Tuesday 6 December 2016

AYM Yoga School, Association For Yoga and Meditation Rishikesh

When I was looking at places to go to do yoga teacher training in Rishikesh I struggled to find many reviews that seemed to have people's complete opinions, every review seemed to be 100% positive which let's face it nothing is completely perfect so here are all my thoughts from the course. No matter what I have written I would defiantly recommend anyone thinking of signing up for this course to do it. I had a great time and met some wonderful people, I did the June-July 2016 200h teacher training course.

me teaching

The school was located at the top of a hill within walking distance to the shops and restaurants, I was really happy with the location and I was relieved not to be down in the town area that is a lot more dirty and noisy. Our class size was nice we had about 18 people. The 200h course is taught in the large yoga room with wooden floors and big windows that is shown on the website. The yoga room has air conditioning and fans, the power goes out quite frequently but the school has a backup generator so it usually does not go out for too long. The 300h course is taught in another room on the roof that is not as nice but from recent FB posts, it looks like they have replaced the carpet with wood floors which would make it way better.
lunch

You are served 3 meals a day plus tea the only meal that is not provided is Sunday lunch. The breakfast includes a bowl of fresh fruit each day with either porridge, muesli, smashed rice and occasionally served with yoghurt.  About once a week you will have paratha with pickle and a Lasi for breakfast. For lunch and dinner, you are served a salad of tomatoes and cucumbers etc alongside a dal, curry, rice and roti, with the occasional pasta or pizza dinner. The food is pretty good you will not go hungry there is plenty to eat, the food is a little bland but this is because it is a yoga diet which is not supposed to be spicy or oily, no meat, fish, poultry, or eggs served.
practising some partner yoga in our spare time

Our schedule:
7am - 8am Meditation
8am - tea 
8:30 - 10am Ashtanga 
10am - Breakfast 
10:30 - 11:30am -Mantra/ Teaching methodology 
11:30 - 1pm- Teacher Training (This starts after about 5 or 6 days)
Break/Karma yoga (Karma yoga pretty much means cleaning the yoga room, you do this 1-2 times per week for about 30 minutes)
3-4pm - Anatomy 
4:15-5:15 - Philosophy 
5:30-7pm - Hatha 
7pm - Dinner

Meditation: Vikal Sajwan 
Nice teacher, very smiley. His classes focus on pranayama breathing exercises. We had a guest lecturer come in twice that did a sort of dancing meditation which was a fun change.
Ashtanga: Manisha and Sumit 
Both are wonderful friendly teachers this class is mostly for building up your strength and getting through the ashtanga series, there is not as much focus on explaining the poses, but that is done in Hatha so it's ok. Sumit's yoga is a little more advanced he can do some pretty amazing poses but I am really happy that we had 2 different teachers so we could learn from teachers with two different teaching styles.
Mantra/ Teacher training: Arpit 
He does the mantra and teaching training, he is quite a young teacher he is a lovely guy but sometimes his advice is very basic and he needs to speak up. Truthfully I expected a bit more in this class. The later classes are focused on you and your fellow students teaching each other.
Anatomy: Sumit ie. Dr Stretch 
Interesting lectures, mostly on how different yoga positions affect different muscles, he also shows ways to become more flexible in poses. Sumit goes through the different systems of the body including the muscular and skeletal system. Look forward to the closing chant ;)
Philosophy: Dr Gauran Agrawal 
Great teacher engaging stories very interesting to listen to.
Hatha: Jaya 
An amazing teacher is very good at explaining and demonstrating exactly how to do the poses correctly.

Transfer from Delhi to Rishikesh:
Tips: Take a Xanex or Fly
My flight landed from Hong Kong at about 10pm at night and there were no flights to Dehradun airport until about 7am, so I decided to book a car with the school for Delhi to Rishikesh. I have taken cars all over Asia and I am used to crazy driving but this is not fun at all, the drive takes around 7 hours at night, possibly longer during heavy traffic. Lots of passing, honking, flashing lights and driving head-on into traffic. It's an experience but not sure I would do it again. I would suggest if your flight lands late either getting a hotel or waiting in the area where you collect your luggage until the morning then flying.

(Also I asked the school a few times if it was possible to share a car to Rishikesh but I was informed by the yoga school that there was no one on my flight when in reality there turned out to be another girl on my same flight and another girl who was interested in sharing a car from Delhi. They booked separate cars for us)

On the return journey, I booked a flight from Dehradun it was about a 20-minute taxi drive from the yoga school. The only issue is there is a 15kilo limit on your luggage compared to international flights which is around 20kilo-25kilos and they are pretty spastic that your weight is under that amount. I booked extra luggage online when I booked the flight and I was 2 kilos over the limit. After shuffling around the things in my luggage, I was informed I only needed to pay 100 rupee extra per kilo, which I think may have been cheaper than the rate I got online. Make sure you have a paper copy of your booking with you and if you booked extra luggage allowance make sure it says it on the paper, you need the booking to get through the airport gate.

What to bring:
Towel & Bath matt
Sheets (For single bed), Blanket (the ones they supplied are gross)
Combination locker style lock for door
Flip flops
Headlight/flashlight- Frequent power outages
Bug spray
Sewing kit - The clothing you buy in the markets is not very good and needs to be repaired frequently
Hairdryer - I did the summer course so it was not an issue, but in the winter I think you may want one.
I brought a mosquito net but there was nowhere to hang it, and all windows had screens on them anyways.
Medicine - Antibiotics, pain killers, Imodium, first aid kit. Something for muscle soreness.
Extra things people brought that were useful 
Room spray to get rid of bugs  (There were a few bugs around but not that many but the spray defiantly helped)
Cleaning spray/cleaning cloth (You need to clean your own room)
Fly swatter - hmm this may be overkill but the flys drove me a little mad, I know your not suppose to kill things but they made me crazy

ATM/EPS Machines 
Max withdraw 10,000 rupees, some of the machines didn't work. My ATM card has the union pay symbol and would not work in any of the machines. I had to set up my credit card as an ATM card with my bank and wait until my pin was sent to my apartment in Hong Kong before I could withdraw money.  I would suggest bringing the cash you need with you if possible the only downside is making sure to keep it safe.

What to wear: 
School: Around the yoga school any yoga clothing is fine, some people wore sports bras and short shorts to practice yoga and this was not an issue. I generally wore some thin yoga pants and an exercise top.

Around town: When you go out I suggest to cover your shoulders and wear long pants. Stay away from tight revealing clothing. You can buy scarves and pants very cheaply in Rishikesh about 250 rupees for pants and 100-250 for scarves, but make sure you wash these items separately, the colours run in the wash. They also are not the best quality, the sewing kit came in useful.

The room:
The room was clean, tiled floors, bathroom with shower with hot and cold water. The bathroom is a little scungy around the edges but generally pretty good. The room doors are locked with a large padlock, I would suggest you bring your own locker combination style lock if you want to make sure no one else has the key. Some of the rooms that were not locked during the course had money stolen out of them always make sure that your balcony window and door are locked when you are out of the room..this is India. Some of the doors to the balcony do not lock properly, the people at the course were pretty good at getting things fixed quickly, so just go down to the front desk and ask them to fix it. Some of the rooms have lockers in them and they were getting lockers made for the rooms that didn't have them when we were there.

Room with air-conditioning Extra 100 USD for 1 month
Bed size: single
my room

Paying for course:
The course says that they accept credit card this is not completely accurate they do accept credit card payments but only by cash advance which can cost you around 6-10% extra from your credit card. I don't know why they just don't take proper credit card payments.
Paypal-If you decide to use Paypal the school say that you need to add 8% on top for Paypal fees, this is incorrect, calculate them here so you are not overcharged http://thefeecalculator.com/

Shopping
Organic Shop - Everyone calls it this, I am not sure what the actual name is, there are 2 shops beside each other that are great, one has all products on the ground floor and the store has 2 floors with most products up a small set of stairs in the back of the shop.
They carry necessities, everything you need for general day to day - Snacks, toilet paper, feminine products, towels, drinks, locks, toiletries.
Bookstores - There are 2 bookstores great selection of books at good prices. The one beside the bridge and has a bakery with excellent pastries. The one that is on the road has air conditioning and also these cool organic yoga mats.
Rainbow Handloom - Beautiful hand-woven silk carpets - a little bit of a splurge
Scorpion Handicraft - Sarongs, bedcovers, cashmere blankets tons of stuff.
Other Shops: There are tons of other stops with cool things, have a look around!

Bartering: At most shops, you can negotiate on the price a few seem to have fixed prices. Say a much lower price, like a quarter of the price ie: 25 if they say 100 and see if they will go lower, don't take their first offer. You can also walk away while bartering they will usually shout out a lower price to you if they don't you always go back.

Yoga retreats at AYM hmm what do I say, I didn't do this obviously but you are popped into the 200h teacher training course so it is not a program that is set up specifically for you, saying that the people that joined our class as a retreat seemed happy. It was a little disruptive having people join during the training but not a big issue. During the entire course, we had one girl join for about a week another guy for 3 days and a couple for the last week.

Eating Out
Beetles Cafe 
Great view of the Ganges, they serve fresh fruit juices, pasta etc. It's a great place to go if you want a break from curries.
Tasty Indian Restaurant (Not real name)
They have delicious curry, I had the paneer butter masala and one of the large paratha style breads that the guy is making. I have put a dot on the map where the restaurant is located.
Pumpernickel Cafe 
On the other side of the Lakshman Julha (Bridge). Very tasty baked goods especially their ginger cake with cream cheese icing and the almond triangles are great snacks to bring back to school. We order some of their other food one day but the took so long to bring it we ended up leaving...

A FEW WARNINGS 
Generally, I felt pretty safe I did the journey by myself both ways to and from Rishikesh. When we were out in Rishikesh one person offered us some sort of breath-freshening tablet which seemed pretty dodgy, so be careful of people offering you free stuff don't take it. Also, there was a massage place down from the Yoga school on the same road called Shiva something, he was very inappropriate to some of the female students. Don't go there!

72 comments:

  1. Hi Rebecca Hope you are doing good. Thanks for sharing your wonderful experience with us.. we are delighted to connect with you and hope you will keep continuing your yogic journey.. Lots of Love & Peace.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi! thank you so much for this review! I'm planning on doing my 300 hrs training at the school and you have been very helpful!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Your yoga teacher must be an enthusiastic specialist, as well. Discover a teacher who is not just in the wake of educating the train to gain a living; discover somebody who is fanatical in improving his or her specialty.best yoga teacher training thailand

    ReplyDelete
  4. It can help you to get a solid personality and body and enables you to help other people be more beneficial tooyoga classes in london

    ReplyDelete
  5. Rehearsing yoga is tied in with making balance in the body by creating both quality and adaptability.skid yoga pilates

    ReplyDelete
  6. It is close to home yoga retreat that composes yoga excursions of seven days. It is useful for self-improvement. affordable yoga retreats

    ReplyDelete
  7. Want to meditate to enhance brain functioning? There are several types of meditation CDs marketed on the Internet as "scientific technologies" for improving your brain.binaural beats

    ReplyDelete
  8. Such a helpful review! I am signing up for the May course and this is the most information I found online. Appreciate that you took the time to write this.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Been hunting down such a wonderful blog like this for quite a while.
    for more info

    ReplyDelete
  10. To play out the hip raise with a solitary leg work out, rests on your back with your arms somewhat far from your body. Keep one leg straight on the floor, while the other knee is bowed and feet on the floor. Yoga leggings

    ReplyDelete
  11. Wow, What a Excellent post. I really found this to much informatics. It is what i was searching for.I would like to suggest you that please keep sharing such type of info.Thanks 500 hour yoga TTC

    ReplyDelete
  12. Big thumbs up for making such wonderful blog page! I definitely enjoyed every bit of it and I have bookmarked for future post.
    bestyogapantsforwomen

    ReplyDelete
  13. Though proponents of most meditation practices claim health benefits, frequently these claims of benefit cite scientific research that was actually conducted on other forms of meditation, and not on the practice being promoted. find out more

    ReplyDelete
  14. this is by far the most comprehensive study of the culture and history of the influential yoga lineage that runs from T. Krishnamacharya's humid and hot palace studio in Mysore to Bikram's artificially heated studio in Hollywood. Minh Hue Net

    ReplyDelete
  15. Thank you for not time to write this. I'm going to book my200 here.

    ReplyDelete
  16. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  17. You there, this is really good post here. Thanks for taking the time to post such valuable information. Quality content is what always gets the visitors coming. Guided Meditation for Fertility

    ReplyDelete
  18. I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post. Guided Meditation for Empotional Healing

    ReplyDelete
  19. You there, this is really good post here. Thanks for taking the time to post such valuable information. Quality content is what always gets the visitors coming. 高雷中學

    ReplyDelete
  20. Your blog has chock-a-block of useful information. I liked your blog's content as well as its look. In my opinion, this is a perfect blog in all aspects. community

    ReplyDelete
  21. This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I love seeing blog that understand the value. Im glad to have found this post as its such an interesting one! I am always on the lookout for quality posts and articles so i suppose im lucky to have found this! I hope you will be adding more in the future... women wear leggings

    ReplyDelete
  22. Quietness of brain, improved fixation and center, elevated lucidity, expanded imperativeness and revival, joy and passionate security, improved memory and learning capacity, internal harmony, quiet and unity are only a portion of the advantages customary act of meditation can give you. how to take cbd oil reddit

    ReplyDelete
  23. The formal education system in the U.S. was designed to meet the demands of the industrial revolution by providing basic education to the masses. Pretty simple right? So why is it that we fail to recognize or refuse to acknowledge that the demands are different today? There has not been a calculable redefinition or evolution of the educational system since. This is scary as it will define the failure of our country step-by-step and bit-by-bit until we are reduced to a social collection of ignorance. 12th Model Paper 2021

    ReplyDelete
  24. Many students find essay writing a cumbersome and painful assignment. That is because they are still not sure how to approach essay writing.certification in meditation

    ReplyDelete
  25. I think this is an informative post and it is very beneficial and knowledgeable. Therefore, I would like to thank you for the endeavors that you have made in writing this article. All the content is absolutely well-researched. Thanks... cna school consultants

    ReplyDelete
  26. Yoga isn't care for other games. It is not the same as the rec center, and in some impalpable way, not the same as all the other things we do. The training actually beats you down. However, it plans something significantly more for your psyche. Maybe you can't actually place it, yet after a decent class, you understand what I mean. Face Yoga

    ReplyDelete
  27. Essays are brief works written in prose, elaborating on a selected topic. The word 'essay' is derived from the French term 'essai,' meaning 'attempt.' The French writer Michel de Montaigne (1533 - 1592), was the first person to describe his works as essays. He published the first edition of his book entitled Essais in two volumes in 1580. Francis Bacon is hailed as the first English writer who wrote essays. He pulished his essays in book form in the years 1597, 1612 and 1625. Joseph Addison, Richard Steele, Charles Lamb, William Hazlitt, Thomas Babington Macaulay, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Walter Bagehot, George Orwell, E.B. White and Aldous Huxley are among the prominent essayists in English. a course in miracles blog

    ReplyDelete
  28. We have sell some products of different custom boxes.it is very useful and very low price please visits this site thanks and please share this post with your friends. Sandy Hook Parent

    ReplyDelete
  29. If you've been in school or are planning on going back, then you know that one of the main components is essay writing. In fact, given the amount of new technology available, you could be wondering why you should write an essay in the first place? For one thing, besides being a requirement of your course, writing an essay allows you to dig further into a topic than even a 3 hour lecture could. steam help

    ReplyDelete
  30. Value Education is the much debated and discussed subject in the plethora of education in India. Of course it is true that the main purpose of any education will go with Value orientation. acim blog

    ReplyDelete
  31. India's US$40b education market is experiencing a surge in investment. Capital, both local and international, and innovative legal structures are changing the face of this once-staid sector. The Article discusses about the much needed private participation (domestic as well as foreign) in the Indian education sector. https://livingmiraclescenter.org/news-blog/a-course-in-miracles-blog-newsletter.html

    ReplyDelete
  32. If you've been in school or are planning on going back, then you know that one of the main components is essay writing. In fact, given the amount of new technology available, you could be wondering why you should write an essay in the first place? For one thing, besides being a requirement of your course, writing an essay allows you to dig further into a topic than even a 3 hour lecture could. https://www.tionbike.com/conditions-for-deciding-on-powerful-notepad-printing-solutions/

    ReplyDelete
  33. Awesome blog. I enjoyed reading your articles. This is truly a great read for me. I have bookmarked it and I am looking forward to reading new articles. Keep up the good work.
    best yoga accessories

    ReplyDelete
  34. Great job here on _______ I read a lot of blog posts, but I never heard a topic like this. I Love this topic you made about the blogger's bucket list. Very resourceful. being fearless

    ReplyDelete
  35. India's US$40b education market is experiencing a surge in investment. Capital, both local and international, and innovative legal structures are changing the face of this once-staid sector. The Article discusses about the much needed private participation (domestic as well as foreign) in the Indian education sector. Class 6 Assignment Answer

    ReplyDelete
  36. Essay writing is considered boring and useless by many students in school. It is true that this happens sometimes but that is mostly because of poor selection of topic. Irrespective of the topic given, if you keep in mind the points discussed in this article you will benefit. online courses for personal trainer

    ReplyDelete
  37. The method of appraisal in schools in Sierra Leone incorporates class works out, tests, composed and viable tasks,do my excel homework

    ReplyDelete
  38. I appreciate your work , thanks for all the informative blog posts. รีวิวคาสิโนออนไลน์

    ReplyDelete
  39. The formal education system in the U.S. was designed to meet the demands of the industrial revolution by providing basic education to the masses. Pretty simple right? So why is it that we fail to recognize or refuse to acknowledge that the demands are different today? There has not been a calculable redefinition or evolution of the educational system since. This is scary as it will define the failure of our country step-by-step and bit-by-bit until we are reduced to a social collection of ignorance. at url list

    ReplyDelete
  40. I really treasure your piece of work, Great post. transition matrix calculator

    ReplyDelete
  41. Well written write-up, Glad I am able to locate a site with some knowledge plus a great writing style. You keep publishing and I will contiune to keep browsing. หวยออนไลน์

    ReplyDelete
  42. I dont think Ive scan anything like this before. So good to find somebody with some original thoughts on this subject. nice one for starting this up. This site is something that is needed on the web, someone with a little originality. Good job for bringing something new to the internet! Best Beers in Greece

    ReplyDelete
  43. Hi I knew i had seen this website before… This guy made a exact copy of your site. Or maybe this is also your site? read more

    ReplyDelete
  44. I dont think Ive scan anything like this before. So good to find somebody with some original thoughts on this subject. nice one for starting this up. This site is something that is needed on the web, someone with a little originality. Good job for bringing something new to the internet! website

    ReplyDelete
  45. Hi I knew i had seen this website before… This guy made a exact copy of your site. Or maybe this is also your site? Visiting Dubai

    ReplyDelete
  46. I don t have the time at the moment to fully read your site but I have bookmarked it and also add your RSS feeds. I will be back in a day or two. thanks for a great site. writing paper help

    ReplyDelete
  47. You have a real ability for writing unique content. I like how you think and the way you represent your views in this article. I agree with your way of thinking. Thank you for sharing. 온라인릴게임

    ReplyDelete
  48. For instance, say you have a private preparing exercise center you are attempting to fabricate. Aerial Hammock

    ReplyDelete
  49. I have browsed most of your posts. This post is probably where I got the most useful information for my research. productos fertica

    ReplyDelete
  50. It is additionally one of the most famous gathering classes out there that can assist you with getting in shape, get solid, work on your usefulness in regular daily existence and assemble slender muscle tone. http://latestnewsindia.net/news/the-50-best-cbd-gummies-to-buy-right-now?uid=431473

    ReplyDelete
  51. I am impressed by the information that you have on this blog. It shows how well you understand this subject. aide scolaire

    ReplyDelete
  52. I absolutely love your blog and find most of your post’s to be exactly I’m looking for. can you offer guest writers to write content for you personally? I wouldn’t mind composing a post or elaborating on many of the subjects you write about here. Again, awesome weblog! bambip nouveau nom

    ReplyDelete
  53. I just found this blog and have high hopes for it to continue. Keep up the great work, its hard to find good ones. I have added to my favorites. Thank You. visit this site

    ReplyDelete
  54. Thank you very much for sharing such a useful article. Will definitely saved and revisit your site read more

    ReplyDelete
  55. Henceforth, on the off chance that one thinks that it is hard to pay costly charges and benefit health protection, then, at that point, going for the momentary approach is strongly suggested. managing burnout

    ReplyDelete
  56. I need to keep others from feeling the demoralization I felt on occasion by uncovering the fantasies and publicity executed by the shmogis and ventures that have over-business-fied yoga. Many good natured experts truly trust these fantasies and propagate them further fueling the issue. You might have totally various reasons and wants to investigate yoga and each one's way is person. In any case, if any of the legends underneath prevented you before, maybe you would now be able to get back to what in particular is your legitimate spot in the realm of yoga. https://www.quora.com/I-have-a-friend-in-the-DFW-area-whose-medical-practice-was-recently-raided-by-the-DEA-They-didnt-get-whatever-they-were-looking-for-Hed-like-to-speak-to-a-good-lawyer-Who-would-you-recommend

    ReplyDelete
  57. Yoga can help you lose weight. Yoga reduces stress and improves well-being. Thanks for sharing useful information. Anushasan Yogpeeth offers the Yoga Teacher Training and Certification Bangalore

    ReplyDelete
  58. The team provides excellent customer service and is focused on meeting the client’s needs and intent. design agencies california web design

    ReplyDelete
  59. Initial You got a awesome blog .I determination be involved in plus uniform minutes. i view you got truly very functional matters , i determination be always checking your blog blesss. waist training

    ReplyDelete
  60. For this web site, you will see our account, remember to go through this info. acompanhantes

    ReplyDelete
  61. Wow, your post is really very useful thanks for sharing about 100 Hour Meditation Teacher Training In Rishikesh. It's really informative. keep sharing more with us.

    ReplyDelete
  62. Clearly, It is an engaging blog for us which you have provided here about Tantra Yoga Session In Gurgaon This is a great resource to enhance our knowledge about it. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  63. It’s a really useful post for us about Pain management near me . Very interesting, good job, and thanks for sharing such an informative blog.

    ReplyDelete
  64. You can also check this one and can share your opinions on Importance of Ethical Decision Making

    ReplyDelete
  65. So how could it unexpectedly be dependent upon inflexible plans, strange customs or inconceivable actual accomplishments?Chest and Tricep Workout

    ReplyDelete
  66. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  67. It was from this writing that Patanjali's "eight appendages of yoga" were created.
    YogaAdventuresWorldwide

    ReplyDelete
  68. This yoga travel retreat guarantees ayuredic kneads, scrumptious Indian food, Indian craftsmanship, reasoning and music.
    https://yogaadventuresworldwide.com

    ReplyDelete
  69. Terrain Auto Repairing Garage one of the best Auto Service Centers in Dubai offers all types of car repairs. We are Service oriented garages in Dubai who believes in Quality repairing and Service. We have well qualified Automobile Technicians and Mechanics. Our Auto Workshop in Dubai is know for providing best car repairing services, be it any issue.For more information Click here Spark plugs replacement

    ReplyDelete
  70. Some truly wonderful work on behalf of the owner of this internet site , perfectly great articles . sales engineering

    ReplyDelete