The Truth About Options for Yoga Teachers; Part 2

At the very least, a Yoga teacher should have knowledge of the latest trends in Yoga classes, and the latest continuing education options for Yoga teachers. If something does appeal to you, there are many different continuing education options available for Yoga teachers. There are a number of workshops, seminars, and camps around the world for interns and established Yoga teachers.

If you already have a running Yoga studio, children, or responsibilities at home, onsite Yoga teacher training may not always be the best option. You may want to consider Yoga distance learning, also known as "Yoga Home Study," as a viable option. This is a recognized form of continuing education for Yoga instructors by most of the certifying bodies.

Due to time constraints, family commitments, and working a full time job -Yoga teachers often find Yoga teacher training correspondence courses to be a convenient way to expand on their existing knowledge of Yoga.

Now, let's take a close look at options for specialization in the Yoga teaching profession.

Hot Yoga: Obviously this is self-explanatory and requires a tolerance to heat - in the neighborhood of 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Most Hot Yoga classes are based upon Bikram Choudhury's style of Hatha Yoga.

However, it is extremely unwise to copy his exact sequence of postures, as they are patented. Regardless of whether you think it is right or wrong to patent a Yoga sequence, who wants to go to court over it? It never ceases to amaze Yoga teachers when they hear about the potential to be sued. In order to by- pass this dilemma, teaching a Hot Yoga class can be accomplished without a legal battle.

What I see most Hot Yoga teachers do is somewhat similar to Bikram's style, but you may also see Sun Salutations and a variety of postures that are not seen in most Bikram studios. Hot Yoga classes are popular for all ages. There are a surprising number of Yoga students who are beyond middle age in these Yoga classes.

Some people love the heat, while others simply cannot adapt to these temperatures. Therefore, if you want to become a Hot Yoga instructor, make sure that you are up to the task of leading a Yoga class under these temperature conditions. It is one thing to take a Hot Yoga class, but it is quite a different experience to actually teach one.

© Copyright 2006 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in North Providence, RI. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. He is a master instructor of martial arts, with multiple Black Belts, four martial arts teaching credentials, and was recently inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness to children, adults, and seniors in the greater Providence area. Recently he wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students, who may be considering a new career as a Yoga teacher. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html