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MENTORSHIP -
INDIVIDUALISED TRAINING
HELPING YOU BECOME A MORE CONFIDENT YOGA TEACHER
Private and Individualised Teacher Training with Zahir Akram
Led by studio owner and senior yoga teacher Zahir Akram, this programme offers a personalised, continuous teacher training course tailored to your specific needs.
Who Is This For?
This programme is ideal for yoga teachers who have completed initial training but feel they need further refinement or were unsatisfied with their previous training. It's perfect for those looking to deepen their knowledge and enhance their teaching skills in specific areas.
How It Works
Enjoy a customised learning experience at your own pace. Sessions can be held in-person at the studio or via Zoom, providing flexibility to suit your schedule and preferences. Each session is designed to focus on your unique needs, ensuring you receive the most relevant and practical training.
Examples of Our Work
A qualified yoga teacher with limited understanding of human anatomy meets weekly to explore how anatomy fits into teaching practices, enhancing her ability to instruct safely and effectively.
Another teacher wishing to deepen her knowledge of physiology, including the brain and nervous system, engages in discussions about the science and its practical applications in teaching, enabling her to offer more comprehensive and informed instruction.
Additional modules include advanced asana practice, yoga philosophy, teaching methodologies, adjustments and modifications, sequencing, breathing and the respiratory system, common injuries and so much more. Each module is tailored to address the areas you feel need improvement.
Session Details
Each private mentorship session costs £50.00.
Sessions last 60 minutes, offering you ample time to ask questions, receive detailed feedback, and build your confidence.
Zahir is dedicated to helping you advance your understanding of yoga, ensuring you can keep your students safe, informed, and engaged.
Why Choose This Programme?
Tailored Learning: Each session is customized to meet your specific needs and goals.
Expert Guidance: Benefit from Zahir's extensive experience and expertise in yoga teaching.
Flexible Scheduling: Choose between in-person or online sessions to fit your lifestyle.
Continuous Support: Ongoing mentorship ensures you continue to grow and develop as a teacher.
For a comprehensive list of available modules and to start your journey towards becoming a more skilled and confident yoga teacher, please scroll down.
Advanced learning Modules -
A History of Yoga - A Timeline
Who were the key figures of ancient Yoga? How different is traditional Yoga to modern-day Yoga?
The Vigyan Bhairava Tantra (A conversation between the 1st Yogi Shiva & Parvati)
What is Tantra? Does it precede Yoga? What is the difference between Tantra & Yoga?
The misconceptions of Tantra.
Philosophy
Exploring the modern relevance of the Bhagavad Gita & The Yoga Sutras
Understanding the Brain & Nervous System
Our anatomy—our bones and muscles—is governed by our physiology. Our actions are a direct reflection of this physiology and our biology. By understanding the intricate processes happening "behind the scenes," we gain a deeper appreciation for our students and their uniqueness. Studying physiology helps us develop greater compassion, as we begin to understand why individuals are different and how this manifests in their yoga poses. Often, students strive to follow their teachers' instructions, but their bodies—or more precisely, their physiology—may not allow them to do so.
Stress - Understanding Stress and Its Impact on Yoga
What is stress? What triggers the stress response?
Stress is a physiological reaction to perceived threats or challenges. Understanding the mechanisms that initiate this response is crucial for comprehending its effects on the mind and body.
How does stress affect the mind and body?
Stress impacts both mental and physical health, influencing everything from mood and cognition to muscle tension and overall physical well-being.
How does stress influence our yoga practice?
Stress can significantly alter how our bodies respond in yoga poses. Often, we might ask students to perform poses that their physiology, particularly under stress, may not accommodate. Recognizing this helps us teach with greater empathy and effectiveness.
Is all stress bad?
Not all stress is detrimental; some stress can be motivating and beneficial. Understanding the nuances of stress can help us better support our students.
Exploring the Stress Response
Delving into the fascinating dynamics of the stress response enhances our ability to understand and empathize with our students. For example, if someone is experiencing stress, their capacity to stretch and perform certain poses might be compromised.
This eye-opening module offers a wealth of knowledge and insights, providing plenty to explore and learn.
The Respiratory System
How We Breathe: Understanding the mechanics of breathing.
Why We Breathe: Exploring the essential functions of respiration.
Breathing in Yoga: Techniques for effective breathing during yoga practice.
Scientific Insights: What does research tell us about breathing in yoga?
Effectiveness of Ujayi Breathing: Evaluating the scientific evidence behind Ujayi breathing.
The Body's Stress Response
What is the Stress Response?: An overview of the physiological reactions to stress.
Managing Stress: Techniques and strategies to manage and mitigate stress in daily life and during yoga practice.
Understanding Back Pain in Yoga
Exploring Different Types of Back Pain
Acute vs. Chronic Back Pain: Understanding the differences between short-term and long-term back pain.
Lower Back Pain: Common causes and symptoms.
Upper and Middle Back Pain: Identifying sources of pain in these areas.
Muscular vs. Structural Pain: Distinguishing between pain caused by muscle strain and structural issues like herniated discs or spinal stenosis.
Modifying Yoga Poses for Back Pain Relief
Personalized Modifications: Techniques to adapt yoga poses based on the specific type of back pain.
Safe Practice Guidelines: Best practices to ensure a safe and effective yoga practice for individuals with back pain.
Strengthening and Stretching: Poses and sequences that help strengthen the back muscles and improve flexibility, reducing pain and preventing injury.
Restorative Poses: Incorporating gentle, restorative yoga poses that provide relief and support healing.
Understanding Sciatica and Its Management
What is Sciatica?: An in-depth look at the causes and symptoms of sciatica.
Identifying Triggers: Recognizing yoga poses and movements that typically trigger sciatic pain.
Effective Modifications: Strategies to modify poses to avoid aggravating sciatic pain while still benefiting from the practice.
Targeted Poses: Specific yoga poses that can help alleviate sciatic pain and promote nerve health.
By gaining a deep understanding of back pain and its impact on yoga practice, you can better support your students' needs and provide tailored, compassionate guidance. This comprehensive module empowers you to create a safer, more inclusive yoga environment where all students can thrive.
Understanding and Managing Injuries in Yoga
What is an Injury?
Defining Injuries: Understanding the nature of injuries, including acute and chronic types.
Causes of Injuries: Common factors that lead to injuries during physical activities.
Typical Yoga Injuries
Common Injuries: Identifying injuries frequently seen in yoga practitioners, such as wrist strain, shoulder injuries, and knee pain.
Injury Prevention: Techniques and practices to minimize the risk of injuries during yoga sessions.
Understanding Recovery Relative to Exercise
The Recovery Process: How the body heals and recovers from injuries.
Balancing Exercise and Rest: The importance of integrating rest periods into your yoga practice to support recovery.
Rehabilitation Exercises: Specific yoga poses and sequences that aid in the recovery process and prevent re-injury.
Learning About Tolerance and Load
Tolerance Levels: Understanding individual tolerance levels and how they influence the risk of injury.
Managing Load: Strategies to manage the physical load during yoga practice to prevent overuse injuries.
Progressive Loading: Techniques for gradually increasing the intensity and duration of yoga sessions to build strength and resilience safely.
This comprehensive module equips you with the knowledge to understand, prevent, and manage injuries in yoga practice. By learning about injury causes, recovery processes, and how to balance tolerance and load, you can ensure a safer and more effective yoga experience for yourself and your students.
Comprehensive Modules and Personalized Mentorship
All these modules and much more are included in the program.
The personalized mentorship program is tailored specifically to your needs. If there's anything you wish to learn to become a more confident and skilled yoga teacher, Zahir is here to help you achieve those goals.