You’ve mastered the postures of yoga and are wondering if there is more to yoga than postures and breathing. You want to be at the other end of the spectrum that is gnawing at you. Well, the answer to that is a 200-hour yoga teacher training program.
According to a study, yoga is gaining popularity among fitness buffs in the U.S. It is estimated that about 55 million people will be practicing yoga by 2020. With the numbers in your favor, it’s time that you become a yoga teacher. These questions will help you pick the best 200-hour teacher training program.
What do you want to do with the certification?
You can become a certified yoga trainer with a mere 200-hour certification program, but you must understand what you intend to do with the certification. Do you want to open up your studio, or work with the center where you got trained?
Do you want to use it to teach just a few students, or do you want to take back-to-back classes throughout the day? Answering these questions will help you get the appropriate 200 hour yoga teacher training program.
How is the program structured?
The program has to be a balance between anatomy, physiology, teaching methodology, practice, and electives. If the program focuses too much on anatomy and physiology but not on methods, then it may be ineffective.
If the focus is on methodology with brief introductions to anatomy and physiology, then you may be unable to handle injuries. So, a well-balanced program structure is an absolute necessity.
Is the course structure right for you?
Not all courses are created equally, so know what you are getting into. There are times when 300 hours’ worth of material is crammed into 200 hours or a mere 100 hours of training. You don’t want either. The structure of the program should suit your pace. If you are a slow learner, then you should have enough time to practice before you proceed to the next level.
Do they teach human anatomy?
Yoga is all about moving the bones and muscles while controlling breathing. This requires that you know about human anatomy and its functioning. So, check if the training program teaches you about anatomy. Without knowing how the human body works, you can’t learn to flex it.
Is the instructor certified?
Check the instructor’s certifications. They need to be well-qualified and experienced to train you in yoga. A newly certified trainer may not be the best instructor when it comes to yoga teacher training.
Your instructor may be taking only two to three classes (4 to 5 hours long) per week, but that adds up to 480 hours of training per year and 2,400 hours over five years. This is a significant number of hours.
What do previous students have to say about the program?
Feedback from past students is an essential factor that can help you pick the right yoga teacher training program. Checking the program’s or instructor’s social media pages can help you find past students. It is advisable to carry out a discreet inquiry to get accurate feedback.
With yoga gaining popularity, there are various reasons to become a yoga instructor. You can do it for personal development, to supplement your income, for the passion of it, or as a career. Choosing the best 200-hour yoga teacher training program can meet these goals.
