carla and teacher trainees having fun

TEACHER TRAINING

EXPLORING THE BODY ON A COMPREHENSIVE LEVEL

The increasing focus on the understanding of the union of mind, body and spirit is encouraging, and necessitates the rigorous exploration of the science of anatomy and physiology (A&P).  Understanding the basics of A&P is essential for yoga teachers.  For example, they are expected to understand the mechanics of each asana, appreciate how muscles work together, realize how tightness in one area may create problems at another site, and help their students to recognize why breath is so important in yoga.

Many Yoga teacher trainings may not include an adequate presentation of A&P for their students, although the Yoga Alliance specifies a minimum of 25 hours of AP training.  I offer a 25 to 30 hour comprehensive A&P course designed specifically for aspiring yoga teachers, tailored to fit your program.

My mission as an instructor is three-fold:

  1. To provide the knowledge of A&P and the biomechanics of movement so that teachers will understand their student's strengths and weaknesses and protect them from injury.
  2. To understand the structure and function, as well as the benefits and counter-indications of inversions, backbends, standing postures, forward bends, balancing and resting postures and to use this knowledge to help students develop an appropriate practice.
  3. To inspire yoga teachers-in-training to assume responsibility for their own health of mind, body and spirit, and to pass this commitment onto their students.

I've included a brief outline of the Anatomy and Physiology modules.  Each module begins with a guided meditation, followed by an interactive lecture, and a slide presentation based on F. Netter's Atlas of Human Anatomy. Also included are: Demonstrations of how individual differences in physical structure may determine one's range of motion in asanas; Experiential exercises, such as body scanning and joint freeing exercises; Guided imagery experiences ranging from how different systems work to what chakras represent; Drills identifying the benefits and precautions of asanas; and using asanas to illustrate the various A&P concepts. Printed materials, study guides and quizzes are provided for each module. My main focus is always the mind/body/spirit relationship and the power of yoga in healing.

Author Havey MacKay said, "Find something you love to do and you'll never have to work a day in your life"  I find the human body and mind infinitely fascinating and I feel passionate about teaching this subject. And it is a blessing to teach yoga teachers-in-training; their presence and open hearts always makes me smile.

Please contact me and we can discuss how best to adapt this program to your teacher training. Namaste.