yoga certificationBy: Virginia Iversen

If you are considering becoming a Yoga teacher, finding an inspiring and appropriate niche for yourself is one of the most important decisions you can make prior to enrolling in a teacher training program. Over the last two decades, the benefits of a regular practice of Yoga have become well known in both the health and fitness industries. Yoga asanas, meditation techniques and pranayama exercises have been shown to reduce stress, improve the immune system, lower blood pressure and help an individual to maintain flexibility of both mind and body while bolstering a sense of well-being and optimism.

There are many different niches or populations of students who can benefit from Yoga instruction. For example, Yoga programs have been incorporated into school settings in order to help students focus and concentrate more easily, so that they can more successfully achieve their academic goals. Yoga instruction has also been integrated into hospital settings in order to support individuals who are struggling with serious illnesses, including convalescing from surgery. There are also specialty classes offered to women who are pregnant, students seeking renewal and restoration as well as women and children in domestic violence shelters.

The practice of asanas and pranayama exercises can support individuals in many different circumstances in improving their physical and mental health and well-being. Choosing a group of students or a particular setting in which to work, prior to enrolling in a Yoga teacher training program, will help you to find the program that will offer you the most fitting instructional information. If you are just beginning the instructor certification process, you will want to consider signing up for a training program that offers a good foundation of knowledge about the basic asanas, breathing exercises, meditation techniques and general modifications for teaching specific populations of students.

After you receive the basic 200 hour level of certification, you may wish to continue your studies with some additional classes tailored to your individual interests as a teacher. Good examples of additional courses are certifications in prenatal Yoga and teaching Yoga in the public school system. There are a variety of training workshops that you can choose to take after receiving your basic level of certification, which will individualize your credentials as a professional Yoga instructor. Clearly defining your special gifts, talents and interests in bringing this ancient practice to a group of students will help you to select the best training program for your professional aspirations.

© Copyright 2012 – Virginia Iversen / Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

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