My Journey : how to become a Yoga Instructor/teacher?

 Yoga has fascinated me from my childhood but as I reached my 40's I realized how important it is to breathe and be in the present. Being present is gift, that we can easily forget to open as we are constantly worrying about our future.

So while I am practicing yoga in group exercise classes, relaxing and restoring myself to the present, one fine evening I decided to spread the joy and become a yoga teacher.

My very first stop of course: Google.

I did a lot of research online and with folks who practice yoga. I would like to share my findings with all of you so that you can save some time on research. So far I have completed 100 hours of yoga teacher training. Next 100 coming up in summer.

1.Is there a certification for Yoga?

Yes! Yoga Alliance https://www.yogaalliance.org/ offers Registered Yoga teacher (RYT) 200, RYT 500 membership to the alliance for teachers. You can choose any of the registered schools to get your first 200 hours training.

2.Are there online trainings?

Yes, some yoga schools offer online training while some do hybrid + in person. 

3.Why I chose to take a hybrid training?

I love to meet new people. I made some really good friends in this training. 

The yoga practice in person really gave huge benefits when the class tried the modifications + assists modules in person. I couldn't have done it sitting alone in front of a screen.

Networking is important if you are looking for opportunities to assist a class. I got some good opportunities to teach. 

4.How easy it is to teach Yoga after first 200 hours training?

There is a huge difference between being a student in yoga class versus teaching a class! My first teaching experience was tough, remembering the right cues was not easy but they do make sure you learn the basics before teaching a first class and then its all practice, practice, practice.

5.Do I need a certification to teach Yoga in US?

In US, it depends on each state, the state where I live in does not require one.

  

Hope this helps someone out there. If you have questions please leave them in comments below and I will try to answer them.