The Yoga of Strength Training and Body Building

I was the stiffest person in every yoga class I took for two years. When Yoga practice took hold inside me, and the desire to progress in the poses, to open my body, grew strong, I was convinced that – since many people had told me this – in order for me to become flexible, I would have to lose muscle mass.

Jump ahead many years. While I’ve not turned into a bendy yogi – like those uber flexi girls that look like they were born into a circus family – my body is much more open, and postures I’d assumed I would never be able to do are regular parts of my daily yoga.

Much has been written about the benefits of resistance (strength) training. It’s beneficial for general health, metabolism and youthening. You can call resistance training anti-aging or even better, physical immortality training, and you can see how well it’s documented scientifically.

A friend who’s a fitness buff, and who became dedicated to yoga a few years ago, struggles with oscillations between the gym and the shala (yoga school). Her big question is – how to get the benefits of both? Specifically, how to get the tremendous benefits of resistance training (weight training) while still progressively deepening her yoga practice. Being a scientist, she researched the literature and documented reports.

The results she found (until now) were adamantly conclusive. It can’t be done, these reports said – they are mutually exclusive endeavors. What you do in the gym will set back your yoga practice and what you do in the shala will undermine your strength training.

I can say it’s not true. While it may be true that the challenge of increasing flexibility for someone with large amounts of muscle mass may be tremendous, it can be done. And for someone with less muscle than they would like, they can build it without harm to their flexibility. In fact, the added strength is an asset to their flexibility.

Resistance training involves taking muscle fibers out of their comfort zone, taking them beyond what they think they can do to train them that they have a higher potential. Each time you do this – and then allow time for recovery and rebuilding – the muscle fiber becomes bigger and stronger. It’s the same process we undertake with yoga. And although there are manifold benefits from the physical part of us reaching a higher potential, the greater benefit comes from that process as metaphor. Just like there are benefits in standing on one’s head. Yet a far better benefit comes from learning we can do something we previously thought we couldn’t.

Now, each time I lift some weight – whether it’s my own body or a dumbbell – I do so with the express purpose of realizing more of my potential. The term bodybuilding fits better than lifting weights. Within each session, I somehow top whatever I did in the previous session, either with more sets, a slower movement, a heavier weight or more repetitions. My body has come to expect more from me. And so have I. When we expect more from someone or something, the usual result is that we get more. I have been amazed to see how quickly and efficiently my body has responded to the increased demands. Muscles have grown rapidly. My shape has changed noticeably in the last 6 months. More importantly I feel better than ever. That I look better is a welcome side benefit

The body – like all systems – craves balance, and will always find it given the right conditions. Greater strength – which results in greater stability – allows the body more flexibility.

My experiment has clearly shown me that not only is muscle mass not a detriment to flexibility, it’s a boon to it. My own yoga practice has continued to develop with the addition of strength training. I practice asana in the mornings like usual, then 3-5 days a week I invest an hour or less on resistance training. Another 4 days a week I walk in the afternoons.

The question I frequently ask – ‘how good can it get?’ – keeps revealing more and more delightful answers. Greater joy in the body may contribute to greater joy in every aspect of our lives. And it’s ten times more likely when we approach all we do with the smiling potential of ‘may this create more love and joy in the world.’

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Yoga Teacher Training – 5 Steps To Discover The Most Profitable Yoga Products To Sell

Outcome: Sell profitable products at my classes or online.

Purpose: Making a decent living from teaching yoga classes is extremely difficult unless you have 5 or more full classes each week. Selling yoga products will help increase your income.

Steps

Step 1: Get in the mindset of NOT thinking you have to sell generic yoga products such as mats, blocks, etc as seperate items. There are countless thousands of yoga sites offering that sort of stuff.

Step 2: Use your imagination to come up with some orginal, creative yoga products.

Examples of Creative Yoga Products

* Sell themed kits (e.g. Lazy Yoga: block, tie, eye bag, bolster, Bolster DVD).

*Sell yoga holidays/retreats even if you personally don’t have a yoga holiday/retreat. Contact someone who does and ask for a commission per person you send there way.

*Sell personal development courses (contact someone who has a great looking course and ask for a commission per sale).

*Sell unique clothing. Whatever you do, you must stand out from the crowd. Do not sell run of the mill yoga clothes. This can be a great excuse for going on holidays. My mum taught me this. She used to own a jewellery shop and would take 2 or 3 holidays abroad every year searching for new products for her shop.

*Sell yoga products that are utterly unique. When you do that you’re far more likely to attract customers from all over the world.

Step 3: Sell on eBay. eBay is still the greatest online platform for selling. The great thing about eBay is that the people are buyers. Whereas on the web 99% of people are searching for free stuff.

Step 4: Sell on your website.

Step 5: Find other outlets to sell your unique yoga products!

George Watts is a former business consultant and full time yoga teacher living in the UK. If you’re a yoga teacher and would like to tap into the 7 main income streams for yoga teachers, please test drive my ‘Yoga Teacher Business Kit’ for free.

For a FREE test drive of the Yoga Teacher Business Kit, nip on over to my site. http://georgewatts.org/yogateacherstore

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How to Choose a Yoga Teacher Training Program

Becoming a Yoga instructor can be a very rewarding career especially if you understand how the Yoga industry works. One interesting thing is that there are many programs that you can choose to train in all over the world. In the US alone there are over 1000 schools to choose from. The variety of programs makes it a bit confusing especially when you are choosing the Yoga programs that you can train in. These simple steps can enable you choose the right Yoga teacher certification programs.

When you search for a Yoga school to take your Yoga teacher training program with, you will want to make sure they are registered with the Yoga Alliance. This is a non-profit group that sets standards for the Yoga industry and helps keep the integrity of the teacher training courses

The next step is to decide on where to do your studies. Choose a Yoga instructor’s schools that you can attend more affordable. Those schools that are within your city are better since you will save on cost.

Look at the programs that each school offers and make a decision concerning the one that has the exact programs that you would like to enroll in. There are many schools that can offer you the chance to learn specific Yoga styles Like Bikram, Iyengar or any other type. There are also some schools that make it possible to study for general certifications hence offering you the chance to practice widely. Consider the cost of each school and also their payments schedule and choose the right one that will meet your requirements.

Ask where the Yoga instructors who will be teaching the course trained as this are very important. It will also help knowing if they are certified or not. This will enable you have a clear picture of what is to be offered. If you are still not sure about what a certain school offers, you can give it a try by attending one of their sessions before committing yourself fully.

Teaching Yoga can be very exciting. Taking your Yoga teacher training will push and challenge you in many ways. Practicing Yoga is one thing. Teaching it and leading a group of people watching you is another because you will need to be prepared to be in front of a lot of people. So if you are shy or have any issues speaking in front of large groups, then this will be an opportunity for you to overcome this challenge

As the director of YogaTrainingGuide.com, Sergio DiazGranados has been helping many students along their path of becoming a yoga teacher and taking their yoga teacher training. For three years he worked for one of the largest yoga media companies (Gaiam) publishing their yoga magazine Gaia and has been in the yoga and wellness industry for ten years.

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A Yoga Teacher Training Program Can Turn Your Passion Into An Income

Even if you love yoga and are very good at it, a yoga teacher training program will help you learn to pass the knowledge you have on to others. Leading the sessions is far different from being an active participant in them. Yoga is good exercise and improves flexibility. Greater flexibility can help avoid injuries during other activities. Yoga also builds core strength when done properly. You must learn to identify when students in the class are performing each move and pose to get the maximum benefits out of the exercise.

A yoga teacher training program will not only enhance your skills in yoga, but will help you to pass your knowledge and passion on to your students. Learn how to teach the poses and determine if students are performing them correctly. Students will recognize you as the expert, so be prepared for many questions. Learn as much as you can so that you can be prepared when students are asking you for advice and further instruction.

Yoga is practiced for many reasons. Some people want to loose weight, relax, tone and firm but others are coming to yoga class as part of an alternative care for arthritis and other painful diseases and conditions. You will be more successful as a yoga teacher if you familiarize yourself with herbal remedies and alternative medicine. Visit your local health food store frequently. The owners and staff are usually very knowledgeable and can pass a lot of their information on to you.

A yoga teacher training program and a lot of self learning will make you an excellent yoga teacher and guide to your students. The more you are able to learn, the more you will be able to help them gain the benefits of yoga and exercise. Once you learn the needs of your students, you will be well prepared to help them in many ways besides just the yoga classes.

Training programs are available in all parts of the country online. Most offer certification programs so that you can put your skills and knowledge to work earning an income. Yoga classes are a great second income for teachers and part time workers. It is easy to fit a yoga instruction schedule around the needs of a busy family to provide a needed extra income. Check online resources to find the program nearest you. Classes are usually flexible so that you can learn while you are working or attending another school.

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12 Questions You Should Ask When Choosing a Yoga Teacher Training Course

By Jane Clapham Jane Clapham
Level: Basic PLUS

Jane Clapham is a Dru Yoga and Dru Meditation teacher trainer, who started doing Dru Yoga at the tender age of 15 and hasn?t stopped …

So, you’ve made the decision to become a yoga teacher. Perhaps you’ve been a yoga student for years, and have decided to take the next step. Maybe you just want to take your practice a bit deeper, and think that teacher training will help your self-development. You might have been made redundant and want to change career. Whatever your reason, there’s not been a better time to train as a yoga teacher.

Teaching yoga is a growing industry, as there’s a stressed out nation out there and more people than ever are turning to yoga to help them cope. Yoga teachers around the country have reported higher numbers in their classes this year than in previous years. I’ve found that corporate Dru yoga and well being classes are in great demand, as when stress levels rise, so do back problems and absenteeism. Companies are looking for experienced, grounded yoga teachers to work on the factory floor and in the office.

It’s estimated by the British Wheel of Yoga that half a million people regularly practise yoga in the UK, and the number of yoga teachers is growing by 10% per year. But we’re all different. Some of us like a more physical, dynamic style, like Sun Power, Power Yoga, Teach Yoga or Chi Kri schools, others prefer something more gentle, which suits all fitness levels, like Anusara, Dru Yoga or FRYOG. Some want a deep philosophy intensive in an ashram environment, as experienced in the Sivananda training, or the spiritual focus offered by Kundalini. Others want to fit their yoga training around families and jobs, and chose schools like triyoga, British Wheel, or Appleyoga. Some want to study close to home, others want to retreat to a beautiful environment like Snowdonia or the North of Scotland and make a holiday out of their training. So what’s out there, and how should we choose?

After talking to people from many UK yoga schools, I’ve shortlisted 12 questions which should help you find the perfect training course for you. After all, the schools are all quite different, and are suited to different sorts of people. It’s not a case of one being better than another, just finding the one which reflects your needs and aspirations best.

The top twelve questions:
What makes your course different from all the others?Where is your course held in the UK?Is it accredited with Yoga Alliance or a similar body?How many years has your school been established?How many students do you have currently training, and how many active graduates do you have?Is your school worldwide? If so, in which countries is your course also available?How qualified are your tutors? Do you have specialists in other relevant fields (eg osteopathy, medicine, sports science) on your teaching team?How big are your classes, and what’s the ratio of students to tutors?What’s the structure of your course? (Weekends/intensive/5 day modules etc) How long does it last?How much does it cost? Are there any flexible payment plans? If so, what?What support do you offer for your yoga teachers once they’ve finished the course?Do you offer postgraduate trainings eg pregnancy yoga?

So, when you’re ready to choose your yoga school, arm yourself with these questions and make note of the replies. Becoming a yoga teacher is a once in a lifetime activity, which will make a difference to potentially thousands of people, so take your time in choosing the right yoga school for you!

Jane Clapham is a yoga teacher trainer, and teaches yoga, meditation and sound courses in the Dru Yoga centre in Snowdonia. She also leads meditation retreats and holidays in the celtic mountains of Wales and worldwide. Contact her at hello@druworldwide.com to be included in the newsletter from Dru worldwide, which includes yoga and stress-busting tips. For more information about Dru Yoga, which is the perfect preparation for meditation, visit http://www.druworldwide.com/ You’ll find yoga classes, yoga holidays and yoga training courses which are taught in the UK, North America, Netherlands and Australia. Have a stress-free day!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jane_Clapham

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Article Submitted On: March 29, 2011

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