Teaching Certification

[Kefira]

I haven't been around for a while. There's been a lot of up and a lot of down, I just wanted to share some of the good with you all while I sort out the rest:

I went to do a yoga teacher training intensive certification this summer. And not only did I finish, but I came in at the top of the peer teaching reviews both times. This was a new place with new people, no privacy and a lot of socialization. We did about 3 hours of yoga a day, which outside of not being in awesome shape (not bad, just that's a lot of work) it also made me deal with a lot of my body image issues. 14 hour days with classes and a lot of information. I also was sick when I got there and recovering from an injury in January, and I considered
putting it off, but I feel like every time I'm close to doing something like this I end up caving to external pressure. So I decided to power through.

I was really convinced I wouldn't be able to do it, but I proved to myself every day on the mat and off that I can be stronger than all of this. I also went from being my symptomatic self to being an important contributing part of the community we built. It was a really powerful experience and I just wanted to share with you all. I'll be taking up work in a studio soon, just part time, but it should be a rewarding thing for me to do.

 

[serenity55]

Sounds beautiful. Thank you for sharing. I hope you really feel and celebrate this big sucess.

 

[KwanYingirl]

Congratulation I take yoga and have no flexibility but my teacher is awesome. It's such a calming experience. It has made a huge difference in my therapy for PTSD/depression. She didn't run the class I take for the summer and I really missed it.

 

[Recovery4Me]

Ooooh! I am so happy for all of you and inspired! I am patiently waiting for realization of yoga being added to my daily regime. I am working and walking about 4 miles a day (at least 4 times a week) so I have a question to ask you yoga pros, please.

@Kefira
First and largely congrats!!!:tup:

Second, (info) honestly I have not been in shape for over a year (or more:blackeye:) but I have been taking the plunge due to Anthony's and Nicolette's tireless support + others of course! :hug: The walking has been a progress of too many miles, learning my limits, backing it down then staying on course. It has been about a month and a half.

Thirdly, question: Not holding you accountable but asking your thoughts. At what point could yoga be beneficial and not subtract from my slow to build but steady growing muscles? I am afraid if I sign up (because I can not seem to commit at home with my array of DVD's and mat) I may loose my balance (inner ear) and not be able to do it again.

Fourthly, another question, please:Yoga also is very expensive here, but better to learn correctly. What style(s) or method did you get certified in and why do you prefer it?

Thank you for any consideration in my questions, as I am hoping to honestly gleam expertise from this elite group and would feel more secure by using your suggestions and/or wisdom in my future choices.:hug:

 

[Kefira]

@Recovery4Me
I find yoga to be approachable for people of most fitness levels as long as they are taking classes with a qualified instructor who will tell you that the point is to honor your body and learn and respect your current limits while working to slowly expand them. It's also wonderful because it scales to you and your body. You can always find room to go a bit deeper into a pose or add a modification to make it more or less challenging. If you have an existing health concern, obviously check with your doctor and also let your instructor know in general terms before class if you're comfortable. This way your teacher can offer modifications that would be more appropriate for you if needed.

I got a general certification, so I can teach a number of styles. I'll be getting further specialization in recovery focused yoga. I feel the type of yoga that's best depends upon your goals and how your symptoms present. It can be confusing to sort through and studios use slightly different labels, but following are some basic categories and a brief idea of what each one would mean.

Non-traditional styles
Power/fusion/pilates yoga: tends to be purely for physical activity. It's more like yoga inspired exercise than anything else.
Bikram/hot yoga: specific sequences but the main focus is the room being very very hot so you sweat, a lot.

Traditional styles
Hatha yoga: a slow paced sequence focusing on stretching and meditation. A good place to have time to learn the basic poses.
Vinyasa yoga: a fast paced class which focuses on moving with the breath. Much more physically demanding than Hatha.
Restorative yoga: a wonderful way to supplement a practice, using bolsters and props to completely support the body with a focus on deep meditation and relaxation.

If anyone wants more personally tailored advice or help sorting through class offerings in your area, feel free to pm me :) happy to help.

 

[Recovery4Me]

@Kefira Thank you as your time investment as well as expertise helped me sort the array of options. The nontraditional does seem so tempting, however your answer redirected me to traditional as I am meeting my exercise quota.
You are very honest, thanks. :hug:'s