Yoga Lesson Planning Yoga Vidya Gurukul

Aims of a Yoga Session Physical & Mental Health Physical & Mental Health Stress relief, achieving peace of mind Stress relief, achieving peace of mind Spiritual expectations Spiritual expectations Treating various health conditions Treating various health conditions Exercise for the body??? Exercise for the body??? Just a fashion or a fad??? Just a fashion or a fad???

Contents of a Yoga Session Resolve Resolve Asanas – forward, backward, twisting, side bends, balancing, stretching, inversions, relaxing, meditative Asanas – forward, backward, twisting, side bends, balancing, stretching, inversions, relaxing, meditative Pranayama – Heating (dynamic), Cooling/ Relaxing Pranayama – Heating (dynamic), Cooling/ Relaxing Meditation Meditation Relaxation Relaxation Mantras or Positive Affirmations Mantras or Positive Affirmations Warm ups Warm ups

Principles of Lesson Planning Sequence the contents Sequence the contents –Opening (Resolve or prayer or mantras or positive affirmations) –Warm ups (Preparatory movements or sun salutations) –Asanas Initial focus on core muscle strength Initial focus on core muscle strength Order - Supine, prone, sitting, standing (Exception of Sarvangasana & Halasana) Order - Supine, prone, sitting, standing (Exception of Sarvangasana & Halasana) Counter the pose Counter the pose Warm up pose Warm up pose Proper relaxation by shavasana / makarasana Proper relaxation by shavasana / makarasana Purpose of an Asana – Strength, endurance, stamina, flexibility Purpose of an Asana – Strength, endurance, stamina, flexibility Practicing the Asana – Breath awareness, physical posture, focus on stressed parts, relaxation Practicing the Asana – Breath awareness, physical posture, focus on stressed parts, relaxation

Timing the contents Prayer / Mantra / Opening / Meditation – % Prayer / Mantra / Opening / Meditation – % Warm ups – 10 – 15 % Warm ups – 10 – 15 % Asanas – % Asanas – % Pranayama – 20 – 25 % Pranayama – 20 – 25 % Relaxation – 10 – 15 % Relaxation – 10 – 15 %