I get lots of great questions about my offerings at Kripalu (Yoga for Athletes and Teaching Yoga to Athletes, about which you can read more here). Here are some of the usual inquiries, with my answers.
Q: I’m not athletic; is the weekend still for me?
A: Absolutely! We focus on finding ways to include yoga in your daily routine, no matter what you do with your body. Even if you spend most of your time behind a desk, you’ll learn how to use asana to balance your body and yoga’s approach to breath and meditation to sharpen your focus.
Q: I’m not a yogi—in fact, I’ve never done yoga; is the weekend still for me?
A: Absolutely. We will not be putting our feet behind our heads! Athletes are often very tight, and the easygoing style of yoga we practice will accommodate all levels, ages, and abilities.
Q: I’m intrigued, but I’d like to know more about your work and teaching before committing. Where should I look?
A: Poke around my website, and check out these free videos that will give you a sense of my teaching style.
Q: Which of the two sessions should I do? I’m interested in teaching yoga to athletes.
A: If you can make Teaching Yoga to Athletes, the five-day (Sunday–Friday), that’s designed for teachers who want to offer classes to athletes and teams, so it’s the best fit. If you can spare only a weekend, though, come to Yoga for Athletes—you’ll be able to reverse engineer based on what I offer the athletes. Better yet, come for BOTH. Each year there are a few wonderful students who do both programs (you get a discount on registration; ask when you sign up).
Q: I’m not a yoga teacher; is the intensive still for me?
A: Sure! Every year, we have a handful of folks who are coaches, personal trainers, physical therapists, or simply athletes interested in learning how best to incorporate yoga in their training. Join us!
Q: I have an injury (or will be late in a pregnancy)—how vigorous is the teachers’ intensive?
A: We practice every day but NONE of it is that rigorous. As I explain in the first moments of the intensive, as I see it, yoga for athletes is not athletic yoga. Instead, it’s yoga to complement and balance the training athletes do. Each day starts with lecture and discussion, then an hour or so of moderate practice with lots of modifications. After lunch, we do a Q&A, some group work, and a shorter gentle practice. I think you’ll be fine, and you’re welcome to sit and observe the asana practice if that feels better.
Q: What’s the difference between the in-person and the online version of Teaching Yoga to Athletes?
A: The five-day at Kripalu is a slightly condensed version of the online course. It all depends on your time and learning style. More details on cert vs. content are here: http://sageyogateachertraining.com/online-yoga-for-athletes-teacher-training-and-certification/ and here: http://sageyogateachertraining.com/online-course-faq/
Q: How much time do we spend in the program itself? What can I do while I’m there?
A: Three hours in the morning, two in the afternoon. Outside of program hours, there’s so much to do! You can take an early morning class, enjoy a delicious breakfast, shake it at noon dance, enjoy a delicious lunch, go for a run or hike, take an afternoon yoga class, enjoy a delicious dinner, attend a lecture or concert in the evening—and you can also enjoy the fantastic services at Kripalu Healing Arts!
Q: How do the days go in the five-day?
A: Here’s a schedule!
Sunday evening, 7:30–9:00 p.m.
Intentions, introductions, overview
Monday morning, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
Lecture and discussion: Philosophy
Practice: Yoga for balance
Monday afternoon, 1:45–3:45 p.m.
Discussion and workbook: Sport-specific demands
Tuesday morning, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
Lecture and discussion: Physiology
Practice: Yoga for strength
Tuesday afternoon, 1:45–3:45 p.m.
Discussion and workbook: Sequencing for the sport
Wednesday morning, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
Lecture and discussion: Psychology
Practice: Yoga for recovery
Wednesday afternoon, 1:45–3:45 p.m.
Discussion and workbook: Sequencing for the period
Thursday morning, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
Lecture and discussion: Pedagogy
Practice: Yoga with modifications
Thursday afternoon, 1:45–3:45 p.m.
Discussion and workbook: Modifications
Friday morning, 9:00–11:00 a.m.
Lecture and discussion: Business of teaching athletes
Discussion and workbook: Goals and action plans
Q: I have more questions—can I ask them?
A: Please! Add them to the comments or use the contact form at the bottom of the page!