Guide to Become a Trained Yoga Expert

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.