Expectations of a 500 Hour Yoga Teacher Certification Course

There are two sets of expectations for a 500 hour Yoga instructor certification course. There are the expectations of the teachers who are guiding interns enrolled in the course. There are also a set of expectations on the part of the student, who is choosing a particular 500 hour Yoga teacher training course. Of course, a student must choose a training program wisely and make sure the curriculum and goals of the Yoga instructor training course matches his or her professional and personal aspirations. This article will briefly address those expectations of a student who enrolls in a training program.

Enhance Qualities of Character and Commitment

A Yoga student who enrolls in a professional level, 500 hour Yoga certification course will obtain a deep abiding level of dedication. This commitment to the inner and outer transformation is due to the cleansing effects of Yoga. A student who enrolls in a professional Yoga teacher training course will learn through personal experience of the profound impact within a regular and sustained practice of Yogic techniques and disciplines. The student must also apply him or herself to the thorough study or anatomy, physiology, the subtleties of asana sequencing, Yoga as therapy, the power of mudras, bandhas, chakras, mantras, advanced meditation, and pranayama techniques.

Through sustained practice and focus, the prospective Yoga instructor will become more aware of his or her strengths and weaknesses as a Yoga teacher trainee. This profound Yogic experience may be humbling and at the same time it is a method for reaching states of clarity. A Yoga instructor trainee must stick with this process while learning how to develop and strengthen areas of weaknesses. Interns learn how to balance strength and weakness as a prospective Yoga teacher.

Living Yoga in the World

A student who enrolls in a 500 hour Yoga instructor certification course will ultimately learn how to integrate the experience of Yoga, both on and off the mat. A professional level Yoga teacher training program will bring a student's personal life into alignment with the basic Yogic tenets taught by Pantanjali. These are the tenets one learns within the Yoga Sutras, such as: self-inquiry, not stealing and truthfulness. If a prospective Yoga teacher does not integrate his or her Yogic experiences, wisdom and guidelines into his or her home life, the rasa or bliss of Yoga will slip through the teacher trainee's hands and will reduce his or her ability to uplift and impact future Yoga students in a positive way.

© Copyright 2011 - Aura Wellness Center - Publications Division

Faye Martins, is a Yoga teacher and a graduate of the Yoga teacher training program at: Aura Wellness Center in, Attleboro, MA. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/

Yoga Teacher Certification Completed - 5 Tips on How To Get Started Without Experience

So now the time has come, you've been practicing Yoga for a while now and you feel ready to take on the responsibility of leading regular yoga instruction and help those who would like to regularly practice and take their efforts to the next level, plus increase their knowledge about many of the more detailed aspects of yoga and practice.

Obviously, during yoga teacher certification you progressively become more confident, you also pick up a little more about the philosophy of yoga and the science of the human anatomy and alignment issues that would not normally be covered during basic Yoga class.

Below I share 5 valuable tips to help you better prospects as a Yoga instructor.

1. You've got to get experience somewhere, so why not go and talk to some of the gyms in your local area that cater for Yoga classes, and not forgetting the workout studios and of course there is the YMCA/YWCA. Alternatively, you can find a community college and hold classes on your own. You can try out some churches, and there will be individuals who would require training in private class that would be held at time more suited to them and could either take place in their own home or possibly your own. (That's if you wanted to.)

2. Network with other local Yoga instructors and ask them how they got started, I'm sure they could provide valuable points that can lead you a useful direction.

3. You can expand on your experience by become an assistant trainer at your local gym, so for a time being you can assist and gain very valuable experience by just watching and DOING. I can't emphasize the last part enough. Its down to the 80/20 principle you'll learn 80% of your experience by gathering the training work that makes up the 20%.

4. If work as independent Yoga instructor is your goal then consider that you will have to put in long hours, sometimes including nights and weekends, are common, and employment is expected to be much faster than the average, and as Yoga is consider as health care your prospect are good, though do expect increase in competition as it is expected, but don't let this put you off, the best way forward is to be organized and disciplined and provide the very best service you can.

5. Consider the training environment as your schedules could have a work time setting generally about 40 to 50 hours per week-with nights and weekends off. You may spend part of your time in other locations such as community colleges, YMCA, or clients home or you own studio. So you may be out of outreach to other would be clients so its a good idea to keep your schedule varied.

In Summary

Assisting of others with your skills and knowledge as yoga instructor can be a very rewarding experience, in the difference it makes to your students will make for amazing changes and not just for your students but for yourself too. Though certification is not essential to train - yet training is essential in able to help your students find their path. In return your students will give you respect and courtesy because of your respect for them...Yoga is guidance for a more positive path in life, and following these 5 tips can lead to a more prosperous one too.

To locate more information try visiting yoga teacher certification A popular website that offers tips, advice, resources and reviews to include information about fullfilling your intentions

Questions About Yoga Teacher Certification Through Correspondence Courses

Have you ever been curious or skeptical about how correspondence courses, for Yoga teachers, work? Below is a question and answer session about educating Yoga instructors through distance learning. These courses are online, or correspondence programs, designed for the education of new, or established, Yoga teachers.

Q: It's hard to believe that someone can be certified as a Yoga teacher without face-to-face contact. How does a correspondence course for Yoga instructors compensate for personal contact?

A: Technology, in the form of streaming video, via Internet and DVDs, has changed the face of education and training in every field. Correspondence courses traditionally entailed learning by reading, and maybe sending a few photos of postures, but video has made learning and testing much easier - especially when you add telephone, or Email contact,

Many graduates of correspondence courses are already certified or registered Yoga teachers, but they need Continuing Education Credits for re-certification from the registries or their original certifier. Therefore, Yoga certification organizations provide continuing education for Yoga teachers, and the world's Yoga registries approve of non-contact continuing education units (CEUs).

Q: What kind of testing requirements do Yoga teacher graduates go through?

A: The examinations process is the same as most on-site Yoga teacher training courses. There will be written exams, but you will retain more information from essay-style written examinations. Multiple choice and true or false examinations do not require a Yoga teacher intern to do in-depth thinking and research.

There may be essays, research, and a synopsis or two. The highlight of the testing process is the practical exam video, which may be 50% of the entire grade. The video may require you to demonstrate, assist, adjust, and explain, pranayama (Yogic breathing), relaxation, asana (Yoga posture), and meditation techniques.

Depending on the practical exam requirements, there may be other techniques to demonstrate, and explain, such as: Mudras (gestures, usually performed with the hands), bandhas (locks), or something else.

Q: Is knowledge of all the aspects of classical Hatha Yoga required?

A: A well-rounded distance learning Hatha Yoga course should contain educational materials about the following aspects: Anatomy, Physiology, Kinesiology, Asanas, Modifications, Yoga philosophy, Yoga teaching methodology, Adjusting posture (asana) alignment, Chakras, Bandhas, Mudras, Yamas, Niyamas, Pranayama, Meditation and Relaxation, Working with special populations, Yoga Teaching Tips, and Yoga Teacher Ethics.

Granted, some Yoga distance learning courses have less material to learn, but the very first level 1 course should contain at least 200 hours worth of material, to set a solid foundation of knowledge. In fact, a level 1 Yoga certification course is often considered a foundational course, which opens the path toward constructive continuing education for life.

© Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com.

He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/member-offer.html

How Should the Topic of Philosophy Be Approached in a Yoga Teacher Certification Course?

Yogic philosophy is so vast that it could easily dominate a 200-hour Yoga teacher training. After spending a three day weekend, lecturing about how to apply Yama and Niyama in every facet of life, I realized that this workshop could have been expanded to two weekends.

However, the philosophy component is not what most Yoga teacher interns want to learn. Most people, in general, feel that Asana (Yoga posture) is the heart and soul of our practice. If life were measured only on the physical plane of existence, this might be true, but humans are also connected by mental, emotional, and spiritual growth.

Maharishi Patanjali mentions Yama and Niyama as the first two limbs of the Eight Limbed Path. Why would he mention them first? At the very least, he has tried to point out their importance. Over time, the message does not come out as it once did.

Essentially, a student should practice the first two limbs to become a serious Yoga practitioner. People confuse terms, such as "true Yogi." Is a true Yogi someone who is a vegetarian, does not drink coffee, but participates in gossip?

There is a conflict in labeling someone as a "real Yogi." Who among us has not harmed another being? Who among us has the superficial appearance of a true Yogi, but stirs up hate and intolerance? The truth be known, to follow Yama and Niyama, every day of your life, is not easy. Some will question why you do not participate in conjuring up negativity.

To do no harm, be truthful, avoid theft, be sexually responsible, and avoid greed are the Yamas. This is a simplistic explanation, but following these moral codes can bring much happiness to anyone who decides to live by practicing Yama.

To be clean, content, committed, to engage in studies, and to completely give yourself to God are the Niyamas. Again, this is a simple explanation, but this is not an easy road. Again, to follow Niyama will bring you happiness.

How many people wake up to complain every day of their life? How many people are clean in mind and body? How many people do not bother to finish anything? We do not have to pursue this line of thinking further.

The point Maharishi Patanjali makes, with the first two limbs, has nothing to do with drinking coffee or any other trivial matter. It is not an easy road to behave with kindness, tolerance, compassion, and give time or money to those who need it. Just by listening to someone who needs it, you a being a "good Yogi."

Therefore, in a Yoga instructor certification course, interns should learn the Yoga Sutras and the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. Beyond this, an overview of the Gheranda Samhita, Bhagavad Gita, and the Upanishads would be useful. Time places limitations on the depth of learning involved within a 200-hour course, so interns should be advised to make self-study (Svadhyaya) a part of their daily life.

© Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/member-offer.html

How Should the Topic of Pranayama Be Covered in a Yoga Teacher Certification Course?

When teaching Pranayama (Yogic Breathing Techniques), to a student who is new to Yoga, you realize that beginners take their breathing for granted. It is natural to take breath and life for granted.

Breathing happens naturally, or conditionally, without giving it a thought. At the same time, breathing makes life, itself, possible. In the Yoga Sutras, Maharishi Patanjali mentions pranayama as the fourth limb in the Eight Limbed Path.

Pranayama has therapeutic value, and it is the most basic tool for creating a mind / body connection. Through pranayama practice, self-realization and presence in our Yoga practice are discovered.

As you sit on a mat practicing meditation, asana, pranayama, mudra, bandhas, japa, or any Yogic method - this is just practice for daily life situations. All of these aspects should be part of your daily life, regardless of the location of your Yoga mat. The easiest method to transfer into daily life is pranayama.

How many people practice pranayama with every breath of life? Actually no one can do this because it is impossible to monitor your breath, with complete awareness, for days at a time. You have to go to sleep sometime. The moment you go to sleep, your breathing will not be monitored, and it will take an unconscious course.

However, if you make a concerted effort to practice pranayama throughout the day, you will feel much healthier. There are some pranayama techniques you can perform, during the day, without making anyone aware of it. The only awareness required is yours alone.

During 200-hour Yoga teacher training sessions, it is not necessary for interns to learn one hundred pranayama techniques. On the other hand, any pranayama taught in a teacher course should be thoroughly covered and practiced repeatedly.

Of the many pranayama techniques to choose from, Bhastrika, Kapalbhati, Anulom-Vilom, Brahmari, Udgeeth, and Ujjayi are essential. There are many more valuable methods, but these six techniques are priceless. Interns must be properly guided and monitored, as they will teach these techniques to their students. Complete understanding of six to ten techniques is essential.

Therefore, the ability to completely understand the therapeutic application, and how to perform each technique, is much more important than quantity of pranayama methods learned.

At the 200-hour level, it is better to know the application and mechanics of six essential pranayama methods thoroughly, than it is to learn one hundred techniques. Consider this: After the teacher training is over, how many graduates will remember more than six techniques?

© Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com

He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/member-offer.html

Yoga Teacher Certification in New England

Your yoga teacher certification in New England will give you many career options and a refreshing new life

New England has been good to you. But could it be better? If you are a yoga lover, then maybe it could be. Getting your yoga teacher certification in New England can improve your work and personal life at the same time. Maybe it's time to take the plunge into a better life.

There are many types of yoga teacher certification in the New England area. From Maine to Rhode Island, your options are wide open. Perhaps you are looking at obtaining a bikram yoga certification. Bikram yoga is a style of yoga that is performed in a heated room to improve body detoxification. If that sounds like your style, then a bikram yoga certification just might be for you.

Maybe you are more interested in holistic yoga. Holistic yoga is a great healing technique. If curing others through yoga sounds like your ideal job, then perhaps you should consider getting your yoga teacher certification in New England with special training in holistic yoga.

Whatever style of yoga you decide you want to teach, your yoga instructor certification recieved in New England will do so much for your life. You will be thrilled with the personal growth you experience as you start a fabulous job in the field of yoga instruction. A new career and a chance to perfect the art of yoga in your daily life will be refreshing and rewarding.

Yoga is a great way to strengthen your mind and body and get in shape as well as a great way to unwind after a long day. Whatever your yoga clothing and equipment needs, we have the information and resources to point you in the right direction. We have yoga music, mats, clothes, pants, videos and journals as well as information on the different yoga postures, postures and the history of yoga. If you are interested in becoming a yoga teacher learn more about yoga instructor certifications in your city or state.

How Should the Topic of Asana Be Covered in a Yoga Teacher Certification Course?

If you are going to teach Hatha Yoga classes, there are many subjects to cover, but asana (posture) is often the starting point of most Yoga teacher training courses. It could be debated that we should follow the Eight Limbed Path, as explained by Maharishi Patanjali, by reviewing the first two limbs (Yama and Niyama) before asana.

However, let's put this debate aside and discuss the details of teaching asana to the public. In the average 200-hour Hatha Yoga instructor training program, more than half of the course time is spent covering the intricacies of asana and pranayama (Yogic breathing techniques).

When a student is young, asana can change the body's physical appearance within a year or two. Sometimes, results are seen at a faster rate. The body can develop strength and flexibility within months, but depending upon age and health, physical appearance can take a while longer.

On top of this, there is no fear of creating a huge muscular body by practicing asana. This is one of the reasons why Yoga has become so popular among women. In general, most women do not want a huge muscular body, but they do desire a physically toned appearance.

Beneath the superficial physical appearance of a toned body, the energy channels open, the nervous system's functions are improved, and a natural detoxification process begins to take place. The reason so much attention goes into asana is because the positive results have made it very popular for students of every age.

Specific asana sequences can be recommended for particular ailments. If you have an ailment, illness, pain, or a pre-existing injury, and gradually receive positive results through asana practice, this physical aspect of Yoga can change your life without any side effects. To suddenly be pain free, after years of chronic pain, is a life changing event.

A competent teacher guides his or her students to avoid pain, common mistakes, and to master the best possible alignment. Each student's skeletal body is different. As a result, students should be encouraged to do their personal best, but to avoid making comparisons to others or engaging in self-criticism.

Demonstrating, cueing, and assisting are some of the tools a Yoga teacher uses to help students focus on inner awareness, pranayama technique during asana practice, and alignment. These teaching skills are developed within the certification process, but they continue to be improved as a Yoga teacher matures.

© Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com

He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/member-offer.html