The word "yoga" is derived from the Sanskrit root yuj meaning to join together. This fall, students, faculty and staff will have the opportunity to unite in a group exercise setting to train and become a certified yoga instructor.
Beginning this August, Auburn's Kinesiology Department will offer a yoga instructor course at a safe pace for people of all skill levels.
"The first thing students have to have is the mindset that yoga is something you want to do," said Danielle Wadsworth Department of Kinesiology director of the Physical Activity Promotion Laboratory. "It's a different format than a basic group fitness class. To be a great yoga instructor, you have to understand the philosophy of yoga. It's not about only the physical aspects of yoga, but the mental."
The prerequisite for the course will be the completion of YogaFit level1 training taught through Campus Recreation. This training is offered Aug. 16 and 17 at the Recreation and Wellness Center.
YogaFit is an international yoga fitness education school designed to teach yoga at health clubs, fitness facilities and other group exercise locations.
According to Wadsworth, Auburn is the only university in the country to collaborate with YogaFit and provide a certification course.
"Yoga enhances aspects of your studies, self and the way you connect to others," said Group Fitness Coordinator Pam Wiggins. "It's a holistic approach to health and well-being. When I see our students in class by the time they have experienced yoga for two semesters, I see how calm they are and how they reach out for that relaxation time."
After training, students may sign-up for a 200-hour certification course RYT - KINES 17626. The class is held one Saturday per month: Aug. 23, Sept. 20, Oct. 11 and Nov. 15, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Recreation and Wellness Center.
During the fall semester, level 2 and 3 will teach students about anatomy, yoga alignment and yoga props. Spring semester advances to level 4 and instructs students how to practice yoga with senior citizens, pregnancies and children.
"Yoga is one of the most popular offerings across the country right now," Wadsworth said. "It's one of the few exercise trends that has continued year after year. Essentially you have marketed yourself to be one of the top people able to teach."
Whether students have a desire to teach or learn more about the practice of yoga, this course offers a glimpse into the variety of yoga. Along the way, students will learn about different postures, teaching techniques, history, philosophy, breathing, meditation, sound therapy and more.
According to Wiggins, six students have already successfully completed the course. One is Danielle Ashworth, recent Auburn alumna and yoga instructor.
"I love seeing the progress people make, seeing the change in people and their demeanor," Ashworth said. "There is nothing better than when someone comes up to you after a class and says they feel so much better. Yoga is a wonderful addition to anyone's life."
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