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* Believe it or not, I’ve been taking yoga classes for the past four or five months. I love it and can’t say enough good things about it. So, obviously I have a bias in favor of this bill…
The Illinois Board of Higher Education has discretion in determining what types of programs and courses it considers to be occupational or vocational in nature. For example, IBHE regulates training for nurse aids, dental assistants, accountants and HVAC technicians, all of which clearly are vocations.
However, teaching yoga typically is a personal pursuit, not a profession or a career path, Harmon said, noting that the state does not regulate certain ballet, karate or pilates instruction.
Yet several yoga teacher training schools in Illinois recently were notified by IBHE that they are subject to state regulation for training programs and that they must obtain IBHE approval to operate in the state. […]
“Over-regulation of yoga training disproportionately would impact small, women-owned businesses and advantage large chain fitness clubs,” Harmon said. “That’s not good for business in Illinois.”
So, Sen. Harmon has introduced SB2743, which would keep the IBHE’s regulatory paws off yoga classes. As Harmon is quoted as saying in the story “Yoga has been practiced successfully for thousands of years without government regulation. I see no reason to intrude now.”
Agreed.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Apr 6, 16 @ 9:41 am
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Agreed, just another area of Government trying to over regulate.
Comment by Allen D Wednesday, Apr 6, 16 @ 9:47 am
Pilates has made a new man out of me. Yet I get snickers (mostly from other guys) whenever it comes up that I do Pilates. Apropos to this morning’s topic in Cap Fax, sometimes gender bias works the other way as well.
Comment by Team America Wednesday, Apr 6, 16 @ 9:49 am
I think it is ridiculous to regulate yoga classes/teachers. My oldest daughter has been taking martial arts for 8 years now and I don’t want to see her instructor having to fight a regulation dragon. Especially since she is testing for her Dan in November. After that she can start working as a junior instructor and then on to a paid internship before she goes to college. I don’t want the state messing with that. It’s part of our strategy to score her a Navy ROTC scholarship. We’ve got all our eggs in that basket. Martial Arts would be next on the list after yoga.
Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Apr 6, 16 @ 9:49 am
Oh and good on you Rich for the yoga. You know the musician Sting is a life long adherent to yoga.
Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Apr 6, 16 @ 9:51 am
===I see no reason to intrude now.===
I think whether or not there is a reason to intrude depends on what exactly those yoga training schools claim to be offering to their students. The IBHE likely had good reason for notifying some of those schools.
While I certainly agree that the typical yoga class and yoga instructor probably doesn’t need to be regulated through the IBHE, I really think whether or not the IBHE is acting appropriately depends on what the “yoga teacher training schools” are offering.
So, sure, the state doesn’t regulate “some” ballet instruction, but it sure does regulate ballet instruction that takes place on a university campus and results with the dancer receiving a degree in performance art, etc.
So “hands off my yoga mat” is fine, but I’m pretty confident those “yoga training schools” are either making claims or offering services, certificates, degrees, etc, to their students that bring them under IBHE’s regulatory authority.
Comment by Anon Wednesday, Apr 6, 16 @ 9:52 am
I have done yoga, if helps find a peace.
Great point, thousands of years without regulation doesn’t mean there’s a need for regulations now.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Apr 6, 16 @ 9:52 am
=“Over-regulation of yoga training disproportionately would impact small, women-owned businesses and *advantage large chain fitness clubs*,”=
Sounds like rent seeking. Where’s George Will when you need him?
Comment by MSIX Wednesday, Apr 6, 16 @ 9:54 am
IBHE collects hefty fees from these “schools.” They have used these fees to pay for food and “retreats” for both staff and Board members. They used them to pay for limos and hotel rooms for Executive Director candidates. Of course they want to stretch the net as far and wide as they can.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Apr 6, 16 @ 9:54 am
Implications for regulating religious instruction?
Comment by Blooms of Spring Wednesday, Apr 6, 16 @ 9:56 am
–”However, teaching yoga typically is a personal pursuit, not a profession or a career path–”
I don’t care if they get exempt (unless, of course, it must be done to “protect the children” - that’s always an unquestionable justification to regulate something), but this letter is double-speak. I’ve come across at least a half dozen yoga instructors who most definitely view it as their profession. Yoga is touted for health benefits, not really a niche hobby/skill, which ballet and karate seem to better fit (and what does he mean by “certain” ballet/karate/etc. - which ones are regulated and which ones aren’t?)
Comment by lake county democrat Wednesday, Apr 6, 16 @ 9:57 am
I’ve never been able to get into yoga but everyone I know who does it, really loves it.
Congrats for finding something that works for you since it is great exercise and helps one with achieving a more mindful place for your stresses.
Comment by Belle Wednesday, Apr 6, 16 @ 9:57 am
Warrior 3 caption contest featuring Rich Miller!
Comment by out of touch Wednesday, Apr 6, 16 @ 10:00 am
Ommmmm. Ommmmm.
Translated: I agree with Harmon. Stay away from among the last vestiges of peace available.
Maybe mandatory yoga for the legislature and administration would be a good step in fact. I think I could support that mandate.
Comment by A guy Wednesday, Apr 6, 16 @ 10:01 am
God, can this state stay out of anything?
Comment by Tone Wednesday, Apr 6, 16 @ 10:01 am
Don Harmon the Libertarian. Who knew?
Comment by Come on man! Wednesday, Apr 6, 16 @ 10:06 am
I didn’t realize there was a need for yoga regulations. How would the State establish them and enforce them? It doesn’t sound plausible, practical or even a revenue generator.
I’m not sold on the idea at all. It sounds intrusive and foolish. What is the demand to do this all about?
Comment by VanillaMan Wednesday, Apr 6, 16 @ 10:11 am
Way off-politopic, but I want to know more about yoga from Rich. Rich, as a 40-something who should think about his health more, what’s the best way to get started? Is this DIY, or is a teacher the best route?
Comment by Stuff Happens Wednesday, Apr 6, 16 @ 10:14 am
Yoga instruction or teachers are not being regulated. It is the entity claiming to offer yoga teacher instruction for a hefty cost.
Comment by Anon Wednesday, Apr 6, 16 @ 10:15 am
=== Is this DIY, or is a teacher the best route?===
I have a teacher. If you think you could do it without supervision, then head to YouTube. But I think a teacher really helps.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Apr 6, 16 @ 10:16 am
Perhaps IBHE is just looking for something to do. After all, with no state funding for state higher education this year, what else will IBHE do to fill their time?
Comment by Just askin' Wednesday, Apr 6, 16 @ 10:17 am
Yoga is great glad your improving your health Rich.
This is going to ruin my Savasana this is about over reach for money. There are to many yoga and body flow classes which I like for them to do anything except collect fees. They improve my balance as I get older and my core strength. It would be hard for them to do anything except get in the way of those that help to improve the health of the public that really needs to change to lower healthcare costs.
Comment by Go Warrior Wednesday, Apr 6, 16 @ 10:17 am
pix of Oscar in downward dog, please! Namaste. or as I’ve been saying lately, Namastay in bed!
Comment by Amalia Wednesday, Apr 6, 16 @ 10:27 am
Do some research. No one is regulating teachers or classes.
Comment by Comprehension Wednesday, Apr 6, 16 @ 10:32 am
It’s not an attempt to regulate yoga. There instructor training schools are doing something that probably falls under the jurisdiction of the IBHE.
Like issuing degrees.
Comment by Anon Wednesday, Apr 6, 16 @ 10:34 am
A Guy: The current prime minister of India ran on a pro-yoga platform http://time.com/3929265/international-yoga-day/
Comment by lake county democrat Wednesday, Apr 6, 16 @ 10:38 am
Illinois: We’ve got slot machines in our yoga studios!
Comment by Streator Curmudgeon Wednesday, Apr 6, 16 @ 10:55 am
Midwives have been around a long time too. Maybe Harmon is realizing that the State of Illinois might over-regulate things. Isn’t the first step recognition of a problem?
Comment by Ahoy! Wednesday, Apr 6, 16 @ 11:42 am
My back is still killing me from my yoga class. If only my guru had a professional license and paid an annual fee to maintain said license, all would be good in the world…
Comment by Downward Dog Wednesday, Apr 6, 16 @ 11:57 am
It’s funny, and hypocritical, how the lefties back off when it’s something they have an interest in.
Comment by Hick Wednesday, Apr 6, 16 @ 12:02 pm
Ahoy! - Except that it’s not illegal to do yoga, or teach yoga in someone’s home or in one’s own studio. In Illinois, certified professional midwives cannot legally practice or attend home births.
Comment by Ruby Wednesday, Apr 6, 16 @ 12:05 pm
Well fine. Don’t regulate these schools, let anyone call himself a yoga teacher, regardless of training standards.
Just don’t come crying to the state later when you hurt yourself trying to do the Forearm-Stand Scorpion Pose, or the Lotus Headstand Variation with Bound Legs.
You were warned.
Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Apr 6, 16 @ 12:09 pm
Adults should be allowed to take risk. We don’t need the state to tell us if a yogi is legit.
Comment by Tone Wednesday, Apr 6, 16 @ 12:17 pm
I guess Yoga and Fantasy Football is what legislatures talk about when leadership from the Governor’s office is absent.
Comment by Union Man Wednesday, Apr 6, 16 @ 12:21 pm
If someone sets themselves up as an expert, there ought to be some means of demonstrating proficiency. Whether by a state certificate/license or a national certificate.
There have been incidents of people being severely injured while practicing yoga. If a yogi puts you in a position and you get hurt, what recourse is available? So sorry, too bad, hope your insurance pays the claim?
Comment by Huh? Wednesday, Apr 6, 16 @ 1:12 pm
Scary when Don Hamon and Capt Fax start thinkin’ alike.
Meanwhile the non regulated yoga cartel will continue to get referals from quacks and the insurers will shell out $$$$ and everyone’s rates will go up
Comment by Annonn'' Wednesday, Apr 6, 16 @ 1:14 pm
Tone - agreed! ===Adults should be allowed to take risk. We don’t need the state to tell us if a yogi is legit.===
Comment by anonymous Wednesday, Apr 6, 16 @ 1:51 pm
From the Il Private Scools Act:
“Private business and vocational school” or “school” means an educational institution privately owned or operated by a person, partnership, corporation, or other entity offering courses of instruction for which tuition is charged, whether such courses of instruction are offered on site, through correspondence, by distance education, or by other methods, to prepare individuals to do any of the following:
(1) To follow a trade or artistic occupation.
(2) To pursue a manual, mechanical, technical,
industrial, business, commercial, office, personal service (other than nursing), or other non-professional occupation.
(3) To follow a profession, if the profession is not
subject to licensing or registration under any existing State statute requiring the licensing or registration of persons practicing such profession or if the school is not subject to the regulation of the agency with such licensing or registration authority.
(4) To improve, enhance, or add to the skills and
abilities of the individual relative to occupational
responsibilities or career opportunities.
(Source: P.A. 97-650, eff. 2-1-12.)
For what it’s worth, this used to be under the jurisdiction of ISBE, until the Private Business and Vocational Schools Act was repealed, I knew it well as was my job for nearly 20 years. Then it was primarily a consumer protection act that specified students’ contractual rights, but it also protected school owners from those students who try to take advantage. On the surface, it might seem like so much over-regulation, but from experience, I can state that whenever services are sold, the potential for grievances arise, and this law creates a standard of behavior for owners and students alike.
Comment by Twice Baked Wednesday, Apr 6, 16 @ 3:39 pm
tax it and put the $ towards pensions
Comment by flea Wednesday, Apr 6, 16 @ 3:39 pm
BHE is a failed agency. They are trying to justify their existence by this stunt. They failed in downsizing our State instititions of higher Ed to reflect a changing student demographic. Too many highly paid bureaucrats at that agency. Close it down.
Comment by Beenthereseenthat Wednesday, Apr 6, 16 @ 3:43 pm
Is there somewhere where one can go to check the salaries of the people at IBHE? or any other agency for that matter?
Comment by anonymous Wednesday, Apr 6, 16 @ 3:51 pm
Hair cuts have been given successfully for thousands of years without government regulation. I see no reason to intrude now.
Milk has been pasteurized successfully for thousands of years without government regulation. I see no reason to intrude now.
Food has been prepared in trucks successfully for thousands of years without government regulation. I see no reason to intrude now.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Apr 6, 16 @ 8:29 pm
Rich - blessings on your new journey. I’ve seen some of the same questions reiterated a few times in this about yoga so I can only speak of those. To be a certified teacher through the Yoga Alliance, the 200 hour is the first level and you may obtain that through an instruction course where I learned asana (postures), philosophy, anatomy, ethics, intro to Ayurveda, how to run your business, etc. While all basic 200 hours vary based on the instructor/courses, they are essentially the same. The problem with not regulating them however is that ANYONE can be a yoga teacher. YOU can be one, right now at your level, in the park if you can gather some friends who may or may not want to pay you for instruction. Certification through the Yoga Alliance ensures that you have to have continuing education to maintain your licensure and that you have a knowledgeable teacher who knows what they are talking about. Many of the gyms are not equipped with props or the teachers do not even know how to use/offer students these props or adjustments to protect them from injuries.
One of the eight limbs of Yoga is Ahimsa, which is to do no harm toward all. Yoga has been around before any religion. We do not teach that. In the East it was passed down from father to son, it just happens to be more women-oriented here. I’m not sure if we should make it more of that type of issue. However, in the name of protecting more students it would be more beneficial. I do not think it is a good idea to continue to ask someone who looks good in leggings to lead a class who only has a half-witted knowledge of yoga. There is more to it than that. But in the era of the fast and furious, that may be what they want?
Comment by Shanti Shanti Friday, Apr 8, 16 @ 10:35 am