Yoga Teacher
Yoga is the physical, mental and spiritual practices used to achieve a state of peace, in order to experience and learn of one's true self. Yoga originated in ancient India, but it is used in many of today’s self help practices, it is also used as a complete exercise program and physical therapy routine. The ultimate goal of yoga is moksha (liberation) though the exact definition depends on philosophical system with which it is conjugated. Apart from the spiritual goals, the physical postures of yoga are used to alleviate health problems, reduce stress and help the spine.
-Shari Duddy-
Shari Duddy is a yoga teacher in New Jersey, she is an active voice in the educational community and when she is not helping children, she spends her time volunteering and enjoying her hobbies, which includes teaching yoga. Shari has a busy life and yoga helps her maintain a balanced lifestyle. Her passion for yoga led her to obtain certifications in Vinyasa, Ashtanga/Hatha mix, restorative yoga and meditation; as well as teaching yoga and therapeutics to teens and young children. Shari teaches both private and group sessions at near fitness centers and public schools. Her classes involve a mixture of meditation and affirmation alongside chakra work, traditional yoga, literature infusion and personal reflection. She enjoys all aspects of helping children, but Shari herself also enjoys receiving the benefits from yoga, including stress management, help to obtain exercise goals, arthritis and blood pressure concerns.
-How to Teach Yoga-
When teaching yoga, you help students to increase their flexibility and strength, inside and out. Yoga enhances the student’s sense of unity and gives them a chance to tune into their bodies through exercise and breathing. Though there are many types of yoga, the ways of teaching classes are fairly similar and always start with a great teacher.
1. Choose which type of yoga class you will be teaching based on your background and experience.
2. Create a yoga routine, incorporating basic moves such as the downward facing dog and plank. Add new moves to challenge and maintain the interest of students. Decide the sequence of the poses and flow of the class. Focus on strength, flexibility, and relaxation.
3. Demonstrate the poses and sequences as you teach them. Give verbal cues and instructions while walking around the room observing and gently correct mistakes and praise students.
4. Help students who have injuries or a limited range of motion by modifying poses or using props. No matter what limitations one may have, everyone should be able to participate.
5. Use music specially made for yoga; it should be soothing and soft. Maybe instrumental music that flows together from song to song. You do not want music that will take the focus off of the task at hand.
6. Guide students in stress relief and meditation as the format requires. Many modern power yoga classes focus less on meditation and more on form, but most classes still end in a cool down breathing sequence.
-Tips and Warnings-
Yoga is meant to be relaxing and soft. Yoga may not be suitable for people with severe injuries or poor range of motion. It is important to speak with your doctor before starting yoga. Here are some tips for yoga teachers to be aware of.
1. Ask students if they have any particular mild pain or sore spots that they would like to address during the class. For example, for back pain, work a standing forward bend into their routine and modify the upward facing dog.
2. When dealing with beginner students, make sure to start slow, showing proper form and breathing techniques. You don't want your students to leave with more pain than they came in with; you want them to come back. Give them building blocks from the start so that they are not overwhelmed.
3. Practice effective communication skills with your students, teaching yoga doesn't need many words, try to keep it simple as to not interrupt the flow of the class.
4. Be sure to speak with women who are pregnant before starting the class. Make sure they have their doctor’s permission to participate in your class.
Whether you’re trying to recover from an injury or trying to live a more balanced stress free existence, yoga is a sure way to make a positive change in your life. Yoga allows people to find true health, a strong body, a calm mind, and a joyful essence. There is no pass or fail and there it is not a race to see who finishes first. You are urged to go at your own pace according to how you feel. Teaching yoga will tone and strengthen your body, mind, and soul.
-Shari Duddy-
Shari Duddy is a yoga teacher in New Jersey, she is an active voice in the educational community and when she is not helping children, she spends her time volunteering and enjoying her hobbies, which includes teaching yoga. Shari has a busy life and yoga helps her maintain a balanced lifestyle. Her passion for yoga led her to obtain certifications in Vinyasa, Ashtanga/Hatha mix, restorative yoga and meditation; as well as teaching yoga and therapeutics to teens and young children. Shari teaches both private and group sessions at near fitness centers and public schools. Her classes involve a mixture of meditation and affirmation alongside chakra work, traditional yoga, literature infusion and personal reflection. She enjoys all aspects of helping children, but Shari herself also enjoys receiving the benefits from yoga, including stress management, help to obtain exercise goals, arthritis and blood pressure concerns.
-How to Teach Yoga-
When teaching yoga, you help students to increase their flexibility and strength, inside and out. Yoga enhances the student’s sense of unity and gives them a chance to tune into their bodies through exercise and breathing. Though there are many types of yoga, the ways of teaching classes are fairly similar and always start with a great teacher.
1. Choose which type of yoga class you will be teaching based on your background and experience.
2. Create a yoga routine, incorporating basic moves such as the downward facing dog and plank. Add new moves to challenge and maintain the interest of students. Decide the sequence of the poses and flow of the class. Focus on strength, flexibility, and relaxation.
3. Demonstrate the poses and sequences as you teach them. Give verbal cues and instructions while walking around the room observing and gently correct mistakes and praise students.
4. Help students who have injuries or a limited range of motion by modifying poses or using props. No matter what limitations one may have, everyone should be able to participate.
5. Use music specially made for yoga; it should be soothing and soft. Maybe instrumental music that flows together from song to song. You do not want music that will take the focus off of the task at hand.
6. Guide students in stress relief and meditation as the format requires. Many modern power yoga classes focus less on meditation and more on form, but most classes still end in a cool down breathing sequence.
-Tips and Warnings-
Yoga is meant to be relaxing and soft. Yoga may not be suitable for people with severe injuries or poor range of motion. It is important to speak with your doctor before starting yoga. Here are some tips for yoga teachers to be aware of.
1. Ask students if they have any particular mild pain or sore spots that they would like to address during the class. For example, for back pain, work a standing forward bend into their routine and modify the upward facing dog.
2. When dealing with beginner students, make sure to start slow, showing proper form and breathing techniques. You don't want your students to leave with more pain than they came in with; you want them to come back. Give them building blocks from the start so that they are not overwhelmed.
3. Practice effective communication skills with your students, teaching yoga doesn't need many words, try to keep it simple as to not interrupt the flow of the class.
4. Be sure to speak with women who are pregnant before starting the class. Make sure they have their doctor’s permission to participate in your class.
Whether you’re trying to recover from an injury or trying to live a more balanced stress free existence, yoga is a sure way to make a positive change in your life. Yoga allows people to find true health, a strong body, a calm mind, and a joyful essence. There is no pass or fail and there it is not a race to see who finishes first. You are urged to go at your own pace according to how you feel. Teaching yoga will tone and strengthen your body, mind, and soul.