The Importance of Yin Yoga

Don't let the name fool you. Yin yoga by name may appear to be a less strenuous form of yoga, and in comparison to styles such as ashtanga or bikram yoga, it is. But nevertheless, it is very challenging in its own way. This does not require the muscular endurance that ashtanga and bikram, rather it requires being able to hold certain positions for at least 3-5 minutes at a time. Some may hold positions for up to 20 minutes. Sounds easy, but it is far more challenging than it seems.

What is Yin Yoga?

If you were to think of the more "power" styles of yoga, such as ashtanga, as "yang" yoga, the term "yin" yoga makes perfect sense for what it concentrates on. Yang yoga's primary focus is muscle lengthening and muscle contraction. The emphasis is on the muscle itself. Yin yoga focuses on working the connective tissues, such as the ligaments and tendons. More specifically, the ligaments and tendons of the pelvis, hip and lower back area are worked.

Why Should You Practice Yin Yoga?

During a yang practice, or even regular exercise such as jogging or resistance training, we are engaging our muscles in repetitive movements. This repetition breaks the muscle fibers down in order to build back up. This scenario is ideal for toning the muscles to give them definition. However, this is just part of the puzzle. Making sure the tissues that connect the muscle to the bone are healthy and malleable is extremely important.

These positions help to ensure the connective tissues are properly aligned. In addition, this strengthens the joints by creating space that allow for better and safer range of motion. This reduces the risk of potential injury that exercises focusing on muscular contraction can cause. When the joints have accumulated tension, the risk for injury is high if it is not addressed. Yin yoga can pay a huge part in releasing joint tension and opening the body.

When Should You Practice Yin Yoga?

Ideally, the greatest benefits of Yin yoga are reaped when the muscles are not warm. The perfect time would be just upon waking. The reason being is that warm muscles will take the impact of the stretching away from the connective tissues, which is what you want to be working. You may also incorporate a Yin yoga session right before a regular exercise session or before a Yang yoga session. For women, the time of menses is also a great time to incorporate a Yin yoga session, as it is said to help conserve necessary energies.

Incorporating a yoga practice in which the focus is on strengthening and opening the joints and connective tissues is very important in reducing the risk of injury. It is also important to ensure bone health as our bodies age. Most exercise programs focus on working the muscles, but making sure the other tissues are worked simultaneously ensures you get a well-balanced, highly beneficial work out. This balance will keep our bodies healthy for years to come.

Friends Link : cheap cookware Greenhouse Gardening Books - Greenhouse Gardener's Companion Growing Food Handheld Massagers from a best selection of Health & Personal Care Massage Table Warming Massage Pad keeps you comfortably

Teaching Hatha Yoga - Steps to Professional Development of Yoga Teachers

Over the past two decades, professional development of Yoga teachers has grown, in parity, with the volume of new students. Let's look at some easy steps any Yoga instructor can take toward taking his or her knowledge and teaching skills to new heights.

Before you make a decision toward developing your skills, you may want to compile a list of areas where you feel you might want to go. Consider your performance reviews, feedback from program coordinators, students, or colleagues, and the input of your mentor, if you have one.

Ultimately, it is your decision to choose which direction of development or education to go in. If you have a wide variety of needs, you have to decide which ones are a priority - based upon a mix of rational thought and intuition.

Assess all of your options before choosing a path toward continuing education. When it comes to education, some of us are like kids in a candy store. We have difficulty making a decision about which course to take or which direction to go in.

Yet, there is a simple way to decide your direction. What are your students' needs? After you become a certified Yoga teacher, your decisions are based upon the needs of your students. If your students are a particular age, have similar health conditions, or there is a predominant ailment among them, this may be your calling.

On the other hand, if you cannot see a particular need, there are many training methods, and many areas of Yoga, where we could use improvement. Some skills are on the fringe of teaching, such as communication, public speaking, and marketing. One teacher may feel these skills are not necessary, while another may see a value in improving areas, where he or she needs help.

Most importantly, choose an option that suits your specific situation. Finances and time should be given consideration. Do you have the means to travel, a budget for continuing education, or the time needed to attend an intensive for Yoga teachers? Are you a self-starter, who can learn from books, DVD's, CD's, and online sources?

This brings to light a variety of choices Yoga instructors have when taking courses to enhance their education and professional growth. While training intensives are an option, so are home study, independent study, online courses, and correspondence courses.

No matter which direction you choose, professional development will be the end result.

© Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Thanks To : cheap cookware Greenhouse Gardening Books - Greenhouse Gardener's Companion Growing Food What Is the Best Lubricant?