If you are an aspiring yoga instructor confused about joining a yoga alliance teacher training, then the blog will resolve all your issues. Read further to know about the purpose of the yoga alliance.
What is a Yoga Alliance?
The Yoga Alliance is the largest organization that works globally in the yoga community. It was founded in 1999.
The Yoga Alliance works on setting standards for professional training programs and instructors. They are dedicated to supporting and promoting the diversity and integrity of yoga instruction.
“Big things start small.”
As the above proverb suggests, the yoga alliance also started small. Yoga Alliance began as a tiny group passionate about yoga.
The Yoga Alliance worked its way up to the reputation and importance that they have created for themselves. Along with the upkeep of their alliance, they assign critical significance to maintain the high standards of yogic knowledge taught in the world.
The Yoga Alliance acts as the regulator of the world of yoga schools and instructors. They hold the stakeholders of the yoga community accountable for what they are preaching and putting out.
“Arts need to be preserved.”
The Yoga Alliance believes that yoga is an art, and it is essential to keep it in its purest form. There will be people who might try to intentionally or unintentionally jeopardize the yogic practices or knowledge. In such a case, the yoga alliance guards its integrity.
Subjects Taught In Registered Yoga School
Registered Yoga Schools are educational institutions from which you can obtain the registered yoga teacher certification.
To obtain this certification, a few subjects that need to be taught are the history of yoga, anatomy, yoga postures, meditation, pranayama, and teaching methodology. The course is scheduled so that each subject is assigned a stipulated time to ensure an in-depth knowledge of the issue. The pattern is followed in 200-hour and 300-hour yoga teacher training.
#1. Yoga postures and practice
As the students of this course are future yoga instructors, they need to be masters at the physical asanas and postures. Asanas have an immense effect on a practitioner’s body; if performed correctly, it can be advantageous, but at the same time, any improper practice can lead to significant implications.
#2. Yoga Anatomy
The human body is complex. However, understanding the same is essential, especially for a yoga instructor.
Without knowledge of the human anatomy, one can never fully understand the advantageous effects of yoga. Neither will one know if something is potentially harmful in practice.
#3. Yoga Philosophy
Curiosity is an excellent quality that humans possess. As a yoga teacher, your pupils will have various questions which will arise in their minds that they might throw at you.
As a teacher, it is your responsibility to provide them with valid answers backed up by transcripts and history and not your personal beliefs. Yoga philosophy will focus on the theoretical knowledge behind yoga.
#4. Practicum
Last but not least is practice. There is a big difference between being a student and a teacher. In this section of the course, you will be allowed to teach your class.
Do I need a yoga instructor certification from Yoga Alliance Teacher Training?
If one completes the Yoga Alliance certified yoga teacher training program, it does not imply that they are accredited. If you aspire to achieve certification from the Yoga Alliance to become a registered yoga teacher, a few procedures need to be completed.
- You need to complete a 200 hours,300-hours yoga teacher training program hosted by a certified school.
- You will also need to pay a certain amount of applicable fees, which will consist of the registration and annual fees.
- Education never stops, and hence you will have to continue participating in programs that the Yoga Alliance shall dictate.
- You should be dedicated to keeping the integrity of yoga.
However, the answer to the above question is that you do not essentially need to be certified by the Yoga Alliance to teach yoga. The RYT(registered yoga teacher) certification has its perks. It is a significant selling point to both potential employers and customers.
Although RYT certification is a norm, it does not imply that you are knowledgeable or reliable. The same being said for a yoga instructor who is not certified.
Certification cannot be the only basis to judge if a yoga teacher is capable or not. At the same time, neither does your training course do any of the above-stated things.
However, it needs to be understood that many yoga studios will prefer a certified yoga teacher.
Conclusion: Many elements affect the credibility of a yoga teacher and the course. Hence, it is essential to do thorough research before selecting a yoga teacher training program.
The factors you should consider are both analytical towards the course and yourself:
- Your goal towards completing the Yoga teacher training program.
- The kind of yoga instructor that you would like to become.
- Budget and lifestyle.
- Certified by Yoga Alliance or not.
- The credibility of the instructor of the yoga teacher training program.
There are many yoga teacher training courses available; you should select the one that fits your requirements, which will take you closer to your goals.
Do I need yoga alliance insurance?
Yoga is very beneficial if it is performed correctly. If proper alignment is not maintained, it can lead to severe injuries. During yoga, we act different asanas, which affect our bodies.
Even if you are highly experienced or knowledgeable, accidents can occur. This can happen either during teaching students or while performing restorative yoga asanas. It is essential to protect ourselves not just physically but also monetarily.
Although the Yoga Alliance does not directly offer any insurance, they recommend it. They provide a discount for an insurance company as a membership benefit.
Instructors either teaching at their studio or employed at one should opt for a yoga insurance plan. Most yoga studios make it mandatory for their instructors to have a monthly insurance plan.
During the pandemic, the whole world went online. However, yoga insurance is restrictive about this. They consider cases on live streams on platforms like Zoom or others.
However, it is essential to read the insurance conditions before opting for one thoroughly.
Final Thoughts
Yoga being an ancient form of art, is critical to be preserved. However, in this large and fast-paced world, it is challenging to keep the integrity of art intact if not monitored.
A certified teacher will be capable enough to teach you both practical and theoretical knowledge. The standards set by The Yoga Alliance teacher training help do the same. However, it does not ascertain the quality of education.
Becoming a yoga teacher is an ongoing journey with no definitive finish line. Each person is different; hence yoga teachers might not be compatible with one student but can be the best for another. Self-analysis is the first step. Align your goals, lifestyle, and budget with the program to bring out the best in you.
BookYoga Training will help you to choose the best yoga alliance teacher training. It has the best-listed yoga teacher training schools. Write your queries, and we will help you find the most suitable Yoga School for you.