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Outreach Ministries: Yoga Classes
Yoga can help people lower their heart rate, increase flexibility, and reduce stress. Read the information below for tips on starting your own yoga program.
Locate an Instructor
Although no certification is necessary to teach yoga in the US or Canada, there are several teacher certification programs available. Search online for options if you are interested. At the very least, your instructor should have several years experience in yoga along with exceeding amounts of patience and a pleasant demeanor. Perhaps you already have a volunteer who qualifies. If not, post flyers in local gyms and YMCA’s to find an outside instructor.
Know your options
If basic yoga sounds boring to you, there are many specialized forms of yoga you can develop including:- Yoga for kids
- Pre or Post-natal Yoga
- Yoga for Seniors
- Yoga as Physical Therapy
Prepare your Location
Set up your class in a large, open area. Lay down non-skid mats on the floor. Make sure there is enough room between mats that students will be able to twist and flex into position without hitting each other. Close the blinds and turn down the lights. The goal of yoga is to be a relaxing experience. Choose some soft instrumental music. World music CD’s are perfect in this regard. Make sure to provide a secure place for students to leave their personal belongings during class (shoes, purses, keys, etc). Instruct students to bring their own towel, although you may want to have some extra on hand.
Establish an Exercise Plan
there are hundreds of books and websites that offer sample yoga lesson plans. Choose a few based on skill, length, and positions covered. Alternate between two or three different plans so students don’t get bored. Remember, all workouts should have a warm up, apex (or the point of heaviest exertion) and cool down. Average classes run from 30 min to an hour.
Live for Variety
The instructor should constantly challenge students with new positions and variations. If you’re looking for some for fat burning options, try including some Pilaties moves into the class.
Helpful Links
Yoga Teacher Training- Online certification.