yoga43885

...or your yoga practice.
Do you want to practice yoga to relieve stress, heal from an injury, or gain strength and flexibility? If a center offers yoga that is very fast paced and very physically challenging, it probably wont be the right match for you if you want to learn how to relax.

What style of yoga interests you? Make sure that the center offers that particular style.
Are you interested in a certain level of yoga instruction? If you are a beginner, you probably dont want to take a class that lumps all levels together. You also dont want a class that is too advanced where you have a greater chance of feeling discouraged because you cant keep up with the other students, or worse, you could get injured. You want a class where the instructor takes ample time to explain the postures and also helps students achieve the correct alignment.

Ask about the teachers level experience
Find out how many years the teacher has been practicing yoga and how long he has been teaching. With my experience with the two yoga teachers, I found out that the one that didnt impress me had just become a teacher, while the one I liked had been teaching for quite some time.

Ask about how many hours of training he has received. Although there is no universal yoga teacher certification, many quality studios require that their instructors complete a minimum number of training hours before they are allowed to teach. If the instructor has 200 or more hours of training, there is a good chance that he has solid skills to work with.

Does the instructor know the benefits and contraindications of each pose? Can he offer modifications for students who have physical limitations? You want a teacher who can provide information about how each pose relates to your unique physical condition.

Also, find out if the teacher has specific training in basic anatomy. I cannot emphasize this point strongly enough. When I was in my early twenties, I took a gymnastics ...more

Hot Off The Press - How Hot Is Hot Yoga

... a health matter, slim down or just to claim peace of mind.

Before enrolling in a hot yoga class make sure to delve more intimately into what it entails as it may not be your cup of tea unlike it is for others. Hot yoga can be exhausting but it does have its perks giving results. Your health is so very important thus making yoga a number one priority to be taken seriously to take claim of a fit mind body and soul. Feeling good about your self is a step forward in leading a better life. Consult your doctor on any health concerns you may have before he points you in the right direction of easing your symptoms with a dose of yoga.<...more

Yoga Teacher certification or Registration - Part 2

...ave a minimum of 200 hours of study. The Yoga teacher course selected should cover all the facets of Yoga, but when considering liability, anatomy, kinesiology, physiology, safety, modifications, props, and contraindications are of prime importance.

When I hire a Yoga teacher; safety, communication, and knowledge override any credentials. The teaching performance within a Yoga class is more important than any other factor. This is why some Yoga studios do an evaluation of a new Yoga teacher on a trial basis.

When should I become a registered Yoga teacher? The fact is you dont have to join a Yoga teachers association or become a re...more

In the Presence of BKS iyengar

...There are moments in the lives of those of us who seek truth and beauty that leave us forever changed. For yoga enthusiasts, one such moment was the recent Yoga journal conference in Estes park, CO. in September 2005 where BKS iyengar began his teaching and U.S. tour for his new book Light on Life.

As a yoga student, I was first introduced to the iyengar method in 1977. The intelligence behind the practice gave me support, stability and freedom from nagging back and shoulder pain. BKS iyengar was a student of Sri Krishnamacharya, the man who revived the teachings of astanga Yoga in the 21st century. The astanga yoga path has at its base the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the guiding principles on the path of yoga, or Union.

Mr. iyengar shares this lineage with other notable teachers such as Patahbi Jois, T.K. Desikachar and Indra Devi. BKS Iyengars outstanding contribution is how he has codified and refined the practice of Asana (poses) and Pranayama (breath control) to reflect in action, the whole of the Yoga Sutras. Mr. Iyengars methods have been recognized the world over. In 2004 the indian government crowned him the Emperor of Yoga, a prestigious education award, and the BBC has hailed h...more