RYT Certification

Yoga Beginner’s Guide to Different RYT Certification

Known as an ancient art, yoga has transitioned into a global phenomenon with time. Add to that, there are numerous yoga styles like Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Kundalini, and Yin yoga among others. If you want to understand yoga beyond its physical aspects, you should enroll in an RYT certification program.

RYT, short for Registered Yoga Teacher is a certification you get after the completion of the Yoga Alliance yoga teacher training program. This makes it clear that you are mentally and physically ready to teach yoga. The skills you acquire from this certification program also help you live a more peaceful and balanced life. However, you should do this course from a yoga school under the ambit of Yoga Alliance. Before proceeding further, let us first understand what is Yoga Alliance.

Yoga Alliance – A Brief Intro

Yoga Alliance is a non-profit organization located in the United States. It has laid the foundation of yoga teaching standards around the world. Yoga Alliance also maintains a list of all the RYS (Registered Yoga School) and RYT (Registered Yoga Teachers) under its umbrella. Remember, Yoga Alliance itself does not provide you training, rather it sets the standards for yoga teaching.

With that said, do you know the three levels of credentials that Yoga Alliance has established? Yoga experts have the answer.

The Three Categories of Yoga Certifications

yoga certifications

Given below are the three levels of RYT certification as per Yoga Alliance:

1. Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT)

Becoming an RYT requires you to acquire complete knowledge of the sacred art of yoga. As a beginner, you have to enroll in the 200 hour course and work your way up to the 500 hour YTT. As an RYT, you learn various skills and get in-depth knowledge of yoga that you can later share with others.

2. Registered Yoga School (RYS)

This covers all yoga studios and centers recognized by Yoga Alliance, USA. These comply with all the requirements set by the organization. For you to become an RYT, you should learn yoga from an RYS.

3 . Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider (YACEP)

For you to keep the Yoga Alliance RYT certification at any level, you must complete at least 30 continuing education hours every three years. This comes in addition to the 45 hours of teaching experience.

That is not all! Joining Yoga Alliance opens up the door to numerous other benefits. These help you further your career as a certified yoga teacher.

Benefits of Yoga Alliance Membership

Benefits of Yoga Alliance Membership

Given below are some major benefits of joining Yoga Alliance:

1. Access to Updated Information

Yoga Alliance provides all its members access to unlimited yoga resources. These include information about becoming a certified yoga instructor, continuing yoga education, and numerous free online yoga workshops. Access to so much information helps increases your credibility as a yoga teacher and makes it easier to find employment at a renowned yoga studio.

2. Be Part of a Growing Community

Enrolling in the RYT certification not just opens up doors of employment for you. It also makes you a permanent member of the ever-growing and worldwide community of yoga practitioners. In the long run, this gives you a chance to network with other like-minded individuals who share a common interest with you.

3. Name in Members Directory

What could be better than having your name listed in Yoga Alliance’s online directory? Yoga Alliance maintains an online directory containing the names of registered yoga teachers and schools. Becoming a member of the Yoga Alliance USA expands your reach, and makes you easily accessible to employers.

4. Legal Assistance

Yoga is not free from injuries, so when an injury happens, there is a chance the client might file a lawsuit in court. To support its members during times like these, the Yoga Alliance provides you with relevant legal support. In other words, enrolling in an RYT certification and becoming a Yoga Alliance member gives you the best legal experts who keep you out of any legal trouble.

With that said, let us now focus on the different RYT certifications and what each of these offers. Let us start with the basic one – 200 hour RYT

The 200 Hour Yoga Training

200 hour yoga training

The first level of yoga teacher training is the 200 RYT certification course. This provides you a deep understanding of yoga basics and is best suited for those with no experience with yoga. The 200 hour is usually a 28-day course that includes lessons on numerous yoga techniques and practices.

To help you understand what the 200 hour course offers, yoga experts have come up with the curriculum of this program.

200 Hour Yoga Training Syllabus

  • Body adjustment techniques for yoga practice
  • Using correct body mechanisms in asana practice
  • Introduction to yoga anatomy
  • Concept of postural imbalance
  • Stress and Homeostasis
  • Introduction to the history of Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga
  • Fundamentals of Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga
  • Introduction to Hatha yoga
  • Introduction to different yoga Nadis
  • Lessons on Kundalini and Kriya yoga
  • Introduction to Mantra Yoga
  • Difference between Dhyana and Dharana
  • Lessons on different Pranayama techniques
  • Introduction to yoga Shat Kriyas
  • Lessons on yoga teaching methodology
  • Introduction to yoga philosophy
  • Introduction to yogic sleep

Once you complete this basic RYT certification and still want to move ahead, enroll in the 300 hour yoga training.

The 300 Hour Yoga Training

300 hour yoga training

The second level of yoga teacher training available at RYS is the 300 hour course. This is an intermediate-level yoga training that is a bit intense and concentrated. In the 300 hour course, you get lessons on basic as well as advanced yoga poses.

However, there is a lot more the 300 hour yoga teacher training offers you. Let us take a look at the 300 hour yoga course syllabus.

300 Hour Yoga Training Syllabus

300 Hour Yoga Training Syllabus

  • Lessons on maximizing your body adjustment ability
  • Introduction to anatomy and physiology of yoga
  • Classes on Ashtanga Vinyasa fundamentals
  • Introduction to Hatha Yoga
  • Lessons on different methods of Kundalini awakening
  • A scientific approach to yoga mantras
  • Introduction to meditation
  • Lessons on Prana & Pranayama
  • Introduction to yoga Shatkarmas
  • Difference between teaching yoga indoor and outdoor
  • Importance of yoga sleep

Now, let us check out the most advanced yoga training available at an RYS – 500 hour yoga training.

500 Hour Yoga Training Course

500 Hour Yoga Training

The best thing about joining this RYT certification is whether you are a beginner or an expert, the 500 hour yoga training is for you. Remember, this is advanced yoga training and is a combination of both 200 and 300 hour training.

Let us check out the curriculum of this advanced yoga training.

500 Hour Yoga Training Curriculum

500 hour yoga training curriculum

  • Introduction to yoga philosophy
  • Different paths of yoga
  • Lessons on to Pranayama
  • Introduction to Joints and Range of Motion
  • Classes on yoga meditation
  • Yoga mantras
  • Different yoga postures like a backbend, forward bend, and inversions among others
  • Techniques for the yoga teaching
  • Core yoga asana practices
  • Lessons on Yoga Bandhas
  • Sun Salutations
  • Concept of Yoga Mudra
  • Introduction to Yoga Shatkarma

However, for you to enroll in either of these RYT certifications, you should choose the right place. Yoga experts have come up with some awesome tips to help you find the best yoga school.

Also Read:-  Yoga For Stress Relief

Yoga Pro Tips to Find the Best Yoga School

best yoga school

Given below are four yoga tips to help you find the top yoga studio to become a registered yoga teacher.

1. Yoga Alliance Certification

Although you might think of Yoga Alliance certification as unnecessary, it is the primary requirement of yoga studios and institutes. Yoga experts recommend you look for a Yoga Alliance registered yoga studio as that improves your chances of finding employment.

2. Reputation & Teaching Methodology of Yoga School

Before you say yes to a particular yoga school, make sure you research their teaching methods and reputation. You should look for Yoga Alliance registered RYS and find out what the previous students have to say about that. Find out the style of yoga being taught and when the school received its accreditation from the Yoga Alliance.

3. The Teachers & Curriculum

When you shortlist a particular yoga school, make sure you ask who is the lead teacher, and ask for a trial class. Make sure the teacher is Yoga Alliance certified. Also, find out for how long they have been teaching yoga to others.

4. After Graduation Support

Yoga training is the perfect option if you want to dive deeper into your spiritual side. However, that is not possible with just asanas. Therefore, you should also find out what help they provide after you graduate from that RYS.

But, that is not everything! There are some major benefits of enrolling in an RYT certification.

Also Read:- Major Difference Between 200, 300 & 500 Hour Yoga Teacher Training

Benefits of Becoming a Certified Yoga Teacher

certified yoga teacher

Yoga experts have come up with a list of some amazing benefits of enrolling in an RYT certification program.

1. Earn With Passion

Does the day feel incomplete if you do not end it with a Shavasana? There is no doubt that being a yoga teacher is the right choice for you. The only thing you should remember is to enroll in a Yoga Alliance certified yoga school to do the yoga training.

2. Share Yoga Benefits With Others

Earning the RYT certification is not just about being able to pull off challenging yoga asanas. One major benefit of enrolling in a yoga training program is that you develop excellent upper body strength. However, there are some other benefits that follow:

  • Improves flexibility
  • Increases blood circulation
  • Improves range of motion
  • Minimizes level of stress
  • Better immunity
  • Improved digestive system

3. Specialize in Yoga Style of Your Choice

There are numerous yoga styles you can learn and practice. On one hand, you have restorative yoga that relaxes your body and mind. On the other hand, there is vinyasa yoga that is a bit more intense and strenuous.

However, as a yoga teacher, you get to decide what style of yoga you want to learn and teach. Make sure you check out the styles of yoga the places offer. These should match with what you have in mind.

Also Read:- Yoga Teacher Training In Rishikesh

4. Deepen Personal Yoga Practice

Attending the yoga sessions at an RYS benefit you on a personal level. Therefore, the more you learn yoga, the better you teach it, and the more it gets embedded into your life. Remember, to become a teacher, you first have to be a student.

5. Become Certified Yoga Trainer

When you enroll in a yoga teacher training session, look at what the course has to offer. You get to learn yoga with knowledge of its physical, mental, and spiritual aspects. This helps you become a certified yoga teacher and assist others in learning this ancient art.

Becoming a certified yoga teacher requires a serious commitment of time and effort. However, at the same time, you should know that injuries are also a part of yoga practice. Confused? Read below to know more.

Also Read:- Yoga vs Gym: Which One is Better?

Tips For Safe Yoga Practice

Yoga is a slow and low-impact way of staying physically and mentally fit. But it has its share of injuries that are often a result of misalignment or plain ignorance.

Keeping the above statement in mind, given below are three tips to help you learn and practice yoga safely when planning to enroll in an RYT certification program.

1. Consult a Physician

As stated above, yoga is a low-impact way to stay fit, but it is only till you practice it mindfully. Yoga experts recommend you should consult a physician especially if you have any prior medical conditions.

Also Read:- Hot Yoga Poses

2. Don’t Forget to Rest

Whether you take personal yoga classes or are enrolled in an RYS, never rush when practicing yoga. Yoga teachers recommend you should take proper rest to allow your body to get used to the practice and let your muscles rest.

3. Wear Comfortable Clothes

There is a whole variety of yoga styles you can learn and practice. Therefore, it is important that you dress according to the yoga style you are trying to learn. For example, if you do Hatha yoga, wear loose and light clothing.

On the other hand, if you do Vinyasa or Ashtanga yoga, choose a fitting top and comfortable pair of leggings. In other words, dress according to the yoga class.

Conclusion

Want to take your knowledge of yoga to an advanced level? You should search about the different RYT certifications in yoga schools near you. However, make sure you enroll in a Yoga Alliance certified yoga school to get complete and authentic yoga knowledge.

Read More:- Yoga Teacher Training Syllabus