These days, it seems like every other person is a certified yoga teacher. You may be wondering how to get yoga instructor certification right.
If you’re passionate about the practice and hope to impart its benefits to others. Chances are you are a perfect candidate. I’d recommend reading this post first, How Do I Know If I’m Ready For Yoga Teacher Training. If you find that you don’t want to become a yoga teacher. Know that you can still deeply enhance your practice and knowledge by enrolling in a training course. Why should you do Yoga Teacher Training even if you don’t want to become a yoga teacher? We will drop some explanations about how to get yoga instructor certification.
Now that you’re sure you want to pursue a certification, let’s talk about how.
Most people usually start their yoga teacher journey. By attending a 200-hour RYS teacher training course. As previously stated, there are many programs available, depending on the style. Or tradition of yoga, logistics (part-time, full-time intensive, local or abroad), and cost.
200-hour programs focus on teaching yoga to the general population. This includes:
- Asana and alignment (which also includes how to guide others into the poses and class sequencing)
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Philosophy and Meditation
All 200-hour programs vary in terms of the style of yoga. But, to ensure a well-rounded education. They all adhere to these basic guidelines as outlined by Yoga Alliance.
Why 200 Hours?
Firstly, the answer to how to get yoga instructor certification is 200 Hours. In a 200-hour course, you will not only practice. But also learn in-depth about yoga poses–how to execute the poses. Correctly according to your own physical abilities. You will practice yoga for at least two hours daily. So you come to really understand the mechanics of the poses and what they entail. Your physical health and strength will improve as well.
You will also learn anatomy and physiology, and how they relate to yoga. The benefits and contraindications of the poses will be discussed. Once your physical practice is combined with the knowledge of anatomy and physiology. Then the study of alignment in poses comes into play.
How Long Does It Take To Become A Yoga Instructor?
Secondly, the answer to how to get yoga instructor certification is this. Your first official step to becoming a certified teacher will be completing a 200-hour program. After that, if you wish to continue and become a 500-hour RYT. You can go for a 300-hour program.
Ideally, you’d be able to assist a senior yoga teacher for a few months. Learning directly from someone will definitely fast-track your path to expertise.
In short, there is no definitive timeframe whereby after ‘X amount of time. You will become a yoga teacher. Yoga is very hands-on, and the more experience you have with it. Regardless of whether it’s with asanas, philosophy, or meditation the better equipped you will be to teach.
How Do I Get Yoga Certification?
Next up, how to get yoga instructor certification is to decide on a style of yoga you love. If you enjoy sweating it out during your yoga practice. A Vinyasa-style program will be suitable for you. If you prefer using props in your practice. Then go for an Iyengar or Therapeutic styled program.
There’s One More Step To Becoming A Registered Yoga Teacher!
Lastly, about how to get yoga instructor certification is this. After you’ve completed your teacher training. You will need to register as a yoga teacher with the Yoga Alliance of America. Once registered, you’ll be listed in their global directory as a teacher. A teacher who has met their minimum requirements. For teaching and has completed their training with an officially registered yoga school.
Will A Yoga Certification Make You a Great Yoga Teacher?
To be a great teacher, you will have to be dedicated to exploring yoga. Through attending workshops, conducting your own research, and reading books. But most importantly, you will have to learn through your own experience. Yoga is an incredibly deep aspect of life it is not limited only to the asanas. It also includes the realms of the spiritual and philosophical. And no organization will be able to sign a certification of your spiritual evolution.
Are you ready to start your journey and visit this amazing yoga destination?
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