1. National Exercise Trainers Association: Yoga Specialty Certification
Alyssa Isaackson
Trillium Woods – Plymouth, MN

2. What is Yoga? Sanskrit word meaning Unity oneness of all things
Mind-Body exercise
Still the mind to improve focus & create environment of relaxation
Practice asanas to improve strength, balance and flexibility to our bodies

3. History Ancient practice originated 5000+years ago
1851 : N.C. Paul – A Treatise on the Yoga Philosophy and produced first scientific study of yoga
1893 : Swami Vivekananda, brought yoga to US
1930’s : Krishnamacharya added Sun Salutations
’s : Fitness style of yoga appears
1973 : Bikram brings hot yoga to US
1994 : Beth Shaw creates YogaFit

4. Chakras
7 major Chakras
Lower: focus on lifestyles and emotions
Upper: develop wisdom and aid in sense of self-realization and universal connection
Awakening toward full consciousness by meditation and postural positions
Represents a path of evolution and personal growth symbolized as a wheel or flower

6. 8 Limbs of Yoga Yamas – The Five Moral Restraints
Niyamas – The Five Observances
Asana – Postures
Pranayama – Mindful breathing
Pratyahara – Turning inward
Dharana – Concentration
Dhyana – Meditation
Samadhi – Enlightenment

7. Yamas (Do’s) Niyamas (Do nots)
Ahimsa – Nonviolence
Satya – truthfullness
Asteya – nonstealing
Brachmacarya – moderation
Aparigraha – nonhoarding
Sauca – purity
Santosa – contentment
Tapas – zeal, austerity
Svadhyaya – self-study
Isvara-pranidhana – devotion to higher power

8. Asanas

9. Pranayama Breath control
Breath Awareness, Abdominal breathing (Digra), Deep breathing
Can aid in somatic learning experience and can reduce mental turbulence
Asanas and Pranayamas work together to achieve a sense of harmony within the body

10. Dhyana Samadhi
Meditation is a focused and pre-planned practice to train the mind & body
Breath
Phrase/Mantra
Using an image or object
Enlightenment is the ultimate goal of meditation
Bliss and joy

11. Final Relaxation Conscious relaxation period
Allows the body to heal physically & psychologically
Inspirational messages
Readings
Philosophical or yoga text
Affirmations
Positive statements

12. Transformational Language
Inclusive: The use of “We”, “Us”, “Our”
Action-Oriented: The use of short & clear cues (“ing”)
Positive/affirmative: Focus on the benefits of each pose & be direct
Process-oriented: Focus on the process using phrases like “moving towards” or “where we feel comfortable today”
Awareness-oriented: Remind participants to rest or to turn their focus inward

13. Prepping for class What type of yoga am I teaching?
Who will be participating in my class?
Age, fitness level, physical limitations, health issues, etc.
What is the goal of the class today?
Balance, open the hips, relaxation
Choose 1 of the 7 chakras to focus on & teach poses
How long is my class and how long will I spend in each element?
What are some cues that will be beneficial for each of the poses and which variations are appropriate?
Other details  class setting, sound/scent,

14. Gentle Fitness Emphasize relaxation, safety & release
Introduce modified versions of poses
Avoid more difficult & contraindicated poses
Include extra time on breathing & relaxation
Leave with a feeling of being refreshed
Challenged physically & mentally in strength and balance poses
Create athletic & aerobic environment
Provide inspiration, reflection & time to appreciate the body
Leave with a feeling of being healthy, happy, energized

16. Questions?