Yoga courses on Koh Samui
Yoga on the beach is very relaxing
The picturesque island of Samui is the perfect place to relax and unwind for a while. Visitors who want to broaden their minds by learning a new skill while they are here have a lot of different options available to them, including taking a Thai cookery course, studying Thai or mastering the art of fire dancing. However, for those who want to truly get in touch with their body and mind, learning yoga on Samui is the perfect pastime.
A number of different companies on Samui offer yoga lessons, and courses range from three-day introductory sessions all the way up to special courses that last for two weeks or more. There are also different types of yoga courses available, and those wishing to get involved should take the time to choose a yoga course that meets their needs as well as their fitness and skill level. Here is an outline of some of the most popular Samui yoga courses that are available. More on courses.
Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga
This type of yoga was established around 30 years ago and focuses on special poses that are practiced in order to renew energy as well as promote vitality throughout the entire body. Commonly known as Rocket Yoga after the name of the various stances, this is one of the most accessible types of yoga for travellers, as it is suitable for people of all ages and can be practiced at any time. The special routines that are used are intended to wake up the body and clear the mind, leaving people feeling refreshed and refocused.
Hatha Yoga
This is a special type of yoga this is intended to reduce stress. During a Hatha yoga session, a number of special poses are practiced in order to balance the mind. The special asanas that are followed are intended to teach poise as well as balance and strength while clearing the mind in preparation for meditation. Most Hatha yoga sessions last for at least an hour, and the final portion of the session is usually dedicated to meditation.
Don't try this at home!
Karma Yoga
This type of yoga originates from the teachings of the scared Hindu scripture known as the Bhagavad Gita. Karma yoga is technically the science of achieving perfection within every action, and focuses a great deal on meditation as a way of centring the mind before carrying out a series of body centring movements. Karma yoga is often preferred by those who have reduced flexibility as the movements are much less demanding than those used in other popular types of yoga.
Yoga on the beach
Special Samui yoga sessions are often held at sunrise and sunset on various beaches around the island, and taking part is a great way to unwind for a while. Those who are new to yoga will have the opportunity to try it out in a relaxed and picturesque environment. More on beauty.
Yoga teaching
Samui is also the perfect place to learn how to teach yoga. There are several different professionally run courses to choose from, and the foundation teaching course usually lasts for around 200 hours. During this time, visitors will learn all the basic yoga skills, receiving a certificate at the end of the course. This course includes a number of different aspects such as the starting point, which is known as Asana, Pranayama, physical anatomy yoga philosophy and concentration and meditation.
The main instructive section of the teaching programme lasts for ten days and is a practical course. Students work alongside other trainees to carry out special teaching assignments, and from the eleventh day onwards trainees assist the qualified teachers to lead sessions on classes of novice yoga practitioners.
Other important aspects of the teaching course include chanting, studying the importance of diet and food in relation to yoga, chakra focus, karma yoga and teaching yoga to people who have special requirements. At the end of the course, trainees receive an accredited certificate, which will grant them the ability to teach yoga in their home country or virtually anywhere else in the world.
Choosing a centre
While many of the yoga centres on Samui seem to offer similar things, standards can vary widely. Before signing up to a course it is a good idea to take a look around at what is available and compare and contrast a number of courses to make sure that you are getting the best deal for your money. It is also worth taking the time to search for reviews and feedback from previous students.
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