FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- What is SATYANANDA YOGA® ?
- Can a representative of the Atma Center give a presentation on the Yog@Work Program?
- How do I get employees to sign up?
- When is the best time to offer a class?
- What are the space requirements?
- Is any special equipment needed?
- What should participants wear?
- Will participants need to shower after class?
- What happens when our assigned Atma Center yoga instructor is sick or cannot teach on a given day?
- Can the Atma Center provide a yoga instructor for a wellness break during a conference or seminar?
- What are the qualifications of the instructors?
A: SATYANANDA YOGA® is an internationally renowned system of yoga that is based on safety, common sense and a thorough understanding of the mind-body connection. SATYANANDA YOGA® is inherently safe because it fosters awareness of the body in a gentle and non-competitive manner. It is taught in a systematic fashion beginning with foundation practices that develop one’s internal awareness of movement, breath and releasing tensions before progressing to more complex practices.
SATYANANDA YOGA® is a trademark of IYFM (International Yoga Fellowship Movement) used under license.
Q: Can a representative of the Atma Center give a presentation on the Yog@Work Program?
A: Yes! We would be delighted to present the Yog@Work Program to any group and answer any questions you might have.
Q: How do I get employees to sign up?
A: Schedule an introductory class to determine the interest level of the employees. Advertise the class widely through email, an intranet posting, posters in every department, announcements at staff meetings, etc. The Atma Center can provide brochures, website information and poster templates to spark interest. Encourage employees to sign-up in advance and commit to coming to the class. As they say, the proof is in the pudding. Once employees have experienced a SATYANANDA YOGA® class and are able to ask questions, they will probably be more interested in taking a weekly class offered at work.
Q: When is the best time to offer a class?
A: Depending on your goals, a class may be offered at any time, except for 2-3 hours after a meal:
- A before-work morning class can help employees begin their day in a relaxed yet alert state of mind.
- A mid-day class during the lunch hour can help revitalize and reenergize your employees for the rest of the day.
- An after-work evening class can help de-stress employees after a hectic day and enable them to leave work with a positive outlook.
Q: What are the space requirements?
A: We recommend approximately 20 square feet per participant for classes in which the participants will be sitting on the floor. Participants may also sit in chairs or at desks or a conference table for the class, in which case the only requirement is that there are enough chairs available for the group.
The room does not need to be a dedicated yoga or exercise room. An enclosed, quiet space is preferable to an open area.
Q: Is any special equipment needed?
A: Depending on the floor covering, no special equipment may be needed. Participants may prefer to bring a yoga or exercise mat, blanket or towel to place on the floor beneath them. We often recommend that participants bring a blanket or firm cushion to make sitting on the floor more comfortable for the lower back.
Q: What should participants wear?
A: It is possible to practice yoga in business attire, provided that the clothing is not too tight. We recommend wearing loose, comfortable clothing, like sweat pants or shorts and a t-shirt.
Q: Will participants need to shower after class?
A: Probably not. Typically participants will not “break a sweat” during a beginning SATYANANDA YOGA® class. The goal of Yog@Work is not to give your employees a “workout” in the common sense of the word, but to bring awareness and movement to each part of the body. In this way, tension is released while muscles become stronger and more flexible. In more advanced classes or classes in which the physical postures are emphasized, the physical practices are more strenuous and participants may experience increased perspiration.
Q: What happens when our assigned Atma Center yoga instructor is sick or cannot teach on a given day?
A: The Atma Center will take care of the problem. We will provide an equally qualified substitute instructor to ensure that your yoga class continues without interruption or change in teaching style. Our teachers work closely with each other on a regular basis. Any special instructions regarding your yoga class will be communicated to a substitute.
Q: Can the Atma Center provide a yoga instructor for a wellness break during a conference or seminar?
A: Of course! Let us know your particular need, and chances are excellent that we will be able to help you.
Q: What are the qualifications of the instructors?
A: All Atma Center instructors have completed Level One Accreditation as Satyananda Yoga teachers. This level of professional training requires a minimum of 1-1/2 years of study and assessment, plus First Aid and CPR certification. This training surpasses the 500-hour registration level of the Yoga Alliance. Several teachers are also completing Level Two Accreditation that necessitates an additional 1-1/2 years of study. Full accreditation involves over 3200 hours of study. Ongoing accreditation requires teachers to abide by a code of ethics and document continuing education. Several teachers also have medical and massage therapy backgrounds. View teacher information.
Beverly Singh, the Atma Center’s Founder and Director, ensures a high standard of quality in the teaching staff and Atma Center programs. Her unique set of qualifications enable her to create programs to fit the needs of virtually anyone:
Level Two Accredited Yoga Teacher (AYT) in Satyananda Yoga (the first in North America!)
Certified Yoga Therapist (CYT) with International Association of Yoga Therapists (IYAT)
Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) with Yoga Alliance (500 hour level)
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)