Fitmotivation is posting a non-aquatic based video for the first time ever. AEA Training Specialist, Lori Templeman, shares a relaxing, easy-to-teach yoga stretch routine that can be used as a “cancelled class” option or as a form of instructor mind & body self care to combat the rigors of teaching.
Okay, so this is totally different and I will be interested to see how it is received. There is a first for everything. However, to appease the aqua purists I have posted Yoga Rejuvenate as a BONUS video. Three aqua videos will still post this month.
Lori was in Florida filming in October and I asked her to film her signature yoga stretch routine because the plan is to start populating PoolFit.tv (Fitmotivation’s companion consumer site) with healthy aging (land-based) exercise programs, in addition to the pool workouts. However, Lori and I agreed that this would also be a good video for instructors for either teaching or enjoying.
YOGA REJUVENATE: VIDEO-AT-A-GLANCE
Fitmotivation: How can this routine be used by instructors?
Lori: Instructors that teach outdoors have probably experienced inclement weather and class cancellations. Even if you teach indoors, the pool sometimes gets shut down for maintenance issues. Class cancellations can be less disappointing if you have an alternative room to exercise in and a go-to routine to teach. Yoga Rejuvenate provides an opportunity to try something different but gentle. Stretching on dry land gives us the benefit of gravity and a chance to learn some simple postures participants can do anytime, anywhere.
Fitmotivation: How can instructors benefit from this yoga stretch routine themselves?
Lori: Self-care is very important for fitness professionals. At the pool, we exercise on a hot, slippery deck demonstrating movements as if they are in water. Tight, tired, and sore muscles are often the result. This gentle practice provides a slow-paced opportunity to check in and rejuvenate.
Fitmotivation: How does your yoga stretch routine differ from more traditional yoga practices?
Lori: My yoga philosophy is to allow participants to come in and get what they need for the day. I see a lot of yoga classes out there with higher level postures and progressions. This is excellent for skill development, but many first-timers are intimidated. I welcome participants who are new to yoga or have limited mobility. We keep the class gentle and slow-flowing, and everyone is encouraged to explore what is feeling best in the moment. We always move within our comfortable range of motion and take a rest if needed.
Fitmotivation: You put a lot of emphasis in relaxing, not just at the end but throughout the routine. Why?
Lori: The first few minutes are a vital component of the practice. Developing the skill of checking in physically and mentally gives us a chance to transition. We focus on our to-do list, appointments, challenges, etc. and mindfully place it all outside the door. This allows us to be here now. All those items we place outside will be better served as a result.
Fitmotivation: What kind of feedback do you get from your participants?
Lori: I have been teaching a version of this class locally for 13 years and it has developed a following at every facility. Participants have told me they appreciate having a class they can do successfully. A Yoga class like this has been offered at the International Aquatic Fitness Conference (IAFC) for the past 5 years and it has been well received by delegates who are tired and sore from a very busy week. Self-care and body awareness are a big component of the practice.
Exercising indoors? Need a yoga mat? Check out the PoolFit Marketplace for an affordable yoga mat that is also available as Amazon Prime. And stay tuned for the Fitmotivation Marketplace coming in April!
Lori will be teaching a version of her yoga stretch routine at IAFC 2019 in Daytona Beach if you are attending and want to join her. Fitmotivation extends thanks to Lori for sharing her passion for both aqua and yoga. As mentioned, the PoolFit site will be evolving in the coming months with additional videos that provide fitness consumers with non-aquatic options to exercise, such as mind & body, toning, chair exercise, stretching and more. If you would like to see a category of these types of workouts included on Fitmotivation, please let us know by posting a comment below.
Namaste.