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Overview
There are a number of paths to becoming a yoga teacher. Because there are so many competing traditions (schools) of
yoga, there is no single certification body. In fact, each school's
certification is handled independent of another school. In fact,
anyone can call themselves a Yoga Teacher without any training whatsoever.
While formal training does not ensure someone is a safe or
good teacher, it does indicate they have committed at least some effort.
There are four straightforward paths to becoming a yoga
teacher:
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Fitness/Self-Study |
fasted path |
These programs are primarily oriented towards aerobic
instructors and personal trainers for use in health clubs.
These programs are typically focused on asana (as opposed to
spiritual) practices.
To ensure safety, these programs limit the number of poses taught. |
| school-specific |
varies |
A given school or master instructor may act as a mentor
or tutor.
This path focuses on a single tradition.
The advantage of this approach can be the one-on-one
mentoring. |
| Local |
nine-weeks to three years |
Typically, these programs are comprehensive and
complete.
The cost can vary noticeably in cost and style.
The advantage of this approach is it can be done without
impacting your regular work schedule or family life.
The disadvanges are time commitment and distance from the
root source of a given tradition |
| National w/ Residence |
two to nine week intensives |
These programs combine relatively quick certification
and closeness to the root source of a given tradition.
The disadvantage of this approach requires travel and
extensive time-off from your regular job |
To become "certified", you can go through Yoga
Alliance or a handful of other certification bodies.
The shortest path to becoming a yoga teacher is via
Of course there are many other programs -- these are ones I
have met instructors from or experienced
The closest thing to a certification body is
Yoga Alliance. While Yoga
Alliance is not a school, it does provide:
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a single, nationally-recognized body for registration
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a good guide for a balanced education
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200 hr |
500hr |
Overview |
| Technique |
50/75/100 |
100/0/150 |
Includes asanas, pranayamas, kriyas, chanting,
mantra, meditation, and other traditional yoga techniques. These hours
must be a mix between
(1) analytical training in how to teach and
practice the techniques, and
(2) guided practice of the techniques
themselves;
both areas must receive substantial emphasis. |
| Teaching Methodology |
10/15/25 |
20/0/30 |
Includes principles of demonstration, observation,
assisting/correcting, instruction, teaching styles, qualities of a
teacher, the student's process of learning, and business aspects of
teaching yoga. May include a maximum of 5 hours on business aspects of
teaching yoga. |
| Anatomy and Physiology |
0/10/20 |
0/20/30 |
Includes both human physical anatomy and physiology
(bodily systems, organs, etc.) and energy anatomy and physiology
(chakras, nadis, etc.). Includes both the study of the subject and
application of its principles to yoga practice (benefits,
contraindications, healthy movement patterns, etc).
A minimum number of
hours must be spent applying A&P principles to yoga. |
| Yoga Philosophy |
0/20/30 |
0/45/60 |
Includes the study of yoga philosophies, yoga
lifestyle, and ethics for yoga teachers.
A minimum number of contact hours
must be spent on ethics for yoga teachers. |
| Practicum (Teaching Experience) |
5/0/10 |
10/20/40 |
Includes practice teaching, receiving feedback,
observing others teaching and hearing/giving feedback. Also includes
assisting students while someone else is teaching. A minimum number of
contact hours must be spent actively teaching (not assisting or
observing others teach). |
| other |
55/0/15 |
0/245/185 |
Hours to be distributed among the categories above
according to the school’s chosen emphasis (may be contact or non-contact
hours).
Additional contact hours required to meet the overall minimum standards;
these hours must be distributed among the first five categories above. |
| Total |
120/110/200 |
0/450/500 |
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*(contact hours w/ E-RYT)/(contact hours)/(minimum total)
Bruce's Training
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