Are you ready to become a successful yoga teacher?

Teaching yoga is not everyone’s cup of tea. A heartfelt desire, commitment and rigour are required to become a yoga teacher. Many believe that taking up yoga teacher training in India by itself will allow them to become successful teachers. Unfortunately, the place doesn’t decide the qualification and quality of a yoga teacher. For becoming a yoga coach you need to find the right yoga teacher. Teaching yoga is a self satisfying job first and then a job that earns riches.

Ideally for becoming a yoga teacher you need to get acquainted with yoga, if you already aren’t; and then take up the mandatory 200 hour yoga teacher training course under an experienced teacher. In reality, however, there is a lot more that goes into becoming a successful yoga teacher.

Steps involved in becoming a yoga teacher

1.    Find your purpose:

Yoga requires one to be highly determined and committed - as it’s not easy. Don’t be swayed by some whims or fads into thinking that you want to become a yoga teacher as your commitment will give in soon. Another factor to keep in mind is that just because you are good at yoga doesn’t automatically translate into you becoming a yoga teacher. Only become a teacher if you truly believe in becoming one.

2.    Select your yoga style:

Yoga has diverse styles - Iyengar, bikram, and vinyasana and even many blended and hybrid styles. Before becoming a teacher you need to choose a style. Choose a style which matches your personality. Finalizing the style will help you with your next step that of identifying the right teacher.

3.    Find the right teacher:

As mentioned above coming to India alone will not suffice although it has its significance. India is the birthplace of yoga and some teachers here even have the knowledge handed down to them by the gurus of this great knowledge. Having said that, it’s worthy to mention here that you need a teacher who can pass on the brilliance of yoga to you. Make sure your prospective teacher can invigorate that aura in you.

4.    Plan for the course:

A 200 hour course takes a minimum of a month and 500 hour course takes much longer. Plan your course such that you are able to take time off from your current routine. Most yoga institutes and retreats offer courses round the year so you have lot of options. Plan your financials not only for the course and the travel but also for helping you sail through for sometime after you come back.

5.    Try your hands at teaching:

Many yoga enthusiasts want to try their hand at teaching after they complete the 200 hour course. Though, in most cases, one needs more in depth knowledge and practice to teach at larger level but starting a beginner course in their locality is not a bad idea. This will also allow you to gauge your personal inclination towards teaching. If you really enjoy it, you can come back and take up longer study.

6.    Make your yoga niche:

After getting your certified yoga instructor training, focus on setting up your yoga teaching practice. It is advisable to develop your niche - be it teaching to a particular category of people example sportspersons or teaching in a particular style - probably inspired by your own teacher. A niche will help you get word of mouth marketing and some loyal followers as well.

There are many places in India offering certified yoga instructor training - most popular ones being  yoga retreats in Goa , Dharmashala and Rishikesh. All these cities have one thing in common - their serene and spiritual environment fit for learning this great knowledge. If you intend to come to India to take a yoga course you can pick up one of these cities.