If
you are an ardent lover of yoga and have been practicing it
constantly for a few years, then it's quite possible that a thought
of completing a teacher certification course will cross your mind.
Even if you don't plan to teach, a good training program will deepen
your practice and enhance your knowledge about yoga.
Can
you become a Yoga Teacher?
There
are several training programs having minimum requirements for
prospective trainees. These differ from program to program, however,
generally include a suggestion that you have practiced for many years
and have undergone some classes with the teacher with whom you aim to
train. Some people who are ardent lovers of this art are unfulfilled
by their day jobs hope that becoming a yoga teacher will provide them
a way out of their job situations. However, it's not that easy to
become a yoga teacher as it requires to work incredibly hard and
several great teachers juggle a few classes a week while keeping
their regular jobs.
A
Registered Yoga Teacher
In
the US, teacher training programs that meet some standards are
typically registered by the Yoga Alliance, which is a nationally
recognized organization. In general, there are 2 levels of Yoga
Alliance teacher training certification course, i.e.
200 & 500 Hours, which mainly refers to the length of the
program. Initially, the trainee complete the 200 Hour program, which
majority of the yoga studios require as the minimum training for
their teachers. Some people then opt for continuing their studies by
undergoing a 500 hour training. Once the teachers complete a Yoga
Alliance registered teacher training program, they might use the
acronym RYT after their name. Most specialized types of yoga such as
Bikram, Iyengar, Anusara, etc. require that teachers complete a
training program under their own auspices.
How
to Locate a Teacher Training Program
If
you're only into the practice of Bikram Yoga, you will have a clear
cut choice of a training program. But, if you are into the practice
of Hatha or Vinyasa yoga, then you've a lot more options. The
most obvious location to start looking is at your favorite yoga
center. There are several yoga studios offering teacher training
programs, however, it's advisable to take a good look at the
curriculum before you opt for. Yoga teacher training Dharamshala, today
has become a moneymaking option, so ensure any program you consider
is registered with the Yoga alliance. This will ensure that you spend
a particular number of hours studying Asana, teaching technique,
philosophy and anatomy. If you are in touch with anyone who is an
expert yoga teacher then you can take his help for knowing the best
training program. If you don't have any training programs conducted
in your vicinity then look for an intensive program at a yoga
institute or a school elsewhere.
Some
More Considerations
The
cost for this program varies from place to place but you can expect
to pay approximately INR 1,50,000. Some programs are quite intensive,
lasting only a month or two but the sessions are daily during that
period. Other programs go on for 6 months or a year, but sessions are
in the evenings or on weekends. Many yoga institutions have well
trained teachers, so ensure that you respect them as you'll be
spending a lot of time with them.
