740-129 PE ACTIVITY PROGRAM INTRODUCTION TO YOGA ASANA

							   740-129 PE ACTIVITY PROGRAM: INTRODUCTION TO YOGA ASANA

    OBJECTIVES
    A. KNOW LEDGE
       1.  Basic understanding of the principles of movement and balance in asana, and how these principles can be useful in other
           areas.
       2.  The physical and physiological effects of basic asanas.
       3.  Historical context of yoga
    B. SKILLS
       1.  Proficiency in performance of basic asanas.
       2.  Integration of correct breathing with the basic asanas.
                                                              3.   Ability to remain quiet in restorative, relaxation poses.

                                                           TEXT: Intro to Yoga Reader Packet - Purchase at Bob's Copy Shop, 616
                                                           University Av. (near Fluno Ctr.)

                                                           EQUIPM ENT: Students furnish own yoga mat.




    COURSE CONTENT
    A. KNOW LEDGE
       1.  Principles of healthy movement and balance, and the connections between movement, balance and the psycho-emotional
           state.
       2.  The benefits of asana work in daily life activities including coping with stress and general energy level.
       3.  Proper sequencing of asanas when forming an individual practice.
       4.  Relationship of asana practice to the total yoga philosophy
    B. SKILLS
       1.  Performance of beginning asanas with correct breathing and proper sequencing from each of the basic asana groups;
           standing poses, back extensions, basic seated poses, forward bends, inverted poses.*
       2.  Performance of restorative poses in quiet, peaceful state,

    EVALUATION
       Midterm exam            10%
       Final exam              15%
       Skills                  75%
       GRADING: Remember, absences of more than 4 class hours will result in a lower final grade (see policies)
       The grade will be based 25% on written materials and 75% on skills. The written material will be a final exam consisting of
       matching and short answer questions based on lectures, readings and assigned book. The skill portion of the grade will be based
       on a practical final exam. The exam will consist of students doing an individually-designed one-half hour asana practice that
       demonstrates the skills described under "Course Content" in the accompanying handout.

    SAFETY: The selection of and sequencing of asanas is critical to practicing yoga comfortably and safety. Basic, simple asanas must
    always be done first to warm up the body for more strenuous or advanced poses. If a student feels pain it usually means s/he is
    pushing too far or moving incorrectly. Doing poses that are beyond one's capacity, can lead to injury. Students are advised to work
    within their limits rather than attempt to mimic other students or attempt advanced asanas without first building strength, flexibility
    and awareness in the basic poses.
    *Examples of asanas from basic groups:
    1. Standing poses; Triangle, Extended Lateral, W arrior I, II, III
    2. Back extensions; Cobra, Camel, Bow
    3. Basic seated poses; Cowsface, Hero Pose and Cycle, Bound Angle
    4. Forward Bends; Spread Leg Forward Bend, Janu Sirsasana (English translation not known), revolve Janu Sirsasana
    5. Inverted Poses; Handstand, Elbow Balance, Reverse Inclined Plane



Fitness\129yoga.syl Rev. 3-24-09 jbv
    MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION ABOUT THE CLASS                                   Classes will start promptly...be on time!
    FOOD:     It is best not to eat for an hour before class. If you must eat, eat something light.
    CLOTHING: Wear comfortable clothes that you can move in easily. Shorts or tights without feet are preferred, rather than sweat pants, so that
              we can see what your legs are doing. Lockers are available through Recreational Sports.

    SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS: The department wishes to fully include persons with disabilities in the PE Activity Program. Please let your
    instructor know if you need any special accommodations in the curriculum, instruction, or assessments of this course to enable you to fully
    participate. The department will maintain the confidentiality of the information you share with us.

    PE Activity Program Policy: If an individual is unable to complete the skills tests or perform basic activities of the class, the instructor may
    recommend the individual enter the 740-125 Adapted Fitness & Personal Training class or the student has the option to drop the class (perhaps for
    medical reasons). In addition, if a student is registered in a class either above or below his/her skill level, as determined by the instructor, the
    instructor has the authority to direct the student to the appropriate level course.




Fitness\129yoga.syl Rev. 3-24-09 jbv