How Can I Get Certified to Teach Yoga?
Yoga's core essence is the combination of the body, mind and spirit to create a balance and harmony with the environment. You achieve this balance through meditation, breathing techniques and slow, deliberate movements. If you are interested in becoming a certified yoga instructor, you must first master the art itself. Several branches of yoga exist and you can get certified for each form if you display the expertise necessary to teach.
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Instructor Classes
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Many instructors and schools are members of the Yoga Alliance, an organization that accredits yoga teacher certification. This ensures quality and credibility of your education. Instructors should have several years of experience in teaching and practicing yoga. Becoming a yoga teacher has stringent requirements. You must be knowledgable about kinesiology, human anatomy, nutrition, proper breathing techniques and methods for relaxation. If you choose to become a traditional yoga instructor, you must choose with path you prefer to teach, whether it is Hatha, which is the physical aspect of yoga, or Bhakti, which is based on the doctrine of love and emotions.
Be Knowledgeable
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Before you begin training as an instructor, you should already be skilled in yoga. Most experts who teach have several years of experience in practicing the different disciplines of yoga. Some training programs require you to have certain levels of skills and physical capabilities before you can begin training to become a teacher. For example, you will need to know the most basic of moves, such as standing on your head and proper breathing. Other programs, however, have no prerequisites and allow you to learn yoga as you also learn how to teach. You must be physically able to perform the specific yoga moves you intend to teach.
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Types of Yoga
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If you choose to teach traditional yoga, you might learn from a mentor rather than in a classroom environment. You must understand what Ashtanga, asanas, and hatha practices are and what their significance is, as well as what the eight limbs of Ashtanga yoga are. Sport yoga is more intense and aimed at competitive athletes. The workouts are more intense and require a higher level of concentration, flexibility and fitness. If you want to become certified to teach chair yoga for the disabled or elderly, you might attend a course specifically designed for this. Chair yoga requires some posture and position modifications for those with limited mobility.
Choosing a Class
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When you choose the yogic path you prefer, you should find an instructor, course or class you feel comfortable with. If you choose to learn from a private mentor, you will receive a more personal, in-depth education. You might also choose to take a course online. With this type of instruction, you will take your tests online, watch videos and attend classes over the Internet. Other training programs offer DVD courses. These are normally the least expensive way to get your certification. However, you will not have the personalized training and assessment of your physical abilities. You might also choose to attend a class with other students, some of which are set in a retreat or spa-like atmosphere.
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References
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