For many yoga aficionados, there is little that sounds more fun or more fulfilling than a career as a yoga teacher. Just imagine wearing yoga clothing as your version of “business attire.” Just think about the work hours, the sense of gratification and how great it’d be for your office to be a yoga studio. Not to mention, the pay is not too shabby. Before you can consider pulling your mat to the front of the class, however, teacher certification is required. It takes much more than merely avid class attendance to become an instructor; yoga classes, classes on technique, philosophy, ethic, anatomy/physiology and methodology are all required first. Here are a few things to consider. Do you want the 200 hr level certification or the 500 hr level?–both are great and adequate for teaching, but to make better money and to have more teaching options, the 500 hr is preferable. Do you have the time?  In most cases, the 200 hr level teacher training involves 200 hours of contact time–aspects that must be completed at your training school–and then another 50 or so hours of self-study. For the 500 hr leve, it’s 450 and 50, respectively.Also, there are a variety of course options, but all are time consuming. Intensive courses usually involve 4 weeks for 200 hr level and 9 weeks for 500 hr level. During this time, you live at the school and participate in coursework/yoga classes 6-7 days a week for 8-12 hours a day.Weekend courses are usually 16 hours a weekend for either 11 weeks or 21 weeks–200 hr/500 hr. Also, these numbers, 11 and 21, are only if you work at an extremely fast pace and complete your self-study very quickly. Can you afford it?  Yoga teacher training is very pricy. The cheapest program I’ve seen is $2000 for a 200 hr level/weekend training. Though this price does include study materials, unlimited yoga classes throughout the duration of your program, a certificate at the end and the training itself, it is still a hefty price to pay.  Here are a few questions to ask your perspective training program: Are you registered with Yoga Alliance?  Yoga Alliance–YA–is the organization that’s responsible for creating the guidelines for teachers, training and classes. Participating in a training program that’s not registered with YA is essentially pointless. You will have a hell of a time finding work without the RYT–registered yoga teacher–through Yoga Alliance. How many graduates has your program had? Are all you instructors certified, at least, at the 200 hour level? How long has the Teacher Training Director taught? How long has the program existed? Becoming a yoga teacher can be a great experience and lead to a limitless future, but please don’t rush into it thinking it will be a cake walk. Yogis are serious, and yoga student have a great deal of faith and trust in their teachers. So to expect for a training program to be anything less than rigorous and demanding is crazy. After all, these programs are teaching those who will hold in their hands, other peoples’ spiritual, physical and mental well-being, health and enlightenment.    

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A few months ago, I wrote a post regarding SoulCycle on a weight loss website, but I think it’s a relevant subject here as well. Essentially, SoulCycle is a form of spinning–cycling class on stationary bikes–that removes the woes of spinning and adds a touch of yoga. It was created by three women in New York City who were sick of evil spin instructors, bright lights and blaring techno music. Classes are held by candle light and spinners can pedal away to soothing, relaxtion-focused music. Then, for a special touch, the instructors teach yoga breathing techniques that participants use while cycling. So, even though this class is held on bikes rather than mats, does the idea behind SoulCycle reach yogis?Here’s my conclusion. It can’t replace a traditional yoga class, as there is none of the strecthing aspects, and there are no postures and poses taught; however, I believe this activity does speak to yogis on a relaxation level. The atmosphere provides a meditative aura, despite the fact that your legs are working up a frenzy. The use of yoga breath also promotes a calming state of mind. In my opinion, this activity would be great for yogis who are looking for a supplemental cardio work-out. It speaks to yogis’ search for relaxation, calm and meditation, while furthering leg strength and cardiovascular health. 

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When non-yogis hear the word “yoga,” they usually think of slow, deep breathing, stretching and odd-looking postures that resemble pretzels. Even many semi-yogis often forget about the meditative aspects of this activity. When in a class, the instructor will usually end the session with a short meditation, but that’s only the tip of the iceberg. I guarantee you that the instructor meditates much more often than just those 10 minutes at the close of class, and he/she expects the passionate students to do the same.

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About a year and a half ago, after experiencing some bizarre symptoms, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Up until this point, I had no clue what MS was, what it did or how it really affected those afflicted by it. After hours of research, I started to understand my new condition and learn the limits it would place on my life. As of today, it limits my life very little; however, one area that had to completely change was my ability, rather inability, to deal with stress. When I first realized stress had an extremely adverse effect on those suffering from MS, I considered myself as good as dead. I have always been a stress case and unable to remain cool and calm under pressure. In 7th grade, I spent the better part of a week throwing up and doubling over with intense stomach pain. After a few days, and fearing appendacitis, my mom took me to our GP. After running a few tests and talking to me, my doctor concluded that my condition was brought on by stress, induced by exams. Now seriously, what normal 7th grader stresses themselves into a fit over exams?

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As far as hobbies go, it is no secret that yoga is a pretty low-maintenance activity. At the most basic level, a membership to a gym or yoga studio should cover the required tools. If you are striving to become a true yogi, however, but still want to pamper the bank account, you can limit the essentials to one item, a comfortable and supportive yoga mat. As a novice, this purchase can be a daunting task. The yoga mat market is chalked full of dozens of styles, varying in texture, grip, thickness and so on.

I am a true believer in researching a product prior to swiping my credit card. Your yoga mat will become your best friend each time you enter class. You will sit, stand and recline on it. In no time, you will begin to rely on it for support and look to it for comfort when the going gets tough. In other words, it’s a purchase that should not be made haphazardly or without some degree of thought and consideration.

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