Paul M. Jerard Jr. asked:


The doors will fly open on January 2nd with enthusiastic mobs of Yoga students. What can you do to prepare for the busiest stretch of the year? How can you keep their interest all year long?

If there was ever a time to clean up your Yoga studio or health club, now is the time. Depending on where you live, most of your Yoga students may be out Christmas shopping right now. This season is like the “eye of a hurricane.” It is a temporary slow spell before the busiest season for Yoga and fitness.

Bear in mind, there is a “second wind” in spring, when many Yoga students are preparing for “bathing suit season.” If you need a fresh coat of paint, or the rugs need to be shampooed, take advantage of this brief respite.

You should also have a game plan for keeping Yoga students’ interest. Do not get too far off the track, but spice up your schedule with special workshops or “pilot” classes. Yoga classes are much like spice; too many flavors can ruin your dish, or in this case, your class.

Keeping student interest has always been a challenge for teachers of any subject. With fitness or Yoga, it is easy to get flocks of students during January, in North America, with a little help from cold weather, and New Year’s resolutions. The big question is: How to keep the enthusiasm going all year long?

Therefore, open a special event class to “test the waters” for student interest. There is no sense in starting another Yoga class without researching, if there is a demand. If the crowd loves the class, you will have no problem getting sign-ups. Be certain that your sign-ups make, at least, a down payment on a class package.

It is very easy for people to sign up for a yoga class and never show up again. This is the culture of attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), and people move on to other things – like butterflies on flowers. So, you have to capture their attention and keep it. Below are some examples of workshops and classes to try in your yoga studio.

Mommy and Me Yoga Classes: This requires special patience on the part of the Yoga teacher, and female teachers will usually fare much better, especially, if the Yoga teacher has children of her own. This is an age specific niche, but there are always new mothers and new toddlers willing to try such a class.

© Copyright 2005 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

David Silva asked:


One of the great advantages of persuing yoga is that it doesn’t require much in the way of gear. In fact, most folks can get by with nothing more than a comfortable pair of sweats and a litte open floor space. But if you’re ready to get more serious about your yoga, there are some items that you might want to add to your routines. Here are just a few for your consideration:

Mats

Sticky yoga mats can provide a safe and comfortable non-slip surface for your yoga routine. Believe it or not, there are mats that are specifically designed for yoga, as opposed to Pilates mats or other exercise mats. A good yoga mat will tend to be thinner and easy to roll up to place in your gym bag for easy transportation and storage. By the way, most places selling yoga equipment can offer you a variety of mat styles and colors, so you’ll be able to express your individuality in the gear you choose.

Yoga Straps

Yoga straps are less common that some of the other forms of gear listed here. In fact, if you’ve been doing yoga for awhile, you still may not be familiar with them. A yoga strap is a simple nylon strap with a plastic or metal buckle. Usually light-weight, you can find them in a number of different colors. How are they used? Most commonly the yoga strap is used as an aid for those people who just can’t quite reach a specific goal in a pose. For example, they can help you with such challenging poses as the Seated Forward Bend (or Paschimottanasana) where you sit with both legs in front of you and attempt to lay your torso flat over your thighs. If your hamstrings are particularly tight, a yoga strap can be looped around your feet to pull your torso gently forward until you feel that distinctive sensation where you know you want to be.

Blocks

Yoga blocks and bricks are used by many yogis to modify poses in their workouts. These blocks can help you to deepen your stretches, reduce the strain on a particular muscle group when you’re beginning to learn a new pose, and provide a better foundation for proper body alignment. Most yoga stores will sell a variety of blocks in sizes that can help you with both simple and advanced poses.

Videos

Not technically gear, yoga workouts on DVD and video have become incredibly popular today, particularly for those who are too busy to attend a regular class, or who no longer feel the need for the guidance of a yoga instructor. You can find DVD yoga workouts for all levels, from beginner to master, including titles such as Crunch – The Perfect Yoga Workout, The Total Body Yoga Workout DVD, QuickFix – Power Yoga Workout, and ZenMama Prenatal Yoga Workout DVD. There’s something for everyone interested in yoga on DVD.

If you have a yoga store near you (or if you poke around the Interent a bit), you’ll also find that there are a variety of yoga “kits” available as well. These packages typically include all the basic yoga gear: one or two blocks, straps, a mat and sometimes even a video or flash cards of different poses. Yoga kits are a wonderful starting point for the yoga enthusiast, especially if you aren’t quite sure where to begin.

Scott Hughes asked:


Maybe you want to try yoga out. Maybe you practiced it before and want to start again. If you want to do yoga, you probably want to find a yoga class. You can use the following methods to find a local yoga class.

Local Gym – In addition to their weight rooms and cardio machines, many gyms offer a large assortment of fitness classes. Some gyms offer brochures that list and describe all of their different classes. Nonetheless, you can more easily find out whether or not a local gym offers any yoga classes simply by calling them and asking. When you call, remember to ask for the price. Try calling more than one gym and writing down the different prices and other details. That way you can choose the best class for you. You can usually find a whole bunch of gyms in any given community, so you most likely can find a few that have yoga classes.

Yoga Studio – Yoga studios are basically places dedicated to practicing yoga. They are to yoga practice what a martial arts studio is to martial arts. Depending on where you live, you may not be able to find a yoga studio nearby. Even if you find one or more, they may not meet your budget or your needs.

Craigslist – You can read and post local classified ads on craigslist for free. If you do not see anything on there about yoga classes, post a classified ad asking about yoga classes in your neighborhood. You can also use this method to find a yoga partner, but be very careful meeting anyone from the internet. Craiglist lets you remain anonymous when posting ads.

Ask Your Friends – If you know other people who practice yoga, ask them where they practice yoga. This will not only help you find places that offer classes, but it will also let you get immediate first-hand information about those places. You can ask the person if they recommend the classes. You can also ask friends and other people you know about yoga classes. Even if they do not practice yoga, they may happen to know of local places that offer yoga classes.

Before looking for yoga classes, you want to figure out what you want out of the classes. Figure out how much you are willing to spend. Also, figure out what type of class you want. For example, do you want one that focuses on the spiritual aspects of yoga, or do you simply want an exercise class?

Some gyms and studios may want you to sign up for a long-running class and pay upfront. Avoid doing this unless you have tried the class out, especially if you are new to yoga. You do not want to pay hundreds of dollars for months of yoga classes only to find out that you do not like yoga or the class.

You can also start practicing yoga by getting a yoga video. A video would allow you to practice yoga at home.

Whatever you do, good luck and have fun!

Siri Datta asked:


The Different Types of Yoga

There are many different styles of yoga being taught and practiced today. Although all of the styles are based on the same physical postures (called Asana’s), each has a particular emphasis or path. Here is a quick guide to the most popular types of yoga that can help you decide which style is right for you.

However, I am strongly advising that you try as many different styles, classes and teachers as possible.  It is crucial for your development, that you have a rich and varied experience of Yoga. 

Hatha Yoga

Hatha is a very general term that can encompass many of the physical types of yoga. If a class is described as Hatha style, it is probably going to be slow-paced and gentle and provide a good introduction to the basic yoga postures.  Highly recommended as a standard experience in the basics of yoga. This is a good place to learn basic poses, relaxation techniques, and become comfortable with yoga.

Vinyasa Yoga

Like Hatha, Vinyasa is a general term that is used to describe many different types of classes. Vinyasa, which means breath-synchronized movement, tends to be a more vigorous style based on the performance of a series of postures called Sun Salutations, in which movement is matched to the breath. A Vinyasa class will typically start with a number of Sun Salutations to warm up the body for more intense stretching that’s done at the end of class. 

Ashtanga or Power Yoga



Ashtanga, which means “eight limbs” in Sanskrit, is a fast-paced, intense style of yoga. A set series of postures are performed, always in the same order. Ashtanga Yoga is very physically demanding because of the constant movement from one pose to the next. In yoga terminology, this movement is called flow. Ashtanga is also the inspiration for what is often called Power Yoga.  If a class is described as Power Yoga, it will be based on the flowing style of Ashtanga, but not necessarily keep strictly to the set Ashtanga series of poses.

Iyengar Yoga

Based on the teachings of the yogi B.K.S Iyengar, this style of practice is most concerned with bodily alignment. In yoga, the word alignment is used to describe the precise way in which your body should be positioned in each pose in order to obtain the maximum benefits and avoid injury. Iyengar Yoga usually emphasises holding poses over long periods versus moving quickly from one pose to the next (flow). Also, Iyengar practice encourages the use of props, such as yoga blankets, blocks and straps, in order to bring the body into the most perfect alignment.

Kundalini Yoga

Yogi Bhajan brought Kundalini Yoga to the US in 1969.  Now the practice is world wide and growing. The emphasis in Kundalini Yoga is on the breath, internal concentration, mantra (words or sounds) in conjunction with physical movement, with the purpose of freeing energy within the body and allowing it to move upwards. All asana practices make use of controlling the breath. But in Kundalini, the exploration of the effects of the breath (also called prana, meaning life force energy) on the postures is essential. Kundalini uses rapid, repetitive movements rather than poses held for a long time.

Bikram or Hot Yoga

Pioneered by Bikram Choudhury, this style is more generally referred to as Hot Yoga. It is practiced in a 95 to 100 degree room, which allows for a loosening of tight muscles and profuse sweating, which is thought to be cleansing. The Bikram method is a set series of 26 poses, but not all hot classes make use of this series.

Anusara Yoga

Founded in 1997 by John Friend, Anusara combines a strong emphasis on physical alignment with a positive philosophy derived from Tantra. The philosophy’s premise is belief in the intrinsic goodness of all beings. Anusara classes are usually light-hearted and accessible to students of differing abilities. Poses are taught in a way that opens the heart, both physically and mentally, and props are often used.

Jivamukti Yoga

This style of yoga emerged from one of New York’s best-known yoga studios. Jivamukti founders David Life and Sharon Gannon take inspiration from Ashtanga yoga and emphasise chanting, meditation, and spiritual teachings. They have trained many teachers who have brought this style of yoga to studios and gyms, predominantly in the U.S. These classes are physically intense and often include some chanting.

Forrest Yoga

Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, and gaining popularity around the U.S., Forrest Yoga is the method taught by Ana Forrest. The performance of vigorous asana sequences is intended to strengthen and purify the body and release pent-up emotions and pain so that healing can begin. Expect an intense workout with an emphasis on abdominal strengthening and deep breathing.

Kripalu Yoga

The name Kripalu is associated both with a style of hatha yoga and a yoga and wellness centre in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Both were founded by yoga guru Amrit Desai, who came to the United States from India in 1960. Kripalu is a yoga practice with a compassionate approach and emphasis on meditation, physical healing and spiritual transformation that overflows into daily life. Kripalu also focuses on looking inward and moving at your own pace.

Integral Yoga

Integral yoga follows the teachings of Sri Swami Sachidananda, who came to the U.S. in the 1960s and eventually founded many Integral Yoga Institutes and the famed Yogaville Ashram in Virginia. Integral is a gentle hatha practice, and classes often also include breathing exercises, chanting, kriyas, and meditation.

Sivananda Yoga

Swami Vishnu-devananda, a disciple of Swami Sivananda, founded the first Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre in 1957. There are now close to 80 locations worldwide, including several ashram retreats. Sivananda yoga is based upon five principles:

1. Proper exercise (Asana, focusing on 12 poses in particular)

2. Proper breathing (Pranayama)

3. Proper relaxation (Savasana)

4. Proper diet (Vegetarian)

5. Positive thinking and meditation (Dhyana)

Mark DeRosa asked:


Do you know how the celebrities lose weight easily and what do they to keep them in good shape and looking great? You may be wondered to know that almost many celebrities believe on the yoga and the Pilates for spiritual relaxation and physical toning!

You may have some confusion about the difference between the Yoga and the Pilates. Since both are so similar that they are often fused together in Pilates, Yoga classes in US but in India Yoga and Pilates both are totally different.

There are many differences between Yoga and Pilates

The Yoga is an ancient Indian practice that dates back nearly 5500 years while the Pilates is the adaptation of the Yoga dating back 80 years and founded by German athlete, Joseph Pilate.

And one thing to know that in the Yoga, during physical activity we also focus on breathing, diet, meditation etc but the Pilates is simply a form of body sculpting technique and exercise.

In the Yoga we aim to unite body and mind and cleaning the body of toxins while the Pilates to strengthen and improve posture.

You know both Pilates and yoga usually share the same skill and endeavor towards strengthening and developing of the muscles. And both focus on the muscles of the legs, arms, back and abdomen. So now you would have the clear understanding of both the Yoga and the Pilates.

Now I will tell you more about the Pilates since you would be familiar with the Yoga. In the Pilates exercise, movements of the arm and leg are involved that strengthens the hips, abs and back in a controlled manner and are done in series. This is done lying down on the floor on the mat.

The Pilates fitness is also known as Contrology, because it is believed that in this method muscles are controlled by the mind. This focuses on the central posture muscles and the body is balanced by these muscles so these are essential for the support of the spine. So it is used to improve physical vitality, correct bad posture, elevate the spirit and invigorate the mind. This works with the target muscle and healthy body is the result of this activity so it keeps fit for daily activities. There are many Gym equipments which are designed for exercises and to support the entire body and work on muscle group. It is helpful for having good control over body your body. After doing Yoga Pilates you will feel lighter and relaxed. It improves the level of resistance and the Pilates fitness is much better than any other exercises. So for good movement and proper balance this is very good and important. Back problems can put down to you incapable to perform even easy regular tasks, like standing for long, sitting etc. The back problems and any other injuries can be easily resolved by doing Pilates exercises.

The foundation of the Pilates principal is based upon 5 to 9 principals and the founder of Pilates is Joseph Pilates who invent this in the early 20th century.

What are the basic principals of the Pilates?

The basics of the principals are based on following terms and these are: breathing, stabilizing, centering, alignment, concentration, fluidity and integration.

So in this article we have learnt about the Pilates that its main focus is to utilize the muscles to their maximum capability and the exercises are controlled and slow with mind concentration.

Paul M. Jerard Jr. asked:


Have you ever wondered what studio owners are evaluating, when they hire a Yoga instructor? What can you expect at an interview for a Yoga teaching position? Let’s look into the minds of Yoga studio owners, to get a better idea of which qualities they seek in teachers, before hiring them.

One of the first aspects to consider is the type of Yoga teaching position available. For example: If an advertisement states that a Yoga studio is seeking a prenatal Yoga teacher, an instructor, without prenatal experience, is wasting his or her time.

There are too many safety concerns, liability restrictions, and required certification issues for a “general practitioner” to walk in, and train, pregnant students. On top of this, the students are, most likely, in different trimesters. Finding your teaching niche is a matter of matching your skills, training, and certification, to the specific needs of the prospective Yoga studio.

In general, it is wise to send out resumes, with a cover letter, to prospective Yoga studios in your area. Initiating contact over the phone, before sending information to the studio, is a “cold calling” method, and will lower your success rate.

However, if you are strong on telephone skills, and still want to pursue this method, do not put your prospect on call waiting. Before you laugh – I know of an instance, when a Yoga teacher made a phone call, reached the studio owner, gave a presentation, and had an “audition” scheduled.

She put her future employer on hold, because she had to take an “important call.” As a result, the studio owner hung up, but she admitted, that up to that point, she would have been eager to hire that particular Yoga teacher. Needless to say, confidence is worth something, but good manners are also a major value.

What is an audition? Some studio owners will schedule new teachers, into the class schedule, as a substitute for a regular class. Your performance is evaluated, on a trial basis, by the owner, director, or chief Yoga teacher. This trial basis could last for one class, or a series of Yoga classes. Therefore, if you have an audition scheduled, be completely prepared to teach your Yoga class.

Is a particular certification or registration seen as superior to all the rest? Not really; a small number of studio owners might think this way, but they are few and far between. Certification is a key, which opens doors to teaching opportunities, but a Yoga instructor’s performance secures the teaching position.

With that said, you should acquire a Yoga teacher certification, have good manners, seek interviews, prepare for auditions, show compassion to your students, and be safety oriented. If you have the complete package, you will have no difficulty finding, and keeping, Yoga teacher positions.

Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Sven Ullmann asked:


If you would like to work in one of the many Pilates studios, fitness clubs, therapeutic clinics, or simply as a personal trainer the main thing you should focus on is getting certified from a reputable Pilates training facility. There are many training institution that offer certification course in Pilates. You would need to attend hundreds of hours of lectures, training, and apprentice work before you are considered qualified for a rigorous written and practical examination.

Every student is required to have studied the anatomy and must be a certified fitness professional or licensed rehabilitation practitioner to be able to even try to get a Pilates certification. All qualified Pilates instructors must attend continual education classes which are required in order to maintain certification status throughout the length of their instructing and training career.

Many of the most recognized Pilates training institutions include the Physical Mind Institute, The Pilates Studio, Polestar Education, and Stott Pilates. The majority of the courses offered are through their massive network of affiliated studios or fitness clubs.

The Pilates Studio has eleven course locations all over the world and teaches Authentic Pilates, which are true to the original forms, techniques, and sequences that were developed by Joseph Pilates. It is also affiliated with the Pilates Guild which is a non profit organization that is dedicated to preserving Joseph Pilates’ personal achievements through his work.

The beginning phase of the curriculum involves a series of seminars on the beginner, intermediate, and advanced exercised that are performed on the mat and equipment. The second phase involves a six-hundred hour apprenticeship program working side by side with a Pilates Guild certified instructor. The exams are required after each phase and must be fully completed within one year. The cost of the entire program is around $4,000.

Getting your certification is only the beginning. Pilates’ exercises have been getting more attention and devotion from people all over the world. The introduction to the American Population began in 1910 and has been practiced by millions of Americans since that day. When Pilates was first introduced it began with springs attached to hospital beds and became his first Pilates’ Machine.

Since that day almost a century ago the Pilates’ techniques and machines have improved drastically and become much more efficient. Pilates had many personal students who continued his teachings.

If your Pilates certification facts are out of date then it may drastically affect your students. Be sure to not let important Pilates’ information go in one ear and out the other. You owe it to the people you are instructing and the Pilates’ name to know exactly what you are doing to help them achieve the maximum results.