One of the fastest growing exercise and meditation program throughout the country is Yoga. One reason for the fast growth is the number of benefits ranging from better emotional health to improved sense of well being. There is continued research to find the benefits of yoga but the results so far indicate that it is physically and mentally healthy. As this practice continues to grow the need for qualified instructors expands also. You shouldn’t practice without an instructor because of possible injury and over stretched muscles and joints. Guidance and encouragement from a good instructor will help achieve physical goals and allow the student to practice independently.
Different levels of yoga instructor and several types of yoga are available. To become certified as an instructor requires reaching a certain level of knowledge. The Yoga Alliance is the watchdog in the industry and has specific standards for individuals who want to instruct.
They require a 200 hour certification or a 500 hour certification. Upon completion, instructors are able to use the initials RYT after their name. There are many training programs available and they have a few requirements before you can become a student. Typically you must have practiced yoga for a number of years and be able to do a handstand in the middle of the room.
Be aware that most Yoga instructors are unable to make a full time wage giving instruction. Some do, but have to work long and hard to accomplish it without the health benefits or 401 K programs. Although industrious teachers manage to hold down other jobs and instruct on the week ends and evenings, juggling both careers. These hard working teachers would do well to enhance their regimen with a health boost of a new product called Kiiera Viv. This is all natural, healthy and improves energy and body function. Viv comes in a small packet, powder form that is just added to your water, and actually is quite delicious.
In searching for a certified instructor you can start by looking at you local yoga centers. Some offer their own program so be sure and check out their curriculum before starting their classes. Financial investment can run a yoga instructor several thousand dollars to become certified, so this whole industry has become a money making operation. Any program you consider should be checked out to make sure it has a Yoga Alliance certification which will guarantee any certificate you receive on completion will be honored at another center.
Tuition may run as high as $3000.00 in class fees to become certified at the 200 hour level and if you go for the 500 hour level it can double. Consider how your schedule will fit with the classes. Some set it up for eight hour day training and achieve the 200 hour status in only a month. If it is evening and week end classes it may take longer to complete. The number of hours you are willing to devote will determine your choice. Lastly, you will be spending a lot of time with your instructor, make sure to consider his personality.
