Yoga Teacher Training - What You Can Expect to Learn

If you are starting a yoga teacher training program, you may be worried about the level of knowledge that you should have before the training starts. There is no need to worry. Any reputable yoga teacher training course will cover yoga history, anatomy, philosophy, physiology, asana, meditation, Ayurveda, pranayama, breathing techniques, dialogue sessions, Sanskrit, and practice teaching.

If you know that one or more of these topics are near and dear to your heart, than I advise looking for a school that emphasizes that particular aspect of yoga. Some of the more prevalent yoga styles are Vinyasa, Hatha, Ashtanga, Kundalini, Iyengar, ISHTA, and Bikram Yoga.

The focus of your prospectus in a yoga program will depend on what type of school you select. If you're more worried about the spiritual side of yoga may be a Hatha or Kundalini yoga may be right for you. In a Hatha yoga teacher training, you can assume to get a firm knowledge of the basic yoga poses. Kundalini studios will emphasize breathing, chanting, and meditation while challenging you with a few structures that can be intense.

If you are interested in a more energetic exercise, or perhaps would like to teach in a gym, then Vinyasa, Bikram, or Ashtanga yoga may be more to your liking. Vinyasa is a common term used to define a yoga style that emphases on linking the breath with body movement through a sequence of poses referred to as a "flow." Ashtanga is the precursor to what is commonly known as power yoga because of the harsh movement involved in the series.

An Iyengar teacher training course will spend lots of time focusing on Anatomy and physical alignment. ISHTA Yoga courses combine the study of Hatha, Ayurvedic, and Tantra practices and philosophies. Every teacher training is a unique process of self-discovery and can have a deep impact on you and the learners who take your class.

If you are interested in teaching, it is a good idea to select a school that is respected within the yoga community. I would recommend asking to see a manual or old syllabus if the school can provide one. Many reputable yoga schools will also spend a good amount of time teaching you about the business side of yoga. This comprises but is not limited to the ethics of being a teacher of yoga, when and how you need to assure yourself, and ways you can polish up your resume in order to get a job for teaching. Finally, whether you want to teach or just increase your knowledge, it is a good idea to take your yoga teacher training course from a Yoga Alliance Certified school.