option. This is a recognized form of continuing education for Yoga instructors by most of the certifying bodies.

Due to time constraints, family commitments, and working a full time job -Yoga teachers often find Yoga teacher training correspondence courses to be a convenient way to expand on their existing knowledge of Yoga.

Now, let’s take a close look at options for specialization in the Yoga teaching profession.

Hot Yoga: Obviously this is self-explanatory and requires a tolerance to heat – in the neighborhood of 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Most Hot Yoga classes are based upon Bikram Choudhury’s style of Hatha Yoga.

However, it is extremely unwise to copy his exact sequence of postures, as they are patented. Regardless of whether you think it is right or wrong to patent a Yoga sequence, who wants to go to court over it? It never ceases to amaze Yoga teachers when they hear about the potential to be sued. In order to by- pass this dilemma, teaching a Hot Yoga class can be accomplished without a legal battle.

What I see most Hot Yoga teachers do is somewhat similar to Bikram’s style, but you may also see Sun Salutations and a variety of postures that are not seen in most Bikram studios. Hot Yoga classes are popular for all ages. There are a surprising number of Yoga students who are beyond middle age in these Yoga classes.

Some people love the heat, while others simply cannot adapt to these temperatures. Therefore, if you want to become a Hot Yoga instructor, make sure that you are up to the task of leading a Yoga class under these temperature conditions. It is one thing to take a Hot Yoga class, but it is quite a different experience to actually teach one.

[tags]Yoga teacher training, yoga certification, yoga teacher, yoga instructor, become a yoga teacher, yog[/tags]

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Yoga Teacher Guidelines for Assisting, Part 3

Tuesday, March 10th, 2009

You can take this advice “to the bank.” Invest in your career by expanding your education with books, videos, online courses, Yoga teacher correspondence courses, workshops, seminars, and Yoga retreats. By making continuing education a necessary part of your company policy, you will be a “safety-minded” Yoga teacher, with impressive knowledge and credentials. So, on top of being a safe Yoga teacher, and attracting more students, you will also protect your business.

Your other option is to take risks, and there is no excuse for it. Books, videos, and correspondence courses, are relatively inexpensive. Seminars, retreats, and workshops, for Yoga teachers, can be somewhat more expensive, but the value of continuing education is so important; add to this that you may be able to network with local Yoga teachers after you have taken a Yoga course.

Why would anyone want to short change their own Yoga business? The only justification I hear is cost, but if you are serious about teaching Yoga safely to others, you can invest in education one book at a time. Later, take a Yoga teacher course that fits into your budget.

Do physical assists in Yoga postures make you feel uncomfortable? Some Yoga instructors dread assisting their students; while some students leave Yoga classes that have “hands on assists.” This “hang up” about touching may seem ridiculous to some Yoga teachers, while other Yoga instructors avoid touching like the plague. Remember that touching another person can be difficult if you have a personal history where touching was used to gain trust, and later betrayed. It is also not looked upon favorably by some cultures.

For example: As a child and a younger adult, when I met martial arts masters, from Okinawa and Honshu, students were informed to bow and keep the small talk to a minimum. Hand shakes were not to be offered, as this was an intrusion of personal space. I understood because my next door neighbor was Japanese and explained enough to satisfy my curiosity about Japanese culture and history.

Is it really necessary for Yoga teachers to give a physical assist? Not really, some teachers are very good at verbal cueing. Some classes are based on movement, such as Vinyasa Yoga. If you teach Iyengar Yoga, assisting is a regular part of your daily practice.

Just remember to always get permission, in writing, and verbally, before you place your hands on your students.

[tags]Yoga teacher training, yoga certification, yoga instructor, yoga teacher, yoga course, yoga training[/tags]

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Secrets of Exceptional Yoga Teachers, Part 2

Monday, March 9th, 2009

Professional and responsible Yoga teachers become exceptional Yoga teachers. The Yoga teacher who shows up late for class, is disorganized, and does not have a hint of lesson plan in his or her head, will not be successful. As a Yoga teacher, your conduct should be professional at all times. You cannot “act like a Yoga teacher” during a class and then provoke conflicts outside of your classes.

Yoga instructors need to have problem solving skills, as not all bodies are the same. Some students will require a bit more “maintenance,” than others. You are a living and breathing guide to Yoga’s many aspects. You will be asked to explain the physical, mental, and possibly the spiritual benefits of Yoga. As a result, you will become a better Yoga teacher than you imagined.

The responsibility just comes with leadership and being self-employed. An independent mind-set is ingrained through the daily routine of handling your own affairs. You are in charge of your own finances, health, career, and more.

Being willing to adapt and evolve is a key component to teaching Yoga. Now more than ever Yoga and healing information is being exchanged at the speed of the Internet. You must absorb information in regard to Yoga, physical therapy, ailments, physiology, anatomy, kinesiology, and sports medicine.

Therefore, you may want to learn how to speed read or listen to audio books. Your Yoga lesson plans will evolve, when you learn new methods for safety, modifications, and how to help Yoga students with ailments.

Planning and preparation are a part of each day, as you get ready for each Yoga class. You must also write down your daily, weekly, monthly, and annual goals. This will propel you to a level of Yoga teaching beyond your “wildest dreams.” This method is a matter of positive visualization and using positive energy for the good of those you come into contact with. You will be shocked to see your written goals become reality, but written goals do come true quite often.

Setting a pace is a matter of being reasonable with yourself and those around you. This may sound strange, but I have seen Yoga teachers push themselves too far. Life is a journey, not a race, and the rewards of pacing yourself will be plentiful, if you allow yourself the time to “stop and smell the flowers.”

Ambition is the final key, but based upon what I have already said, all aspirations should be “kept in check.” Never look at life from a linear viewpoint. Enjoy your loved ones and friends, as you work toward becoming an exceptional Yoga teacher. This will be your holistic path to success.