Modern postural yoga uses poses that in theory prepare the body for a peak pose at the end of class. However, exercise science has shown that there is a more effective way. By incorporating preparatory exercises into our classes, we can better prepare the body for more challenging asanas, while bridging the gap between our sedentary lifestyle and yoga asana. This also helps to reduce the risk of injury. Also, asana is a highly specialized form of movement that often emphasizes aesthetics over function. Through preparatory exercise, we can balance out our practice, by including movements that don’t exist in yoga poses, thus reducing our risk of pain and overuse injuries. If you’ve been trying to incorporate preparatory exercises in your teaching, but have been struggling with selecting the right exercises and sequencing them within a class, then this workshop is for you. Oftentimes, alignment cues are thought to be synonymous with safety. However, not all alignment cues correlate with biomechanics or function. This is why critical thinking skills can make you a more effective teacher. In this Yoga Deconstructed® workshop, you will learn to apply critical thinking when teaching, creating and selecting preparatory exercises.
This will help you understand:
- How to choose the right preparatory exercises for your students’ needs and based on what you see in the room.
- How to use preparatory exercises to prepare your students’ tissues and joints for specific asanas.
- The application of preparatory exercise to improving function in everyday life and athletic performance.
