There are various DVDs and videos on yoga, usually with an instructor who takes you through many different exercises and breathing techniques. Although they can be great in the sense that you can practise in the comfort of your own home and fit yoga around your usual routine, a good teacher can make a huge difference in how well you succeed. DVDs and videos are great as supplementary materials later on when you are more confident and have learnt and received guidance from a teacher.
There are many different types of yoga and many styles of teaching. Shop around and find a yoga type and teaching style that best fits your needs. You should also consult your physician, and let your teacher know if you have any health problems.
How to find a good Yoga teacher?
Finding a good yoga teacher is like finding a good doctor or hairdresser-you have to ask around and then try out a few different people. Also, ask the instructor plenty of questions:
Is the yoga being taught vigorous or gentle? What is a good class time for beginners? Should I bring anything, like a yoga mat, or is that supplied? How much is each class? Where was the teacher trained? (Most teachers should have 200 to 500 hours of training.) How long has the teacher been instructing?
A good teacher will try verbal instruction before using hands-on adjustments. Demonstration by a teacher should only be done when is necessary. A teacher performing poses can't possibly watch what you are doing. The class is for you the student. You need a teacher who can react to your individual needs and guide you in to the correct poses. Asking before class about prior yoga experience, injuries, etc is an indication that the teacher is attentive to your needs.
Classes can also be a fantastic way of meeting new people in a friendly relaxed environment.
The less said, in your Yoga class about trivial matters, the better. Your personal beliefs should not be part of the Yoga class lesson plan.
Just like many Yoga teachers often say to their students, "Stay in the moment." Within your class, "it's all about Yoga" and anything else beyond that can be open to misinterpretation. Walk the middle path, be mindful, avoid extremes, show loving kindness, and maintain a standard of professionalism within all of your Yoga classes.
Communication should be clear at all times. You must demonstrate, communicate verbally, and assist, if you have permission to do so. Always ask permission before making a physical assist during Asana practice.
Chakras are the energy centers of the physical and energy body. Yoga teachers know about balancing and cleansing them. Most Yoga teachers are familiar with the seven main Chakras, but there are more. Chakra balancing and Chakra clearing are safe practices for Yoga teachers who have been trained to perform these methods.
However, no one should play with "Chakra Awakenings," with out guidance from a Guru. Most Gurus will frown on the idea of Chakra Awakening techniques; since these are considered unsafe short cuts.
Bandhas are the many locks, but Hatha Yoga teachers should know Mulha Bandha, Uddiyana Bandha, and Jalandhara Bandha very well. These are the three main Bandhas.
Mudras are gestures and they are often integrated with specific Pranayama techniques for healing. Not all Mudras are performed with the hands. In Sanskrit Mudra means "seal." There are many Mudras and learning this is part of a Hatha Yoga teacher's continuing education.
Kriyas or Shatkarmas are the six hygienic "deeds" or "actions." A Yoga teacher should be clean in mind, body, and spirit. Every Hatha Yoga teacher is familiar with these six Kriyas.
Meditation is a part of each form of Yoga. It is a tool for clearing, calming, and focusing your mind, but there are also many methods of meditation. Each path of meditation leads to tranquility. All Yoga teachers should practice meditation twice per day. Guiding Yoga students is one thing, but a Yoga teacher's meditation practice should be regimented.
A Yoga teacher should also be familiar with relaxation methods, specially, stage-by-stage relaxation. This relaxation method should be practiced privately, and Yoga teachers should make their students familiar with this technique.
With all of the above points mentioned, you can now see why the jump from Yoga student to Yoga teacher will take some time and serious practice.
Both Rosie Reynolds & Jackie are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Rosie Reynolds has sinced written about articles on various topics from Gardening, Dogs and Yoga Practice. Rosie Reynolds provides more information on on her website. Rosie Reynolds's top article generates over 880 views. to your Favourites.
Jackie has sinced written about articles on various topics from Yoga Practice, Anger Control and Yoga Practice. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center in, Attleboro, MA. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995.http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org. Jackie's top article generates over 74000 views. to your Favourites.