Yoga Teacher Training: Understanding the Many Types of Yoga Certifications

One benefit of working in the fitness industry is that you have a variety of training options. You can focus on providing only cardio or strength training programs, for instance. Or maybe you offer a certain type of training, such as individual or group exercise. Another option to consider is yoga training.

Why Get Yoga Instructor Certification?

The number of people engaging in a yoga practice has increased over the past decade (1). Taking a yoga teacher training course positions you to teach beginners the art of yoga. You take an active role in increasing their mental and physical health.

Do you currently offer other types of training? Becoming a certified yoga instructor offers another stream of revenue. It expands your earning ability by increasing your target market. You can also charge more for a workout plan within a specific training niche. For instance, you could create a yoga routine for weightlifters.

Completing a teacher training course provides a higher level of authority. It allows you to market yourself as a certified yoga teacher. This provides more credibility than someone who lacks this designation. It offers students some level of trust. They are reassured that you know how to create a safe and effective yoga course.

Maybe you want to work for a yoga studio that requires certification. In this case, passing a teacher training course is required before you can apply for the job. Certification may also be mandated to earn a promotion. Or it may be needed or provide a specific type of yoga, such as aerial yoga. This yoga requires a different approach as the yoga asana (pose) is performed while suspended in the air.

Yoga Certification Options

Yoga teacher training varies based on a variety of factors. The first is yoga style. For instance, some courses provide instruction about how to teach Vinyasa or Ashtanga yoga. These two forms of yoga are fairly strenuous. Others offer training in a more restorative style of yoga, such as Iyengar or Kripalu yoga. Becoming proficient in a specific style can make you a more effective yoga teacher.

Another option is to become certified to work with a specific student demographic. Learning how to teach prenatal yoga is a good example of this. This type of course provides the skill set necessary to help expecting mothers reach a higher level of fitness. Children’s yoga and senior yoga are considerations as well.

Some training courses vary in teaching training hours. A teacher training program that requires 200 teacher training hours allows you to begin teaching yoga sooner. Courses requiring more teacher training hours can help you set yourself apart as a fitness professional. It adds to your resume as a yoga therapist. 

Types of Yoga Certifications Recognized by the Yoga Alliance

One of the most well-known yoga certification agencies is the Yoga Alliance. The Yoga Alliance is an association that strives to create a yoga teaching standard. As such, it offers students the ability to earn their Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) certification. 

Yoga teacher training course options available through the Yoga Alliance include:

• RYT 200 - 200 hours of teacher training at a school registered with the Yoga Alliance

• RYT 500 - 500 hours of teacher training at a school registered with the Yoga Alliance plus 100 hours of teaching experience

• E-RYT 200 - 200 hours of teacher training at a school registered with the Yoga Alliance plus 1,000 hours of teaching experience over at least 2 years

• E-RYT 200, RYT 500 - 500 hours of teacher training at a school registered with the Yoga Alliance plus 1,000 hours of teaching experience over at least 2 years

• E-RYT 500 - 500 hours of teacher training at a school registered with the Yoga Alliance plus 2,000 hours of teaching experience over at least 4 years.

The Yoga Alliance also offers two specialty certifications. They are Registered Children’s Yoga Teacher (RCYT) and Registered Prenatal Yoga Teacher. Both require 200 hours of teacher training and 30 hours of teaching experience. The children’s yoga instructor designation also requires 95 hours of teacher training. The prenatal instructor designation requires 85 hours of teacher training. Both must be completed at a registered yoga school. (2)

Tips for Choosing the Right Yoga Teacher Certification Course for You

You can earn your yoga certification from a variety of yoga teacher training programs. It’s similar to how you can attend any number of universities to get your degree in business. Each supplies the same designation. It allows you to provide services as a yoga instructor. How do you pick the best one for you?

The first factor to consider is the course format. Do you want a yoga teacher training course that requires you to appear in person? Or would you prefer to learn online? Each has its advantages. 

For example, in-person training is helpful if you learn best by being in an actual classroom. It also offers instant access to an experienced yoga teacher. You’re able to ask your questions immediately versus sending them online and waiting for a response.

Online yoga teacher training offers the ability to study when it’s most convenient. You also don’t have to travel to a physical location. This saves you time. It also enables you to learn from a school not within your local area.

Neither type of yoga teacher training program is superior to the other. It’s more about which one fits best with your schedule and needs.

A second factor to consider when choosing a yoga teacher training program is course syllabus. If you’re new to yoga, you may benefit from taking a more comprehensive course. You could learn about everything from yoga philosophy to proper asana form.

Maybe you’ve been a yoga teacher for years. You only want your certification to increase your credibility. In this case, choosing a registered yoga school may be more about honing your yoga teaching techniques. It might teach how to safely progress from one asana to the next. You would also learn how to help students struggling with a particular asana.

If you work for a yoga studio, your employer may mandate the yoga teacher training program. It might require that you select a school within the Yoga Alliance Registry, for instance. Or it could accept certification from any recognized yoga therapy training course.

It’s also important to choose a yoga teacher training that helps you reach your career goals. Is your ultimate goal to work solely as a yoga instructor? This is much different than wanting to become a fitness professional that offers yoga as one of many exercise programs. 

Finally, each teacher training program sets its own fees. So, how much can you afford to spend to become a certified yoga teacher? This may determine which program is best for you.

Become a Certified Yoga Instructor, Starting Today

Does the idea of working with yoga students excite you? Are you in love with the yoga philosophy and want to help others fall in love with it too?

If you answered yes, the ISSA Yoga & Wellness Academy offers Yoga Alliance-approved Yoga Instructor certification. This online teacher training course provides the education necessary to lead a yoga class. You will learn about yoga poses and how to sequence them. It also helps you develop the skills necessary for teaching yoga effectively.

References

• U.S. Americans who practiced yoga 2021. Statista. (2023, June 9). https://www.statista.com/statistics/191625/participants-in-yoga-in-the-us-since-2008/ 

• Yoga Alliance. (n.d.-b). https://www.yogaalliance.org/