Yoga is an extremely relaxing and calming practice that is known to have multiple health benefits. As you continue to go to regular yoga sessions, you start to be more acquainted with different poses and breathing techniques, and may even begin practising yoga at home. Given the physical, mental, spiritual, and philosophical benefits of yoga, it is no surprise that the practice has boomed in popularity through the years.
If you are hotheaded about yoga and want to be able to share its benefits to others, you can consider becoming a yoga instructor. The process is not as simple as it sounds, however, so you have to be absolutely sure before pursuing such a decision. If you are having difficulty making a decision, you can start by getting to know the ins and outs of certified yoga teacher training.
Choosing a Type of Yoga
One of your primary points can be to identify the type of yoga you want to teach. Perhaps you love Vinyasa yoga because of the synchronized breathing and more active movements, or you want to spread the word on the health benefits of Bikram yoga.
As much as possible, try exploring and trying out different yoga classes, so you can get the feel of each one and see which type you enjoy the most. Whatever you choose, make sure you select one that you genuinely love. Only then will you be able to share your passion and influence others to love the practice as much as you do.
Understand the Training Programs
Once you have chosen the type of yoga you want to teach, you can start researching available programs or studios that offer training. Think about your ideal training schedule and whether you prefer spacing out your sessions with more time in between, or finishing quicker with intensive training. Short-term intense training sessions may be more effective in immersing yourself in the yoga experience, but longer-term courses are also available in case of schedule conflicts.
Typically, your certification begins with a 200-hour training program where you get courses on anatomy and yoga philosophy, as well as hands-on experience with professional instructors. You can try meeting up with different instructors to get a better idea of what each program offers and whether it suits your needs and vision.
Once you complete your 200-hour program, you can become a certified instructor. However, you can also choose to take the extra step by continuing your certified yoga teacher training through a 300-hour program, which totals your training to 500 hours and allows you to become a registered yoga teacher (RYT).
Open Yourself to Learning
Even after your training program ends, the learning does not stop when it comes to yoga. As an instructor, be prepared to open yourself to continue learning through workshops, books, conferences, and the like. While the formal courses may give you the foundational knowledge you need, you will still have to draw from your experiences to become a great instructor.
Yoga does not only encompass the physical aspects of the poses and stretches but also includes a more spiritual and mental aspect. Just as the practice of yoga promotes discipline and control, you also have to exercise self-discipline with learning and discovering how you can impart such benefits to your students. Often, the deeper aspects of yoga are more challenging to convey, but not impossible once you find your rhythm.