For most people Yoga begins more out of curiosity. For most people it is a connection to the mystical world of the East. Many people, however, later reveal that Yoga has been a life changer for them. But is yoga only a conduit to healthy living or is there something more?
It comes as a surprise to many people, some of them who are even practicing Yoga that a thriving career can be made in Yoga. The next question that comes to mind is that can anyone become a yoga teacher? Yes again. Anyone who has a desire to become a yoga teacher can do so. To become a yoga teacher, one needs to undergo Yoga teacher training. This can be done by learning a course from a trained yoga teacher. Yoga Alliance, the worldwide recognized Yoga body, mandates a minimum 200 hour yoga teacher training for an individual to start teaching. It is often seen, however, that most people extend the 200 hour course into a 300 or a 500 hour course.
Yoga teacher training is available worldwide but one place which is extremely popular amongst international students is Goa in India. Students fly from across the world to learn yoga in its birthplace, India; and recognition of Goa on the international tourist map make it a perfect place for learning. It's not just the international yoga classes in Goa that makes it popular among the yoga lovers; its sandy beaches, warm climate and serene atmosphere offer the perfect environment for learning.
In fact a google search for yoga retreat in Goa India springs up numerous results. To select the perfect retreat one should list out their requirements and then make a match from amongst the options available. Most retreats offer food apart from lodging. From luxurious resorts to simpler retreats - in line with yoga principles, the options are many. Food offered on these resorts is vegetarian and the students are expected to follow vegetarian diet at least on the campus. Basis your requirements you can zero down on the chosen resort. It generally takes a month to complete the 200 hours course. The 500 hour course takes much longer. As a part of the 500 hour course, you will be expected to do apprenticeship under some Yoga teacher.
As the 500 hour course offers more in depth knowledge of yoga like deeper body alignment and yoga touch, most aspiring teachers pursue a 500 hour course as well. In fact, many teacher training courses also teach aspects on teaching yoga.
On course completion - 200 hours or 500 hours - one receives institute certification. This is the right time to apply for Yoga Alliance certification. Yoga Alliance, although not a legal body, is widely recognized authority on yoga teacher training across the world. Many health and fitness studios recognize Yoga Alliance certification and in fact in some cases, demand it.
On getting the certification, you can choose to open your own Yoga studio or teach at an institute. A career in Yoga although rewarding, demands lot of commitment and discipline and should only be taken up where there is complete dedication and clarity of purpose. In fact many have chosen this profession not to make money but to spread this golden knowledge amongst their people so that the society at large can take benefit from the wonders of yoga.
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