How to Become an Ashtanga Yoga Instructor
Ashtanga yoga has become a popular style, though it should not be taken lightly. It combines breath with posture, as you move from pose to pose in a fluid movement. This alone can take years of training in order to master. Instructors are always in high demand, specifically in large cities. However, don't rule out smaller rural areas too. As a yoga instructor you'll have many options for employment, from gyms to personal studio.
- Find an organization that provides certification. Yoga teachers must be certified and maintain their certification to teach. While not required, you may wish to study other styles of yoga to increase overall knowledge and understanding.
- Choose your school to complete your initial training. Most will chose one that is local, however this training can be completed anywhere, even outside the country. You'll want to plan in advance as these classes can fill up quite quickly.
- Start your training after choosing a local school to start your study. You will have to achieve a minimum of 200 hours in order to reach your first level of certification. A second level can be obtained after completing 500 hours too. Some course work on the history of yoga might also be required though this may vary by school or instructor. Other schools may require lessons on anatomy.
- Journey to Mysore, India for your final certification with the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute (AYRI). This will require at least one month, but no greater than six months. Please keep in mind that you are not certified unless you complete this last step. This is the only school in the world that will give you a genuine ashtanga yoga teaching certificate.