Worldwide Teacher Training

Because Yoga is such an ancient art based on texts that were written thousands of years ago, and practices that have been passed down through the generations by yogis who have devoted their whole lives to the practice of Yoga, there is always the danger that the discipline will become diluted and distorted if people begin to teach their own brand of Yoga with no formal training.

When students sign up for a Yoga class, they are taking it on faith that their instructor knows what they are doing, that they have been properly trained and posess some knowledge of anatomy and physiology, how to properly perform the Yoga poses that they are teaching, and proper breathing and meditation techniques. For this reason, the Yoga world has developed a set of standards by which they would govern themselves and their businesses

In order to establish a standard for worldwide yoga teacher training, the Yoga Alliance was formed. The Yoga Alliance says, "Our mission is to lead the Yoga community, set standards, foster integrity, provide resources, and uphold the teachings of Yoga."

The Yoga Alliance is a non-profit organization that maintains a Yoga teachers’ registry that promotes teachers and training programs that have met their standards. A Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teacher, or RYT, and ERYT, which is an Experienced Yoga Teacher for someone who has significant teaching experience in addition to training.

The Yoga Alliance sponsors Yoga Day, USA, which is, "an annual national celebration of yoga created by yoga teachers, schools and studios."

The Yoga Alliance has set forth standards for Yoga teacher training certification programs for a 200 Hour teacher training program and a 500 hour teacher training program.

There are criteria for techniques training and practice, training methodology, anatomy and physiology, yoga philosophy, lifestyle, ethics and standards for Yoga teachers, and a practicum.

The Yoga Alliance web site contains useful information about how to choose a Yoga teacher, how to choose a yoga school, there is an article about the top ten reasons to try yoga, an article on yoga and weight management, yoga and stress reduction, and article on continuing education and frequently asked questions about yoga, teacher certification, and yoga teacher training programs.

A fun way to get continuing education credits to maintain your RYT status is to travel the world taking yoga classes. You could travel to India, Spain, Australia or many other countries and take yoga classes in exciting exotic locations, expand your horizons and get continuing education credits in the bargain.