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Adrianna Noton
The ancient discipline of yoga has become increasingly popular in the West, as many discover the health benefits that develop out of regular practice. Traditionally, the discipline is observed in order to promote physical, mental and spiritual harmony. Yoga teacher training is widely available, and many who undertake training open their own studios or teach at gyms, studios or even on cruise ships. Many different types of yoga are practiced. Bikram is one type which is practiced in a heated, enclosed space. The theory behind this is that higher temperatures make the muscles more mobile, so that the risk of injury is reduced. Those who prefer a less taxing discipline can choose between other systems such as Hatha or Kundalini. Kundalini in particular focuses on developing awareness or consciousness. When choosing a training course, it is worth becoming thoroughly acquainted with the different systems, so that you know which you would like to teach. It is a good idea to attend a few classes in different streams, prior to selecting a course. Once you have experienced the discipline and sensation of a particular system, you will be in a better position to choose a path for your own development as a practitioner and instructor. A large part of being a good instructor is having a keen sense of the 'why' behind the practice. Understanding the purpose of individual poses and learning more about anatomy will not only enable you to show others how to get more out of their own practice - you will also find that your own practice reaches new levels. An important factor in choosing a school for instruction is the cost of the service - if your budget is small you will not be able to afford an expensive retreat where accommodation and other expenses add up. By comparing different schools' programs and their fees, you can find a course which has the content and the cost which suits you. Some newer variants of the discipline have been trademarked, and this could mean that you will pay more for a course which trains instructors. This is not necessarily a bad thing, since a school which limits the number of teachers it produces will give you the opportunity to carve out a place for yourself in a niche market. If you have to support yourself with a part-time or full-time job while you undertake your training, you will need to find classes which fit around your schedule. You may be able to enroll in a course which takes place in the evenings or over weekends. Some yoga methods are more strenuous than others, thus it is better not to over-extend yourself, so that you avoid burning out. You are likely to enjoy an intensive course of yoga teacher training far more if you embark on your process with the guidance of a practitioner who you trust. If you are considering taking a particular teacher's course, you might be able to attend group classes taught by the leader of the course beforehand, so that you can see whether the teaching style will suit you.
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