| Have you ever wanted to stimulate your | | | | a program, which gives them gradual and safe |
| competition-minded students, but, at the same time, | | | | challenges. One suggestion that comes to mind is a |
| were concerned about safety precautions? Here is an | | | | Vinyasa class. With each repetition of a sequence, |
| example of a way to design lesson plans for new | | | | their range of motion will improve. |
| Yoga students with limited range of motion, but who | | | | Firstly, demonstrate all or part of a new Vinyasa |
| thirst for a challenge. | | | | sequence, so your students have a visual interpretation |
| Q: Recently, I started teaching another Yoga class. | | | | within their minds. You could start your sequencing with |
| The students are regular 'gym people'. These Yoga | | | | slow deliberate movements - with emphasis on form. |
| students are quite strong, but not so flexible. So I'm | | | | As the class continues, you could gradually, and safely, |
| trying to structure the class to focus more on | | | | increase the speed by requiring less time for your |
| improving flexibility. But even the 'routine' asanas are a | | | | students to hold the postures, but still mention the |
| challenge to them. Please comment. | | | | importance of good form and proper alignment. |
| The other thing is - they are of the opinion that yoga is | | | | You could also roam the class, and make adjustments |
| just another 'sport'. But I want them to know that there | | | | as needed. Let the class flow, stop them in a posture |
| is more to yoga than the physical discipline. But I | | | | that needs adjusting for 20 to 30 seconds, and make |
| suspect that they'll balk if I go into explaining yoga | | | | a few adjustments, then roam to another corner of |
| philosophy. Also, they may consider that as a 'waste' | | | | the room and do the same. Remind your students that |
| of good 'workout time'. | | | | holding a Yoga asana for longer than 20 seconds |
| A: Having taught students, with competitive mindsets | | | | challenges their strength. |
| and limited range of motion, at the same time, it has | | | | It will not be long before your students see and feel |
| been my experience that exposing them to philosophy | | | | the value of a continued practice. Their interests will |
| has its natural born limits. Some students see only the | | | | likely evolve into different aspects of Yoga, with |
| physical challenge of Hatha Yoga. | | | | steady practice, because they have learned to |
| The adventure of a challenge, and the glory of a | | | | respect it as more than an exercise class. |
| conquest, is their priority. However, you could structure | | | | |