...Competent Yoga teachers should have enough knowledge to work with special populations; this includes handicapped students, seniors, and many more specialized groups with physical limitations. The reason is that hatha Yoga is a health maintenance system, but some people only look at the superficial aspects.

If a Yoga teacher is only capable of instructing elite athletes, who are 16 to 25 years of age, thats wonderful. However, such a Yoga teacher should accept the title of Yoga coach, as this is a limited method for teaching Yoga students.

As Yoga teachers, we always remember the students who can turn their bodies into pretzels, but that is not all there is to hatha Yoga. If Yoga were a physical competition, we could invite some top gymnasts to teach classes and retire from teaching Yoga, as we were too old to perform feats that impress a crowd.

This is not meant to imply ...more

How To begin Practicing Yoga

...Deciding that you want to start doing yoga is the first step. It is often a stopping block here. Don't be intimidated! Below outlines some of the steps you will need to take to kickstart and start enjoying the pleasures and benefits of yoga.

1. Pick a Yoga Type

A little reading and research will be needed on your part. There are many different types of yoga classes available, and if you pick one that does not suit your personality and state of physical fitness, you may be turned off.

Take a few minutes to review the various yoga styles. Most beginners, a hatha or Vinyasa class will be most suitable. These are basic styles and you can always try something challenging and fancy later.

2. Find a Class

These resources will help you find a yoga class in your precinct. You can also read through local alternative newspapers or wellness magazines for listings or do a search online for "yoga" and "your town."

Select a studio that is close to your home, work or vicinity. This is highly encouraged as you will need to take a shorter time getting to class and is easier. It is highly recommended to start with a basic level class. Many gyms also have yoga classes with excellent teachers. This is normally a good place to start if you already belong to a gym.

3. Find a retreat

Yoga retreat is a...more

Who Should Become a Yoga Teacher?

...ga abroad, as well. There are competent Yoga teachers, who trace their Yoga lineage back to Englishmen, who served in India.

Some of the first non-indian Yoga teachers did not have extensive Yoga training under the guidance of a Guru, but a few did. Consider this idea: If you know nothing about Yoga, but I know a little something - I can show you what little I know. This happens with any form of shared knowledge, and the person who knows a little more about Yoga, becomes a Yoga teacher.

Granted, we are considering the beginning of Yogas worldwide proliferation, but now we have 21st century Yoga teacher certification in a fast-changing world - with a variety of styles and approaches to overa...more

The Many Faces of Yoga

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