Simple Yoga Teacher Training?

Question

I was wondering what type of yoga teacher certification is necessary to teach classes part time at YMCA , Community College or any recreational center. I enjoy yoga , and would like to teach what I know to help others relax. However, I do not have the time or money to complete a hardcore 6 month yoga workshop. Are there any simple, short term Yoga Teacher Cert.'s for those who want to teach recreational/ part time?

Answer 1

It depends where you live and if you are willing to travel.  The yoga studio I practice at offers 2 teacher trainings each year.  One is a 4 month, every other week training.  One is a 2 week, 5 hour a day intensive.  

There are many amazing yoga teachers out there that offer the shorter, "intensive" style training.  I would suggest looking on the Yoga Alliance website (www.yogaalliance.org) and finding your state.  Then go to the yoga schools/training schools and see what is available.  I encourage you to go through Yoga Alliance, as all trainings listed there are required to go through a rigorous certification process.  The process ensures that the school is adhering to guidelines that promote safe, ethical and regulated yoga practices.

Good luck!

Answer 2

There are no requirements that you have to be certified to teach yoga, except if your employer requires it. Most YMCA's and rec centers do require it, but I would ask the the ones nearby to be sure.

I have found that the best way to learn to teach yoga...is to teach it.  

I completed a nine month teacher training, and what I learned during the training is nothing compared to what I learned afterwards.  However, beginning with a quality training is definitely a good idea.

There are short teacher trainings, but you do have to remember that whether you present yourself as an expert or not, people will be asking you all sorts of questions about their physical conditions and what is safe and what is good for them.  This stuff if impossible to learn in a short amount of time, though it can be self-taught if you are interested enough to be disciplined about it.

The best way to start might be to teach a group of friends or co-workers for free and gain experience that way.  This will help you figure out whether you really want to teach or if you just enjoy the practice on your own.  If you decide you love it, I recommend investing the time and money in a quality training.  You can also ask to assist teachers whose style you like, or even attend their classes and take notes during class.

Most trainings have scholarships available, and if you do a local one that is spread out over nine months or so, then you do not have to travel, pay for lodging, etc.  

You have to ask yourself: if you cannot find the time to do an in-depth training, how are you going to find the time to plan your classes, teach, take classes with senior teachers, and still practice on your own?  

Good luck!  Yoga is a beautiful thing to share with others and I hope you find your path into it.