Yoga Certification: Teacher, Instructor , And Training

Thos who can, do. Those who can't, teach is an adage that should never be applied to yoga instructors. In order to become a successful yoga instructor, a student must be able to do in order to successfully teach.

Yoga students and enthusiasts enjoy the classroom so much that they experience the desire to transition from student to teacher. However, it takes more than the love of yoga and mastering of its many poses to become a yoga teacher.

Currently, there is no national or international yoga certification program. There are several reasons for the absence of a standard yoga teacher certification program. One reason is that there over one hundred different types of yoga, each containing its own postures, philosophy, and specifics. It would be next to impossible to create a standard yoga certification program that would cover the requirements for each type of yoga.

Another reason for the lack of unified yoga certification program may stem from the past. Traditionally, yoga teacher training has been passed from teacher to student in a one-on-one basis. A student would spend years learning and mastering yoga from his or her instructor. In modern times, yoga has expanded from individual instruction to entire classrooms, but the practice of learning through teacher to student still remains the same for many yoga disciplines.

Despite the lack of a standardized yoga certification program, there are many steps an individual can take to selecting the right yoga instructor certification program. The most important step is to identify which type of yoga discipline to specialize in. The most common styles taught in the United States include Power, Ashtanga, Viniyoga, Iyengar and Bikram.

After selecting a yoga discipline to specialize in, the next step is to research and investigate potential yoga certification programs and schools. Yoga Alliance is a great resource to utilize. Yoga Alliance is a non-profit organization that registers both teachers and teacher training programs. In order to be accepted by Yoga Alliance, a teacher or program must meet the minimum standards set by the organization.

There are a small set of common factors to expect from most yoga certification programs. Many share basic entry requirements. The majority of yoga certification programs require that students complete at least one year of yoga study with a qualified teacher. Most yoga certification programs take a year or more to complete. Prices in tuition usually range form $2,000 to $5,000 and are dependent on the school.

Once enrolled, students can expect to receive training in a variety of settings and courses. Many yoga certification programs require students to take classes in yoga philosophy, yoga history, postures, breathing and pranyama, meditation, anatomy and physiology and teaching. Students are also required to attend and assist in workshops and classes.

Becoming a yoga instructor requires more than just mastering the poses and having a passion for yoga. Yoga instructors must actually perform three different roles: educator, motivator and coach. To be a successful yoga instructor, an individual must enjoy helping and being around people. A person with all of these qualities is ready to take steps towards yoga certification.


Sources:
Yoga Teacher Training. 2004. Yoga Site, Inc. 8 Jan. 2007 .
Yoga Teacher Training Schools and Careers Q&A. Natural Healers. 1999-2006. All Star Directories, Inc. 8 Jan. 2007 .
YogaAllicance.2005. 8 Jan. 2007