Guide to Becoming Yoga Certified

Yoga is a practice that combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation to promote physical and mental well-being. Individuals interested in turning their passion for yoga into a career often opt to become certified yoga instructors. The journey towards becoming a yoga teacher involves a lot of practice, learning, and dedication. Here is a step-by-step guide on how you can become yoga certified.

Step 1

First and foremost, to become a certified yoga instructor, you need to maintain a consistent yoga practice. Becoming well-versed in the basic postures, pranayama (breathing exercises), and meditative practices is crucial to improve your understanding of yoga and its benefits.

Step 2

Before starting any teacher training program, you should explore different styles of yoga and determine which one resonates with you the most. Different styles include hatha, ashtanga, iyengar, bikram, vinyasa, among others. Each style has its specific emphasis and teaching methodology, and determining the one that best suits your approach and philosophy will help you choose the right training program.

Step 3

Research various Registered Yoga School (RYS) programs. The international standard for a yoga teacher training program is set by the Yoga Alliance, and they certify RYSs. Before deciding on a training program, it’s important to make sure it is registered with the Yoga Alliance.

Step 4

Start a training program. Most programs require a minimum of 200 hours of training, which includes practical training (teaching yoga), learning about yoga philosophies and ethics, and studying anatomy and physiology. These programs can take anywhere from a few weeks of intensive training to a few years of part-time study.

Step 5

Upon completing a training program, you can apply for a Yoga Alliance certification. You’re required to submit your training program completion certificate, pay an application fee and pass a predetermined examination to get certified.

Step 6

Once certified, you can start teaching yoga. It’s recommended to keep expanding your knowledge and keep learning. You might opt to specialize in a particular style of yoga or work with specific population groups.

A great example of a specialized yoga school is the Iyengar Yoga School Newcastle. This school focuses on Iyengar yoga, a form of Hatha yoga that emphasizes precision and alignment in the execution of postures. The instructors are certified Iyengar yoga teachers and the school offers a comprehensive teacher training program.

In conclusion, becoming a certified yoga teacher is a rewarding career path for those who wish to share the countless benefits of yoga with the world. It requires dedication, patience, and continuous learning. By following these steps and selecting the right training school, you could be on your way to becoming an exceptional yoga instructor.