Monday 15 July 2013

A New Career Option: Yoga

For most people Yoga begins more out of curiosity. One big reason for this is that it is considered a connection to the mystical world of the East. Numerous anecdotal stories reveal that what began as an experiment turned out to be a life changing experience. But is Yoga only an alternate to other forms of exercise for staying fit or can one expect 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. Another question they have is that can anybody become a teacher? The answer again is yes. Anyone who has a desire to become a yoga teacher can do so. They need to take specific yoga teacher training courses. This can be easily achieved by taking a course under a trained yoga teacher. According to Yoga Alliance, the worldwide recognized Yoga body, a 200 hr yoga teacher training is good for a person to start teaching. Most students, who desire to get deeper knowledge, extend the 200 hour course into a 300 or a 500 hour course.

Yoga teacher training is available worldwide but one of the most popular areas for yoga training is Goa in India. India is the birthplace of Yoga and Goa being a widely popular international tourist destination is considered an ideal place for yoga teaching. Yoga classes in Goa are not just popular because it is a hot tourist destination but also because it offers the perfect backdrop of sandy beaches, away from the hustle bustle of the bigger cities.

In fact a google search for yoga retreat in Goa India springs up numerous results. Based on their requirements, people can select a Yoga retreat where they can stay and learn. Many retreats offer accommodation, food and some recreation as a part of the course package. While some retreats offer luxuries, most offer simple stay, in line with yoga principles. Food offered on these resorts is vegetarian and the students are expected to follow vegetarian diet at least on the campus. Course selection can be made basis personal preferences. It generally takes a month to complete the 200 hours course. 500 hour course take 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. Many teacher training courses specifically run sessions on teaching yoga.

On course completion - 200 hours or 500 hours - one receives institute certification. It is advisable to apply for Yoga Alliance certification at this point. Yoga Alliance, although not a legal body, is generally accepted authority on Yoga teaching worldwide, Chances of getting good job multiply with Yoga. After getting certification from Yoga Alliance, you can choose to open your own studio or join a yoga institute to offer training courses.



On being awarded the certification, one can choose to open their own studio or teach at a yoga institute. Although rewarding in every aspect, teaching yoga should only be taken up if you are highly committed and disciplined. People who are already pursuing a career in Yoga feel satisfied and financially well rewarded with their career choice. Many, however, decide to opt for it not to make money but to spread the golden knowledge of yoga.

3 comments:

  1. Great article ...Thanks for your great information, the contents are quiet interesting. I will be waiting for your next post.Thanks for sharing.
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  2. Thanks for the useful information. Your article is beneficial for us and those who are searching for
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  3. This is excellent information. Thanks for sharing.
    Aranyayoga ashram is one of the best Yoga Teacher Training Goa.They provide the experienced teachers in traditional yoga practice is built on yoga asana, pranayama, meditation.
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