How to Become a Yoga Instructor through the Yoga Alliance

Yoga is a popular form of exercise. It can be used to increase flexibility, strength, and recover from injury. Becoming a yoga instructor takes time, discipline, and a passion for yoga and all that it can do for others.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Yoga DVDS
• Yoga mat
• Yoga blocks
• Yoga classes
• Yoga Alliance registered school

1. Practice yoga daily. To become a yoga instructor, you need to be able to dedicate the time and energy to practicing yoga daily. With daily practice, you improve your own technique and learn more about the art of yoga. If you can't practice daily, shoot for practicing 4-5 days a week.

2. Take yoga classes. Even if you are a seasoned yogi, take a yoga class. You learn how to be a student and see how a yoga class should be conducted.

3. Choose a style of yoga to specialize in. Some of the popular styles are power yoga, fitness yoga, and therapeutic yoga. For more information on therapeutic yoga, see the resources section and click on the International Association of Yoga Therapists link.

4. Get to know your yoga instructor. Ask questions about how he/she became a yoga instructor and any advice that he/she may have for you. Ask where your yoga instructor was educated, what their specialty is, and why they chose yoga instruction as a career.

5. Attend a yoga school registered with the Yoga Alliance. By attending a registered school, you know you will get a quality education, a greater chance of employment, and more networking opportunities.

6. Get registered through the Yoga Alliance. You get a listing in the Yoga Alliance directory of yoga teachers and access to continued education. You can also designate yourself as a registered yoga teacher and use the acronym RYT next to your name.

7. Decide if you want to work as an independent teacher or for a company. You can open your own yoga practice by renting space or holding classes in your home if you have the space and resources to do so.

8. Contact fitness centers and yoga schools and speak to their human resources departments. Find out if they are hiring yoga instructors and how you can apply. You can also use traditional job search engines such as careerbuilder.com or monster.com.

9. Participate in Yoga Alliance's Continued Education to maintain your standing and increase your knowledge and experience as a teacher.

Resources

• Yoga Alliance
• International Association of Yoga Therapists

[goodselfme]

on 1/22/2009 Stopping by for a 5* read for my friend. Great info and good detail.