Safe Yoga

Safe Yoga Is:

S ecure ( secure environment, instructor, student)

A ttention (attention to detail, form, postures, levels)

F unctional (offers modifications, options, mindful of exercise science)

E ffective (provides flexibility, strength, ease of use, balance)

Why Yoga is More Popular Than Ever
Yoga provides a total body workout that enhances strength, cardiovascular condition, balance and flexibility. It also enhances one's body awareness, increases physical control and facilitates body mastery.Because it involves a highly comprehensive and integrated approach, yoga produces a longer, leaner and more graceful physique - also currently in vogue.

Yoga also helps reduce stress, tension and fatigue through its mindfulness, often-fluid movement and deep breathing focus. If instructors are not attuned to the unique needs of the fitness club environment and gym members , injuries can occur. Traditional yoga as originating in India, does not really exist anymore in the United Sates. But fitness styles of yoga are appropriate for fitness centers.

Body Heat, Breath and RestSafe yoga differs from traditional yoga in that the postures link in a fluid heat building way. Breath is linked with movement heating the body naturally and organically. Rest is encouraged when necessary.

Warm-ups are crucial as fitness rooms are often cold. Warm up the body completely with large body moves prior to engaging in any complex or flexibility oriented pose. Fitness moves are incorporated such as sit-ups and push-ups, lunge and hold.

Transitions are smooth, from pose to pose with a full-body workout focus; all body parts are worked equally. Modifications and levels are offered to suit the needs of several different students at different levels in the room. Instructors speak in terms of "or", "either", "modify". They also encourage students to "take breaks", "let go" of expectations, judgment and competition and not push past their limits. Safe instructors are to never make aggressive physical adjustments to their students.

Group Fitness instructors can embark by initialing incorporating yoga postures into their already existing classes: Step, spin, kick box and aerobics. This provides an opportunity to get comfortable with a few basic postures.

Before hiring a teacher - answer these key questions:
Are you aware of the AFAA and ACE Safety Guidelines of Contraindications ?
Are you aware of how these relate to yoga?
Have you been through a formal yoga teacher training
Are you comfortable doing the postures?
Are you comfortable teaching the postures?

Do you have a regular yoga practice? If you have answered yes to all of the above then its time to begin. Audition them!

Guru Mentality Doesn't Fit in Fitness FacilitiesA guru mentality is not a welcome one in the fitness club. Look for an instructor who is first a fitness instructor, it's a lot easier to train a fitness instructor in yoga than it is to train a traditional yoga instructor in fitness.