Designing a Plan to Become a Yoga Teacher, Part 1

If you have decided that becoming a Yoga teacher is your passion, your next step is to create a plan of action. When doing anything that requires a major change, a call to action is one of the hardest hurdles to overcome. There are so many people who wish for goals, but do not plan to go after them. Let's look at a few ways to make your plan of action to become a Yoga teacher.

What kind of help or support system do you need to teach Yoga? Remember the saying, "no man is an island." Everyone needs encouragement, even if you are very confident in your abilities. Will you need financial help, educational resources, or to be mentored by a local Yoga teacher? Make an assessment of what you need and plan accordingly.

What should you learn about becoming a Yoga teacher? If you really want to teach Yoga, you should explore every resource available about how to teach Yoga classes. You should also learn about how to succeed in the Yoga teaching business. These factors will also determine how fast you progess once your Yoga teacher training course has concluded.

Where should you learn to teach Yoga? There are many options for Yoga teacher training, so let's cover a few of them. If you decide to take an on-site Yoga teacher training, please avoid the weekend certifications. These programs may teach you a few postures and breathing techniques, but you will likely know little more than the average Yoga student.

Having a complete syllabus is important. A complete Yoga teacher training program should contain information about: Asanas, Modifications, Contraindications, Proper use of props, Yoga Philosophy, Yoga Methodology, Anatomy, Physiology, Kinesiology, Assisting with Posture Alignment, Working with Special Populations, Insider Yoga Teaching Tips, Yoga Teacher Ethics, Chakras, Bandhas, Mudras, Doshas, Yamas, Niyamas, Pranayama techniques, Meditation, Relaxation, Yoga Business Development, Communication, Marketing, and Networking.

How, in the world, can someone expect that kind of knowledge to be transmitted and processed in a weekend? There is a logical reason why 200 hours has become the Level 1 minimum International Yoga teacher training standard.

There is an unforeseen problem for Yoga interns, who desire to take a "weekend certification" course, in order to open the door to Yoga teaching as quickly as possible. This creates a dilemma of not having enough knowledge to be a safe Yoga teacher and not having the knowledge to stay in the Yoga teaching business.

© Copyright 2006 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in North Providence, RI. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. He is a master instructor of martial arts, with multiple Black Belts, four martial arts teaching credentials, and was recently inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness to children, adults, and seniors in the greater Providence area. Recently he wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students, who may be considering a new career as a Yoga teacher. yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html