Hi everybody, I’m so honored to be able 

 to interview Yoga Master Dr Venky in

 this Yoga interview.

 

 I must say I’m very impressed with his 

 knowledge of workouts exercises in 

 Yoga, both in traditional and his 

 physiological explanations on the various

 postures.

 

 He is the very first teacher that I know of

 who can explain successfully the

 physiological changes that go through the human body when one practices a certain Yoga posture.

 

 

 

This is a vast contrast to sweeping statements that some instructors may say during the practice of a Yoga posture for e.g:”practicing headstands will ensure that all tumours will disappear!” 

 

As such, I have the utmost respect for Dr Venky, as he the not only and expert in his field but he is also able to pass on his valuable knowledge to others.

 

So Dr Venky will share with us on what a career in the fitness industry is like and how you can become specialized in teaching Yoga.

 

Let me present to you Dr Venky,

 

 

 

Name:Dr. Venky

 

Age: 36

 

Country: India

 

Qualifications:

 

Master of Commerce, Doctor of Alternative Medicines, Diploma in Physiotherapy, Diploma in Yoga, Diploma in Yoga Therapy.

 

Achievement: 

Successfully treated conditions like cervical spondylitis, lower backache, diabetes, asthma, digestive problems by using holistic methods. Designed Yoga Teacher Training Course modules based on scientific information and research papers.

1) How long have you been in this industry? 

Teaching Yoga since the last 14yrs.

 

2) What do you think of the kind of Yoga practice in Singapore nowadays?

 

Somehow I can’t find the true essence of yoga and yogic practices, most of the time the class structure is more based on physical activities, which causes undue strain on various systems of the body. One should practice Yoga the way it is invented,modification is good but then again you can’t use Yoga principle for those practices.

 

So I would suggest you follow exercise science if you are making any modifications in yogic practices. This way, you would not unwittingly place people in situations of vulnerable injury.

 

3) What do you think of the Yoga Instructor coming out with their own form of breathing technique?

  

I can only say, please don’t play with your breaths unless you are sure of what you are doing? Please follow traditional information on breathing practices and stick to that.Breathing practices are most serious practices in Yoga.

 

4) What happens to the body when this kind of breathing is practiced?

 

Respiratory system is a very fine delicate system of our body. It responses to the state of mind and muscular movements immediately. If it is practiced incorrectly, one can be a permanent victim of breathing related problems.

 

5) What do you think of teaching Yoga as a career?

  

Teaching Yoga is a one of the best career options, as it provides you and society the most valuable treasure of health. Plus one can make a good living out of it.

 

6) What are your future plans like?

  

I am planning to build an ashram (Residential yoga school) in India in 2012/13,You can check my blog for more details http://drvenky-shivshaktiyoga.blogspot.com/

 

The Ashram will be surrounded with tranquil river, the natural waterfall and a panoramic view of nature.

 

7) You are a very successful Yoga Teacher; tell me what are your secrets to your success?

One should engage in proper study on the subject and try to read more scientific-based information on yoga and deliver proper and correct techniques to your students.

 

8) What do you do in your free time?

 

I spend most of my time studying human physiology (from a yoga point of view) and am always looking into the information which is based on scientific research on yogic practices.

 

9) What is your advice for a person who wants to teach Yoga as a career?

 

I can say, attend yoga courses which focus more on scientific-based information on yogic practices, because if your knowledge on theory is weak, your explanations will not be good enough to satisfy your student’s questions. So do place importance on your study of theory and your success will be guaranteed.

 

10) How much do you think a Yoga Instructor can earn in a month?

 

It all depends on teacher to teacher, I think one can make 3k to 12/15k a month.

 

11) People tend not to see much of this career, what are your views on this?

 

Actually there is lots of opportunity in this career, one should try.

 

12) What is the best thing that happened in your line as a fitness professional?

 

Every day I meet lots of people from different walks of life, and every individual teaches you something different about life, What I mean is that you can learn a lot from people about life, their professional advice, personal philosophies, psychology and lots more. Plus the most important thing is that on top of this, you make your living as well. So yor are always gaining and not loosing anything.

 

13) What is the worst thing that happens?

 

So far I never come across any such situations.

 

14) What are the special features of your Yoga teacher training course and why should one join your course?

 

My yoga teacher training course module is developed by me and I used my 14yrs of teaching experience while making this module. This course module is based on scientific infomation: from research papers published by one of the biggest and famous Yoga India KAIVALYADHAMA.

 

I also engage a physiotherapist to give lectures on human anatomy, which helps my students to understand the human body properly.This course module is the most effective tool for those who want to teach Yoga in a scientific and effectivce way. 

 

15) So far how many students of yours are working as a yoga teacher?

 

I think nearly all of them are working in this field, some teaching Yoga as part time job, and some teaching full time.

  

16) Based on your experience what is the best advice you can give to aspiring yoga teachers?

 

Please study the theory of yoga properly; this will enable you to become a very effective and successful teacher. If you wish to do modifications in yogic practices then please study human anatomy and physiology properly. And one should not play with your breaths unless you know the scientific information on those modified breathing techniques.

 

 

 

As you can see from the above interview, Dr Venky has provided valuable insight into the dos and donts’ of yoga practices. Primarily, one should gain a strong foundation in the theoretical knowledge of Yoga as well as the human anatomy. 

 

Any modifications done to traditional yoga postures, breathing exercises, and workouts program withour scientific backing or support may cause irreversible damage to the body.

 

I would like to thank Dr Venky for his time and effort in providing us with his invaluable insight on teaching yoga. I’m sure everyone has benefitted greatly from the above interview.