Becoming A Qualified Yoga Teacher

By Author: Craig Perkins
Total Articles: 4762
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Yoga is a discipline that strengthens the body, calms the spirit and enlightens the mind. It has millions of practitioners worldwide, and that number is steadily growing. Throughout the U.S. and Canada, yoga classes have become regular offerings at many clubs and spas and attract attendees of all ages. Many enthusiasts eventually decide they want to share their enlightenment through teaching the discipline to others. If you are among those who want to become a certified yoga instructor, you need a good training program to help you develop the necessary skills to pass on to your students.

Teaching yoga can be a rewarding career. Not only do you help people gain strength and flexibility but self-awareness as well. Even if you choose not to teach, by going through training you can deepen the benefits of your practice. You do not need to be certified to teach yoga; however, certification inspires confidence in those who want to train with you. A good certification program will teach you the requisite techniques, precision alignments, and postural corrections for a well-rounded curriculum. The program will provide you with ...
... skills to organize and teach a yoga class. These skills will give you the confidence to run your own class or even start your own school. Many of the programs offered in the U.S. are overseen by the Yoga Alliance, an organization that promotes yoga teachers and certification programs. Under the Alliance's minimum requirement, you need 200 or 500 hours of practice at a single school, whether that school is registered or not. Cumulative attendance at several schools will not count toward certification. Once you complete certification, you will officially be considered a registered yoga teacher (RYT).

There is no particular age or body type required to become an RYT. However, some level of flexibility and proficiency is expected by most programs. A strong level of discipline and dedication is also preferred. Many instructors often cite a love and passion for yoga as the inspiration that led them to eventually want to teach it. If you have the passion, you have the basis on which to build your career as an instructor.
Yoga has various areas of focus: therapeutic, spiritual, yoga for couples, yoga for seniors; even yoga for children. There are many philosophical branches as well, including Hatha, Iyengar, Bihar and Ashtanga. Decide which area you want to pursue then find a suitable program to train you in that area. If you are not certain what you want to pursue, do research. It is good to do some research on anatomy and physiology; you will probably have students who suffer from a variety of conditions such as chronic back pain who are seeking relief. One caveat: never encourage your students to ignore medical advice. Yoga should be an integrative part of a medically sound regime and not work counter to it. However, a good program will train you on what kind of help you can give as well as how much.

Yoga training programs also vary by the packages and environments they offer. Some programs provide personal classes or group glasses. Retreats in natural settings help encourage a spiritual focus and yogic lifestyle. Though yoga derives from Eastern philosophy, some schools offer non-denominational, sectarian programs, as well. Some programs offer training that lasts anywhere from less than a month to two years.

Shop and compare schools based on what they offer, what you want to pursue and what best meets your personality. Read testimonials and personal accounts to help you make your choice. Lay out a plan to help you decide whether you want to teach part-time or full-time. As fulfilling as teaching yoga may be, you still have to make a living. Finding the right training program is the first step to a long and fulfilling career teaching and sharing your passion for yoga.
About Author:
Yandara.com offers yoga certification emphasizing yoga practice, teaching skills, organizing a class, creating confidence and making postural corrections. Visit us online to learn Hatha Yoga with Iyengar-based precision alignment, emphasizing heart-felt energy.