Walk into any health and fitness club around the country and you'll see a personal trainer working with a client on the gym floor. Exercise instruction, motivation and the efficient achievement of fitness goals are some of the major reasons personal trainers are hired. Personal training in yoga can provide you with these advantages and more.
The Facts
Yoga is a valuable fitness tool that can improve cardio-respiratory endurance, enhance muscular strength, lower stress levels, increase flexibility and reduce low back pain. A 2005 study published in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies revealed that the physical and perceptual benefits of yoga practice differ by the type of instruction provided.
Group vs. Personal Yoga Instruction
Fitness clubs and yoga studios offer a variety of group yoga classes. Group yoga classes are designed to provide a safe workout for the group. The instructor will change and modify the intensity based on the level and skill of the class as a whole. Personal yoga sessions are designed to help you reach specific fitness goals. Personal yoga fitness goals include weight loss, muscular strength/endurance, injury prevention/management and stress relief.
Benefits
Personal training in yoga is advantageous for students of all levels. The personalized attention allows the yoga instructor to design a sequence of poses that specifically address your fitness goals. From session to session the intensity is modified to prevent plateaus, focus on areas of weakness and address acute injuries.
Significance
Personal yoga trainers can give you the motivation, confidence and knowledge to successfully perform a variety of poses. Personal training in yoga can be a highly effective tool in the attainment of a healthier standard of living. This is based on the personal trainer's ability to provide you with a customized sequence of poses that aid in the development of a stronger mind and body.
Considerations
Personal yoga trainers have a variety of specialties, styles and levels of certification. Identify the style of yoga that would be most appropriate for your body and goals. Power Yoga, Vinyasa Flow and Ashtanga would be a great choice if you enjoy intense workouts that increase your heart rate while developing muscular strength, balance and body awareness. Iyengar Yoga, Viniyoga and Restorative Yoga would be beneficial if you prefer closer attention to form, injury management/prevention and stress relief. An experienced personal yoga trainer can blend various forms of Yoga for training sessions that evolve based on increases in your fitness level and skill.
References
- "Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies"; Physical and perceptual benefits of yoga asana practice: results of a pilot study; V Cowen, T Adams; July; 2005
- "Ethics & Behavior"; Personal Trainers' Perceptions of Role Responsibilities, Conflicts and Boundaries; J Gavin; Volume 6, Issue 1; 1996
- "Yoga as Medicine"; T McCall; 2007
Member Comments