Bone density is something most people don’t think about until they get older. But surprisingly, we should be aware of our bone health early on in life to ensure we have a long healthy, and active life without any physical hindrances down the line.
Maintaining bone density can be achieved in a variety of ways like regular exercise, consuming vitamin D and calcium, living a healthy lifestyle, and also practicing yoga.
Let’s learn how yoga for bone density can help maintain healthy bones throughout your entire life.
Bone density is basically how thick and strong our bones are. People with weak, brittle bones can be diagnosed with osteoporosis or other bone diseases. Our bones are made from a porous material and made up of minerals like calcium and zinc.
We think of bones as hard and white, but that’s after they have dried out outside of a body. Bones inside our body are very much alive and much different than the bones at the museum. They are an important functioning part of a healthy body.
Bone density is typically measured through a non-invasive test known as a bone density scan or DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry).
Understanding and monitoring bone density is essential for assessing and addressing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures, particularly as people age.
Why Is Yoga For Bone Density Important?
The density of our bones is very important because brittle bones are more likely to break. As we age, we naturally lose a bit of bone density over time. Weak bones have a lower amount of minerals to keep them strong.
Bone density is important to prevent injuries from falls or vigorous exercise.
Low bone density can cause you to develop osteoporosis or rickets. People with osteoporosis are more likely to get bone fractures or full breaks from activities that might not affect healthier people. Osteoporosis is also more common in women than in men.
Bone density is crucial for several reasons:
Structural Support: Bone density provides the structural framework for the body, giving it stability and support. Strong bones are necessary for maintaining posture, standing, and engaging in physical activities.
Protection of Vital Organs: Bones protect vital organs, such as the skull protecting the brain, the ribcage safeguarding the heart and lungs, and the spine guarding the spinal cord.
Mobility and Movement: Healthy bone density is essential for mobility and movement. It allows muscles to attach to bones, facilitating joint movement and enabling everyday activities and physical exercise.
Mineral Storage: Bones act as a reservoir for essential minerals, including calcium and phosphorus. These minerals are released into the bloodstream when needed for bodily functions like muscle contractions and nerve signaling.
Blood Cell Formation: The bone marrow within certain bones is responsible for producing red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, which are vital for oxygen transport, immune function, and clotting.
Hormone Regulation: Bones play a role in regulating hormones, such as insulin and osteocalcin, which influence energy metabolism and blood sugar regulation.
Long-Term Health: Maintaining healthy bone density is crucial for preventing bone-related conditions like osteoporosis, which can lead to fractures, pain, and reduced quality of life, especially in older adults.
Quality of Life: Strong bones contribute to overall well-being and an improved quality of life. Adequate bone density supports independence and the ability to carry out daily activities with ease.
Besides walking, running, and weight bearing exercise, practicing yoga for bone density can help to both maintain and increase the mineral content of your bones.
Does Low Bone Density Only Affect Elderly People?
Low bone density, commonly associated with conditions like osteoporosis, does not exclusively affect elderly individuals. While it is true that the risk of developing low bone density and related fractures increases with age due to the natural process of bone loss over time, it can also affect younger people.
Factors such as genetics, hormonal imbalances, chronic medical conditions, dietary deficiencies, and a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to reduced bone density in individuals of all ages.
Therefore, it’s crucial for people of all life stages to prioritize bone health through a balanced diet, weight-bearing exercise, and other preventive measures to reduce the risk of low bone density and its associated complications.
People over 65 are recommended to have bone density tests. But people of all ages can be at risk.
Menopausal women are also at risk for osteoporosis, this stage of life can happen at different times of life regardless of age.
Here are some other reasons why you might want to consider getting your bone density checked.
If you’ve broken a bone over 50 years of age.
Mysterious back pain
If you’ve gotten shorter by an inch
Bad posture
Your menstrual periods have disappeared or are irregular
How to Increase Bone Density Naturally with Yoga
Naturally increasing bone density involves adopting a holistic approach that focuses on lifestyle, nutrition, and exercise choices.
Yoga is a great method for increasing bone density because yoga is both low impact and weight-bearing activity. Exercises that include weightlifting and strength training are ideal for bone strength, this goes back to the adage “If you don’t use it, you lose it!”
Harvard Medical School led a study to specifically test the effects of yoga on bone density. 227 participants joined the study and followed yoga poses on a DVD every other day for 2 years. The scans at the end of the trial compared to the ones taken at the beginning showed that participants “showed significant increases in bone density” in the spine, and minimally in the hip.Read more about the study here.
Regular weight-bearing exercises are another key component of boosting bone density. Activities like walking, jogging, dancing, and weightlifting stimulate bone growth and strengthen existing bone tissue. Aim for at least 30 minutes of weight-bearing exercise most days of the week. Resistance training with weights or resistance bands can also help by putting stress on bones, prompting them to become denser and stronger. Lastly, avoid habits that can harm bone health, such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, as they can contribute to bone loss. By incorporating these habits into your lifestyle, you can naturally promote and maintain healthy bone density throughout your life.
Yoga Poses and Techniques to Increase Bone Density
Yoga is a wonderful practice to keep our whole body, mind, and spirit in optimal condition. Starting and keeping a weekly or daily yoga practice earlier in life can keep us stay healthier as we age, especially if we maintain a regular yoga practice!
People with osteoporosis who are at risk should consult their physician before trying physical activity.
Focus on weight-bearing poses, like table top, plank, downward facing dog, lunges and all warrior poses.
Add weights like ankle weights or small dumbbells to increase strength.
Work on repetition to build strength, doing sun salutation every morning is a great avenue to healthy bones and overall physical health.
Spinal twists to strengthen and lengthen the spine and spinal column
Simple balances like tree pose work on many muscles at the same time. Balance is a big issue as we age so practicing any balance regularly will have good effects.
Most importantly: TAKE IT EASY If this is your first time diving into yoga, take it easy, and don’t jump into hot or power yoga as you might hurt yourself if you are suspicious of your bone density. Talk to your doctor then talk to your yoga teacher to see what is right for you.
Supplements To Help Increase & Maintain Bone Density
Along with physical exercise and eating a balanced diet, you can also ensure that your bones will get the minerals they need with supplementation.
The number one supplement is Calcium, which can be combined with Vitamin D to make the absorption better, adults need 700 mg of calcium a day, and pregnant women need at least 1000 mg a day.
Going outside in the sun can also make your body naturally absorb Vitamin D. Vitamin D increases calcium absorption.
Magnesium Is also important in ramping up vitamin d absorption which can in turn increase calcium consumption in the body.
Zinc is also an important bone-building mineral.
Watch out for too much Vitamin A which can inhibit calcium absorption and eventually cause osteoporosis or other bone diseases.
So you’ve taken your Yoga Teacher Training and have decided to dive head first into a yoga teaching career. Congrats! This is an exciting stage as you set up your goals for your path toward success.
It’s true that it might be hard at first, there are some misconceptions about how much money a yoga teacher makes. If you are only teaching at a studio, you will be lucky to make over $30 per class, which means you will need to teach MANY classes per week and that can only lead to burnout.
Ideally, down the line, as you build your reputation as a yoga teacher, you will diversify your income stream and yoga offerings to not only make more money but to become more well know and respected in the yoga world or in your local yoga community.
You can build a side hustle or several while you are starting out as a new yoga teacher and these paths will also develop alongside your yoga career.
Let’s start with the skills or qualities a yoga teacher already has or has access to.
1. Opportunities at your Local Yoga Studio: Studio Assistant, Owner, or Front Desk Person
This is an easy place to start. You might already have a teaching job at a studio, you could ask the owner for a few hours a week checking people in, or working at the shop. You could also help clean and tidy the place in between classes.
Ask your studio owner if they also need help with online marketing or any sort of admin. Since you will be having a website of your own and social media platforms, this should be something you are already good at, or at least should get practice in asap!
Starting a studio of your own or going in with a partner might also be a viable option if you have experience in owning a business.
2. Website Designer
Every yoga teacher needs a website, whether you are brand spanking new in the world or a veteran. Having a website shows people you are professional and it’s a place card for all your talents and services that you can offer.
Since you will have experience in building your own website, you can offer this service to others. Web designers can make a good amount of money, one website can generate anywhere from $300 to $5000
List yourself on freelancing sites
Search Craigslist and freelancing sites for web design gigs.
Educate yourself with online courses to further grow your capabilities as a web designer.
Udemy – is one of my favorite resources for educating myself on a topic that I’m interested in learning more about. The variety and amount of classes are amazing and the classes are affordable. Make sure to read the reviews.
Teachable – This website is relatively new but adds new content all the time, very similar to Udemy. They also have some free content as well.
Youtube – Of course one of the BEST free resources out there. You can find some truly amazing people out there creating top-notch content to help you learn. Try “searching how to create a website with WordPress” to get started.
3. YouTuber
So you will already be teaching yoga classes, why not record some of them and upload them to YouTube!
There are some YouTubers that do exactly this, they just record their studio classes (you would have to get permission from your students to record video.) You can also set aside some time and record in a staged area in your home.
To switch up your pace and avoid burnout, teach some meditation or Yoga Nidra classes, which are very popular nowadays.
People are also willing to pay top dollar for a relaxing experience. Incorporate sound bowls, bells, and essential oils.
If you are looking to teach yourself more about meditation or Yoga Nidra, you can use the online courses website I mentioned above, or if you are ready, invest in a training that can help you get officially certified.
5. Social Media Influencer or Ambassador
If you’re not sure what an influencer is, they are basically someone on a social media network that has a large following and promotes content to people in a way that is comfortable to their followers, companies LOVE influencers.
Right now large companies are dumping huge amounts of money into social media influencers because they are so effective at selling a product they truly love directly to their fan base.
An ambassador is someone who is promoting a certain product and thus becomes the company’s ambassador.
You should already be posting on social media to get your yoga out there, so why not turn it up and go for being a full-on influencer? Everyone loves beautiful yoga pictures, add in your own style by adding other things you are passionate about, food, fashion, travel, etc.
This is a great avenue for some extra money once you get enough followers as well as to market your yoga classes and future events like retreats or workshops.
Having a large or active social media account can also make you more likely to get hired at a studio, you are basically showing the owner you are free advertising.
Take top-notch quality photos, nothing blurry or with bad composition.
Be yourself! It will be easier to create content and over time people will get to know and trust you.
Reach out to brands you like and ask to be their ambassador, some companies offer a commission for every sale made through your link or with your code. Think yoga wear or other yoga lifestyle accessories.
Stay consistent, post once a day or on the same days every week.
Don’t neglect the captions, put something meaningful to you into the caption every time.
Use hashtags! That way like-minded people can find you!
6. Life Coach / Consultant
Being a yoga teacher, you will become a leader, a person in your community that people look up to. You will build relationships with your students, your students will come to you before and after class and tell you their personal issues, and you will become some kind of a therapist in a way.
It’s true that yoga is therapy and you will find many people on a deep journey to happiness and health within your classes.
With that said, you turn this position into a segway to being a life coach. See a need, fill a need, if you have students who are dealing with issues and you feel as though you can construct a way to help them, go for it.
Start to advertise your services to them, or even sell them an e-book that’s geared towards getting their life back on track. There are lots of options and creativity to be explored in this category.
7. Podcaster
Podcasts are all the RAGE right now! It seems like everyone has their shortlist of favorites and is listening to one while they clean the house, drive, or go on a run, so that’s a lot of listening hours. So yes I would say there is room for one more podcaster!
This is a great idea especially if you already built an email list on your website or have a bit of a social media following, you can turn those people into instant listeners and hopefully subscribers.
Over time if you build a good listener base, you can start to sell ads or even promote affiliate links on your podcast. This can both be a great hobby, a way to connect with people, and an extra income stream.
8. Blogging
Blogging is an awesome side hustle but not one of the easiest, it takes time and effort and can take up as much time as a part-time job if you want to take it seriously.
Commit yourself to blogging if you have something you are passionate about and enjoy writing, it doesn’t have to be connected to yoga at all, since this is a side hustle, blog about anything you want. Gardening, parenting, DIY crafts, fashion, beauty, and travel, are all great blog topics.
Before diving in, make sure you have the time to commit and are totally set, you will spend money on a domain, hosting, and a plethora of other tools, so I suggest you make this a hobby that can eventually turn into a side-business.
Blogging can make you a lot of money if you are dedicated and set up the right monetization strategy like affiliate marketing and advertising.
9. Photography
You’re going to be a yogi, you will host classes and perhaps travel and go on retreats. Bring that camera and take awesome photos!
Not only can you use these photos on social media but you can make some extra cash by selling them on stock photo websites.
Your photos have to be high quality (taken at least by a good digital camera or DSLR) and in demand. Check out the website you want to upload and sometimes they list photo types or themes that are in demand or that they might be lacking in their database.
Last but not least, you can sell stuff to your students! You have access to a studio and a steady stream of customers that flow from your class to the check-in desk or shop.
Ask your studio owner if you can sell your own goods in the store. They can be handmade by you or you can sell pre-made goods you buy in bulk and sell them for a mark-up.
Items to make by hand that would be perfect for yoga studios are bracelets, necklaces, sage sticks, homemade mat spray, homemade beauty products, yoga mat bags, or whatever else you like to craft! Let your imagination run wild!
Ask a friend or your studio owner if the items you create are desirable before jumping into making a ton of them.
Items you can purchase online in bulk would be crystals or rocks, pendants, sarongs, incense, ethically sourced palo santo, candles, yoga clothing… I mean the possibilities are endless. Search online for bulk orders for some inspiration.
So there you go! Now get out there and make the most of your career!
Have you tried any of these side hustles? Or do you have an interesting side hustle not listed here? Share with our tribe below!
LISS has definitely been gaining more traction lately in the fitness world. As a yoga teacher, you should definitely know what LISS is and perhaps even using this buzzword to describe your classes can bring more yogis interested in this type of cardio training into your class.
What is LISS?
Different than HITT (High Intensity Interval Training), LISS is Low Intensity Steady (or Sustained) State. You can think of it in terms of a sustained state of increased heart rate for a prolonged period of time instead of the short bursts of intensity that classify HIIT.
A LISS cardio workout can be anywhere from half an hour to a full hour. Going for a moderately paced jog or an evenly paced aerobics class can be LISS. Even a well-planned yoga class!
For LISS you want your heart rate at 50 – 60% of your maximum heart rate.
LISS activities can include using the elliptical, jogging, swimming, brisk walking, cycling, going for a hike, and yoga.
Why is LISS Cardio Beneficial?
LISS is perfect for a newcomer because the pace is such that it doesn’t make your heart rate exceed a comfortable range, which can be very disheartening (literally) for newcomers and perhaps even dangerous for specific folks. People starting with LISS may be more likely to continue their workout regimen because it’s simple and can be done by just taking a brisk walk around the neighborhood for 45 minutes.
LISS is also perfect for “recovery days.” People who are into heavy aerobics or intense strength training can really benefit by continuing their workout routine with a light 30-minute jog, or a flowy vinyasa class in between extra hard workout days.
It’s recommended that adults receive 30 minutes a day of an elevated heart rate, so LISS totally covers that base as well.
Can Yoga Be LISS?
Yes! Think of LISS as a marathon instead of a sprint. If you practice yoga, you have definitely been to a yoga class that was intense, but not so intense that you couldn’t catch your breath.
A good power vinyasa flow, where your heart rate stays elevated for 30 minutes or more than 100% qualifies as a LISS workout.
Can You Lose Weight with LISS?
LISS is attractive because it can help you stay fit and lose weight with minimal effort. Just walking around your neighborhood or using the treadmill at the gym for 2 hours while you listen to your favorite podcast is a LISS workout. But HIIT definitely takes the cake as far as the amount of fat burned because it takes more effort.
So yes, combined with healthy eating, it is possible to lose or maintain your weight with LISS but there are some things to know.
It is suggested to combine LISS with weight training or some sort of calisthenics, because there is a possibility that you could lose muscle over time from doing the same routine, for instance walking miles and miles but not doing any leg exercises to strengthen the muscles.
It seems to be that the most effective method would be a combination of HIIT and LISS. A workout that contains high-intensity bursts and then a state of steady cardio, this would be the best avenue for pure fat loss as well as muscle gain.
Creating a Fat Burning LISS Yoga Class
A hot and sweaty Power Yoga class would be a perfect solution for creating a powerful LISS class. You want to keep your student’s heart rates elevated almost the entire time, let’s say 40 minutes out of 75. You might want to even throw some HIIT principles into the mix to really make it a fat burner, your students might see and feel the results and come back week after week to get their butt kicked.
Tips for a Fat Burning Yoga Class
Start off with some mellow and deep stretching, since this class has intense movements you want to make sure your students are loosened up.
Go for a high-powered vinyasa sequence that is creative, not a repetition of chaturanga after chaturanga.
Make sure to let students rest every 8 to 10 minutes, in child’s pose, a prolonged downward facing dog, cat cow, or a deep pose like cat cow.
Take advantage of the heated body at the end of class for some deep, cooling poses like staff, lizard, pigeon, splits or half splits.
Make sure your students know they can rest and find child’s pose at any time, you want to refrain from being militant, keep it fun and encouraging!
Some Inspiration from Yoga Teachers on Youtube
Check out these videos to help you get some inspiration for a creative power yoga class. These are some of my favorite YouTube Yogis.
You might see your yoga teacher or hippie friend wearing a mala, but did you know that the mala has a very revered significance and can be used to transcend space and time?
And most importantly, it has 108 beads. But why does the mala have 108 beads? That question has some very interesting answers.
Read on to find out everything you need to know about the mala and why it has 108 beads.
“Mala” means “garland” in Sanskrit, the ancient Indian language that is still used in yoga classes today. Usage of the mala, also called Japa mala beads, goes back to the 8th century BC.
A Mala consists of 108 beads plus one guru or Meru bead at the center that usually carries the tasel and represent a lotus flower. The guru bead is typically larger than the rest of the beads and is said to represent a teacher, who has given the student a mantra.
Beads are usually of natural origin, wood or stone. Many people these days like to actually wear a mala as jewelry, on the neck or the wrist.
Mala or Japa beads are used in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. “Japa” means “to utter” in Sanskrit, referring to the way mala beads are used to repeat a mantra over and over.
How To Use The Mala Beads
Mala or Japa beads are used primarily for meditation or spiritual work. The most traditional way to use Mala beads is by grasping the first mala bead just after the guru bead between your index and thumb fingers, then proceeding by saying a prayer, sound, or mantra. Continue this process with each bead on the Mala.
This brings about peace and calm and can also help you focus. It is a great way to elevate your practice and also a good place for beginners to dive into mediation.
Here’s a play by play on how to use mala beads for your meditation practice.
Sit in a quiet space, traditionally in Sukasana (easy pose) with the spine erect.
Close your eyes and steady the breath in and out through the nose.
Carry your Mala in your right hand.
Grasp the Meru (The largest bead marking the end or beginning of the mala, also called the guru bead,) between your fingers and start your mantra, continue on to the next bead and repeat the mantra.
Continue until you reach the Meru again.
Repeat as many times as you like.
How To Wear Mala Beads
In some traditions, it is said if a person wears a mala above their shirt and out in public, they are proclaiming they are a possesor of knowledge.
These days you will find many spiritual folks wearing a mala around the neck or on their wrist. You can wear a mala on your wrist by wrapping it a few times until the mala fits snuggly.
Feel free to wear your mala on either wrist as Tibetan Buddists wear a mala on either their right or left wrists depending on personal preference.
Wearing a mala can remind you throughout the day to stay peaceful and mindful, just like you feel when you sit down to meditate with your mala.
Some people claim that a mala should never touch the floor, and if it does it should be gently cleansed. You can wash it wish a gentle soap. You may also try charging it with cleansing crystals to bring it’s powers back into alignment.
There are other superstitions that indicate no one besides the owner should touch the mala, as this will tarnish or decrease its energies.
Feel free to wear your mala on either wrist as Tibetan Buddists wear a mala on either their right or left wrists depending on personal preference.
Bracelets Malas Vs. Necklace Malas
There is actually a short mala that can be worn specifically around the wrist. These are called Bracelets Malas or Wrist Malas.
A wrist mala typically has 18, 21, or 27 beads depending on the size. Just like a necklace mala, a bracelet mala will have a guru bead.
These smaller malas can be used in the same fashion as a full-size mala. You remove the mala from your wrist during meditation to recite mantras. The mala being on the wrist makes for easy access.
Wearing the bracelet mala can also be a reminder for you to stay focused and centered in your daily life.
During the 8th century BCE in ancient India is when the first appearance of prayer beads for mediation appeared. Since then many religions like Buddism, Jainism, and Christianity have incorporated their own version of a Mala or prayer bead necklace.
The significance of the number 108 appeared in India during the Vedic Culture (c. 1500 – c. 500 BCE,) and many of our current yoga traditions spawn from this very time. People of the Vedic culture follow the Hindu religion.
The Hindu religion is a polytheistic religion in which the worshiper prays to many different gods, in this case, hundreds (some believe there are 108 Hindu gods and goddesses.) Familiar deities like Vishnu, Shiva, Lakshmi, and Deva are from the Hindu Religion.
To find out the origins of 108, we have several ancient texts to point us in the right direction. The Upanishads is a sacred text written during the Vedic Period which is a book that is still revered today. In it, there are 108 Upanishads.
There is also a Buddhist text from the 4th century BC called the Mokugenji Sutra in which Buddha instructs his follower with this quote:
The Buddha replied: “King, if you want to eliminate earthly desires, make a circular string of 108 wooden beads. Hold them always to yourself. Recite ‘Namu Buddha-Namu Dharma-Namu Sangha’; Count one bead with each recitation.”
The guru bead is typically larger than the rest of the beads and is said to represent a teacher, who has given the student a mantra.
10 Mysteries Of The Sacred Number 108 ( The Last Few Are INSANE!)
Many people wonder, why does the mala have 108 beads? There are some surprising reasons for this. The mala actually has 109 beads, 108 beads plus the center guru bead.
There are said to be 108 energy lines converging on the Heart Chakra (Anahata.) Of them is Sushumna which leads directly to the Crown Chakra (Sahasrara) facilitating a path to higher consciousness.
Both 9 and 12 are believed to have importance in many cultures. 9 times 12 = 108. Pregnancy lasts 9 months, and there are 12 months in the year. There are also 12 astrological signs and 9 planets if you include Pluto!
There are 108 letters in the Sanskrit Alphabet, each letter being either masculine or feminine, shiva and shakti. 54 times 2 = 108.
Many religions revere 108. In Islam, 108 is a number used to refer to God.
Buddhists believe there are 108 virtues and 108 defilements to avoid. Buddhists are known to ring a bell 108 times to celebrate a new year or carve 108 Buddhas for good luck.
In Hebrew, the word chai, “life” or “alive,” is represented by the 18, which is a multiple of 108.
Chinese astrology says that there are 108 sacred stars.
The angle formed by two adjacent lines in a pentagon equals 108 degrees. Pentagons and pentagrams are considered sacred geometry.
The Atman, (“self” or “breath” in Sanskrit) meaning universal self, is thought to go through 108 stages on its journey in Hinduism.
In astrology, the moon is represented by the metal Silver. The atomic weight of silver is 108.
The diameter of the Sun is 108 times the diameter of the Earth. The distance from the Sun to the Earth is 108 times the diameter of the Sun.
The distance from the Moon to the Earth is 108 times the diameter of the Moon. This is why we are able to view magnificent perfect solar eclipses.
The first space flight by a human was made by Yuri Gagarin on April 12, 1961. His space flight lasted a total of 108 minutes in which he completed one orbit of Earth.
Wearing a mala can remind you throughout the day to stay peaceful and mindful, just like you feel when you sit down to meditate with your mala.
Why You Should Have a Mala
It is said that carrying a mala or having one near you has a calming effect, and is a constant reminder of your desire to achieve enlightenment. Or at least have a regular meditation practice!
Purchase a mala made from good materials and preferabbbly made by hand. Keep it near your personal yoga space or on your altar. Make time to practice with your mala either before or after each of your yoga practices.
Do you use a mala for mediation? Tell us about in the comments!
So, you’ve decided to go down the wondrous path of becoming a Yoga Teacher! But you might be wondering how to get a yoga teacher certificate.
Read on to find out how to choose the best yoga teacher training to fit your needs and lifestyle. This applies to both 200-hour YTT (Yoga Teacher Training) and 300 YTT students.
There are several different kinds of yoga teacher training but they all fall into 3 categories, module-based teacher training, immersion, intensive or destination teacher training, and online teacher training.
Module Based Teacher training
This type of training occurs over a span of about 6 months and participants usually meet on the weekends or several other nights a week. This is perfect for someone who wants to keep their 9-5 job and can’t commit to a month abroad in Costa Rica or Bali.
The benefits of module-based training include not incurring travel costs, getting to know your local yoga community and studio, and maintaining your daily schedule, and module trainings are more affordable.
A disadvantage is that it will take a much longer time to receive your certification.
Yoga Teacher Training Intensive
Costa Rica, Bali, Mexico… This is where you’ll go for destination yoga trainings. An intensive is when all the training is consolidated into several weeks or even a month usually in one location.
These can be super fun and exhilarating because you are in a new, and usually stunning environment and surrounded by new yogi friends! It can definitely be an adventure but there are some things to keep in mind.
Since these trainings include traveling sometimes to far away places, you must do lots of preparation, sometimes getting visas or vaccinations and there must be very clear communication between you, the host, and the rest of the students.
10 Tips for Choosing a Destination Yoga Teacher Training
Use online directories and search engines to find a place or teacher you are interested in. Ask yourself how far do you want to travel? What’s your budget?
3. PRO tip: Use directories to find the retreat you want, and then BOOK DIRECTLY with the host, you will usually save money that way because the directory adds fees for listing on their site.
4. Luxury or Rustic? Be 100% aware of the accommodation situation before booking. Some retreats are cheap for a reason. There are some trainings where guests stay in tents, that’s fine but you definitely want to know about it before booking.
5. Find out what you’ll be doing every day, this will help you pack and mentally prepare.
6. Get connected with your fellow students! Having friends when you arrive in a foreign country can be really helpful, especially for carpooling to and from airports.
7. Ask how many people will be in your training. You don’t want more than 20, and 10 – 15 is ideal.
8. Find out the length of the training. Typical training is 3 – 4 weeks. Anything under 2.5 weeks is questionable as to the depth of learning you’ll receive.
9. Look for trainings that offer interesting modules, like sound healing, reiki, meditation, or other things that might enrich your understanding of yoga as a whole.
10. MAKE SURE IT IS A YOGA ALLIANCE-CERTIFIED SCHOOL!
Get A Yoga Instructor Certification Online
It is now possible to become a fully certified yoga instructor with online yoga teacher training. There are both disadvantages and advantages to online vs. in-person classes.
Benefits of Online Yoga Teacher Training
Learn at your own pace and on your own schedule.
Choose from and research a large variety on the internet.
Reduced cost as the course is online and the host does not need to provide materials and props.
Some big-name yogis host online teachings that offer a unique and affordable opportunity to be trained by your favorite yogi.
Disadvantages of Online Yoga Teacher Training
Ask yourself this question, would you want to be trained or regularly taught by someone who received their training online? Someone will be asking themselves that exact questions when choosing if they want YOU as a teacher.
Some yogis believe you just cannot grasp the entirety of yoga in an online course.
Your teacher will not be able to give you or teach you hands-on body adjustments.
Keep in mind during the training you will be alone in your home or yoga space.
You’ll miss out on the group experience and possibly traveling or getting to know your local community.
You will lack the opportunity to gain the confidence to teach others in an actual class setting.
Is Online Yoga Teacher Training Legit?
Online yoga teacher training can definitely be legit if you do your research. Make sure to follow these tips below to make sure you are getting a real Yoga Alliance-certified certificate before paying for the online class.
Tips For Choosing an Online Yoga Teacher Training
Refrain from falling for the “get trained quick” online yoga teacher courses or anything put out by questionable companies without any reviews. Unfortunately, there are some scams out there.
Look for a teacher or yoga training school that is experienced in teaching in person and has also hosted other events like yoga retreats or taught at festivals. This shows that teachers are adaptable and can teach well even in an online environment.
READ REVIEWS! So important to be educated about the course you are signing up for. You are putting a large chunk of your hard-earned money toward education and you want that education to be something you’re proud of, not some cheap online course that anyone could take.
Look for a course that incorporates some sort of in-person meet-up or at least regular Zoom calls. You want as much real-time interaction with your teacher and other students as possible.
There are many different yoga teacher certifications to choose from. However there are two main organizations that offer official certifications. These groups regulate the yoga industry and you can’t be considered “official” without one of their certifications.
The Yoga Alliance officially recognizes 6 different types of yoga teacher certifications: 200 RYT, 200 E-RYT, 500 RYT, 500 E-RYT, Registered Children’s Yoga Teacher, and Registered Prenatal Yoga Teacher.
There is also the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT.) This organization is not as well known but its accreditation is more specialized, students looking to use yoga as therapy in a more medical environment will find an IAYT course more appropriate.
Use this tool on IAYT’s website to see a list of their accredited yoga schools and programs.
Besides the official certifications, there are more narrow specialties that you might want to seek a certificate in.
Here is a list of popular types of yoga certification specialties:
Hatha
Vinyasa
Kundalini
Aerial Yoga
Ashtanga
Bikram
Yin
Prenatal
Restorative
Children’s Yoga
Chair Yoga
Yoga Therapy
Trauma-informed yoga
Yoga for Cancer Recovery
Yoga for Seniors
Yoga for Addiction
Finding The Right Yoga Teacher & Yoga School
I personally believe yoga flows through the person that teaches it so ideally, you’ve got to like your teacher!
It’s always nice to learn from someone you already know so stay tuned to your favorite yoga studio for any local or destination trainings.
Tips to Vet Your Yoga Teacher Training Teacher
Check out the host’s personal social media. See what they post and read the captions. If something raises a personal red flag for you, then there’s a chance you might not get along with them in person.
Take a class with them in person or online. Lots of yoga teachers offer recorded classes on their websites, on YouTube, and even on Instagram. This is a great opportunity to see if you enjoy their flow and style.
Give them a call! Ask them some questions on the phone and see how it goes!
Just remember, your teacher will be with you through this entire training, so make sure you like them, not as a best friend, but as a teacher.
Cost Of Yoga Teacher Training
Yoga teacher trainings don’t come cheap. There is a lot to be learned in a short period of time and you walk away with a new valuable skill. Plus the addition of food or lodging can push a training cost even higher.
The typical cost for a 200-hour yoga teacher training is about $3000.
Of course, every course varies, some programs offer additional studies like reiki or chair yoga. Take into consideration travel costs and other costs like books or required materials.
Consider Your Overall Goal For Becoming A Yoga Teacher
Taking into account your ultimate goal for taking a yoga teacher training will also help you make the right decision.
Do you want to one day own your own school and teach other yogis? Then you should invest in the best training money can buy. If you would like to be in a more clinical setting, treating people who really need help with something as amazing as yoga, then maybe being a Yoga Therapist is for you.
Whatever your reason, go with it wholeheartedly and with passion. This training could be life-changing for mind, body, and spirit, so go forth with good intentions and follow your instincts.
Take Your Yoga Career To The Next Level With More Certifications
After 200 YTT, you are eligible to take a 500 YTT (200 YTT is a prerequisite for 500 YTT) and then you will become a 500 RYT (500 hours of training in total.)
You may also add certificates to your base of 200 or 500 Hours like Aerial Yoga, Hot Yoga, Prenatal Yoga, Yin Yoga, Yoga for Trauma, SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) Yoga, and others.
You may also become a 500 E-RYT which is a much more prestigious standing for a yoga teacher.
Whatever your path, it starts with a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training!
I hope this blog helped you clarify some of your wonders and ideas and you are now equipped to make the best decision toward choosing a Yoga Teacher Training perfect for YOU! What is your next step going to be? Share with the tribe below!
