Yahweh Yoga Blog: Five Factors to Consider If You Want to Become a Christian Yoga Teacher

Yahweh Yoga Blog: Five Factors to Consider If You Want to Become a Christian Yoga Teacher

Christian yoga is growing and thriving in churches, studios and community centers across North America. For those of us who follow Christ, integrating the Bible, prayer and Christian music with our yoga practice makes for more than merely a physical workout. On our yoga mats, we can reflect and meditate on Scripture, worship and praise our Creator and exercise our bodies.

Some of us who discover the joy of Christian yoga want to share it with others by becoming Christian yoga teachers. To pursue our dream, we have two options: we can study in a traditional yoga school and adapt our teaching style; or study in an exclusively Christian yoga teacher training program.

Just open the pages of Yoga Journal, and you’ll find myriad options for traditional yoga schools. You may have to do a little more research to find a Christian yoga school. The internet is a good place to start. Once you identify your options, here are a few factors to consider when weighing which program best suits you:

1.)Cost

Make sure you understand what you’re paying for when you invest your time and resources in a Christian yoga school program. What’s included in the program’s total cost–Meals? Accommodations? Travel? Textbooks?

2.)Credentials

Make sure that your Christian yoga school of choice bears the marks of a respected, established and credible institution. Is the school registered with Yoga Alliance? How many teachers have they trained? Do they comply with their state’s regulatory and educational institution requirements?

3) Curriculum

Make sure you know what will you study and how you will train. Does the curriculum include Biblical instruction? Teaching methodology? Basic anatomy? Yoga postures? Yoga history? How much of your training will be hands-on? How much will be from textbooks or online materials?

4) Certification

Once you graduate, what certification(s) will you receive? Will you receive designation as a Yoga Alliance-certified Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT)? What certification will designate you specifically as a Christian instructor? Will most employers accept the certification you’ll receive?

5) Calling

Spend some quiet time alone with God. Search your heart and His Word. Ask Him to direct your steps and help you find the place that will best equip you for your work and ministry.

Teaching Christian yoga is much more than just a job. It’s both a privilege and responsibility. Take time to pray and think through each step of the process.

The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” (Psalm 32:8) That’s a promise to claim for any big life decision, including the one to become a Christian yoga teacher.

Links:
www.yahwehyoga.com
www.newdayyoga.com
www.yogaalliance.com

Yahweh Yoga Blog: Registered Yoga Teacher Certification: What Does it Mean?

Yahweh Yoga Blog: Registered Yoga Teacher Certification: What Does it Mean?

For new students, finding a qualified yoga teacher can present a challenge. Is there any standard or certification that identifies a quality yoga teacher? What if a practitioner wants to become yoga instructor? In selecting a yoga school, what makes one different from another?

Most experienced yoga practitioners recommend finding a Registered Yoga Teacher, certified by Yoga Alliance®, the national education and support organization for yoga in the United States. Yoga Alliance® works to ensure the quality and consistency of instruction within the yoga industry.

Yoga Alliance® standards strengthen the integrity of a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT®) in the yoga community and promote yoga teachers as well-trained professionals. Graduates may be designated as RYTs only when they receive at least 200 hours of training at a Yoga Alliance®-registered school that uses a definite, pre-defined curriculum and experienced instructors.

According to Yoga Alliance®’s Code of Conduct, an RYT® agrees to:

• Conduct themselves in a professional and conscientious manner.

• Acknowledge the limitations of their skills and scope of practice and where appropriate, refer students to seek alternative instruction, advice, treatment or direction.

• Create and maintain a safe, clean and comfortable environment for the practice of yoga.

• Encourage diversity by respecting all students regardless of age, physical limitations, race, creed, gender, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation.

• Respect the rights, dignity and privacy of all students.

• Avoid words and actions that constitute sexual harassment.

• Follow all local government and national laws that pertain to their yoga teaching and business.

To find a Registered Yoga Teacher or Registered Yoga School, or to learn more about Yoga Alliance® and its industry standards, visit www.yogaalliance.org. The selected information shared here is from Yoga Alliance®’s website.