Yoga has become a global phenomenon, celebrated for its physical, mental, and spiritual benefits. Yet, a worrying trend has emerged within the yoga community: the neglect of teaching proper alignment. This blog aims to shed light on why alignment is often overlooked, the gaps in teacher training programs, and the potential consequences of this neglect.
The Gaps in Teacher Training Programs
Most yoga teachers undergo a 200-hour teacher training program, which is often the minimum requirement to start teaching. However, 200 hours is simply not enough to dive deeply into anatomy, functional movement, or the intricacies of proper alignment. These programs often provide a broad overview of yoga philosophy, basic poses, and teaching methodology, but fall short when it comes to detailed anatomical cuing and functional movement principles.
Furthermore, if a yoga teacher's own training did not emphasize anatomy and alignment, they are less likely to pursue further education in these areas. This perpetuates a cycle where new teachers are not equipped with the necessary knowledge to teach alignment effectively, and their students, in turn, do not learn these essential principles.
The Misconception of "No Such Thing as Proper Alignment"
A growing number of yoga teachers claim that there is no such thing as "proper alignment" and that students should have the freedom to move as they like. While it's true that every body is unique and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to alignment, this philosophy can be taken too far. Without guidance on proper alignment, students are at a higher risk of injury and may not reap the full benefits of their practice.
Alignment is not about forcing every student into the same pose, but about providing cues and assists that help each individual find a safe and effective way to practice. Ignoring alignment altogether under the guise of promoting freedom can lead to a lack of body awareness and the potential for harm.
The Risks of Neglecting Alignment
The omission of alignment in yoga classes is particularly concerning when we consider the increasing popularity of more challenging sequences. Advanced poses and dynamic flows require a solid foundation in fundamentals and alignment to be performed safely. Without proper instruction and cues, students push themselves too far, leading to injuries that could have been avoided with better guidance.
It's a bothersome trend. Students with knee, shoulder and hips injuries pursuing more and more complex sequences with fewer and fewer alignment, functional and biomechanical instructions. Additionally, the lack of alignment teaching can contribute to long-term imbalances and chronic issues. Yoga is meant to be a practice of healing and balance, but when alignment is neglected, it can have the opposite effect.
The Trend of Demonstrating Entire Classes
More and more teachers are conducting the entire practice on their mats, demoing the entire class with little to no viewing of the students’ practice. This approach makes sense if, as a teacher, you are not comfortable with anatomy, alignment, and assisting. Demonstrating is the next best thing, but are we doing this at a disadvantage to the student?
When teachers spend the entire class on their mats, they miss out on observing their students and providing necessary adjustments and cues. This lack of interaction can hinder the student's growth and increase the risk of injury. Students may mimic the teacher's movements without understanding the proper alignment, leading to potential long-term issues.
Student Resistance to Alignment Cues
Another challenge is that some students might not be open to alignment cues or assists. They may feel self-conscious, uncomfortable, or simply prefer to practice in a way that feels good to them, even if it's not the safest approach. As teachers, it's our job to create a supportive environment where students feel comfortable receiving adjustments and understanding the importance of alignment for their long-term well-being.
The Need for Change
So, what’s the solution? We need to keep learning beyond our initial training. As yoga teachers, we have a responsibility to our students to provide safe and effective instruction. This includes teaching proper alignment, offering modifications, and being vigilant about the individual needs of each student. To address the gaps in our training, ongoing education in anatomy, biomechanics, and functional movement is essential.
A Call for Change
Let’s dive into anatomy, biomechanics, and functional movement. The more we know, the better we can teach alignment and ensure our students practice safely.
Ignoring alignment isn’t doing anyone any favors. By focusing on it, we can help our students build a solid foundation, avoid injuries, and deepen their practice. It’s all about supporting our students and helping them thrive.
The trend of neglecting alignment in yoga classes is a disservice to our students and the practice of yoga itself. While 200-hour teacher training programs provide a starting point, they are not sufficient to cover the complexities of anatomy and alignment. As teachers, it is to our student's benefit to continue our education and to prioritize alignment in our teaching.
By doing so, we can ensure that our students have the knowledge and tools they need to practice safely and effectively, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and sustainable yoga journey.
Keep growing and flowing!
Namaste! I'm Vikky, your South Florida yoga guide with 37 years of practice and 14 years of teaching wisdom. At the heart of my teaching lies a profound respect for the ancient art of yoga, blended with a modern, dynamic approach that caters to all, regardless of age or skill level. My expertise spans from yogic anatomy to advanced 500-hour yoga teacher training, underpinned by a deep understanding of yogic philosophy and mindful practice. Whether in group classes at Evolution Yoga or through my upcoming 2024 video library, I aim to empower and inspire. Dive into a journey of self-discovery and holistic wellness with me. Embrace the transformative experience of yoga, crafted with authentic mechanics, mindful techniques, and boundless passion. Let's push the f***ing mat away and discover the power of yoga, together.
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