Hey Amanda,
To answer your question:
First, there are a ton of different yoga styles being practiced in the world.
Like: Ashtanga, Bikram, Anasura, Integral, Kundalini, Kripalu, Power, Kali Ray, White Lotus, prenantal, Baptiste, Tantra, Sivananda, Iyengar, Vinyasa... just to name a few. When you say that you love "yoga",
I would first take a look at what style you have been practicing and go from there. Yes, all the styles are "yoga" but they are very different. For example, some folks take what is called YogaFit, now the gym might like to call yogaFit "yoga" but it is really just a glorified aerobics class. The breath, the spirituality and all the componenets that would make it yoga are not present. Know what I mean?
Also, most yoga teacher training requires that you have had your own practice for at least a year or so. Due to the fact that yoga has become so popular people all over the world are starting to say (as you did) "Oh what a great way to make some extra money"... the problem there is, that people who have no understanding of pranayama (the breath) or the history of yoga, or the anatomy & physiology of yoga, or the effects of meditation, and the morals and ethics and what it all truly means to be a yoga teacher are looking to just jump in and teach.
I completely appreciate your enthusiasm and I do not say this to discourage you but I do say this so that you understand that a real teacher certification will take (should take) at least
a month of your life.
At the Kripalu Center in Massachusettes, you live there for a month straight (or do 3 seperate, 1 & 1/2 week sessions) to complete your training. It also costs about $2000. Other training programs can last up to a year and cost close to $5,000.
Getting truly certified is not and should not be easy. It requires, commitment, studying, practice, a love/joy for yoga and a deep desire to share that knowledge with others. Also, there is the cost of yoga insurance , so you are protected in case anything happens while you are teaching, etc.
Right now, the goverment does not regulate us to make sure that we have our certifications. However, having said that, I think it is crucial for upcoming (& some existing '"teachers") to become certified. I commend you for wanting to do it all legitimately.
The Yoga Alliance can give you a list of which, schools, studios, and teachers you can receive your 200 hour certification from or as you say which ones are valid. Also, go to www.Kripalu .org and check out their teacher training program as well.
If you have any other questions, I would be more than happy to try to answer them for you. Wishing you all the best.
K
--------------------
"You have to be the change you wish to see in the world." Mahatma Gandhi
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Posts
Re: yoga teacher certification
