The journey towards the path of teaching yoga gives personal growth and physical health. At the same time, this path comes as an opportunity to help others. Also, becoming a certified yoga instructor requires specific steps and different certification levels and a yoga 200 hour training program is one of the essential steps.
This article acts as a guide about how to be a great yoga teacher. Along with this, it has details regarding various certification levels available out there.
Yoga Teaching as a Profession
The choice of becoming a yoga teacher is a commitment to learning and self-discovery. Every yoga instructor guides their students through physical postures, techniques of breathing, and meditation practices in a yoga class online.
The Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Yoga Teacher:
Before you can teach yoga to others, it is very important that you should have a personal practice. This indicates regularly attending classes and practicing different styles of yoga. As a result, it will help you gain an understanding of yoga postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), and meditation techniques. This way a strong personal practice is crucial for becoming an inspiring teacher.
Choose a Yoga Style to Teach
Yoga has various styles and each style has unique benefits. A few of the most popular yoga styles are:
- Hatha Yoga: Targets physical postures along with breathing exercises.
- Vinyasa Yoga: This yoga focuses on smooth fluid-like movements synced with breath.
- Ashtanga Yoga: A style in a yoga class online requiring a particular sequence of postures.
- Iyengar Yoga: It is known for its use of props and alignment.
- Bikram Yoga: It is performed in a room which is heated room, comprising a fixed series of 26 postures.
How To Finish a Yoga Teacher Training Program
Becoming a Yoga Teacher by Yoga Alliance Certification
The Yoga Alliance is a highly reputable organization that has standards for yoga teacher training courses. Initially, a yoga teacher must finish a program of yoga 200 hour training. This type of certification course of yoga teaches:
- Physiology and Anatomy: Gaining knowledge about the human body with its movements.
- Teaching Methodology: The various techniques for instructing yoga students.
- Yoga Philosophy: The principles and ethics of yoga and the path of spirituality.
- Practicum: Real-world teaching experience.
You will be eligible as a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200) with the Yoga Alliance after completing this certification course of yoga.
Mastery With Specializations and Advanced Training
You can choose to pursue advanced training after gaining experience as a yoga 200 hour training teacher. Furthermore, the 300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training is the next level in the yoga teacher training course. Apart from this, if this yoga course is combined with the 200-hour program, you can qualify as a RYT-500. Advanced training delves deeper into:
- Advanced Asanas: More complex and challenging postures for the body.
- Therapeutic Applications: Using yoga to point out different health issues.
- Advanced Anatomy: In-depth study of the systems of the body and functions.
- Specializations: Prenatal yoga, yoga therapy, or yoga for children.
Different Types of Yoga Certification Levels Explained
Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200)
The RYT-200 is known as the entry-level certification for a yoga instructor. It implies that you have finished a yoga 200 hour training program according to the standards of Yoga Alliance. Moreover, this certification helps you to teach yoga classes along with workshops.
Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-500)
The RYT-500 certification is meant for those teachers who have completed both yoga 200 hour training and 300-hour training programs. These training programs together make a total of 500 hours of training. Also, RYT-500 instructors have a broad understanding of yoga practices and can easily conduct a yoga class online. They are also qualified to teach advanced classes and lead a number of teacher training programs.
How to Build Your Yoga Teaching Career?
Gaining Teaching Experience
After certification, it is crucial to gain teaching experience. You can begin by offering a yoga class online at small studios and different community centers. At the same time, teaching a variety of groups will enhance your skills while building your confidence.
Creating a Personal Brand
What sets you apart from other yoga instructors is developing a personal brand. You should consider creating a professional website while engaging in social media. Along with this, you should offer unique workshops and retreats along with a yoga class online. This way your brand should reflect your philosophy and teaching style.
Networking and Community Involvement
One of the most effective ways toward new opportunities as a yoga teacher is connecting with other yoga professionals. Also, participating in the yoga community can open new doors. Also, you should attend yoga festivals and join professional organizations. This way you can collaborate with other teachers in order to expand your reach for your yoga class online.
Continuous Self-Improvement
There is no limit in terms of the personal growth of a yoga teacher. In this context, you can, regularly attend classes to explore new styles. At the same time, engaging in self-study will keep your practice fresh. This dedication will offer self-improvement and your students can take inspiration from it.
