How To Know If You're Ready For Yoga Teacher Training

You might have thought about Vancouver Yoga Teacher Training for months or years, but are not sure how to decide whether you are ready to take the plunge. Knowing if it's the right time to pursue your dream can provide the push that you require to make your aspiration a reality.

Confidence level

You won't be expected to know every yoga pose when you enroll to become a student, but you will need to feel happy to experiment and learn. No doubt, you already have a certain amount of knowledge that you wish to expand upon. Having the willingness to develop your awareness and expertise will stand you in good stead if you are considering taking the next step by training to become a Vancouver Yoga Teacher.

Ask yourself whether you feel at ease with asanas and when taking part in intermediate level classes. If you feel perfectly fine, you are probably ready to increase your knowledge and forge ahead.

Zest and lifestyle

In order to become a successful student, you need to have the drive and enthusiasm to put in the effort and time required to accomplish your goal. You will find that learning inspires and motivates you. However, you have to want to gather extra knowledge and gain self-awareness right from the start of your journey.

Furthermore, examine your lifestyle to make sure that you can accommodate yoga teacher training. Can you shuffle your life around if necessary to give you time to learn? You might find that you gain vitality by practicing yoga as you advance and your energy expands, leaving you able to do more because you become more efficient. Nonetheless, you will want to know that you are comfortable with taking on the necessary requirements of a yoga training course before you make any commitments.

Certainty

If you are still pondering whether to become a student, you probably need more information to help you decide. Empower yourself with greater knowledge about the course you are thinking of taking. Moreover, discover more about the yoga training methods and the general approach involved. Do the attitudes and leanings of the school reflect your own learning style? Can you imagine yourself enjoying taking part in the course?

If possible, speak with the people who will be training you and ask them questions. Good teachers will soon be able to dispel your fears and provide the information you want to help you do what is right for you. In fact, if you find your prospective trainers inspiring when you first meet them, you are bound to enjoy learning from them and can feel comfortable enrolling.

You might be teetering on the edge of the decision to take up yoga teacher training, but you don't need to do so before you are armed with all the information that you seek. If you have the drive to succeed, are comfortable learning, and can fit doing so into your life, find out the extra facts that you need and you will make the correct choice.

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How To Choose a Yoga Teacher Training Program

Choosing a Yoga Teacher Training Program in Vancouver is making an investment into your future. It isn’t always easy, and with so many options available, new teachers can be scared away before they even get started.

We know how overwhelming choosing a program can be – we’ve been there! – and want to help. Here are a few tips on how to choose the right program for you.

Listen to your heart. Your intuition is one of the most valuable tools when selecting a teacher. Sometimes, despite all the advice to the contrary, you connect with a teacher you know little about, or someone who may have less experience than others. Having a heartfelt connection to your teacher can mean the difference between just learning how to teach and thriving in your role as an instructor.

Research the market in your area. Are many jobs available? Are teachers struggling to find work? Is there a gap between what work is available and who is qualified to teach it? Maybe there's a need for a certain style in your neighborhood, and you would be the perfect fit once you're done your Vancouver yoga teacher training. Look at what your community needs, and try to align your yoga teacher training to fit that.

Consider time and cost. Programs vary in the commitment they need from you, both financially and physically. Will you be sacrificing too much with one program? Will another program take too long? Think about how much you want to invest in your training, and how much time to have you commit to the course, and keep that in mind when you're looking at programs.

Ask questions. The right and reputable studio will welcome questions. Be sure to remember to ask them!

Remember that you're always a student, even when your training is over. Follow your intuition, research your options, and the right studio and yoga training program will find you.

We’d love to discuss our Vancouver yoga teacher training program with you – connect with us on Facebook or Twitter to learn more! Want to learn more on How To Become A Yoga Instructor? Check out our Blog to learn more. 

5 Yoga Fails

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned studio vet, we’ve all witnessed someone making a yoga fail. From bad outfit choices to a blaring iPod trapped in a purse, everyone makes mistakes. But there are a few guidelines to keep in mind to make sure that you aren’t leaving in shame after a class. Here are a few of the top yoga fails we’ve seen.

Wardrobe Malfunctions: Are your shoes still on? Are your clothes gaping, bunching, or giving you the dreaded camel toe? If so, brush up on your attire etiquette. Before you head to class, check for sheer fabrics and any chances of slipping. And for the ultimate in comfort and reassurance, grab yourself a pair of our signature No Camel Toe Booty Plumping Pants.

Beeping Electronics: No one wants to hear a ringing or buzzing cell phone when you're in the relaxing groove of savasana. Make sure your phone is turned to silent -- no vibrations -- to ensure you aren't ruining class for yourself and everyone else.

Not Respecting Personal Space and Boundaries: This fail doesn't just cover your physical space, but the general atmosphere of the room, too. Breathing too loud, sighing, and generally being distracting or disrespectful of the other students' needs for peace and quiet (and relaxation) is a big faux pas. Remember that you're all in this together and try to respect and enjoy the journey.

Time Bombs: Are you always arriving late or packing up early? If so, you could be a major distraction to other students and your teacher. It's not only disrespectful, but interrupts the flow of the class, especially during savasana, which plays a vital role in calming the mind and body. If you must leave early, be sure to tell your teacher at the beginning of class. You can make arrangements to be near the door and be ready to slip out quickly -- and quietly.

Keeping Your Eyes on Others: One of the biggest fails is constantly comparing yourself to other students. This not only distracts you, but it can stop you from reaching your full potential. Jealousy (or obsessing) over a classmate's abilities won't help you reach yours; paying attention and striving of your personal best will. Look towards others for inspiration and follow the lead of your teacher.

Have you seen any yoga fails in the studio, or maybe committed one yourself? We’d love to hear them! Comment below or on our Social Media Pages

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Marilyn and Samara

Vancouver Yoga Teacher Training - Naked Truth Yoga

Fall Registration Open Now

Do you think that your talents are wasted in a nine to five job? Do you feel your health and well-being fall to pieces in snack rooms and around the coffee machine during mandated breaks? Is the office life simply not for you?

Reach your potential at a job that is meaningful, worthwhile and good for your body, mind and soul.

Become a yoga teacher. Get the healthiest you’ve ever been and make a living helping others do the same. If you measure your wealth in happiness of the spirit, it’s the best paying job in the world.

We are currently offering Vancouver yoga teacher training session for the fall. To find out if the life of a yoga instructor is right for your, talk to us about a free consultation.

The next course begins September 21, 2013.

Space is limited, so be sure to contact us as soon as possible to reserve your space.

Want to fine-tune your skills and take your yoga teaching to the next level? Naked Truth Yoga is currently running its Elite Yoga Teacher Training. It’s a 200 hr+ program that is ready for the summer break. Contact us today inquire about registration.

Again space is limited, so be sure to get signed up before the course is full.

Yoga Improves Athletic Performance for Athletes

We are all aware that yoga improves flexibility, stamina and strength, but what some might not know is that yoga can also enhance athletic performance.

More and more athletes are adopting yoga as part of their workout regime. Runners, cyclists, and other sports players have started using yoga as a means to improve focus, strength, and flexibility. By taking a holistic approach to yoga, athletes significantly reduce the risk of injury and increase their overall core strength. 

For instance, since 2007 the Vancouver Canucks adopted yoga as a part of their training program. This conditioning program was intended to reduce injuries, improve flexibility, and provide relaxation for the players.

Hockey player, Hendrik Sedin, described the yoga sessions as, “really relaxing.” “It’s great to get together as a team and do it together,” said Hendrik, “you feel extremely relaxed afterwards.”

By providing a relaxation outlet through yoga, athletes (like the Vancouver Canucks) can see dramatic results to their overall health and wellbeing. This may include stress and insomnia reduction as well as improvements to mood and team outlook. 

If you are an athlete and are interested in improving your sports performance, check out the many yoga classes offered by Vancouver Yoga Teacher Training. We offer a variety of workshops including Core Yoga, Yang and Yin, Chakra, Vinyasa Flow, and Partner Yoga. For more information, please feel free to contact us. 

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Foods that Boost Your Metabolism

Did you know there is certain foods that can help boost your metabolism? An increased metabolic rate allows calories to be burned more efficiently and prevents the build-up of fat. By incorporating these healthy foods into your daily diet, this will help you lose weight and improve your overall wellbeing. Here is a list of five foods that can help speed up your metabolism:

1. Whole Grains, Oatmeal and Brown rice

Whole grains are full of healthy nutrients and complex carbohydrates that boost metabolism and stabilize blood sugar levels. Unlike processed foods made mostly of white flour, whole grains, brown rice and oatmeal enable our muscles to store less glycogen. As a result, our bodies are forced to burn fat as a source of energy.

2. Broccoli

Broccoli contains metabolic-boosting nutrients including calcium, and vitamin C, K, and A. In addition, broccoli is an excellent source of dietary fiber and antioxidants.

3. Black Coffee

Caffeine found in black coffee is great for increasing metabolism to breakdown fat. Caffeine also acts as a stimulant and may cause an increase in physical activity. By exercising more readily additional calories can be burned.

4. Lean Meats and Fish

Lean meats and fish are excellent sources of protein that help boost metabolism and energy levels. Protein is important for building muscle and burning fat and can aid with long-term weight control.

5. Hot Peppers

Hot peppers such as cayenne, chili, jalapeno and habanero provide a temporary rise in metabolism (approximately 8% greater than a person’s normal metabolic rate).

Another great source for increasing metabolic rates is exercising more regularly.  Yoga is an excellent source of physical activity that can help you burn fat and lose weight. Vancouver Yoga Teacher Training is offering a hands on chakra workshop with guided meditation on May 4 from 3 to 4:30pm. This is a great opportunity to get activity and help boost your metabolic rate- don’t miss out!

Source: allrecipes.com via Michelle on Pinterest

Maintaining Your Yoga Mat: Cleaner Recipes and Techniques

Saucha (also known as cleanliness) is an important aspect of yoga practice. Saucha helps purify the body and mind and promotes a more balanced lifestyle. Many individuals believe that cleanliness helps open up charkas and deepen yoga practice. To help maintain Saucha in your yoga practice, here are some helpful tips for cleaning your yoga mat, as well as some eco-friendly mat cleaner recipes.

The best way of keeping your yoga mat clean and sterile is to wash it by hand. Washing by hand will help prevent bacterial growth and will enhance the longevity of your mat.  The easiest way to clean your mat is applying a cleaning liquid (you can either buy a detergent from the store or make it yourself). Start by submerging your mat in a tub of lukewarm water. Add a few drops of cleaning liquid. Let your mat sit for a couple of minutes to fully absorb the water. Gently rub both sides of your mat. Use a soft-surfaced sponge or cloth. You can also use your hands if you prefer. Once thoroughly cleaned, rinse your mat to wash away any residue. To dry your yoga mat, place your mat on a dry towel and roll them together. Squeeze out any excess water. Unroll and hang to air dry. Make sure your mat is completely dry before storing it way (it takes approximately 48hrs to dry completely).

If you are interested in making your own homemade cleaning detergent, there are plenty of easy-to-make recipes.  One of our favorites is a lavender spray that comprises of three drops of tea tree oil, two drops of peppermint oil, and two drops of lavender oil mixed together with distilled water in a spray bottle. This solution is great for cleaning your mat after a sweaty yoga workout. Remember to shake well before applying the spray.

Another great homemade cleaning recipe is combining one cup white vinegar, three cups distilled water, one teaspoon tree oil, and 10-30 drops (depending on preference) peppermint, lavender, and thyme essential oil together in a spray bottle. This is an excellent eco-friendly recipe that works well for removing sweat residue and bacteria.

With these great recipes and mat cleaning techniques, you will be sure to achieve Saucha when practicing yoga. If you are interested in learning more tips about yoga, please visit your Vancouver Teacher Training studio. We will be offering a new yoga teacher training program starting May 4, 2013. Please contact us for more information. 

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