Yoga BLOG

Yoga: the concentrated start Yoga is fun and always a challenge. You can start at any age. Whether you're a child or an elderly person, there are very simple physical exercises that seem to be easy to do. However, they still require full concentration. Each exercise should be performed with equal parts playfulness and attention to avoid mistakes. It almost sounds contradictory, but effort and enjoyment are closely linked here. Those with orthopedic limitations naturally only go as far as their body allows. Over time, the body responds to the exercises, becoming more flexible and slowly changing. Perhaps that's why it will go a little better next time. Timeless in concentration Yoga takes time – and takes its time. It's not about completing as many exercises as possible in half an hour. The movement being practiced right now, in this moment, should be followed with utmost attention. Often you will remain in a particular position for a moment. Then you will gradually release the position. You set the pace yourself. A good yoga teacher always gives the group some time. So if you take a little longer than others, that's okay. And if you're not as flexible as others, that's okay too. To be clear: Yoga is not about competition. Maybe you're just in the wrong group. Nevertheless, you can bring a little ambition to complete the exercises as well as possible. You'll see how good yoga is for you, no matter your level. Yoga mats and more People who start out with yoga usually book a class at an adult education center or in a studio. With the expert guidance of the teacher, mistakes are impossible to make. Especially as a beginner, you can make a lot of mistakes that would miss the purpose of the exercises. Necessary equipment is also provided. Floor mats are provided for many classes. If you don't have one, you'll need to buy your own exercise or yoga mat. These aren't expensive and can also be useful at home if you want to do some extra exercise. The mat is lightweight and can be rolled up and easily transported. If you want to invest more right from the start, specialty mats are a good option. Yoga mats are available in a wide variety of materials , in many colors, and some even have beautiful designs. A mat with an embroidered symbol not only looks attractive, it also makes a great gift. Put it on your Christmas or birthday wish list. Those who practice yoga for a longer period of time will likely want additional products over the years. These include yoga cushions , for example, which are also available in a wide variety of designs. They are an alternative to chairs and mats for breathing exercises and meditation. You sit comfortably with an upright back and can remain in this position for a while. After all, you don't want your concentration to be disrupted by uncomfortable conditions. For advanced practitioners, there are yoga blocks, for example, that provide valuable support in difficult poses. Yoga straps are also in demand, allowing you to stay in a particular position for longer. These aids serve to optimize your stretches. Is yoga for you? But all these tools are only needed once you've been passionate about yoga for a while. While yoga can be practiced by anyone, not everyone enjoys it. Some people don't connect with this form of physical training or the philosophy behind it; some start with enthusiasm, but after a short time, the joy fades and they stop practicing. So test it out for a while to see if you've made the right decision. Image © dolgachov / 123rf.com

Training to become a yoga teacher – dream job as a yoga teacher?! Is the yoga mat your favorite place? Or do you dream of making it your career? Then yoga teacher training is exactly what you need. You can teach yoga full-time or part-time. However, you should have qualified training, because yoga is more than just teaching others exercises of varying difficulty levels. A career with a future It's a demanding and rewarding profession. You interact with a lot of people, working in a quiet atmosphere full of concentration and contemplation. You're your own boss, perhaps with your own studio—which naturally brings with it additional obligations and a great deal of responsibility. Your own advantages include a fit body, the perspective on new issues (because each student brings new perspectives), and the enjoyment of an active lifestyle. Furthermore, the future prospects are not bad, as yoga caters to trends and hype: general interest in exercise, engagement with Eastern wisdom, and the desire to find oneself, to find peace, and to bring more relaxation into a hectic life. Traditional and modern elements must be combined in your teaching in such a way that your students enjoy listening and practicing. The basic idea of yoga is just as important as encouraging their own reflection, but this shouldn't be intrusive. You need to be a good listener, able to assess individual flexibility, encourage the anxious, and rein in the overzealous. Yoga is therefore also a profession for people-watchers . Much of this can be learned very well through a thorough training program. Yoga also means lifelong learning for teachers There are numerous ways to get a teaching position. Of course, you can point to your years of practice, but as a qualified yoga teacher, you always have a better status and a credential that your students trust – provided you invest in high-quality teacher training and ongoing professional development. The job title itself isn't protected, but with appropriate certifications and a positive attitude, you're sure to be successful. Affordable... Some books present yoga teaching in a fun and easy way, but you should be careful. Yoga requires years of personal development; if you want to teach it to others, you need to create a harmonious combination of your practice, what you've learned, and what your students tell you about themselves. Sequences, or practice patterns, must be well-adapted to the target audience. Very experienced yogis sometimes teach based on instinct, but this requires years and decades of intensive yoga practice. ... or very expensive A rather expensive option is to visit teachers in the Far East. Learning yoga in the country of origin or in a stunning setting certainly has an exotic feel, but you have to weigh the costs and benefits. You could plan such a trip as a substitute for a vacation and use it alongside another training course. This way, you combine the pleasant and new with the useful. On the safe side... You can also contact the BDY, the Association of German Yoga Teachers, for example. In a reputable association, you'll be well integrated for the future and receive the latest information and continuing education opportunities. If something isn't going well or you're in crisis, you can seek advice. Publications and a special member service round out the program. In addition to training, great emphasis is placed on medical and educational aspects, as well as the background of yoga teachings. ... or on your own Furthermore, many different institutions offer training courses. We recommend that you carefully check the individual websites for their offerings, reliability, costs, certifications, and overall impression. Otherwise, the internet is a helpful resource when it comes to general questions, such as mistakes you might make as a yoga teacher and thus as a self-employed person. The best way to start your dream job as a yoga teacher is with plenty of reading material, lots of questions, and a few phone calls. Image © creatista / 123rf.com