Which yoga certification programs are highly recommended?
First, make sure that whatever program you do it will make you eligible to be on the Yoga Alliance. That is something that is recognizable across styles as a way to show that you have a basic level of training in the discipline.
Second, what style of yoga interests you? There are huge differences between styles of yoga, and the certification/training you choose should ideally fit your own understanding and interest. Once you know you want to work with a particular style it is easier to point to a particular school.
Some examples: Kripalu, is one of the best known schools on the East Coast. In addition to offering certification training within their own style they offer workshops with some of the best teachers in the world in every imaginable style. Kripalu training would be widely recognized. The Kripalu style is more gentle than Ashtanga, or Bikram. If you were interested in ‘Hot’ yoga there are a number of varieties. You might want to look at programs run by Baron Baptiste. He is an extremely well regarded senior teacher with a great deal of understanding of the connections between tradition and modern usage. I actually think I had a workshop with him back in the early 90s at an IDEA convention, (I think it was an IDEA convention). His training would also be recognized. Iyengar is a popular style with one of the most rigorous teacher trainings of any style. If you choose that path you will do well, but you will spend a really LONG time training. John Schumaker is one very well known teacher in that tradition. Iyengar training would be absolutely recognized and respected.If you want to do full on Ashtanga yoga of Patthabi Jois be aware that to be considered a formal Ashtanga teacher you may have to do periodic training in India. I do not do formal Ashtanga, so not positive, but something to find out. I really like David Swenson for Ashtanga. He is phenomenal. Bikram is also well known. I know less about their training though.
It looks like you are in California. I did some training at the White Lotus Foundation with Ganga White, and would recommend that whole heartedly. He partly came out of the Sivananda tradition.
So: first figure out your time/travel budget. Second figure out the style of yoga you wish to teach. Third do some research and make sure the program leads to an RYT designation.
Good luck.
Hi Peggy,
I dont know about specific one’s, but if you come across a few that interest you, use this guide to help you decide which on is the best fit.
http://www.yogajournal.com/for_teachers/1456
Regards,