I am often asked by beginners about how to evaluate a Yoga Teacher?
The following is the "CALM check list." These factors are basic criteria that your Yoga Instructor should meet before you continue on to a second Yoga class.
CALM gets it name from four main factors: Communication, Assist, Listen, and Modification. For the right Yoga teacher, you should be answering with a "yes" to all questions.
? Communication: Does your Yoga teacher talk to you, and other students, in a manner of mutual respect? Can you ask a question during class time?
Does your teacher show compassion for you and other students? Does your Yoga teacher take the time to lead you through a guided meditation or relaxation? Meditation and relaxation are major aspects of Yoga practice.
There are Yoga teachers who just want to get "their workout" done. Beware of Yoga teachers, who are so important, they don't have time for you.
Some students love this air of superiority and, unfortunately, some people love abuse. If you want to learn Yoga, you need an open line of communication with your Yoga teacher.
? Assist: Does your teacher care about your form? Will your teacher give you a verbal or physical assist during your Yoga class? Are props encouraged in your Yoga classes?
Some students never have major problems with alignment and some do, but if your teacher doesn't give verbal cues, what does that tell you?
? Listen: Does your Yoga teacher take the time to listen to your feedback? Is your teacher "in the moment" with the class?
Once in a while, there is a Yoga instructor who runs, "The-it's-all-about-me-show." You are not going to learn anything from this type of teaching. Beginners will be put at risk, trying to keep up with a seasoned Yoga teacher who doesn't explain anything.
? Modification: Does your Yoga teacher allow modifications and props? If your teacher discourages props, you are in the wrong place.
Some students will need props for life depending upon their range of motion. Just because a teacher can do a posture without props, doesn't mean every student can.
Summary: Stay away from abusive Yoga teachers, and if you are attracted to abuse, there is always professional help. Some students crave "the stern, but loving parent" types. They will push you harder, but how much pushing do you really need?
Respect is a two way street, and you deserve as much respect as your Yoga teacher does. Let common sense be your guide. You should feel good after a Yoga class, and you might even feel muscle soreness days after a vigorous class.
Make sure your Yoga teacher meets the above criteria before making a commitment.
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 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
Internal defeat is a state of mind, where you begin... Read More
We all want to feel loved, open, free and peaceful.... Read More
In order to understand the basics of Pilates and why... Read More
Even though the world population has shifted from mainly rural... Read More
I suppose it was only a matter of time before... Read More
With dozens of Hollywood celebrities following in their Guru's lotus... Read More
One more study tells the world, that Yoga can help... Read More
Yoga is an ancient system of movement designed to generate... Read More
Yoga mats are a basic part of every practice. What... Read More
Self Mastery, alone, sounds like a selfish term; but if... Read More
The benefit of yoga practice goes far beyond the actual... Read More
It was not so long ago that eating disorders, such... Read More
As described in my earlier article... thoughts in the mind... Read More
At one time, or another, all of us have experienced... Read More
There is an interesting article in the September 5th issue... Read More
Are you one of those folks who have never tried... Read More
Many adults have taken up yoga, but yoga has not... Read More
Discover the true meaning of yoga?In taking any modern yoga... Read More
Now, let's cover the last component of self-mastery, which is... Read More
There are many types of yoga, some with more emphasis... Read More
Experienced Yoga practitioners often feel discouraged when a naturally gifted... Read More
Every woman wants to have a healthy baby. Yogic practices,... Read More
Yoga has become part of Western fitness training techniques. However,... Read More
Every process of Yoga... neigh Meditation that frees us from... Read More
The following is an excerpt from the book "Om Yoga:... Read More
Many adults have taken up yoga, but yoga has not... Read More
I am often asked by beginners about how to evaluate... Read More
Experienced Yoga practitioners often feel discouraged when a naturally gifted... Read More
Yoga is an ancient proven tradition that exists for thousands... Read More
Yoga Your Way To A Happy VacationThere have been many... Read More
The following are questions that Yoga teachers still need to... Read More
The following is an excerpt from the book "Om Yoga:... Read More
At one time, or another, all of us have experienced... Read More
Most women experience PMS symptoms at different points of their... Read More
A healthy anal and genital area is of great importance... Read More
I suppose it was only a matter of time before... Read More
Time is valuable and there are a number of successful... Read More
Being a practicing Christian myself, there are very few things... Read More
Spending eight or more hours a day in an office... Read More
In order to find a quality yoga instructor, you need... Read More
Internal defeat is a state of mind, where you begin... Read More
Please bear in mind that I am not a dietician,... Read More
Ayurveda and yoga are sister sciences that have been united... Read More
What you are about to read applies to teaching, in... Read More
Yoga is the most prestigious field of spiritualism. People think... Read More
At this point, let's break down the major components of... Read More
Self Mastery, alone, sounds like a selfish term; but if... Read More
I often wondered what the value of each type of... Read More
Some people may wonder if using a yoga prop can... Read More
Cultivating positive energy: Most of us who study Yoga have... Read More
Yoga |