Yoga teacher - has anyone trained to be one, or knows someone who has?

[Janus]

I would like to re-train to be a yoga teacher (have been doing yoga for about 2+ years). I contacted the British Wheel of Yoga but there seems to be a huge waiting list to get on the training courses (all probably due to bloody Geri Haliwell!). I feel this is probably the best course to go on and understand it takes 2.5 years which I don't mind but must find out what happens if you fall pregnant half way through, ie can you freeze and re-start, as would like to have number 2 in that space of time.
I know there are loads of different forms of yoga and I could go off to, say, India and train in 6 weeks (obviously not possible and don't think you can learn in 6 weeks) but has anyone any experience on training? If you've trained, how much work can you actually get afterwards? Is it all you imagined?
Would love to hear from anyone with any advice.

[Pupuce]

DH just finished training in the US. I'll ask him to post something for you on his training.

[Pupuce]

Hello, I am Pupuce's DH... she's asked me to answer your question :

The European model of yoga teacher training and the BWY's courses are all based on between 2 up to 4 years of training. The main thing is your personal approach to yoga. What does yoga mean to you, and what do you want to learn. I did a 2 week intensive yoga teacher training in California. It takes more than 2 week to qualify (assignments, internships, etc.) But if you think that you can't learn in 6 weeks, 2 would seem even more difficult. I am very happy with the training I received. It was very intensive (12 hours of effective training a day), but of very good quality (to my opinion of course) and very thorough (a lot of time devoted to yoga philosophy, different techniques, a strong emphasis on health (ayurvedic), safety (modifications, contra-indications, anatomy, ...), and a very sound view of yoga in general. The American yoga alliance recognises 2 levels of training: 200 and 500 hours. The course I did was a 200 hours course. A 200 hours yoga teacher training course accredited by the Yoga Alliance will be available in the UK later this year (starting on 16 November). The duration will be 2 weeks intensive on site training, plus assignements and internships.
If you want more details, you can contact me at [email protected]. If you want a BWY course, this might not be for you. And the principle of the American model versus the European/UK model can be a debate as hot as "should I buy a Mac or a PC", or "for or against nurseries". I believe it is important to get as much info yourself, and make your own opinion. That does take time, but it's the only way to be true and honest to yourself.
The money you can make depends on what you want. I would not recommend doing it for the money only, unless you have devoted your life to yoga. There is a big trend (Thanks Mss Ginger Spice/Madonna) which results in a lot of people taking up yoga classes because it's trendy, and a lot of people doing teacher training because they believe there is a big market for yoga classes. Most of the current yoga trend comes from work-out-holics who switch to yoga temporarely, and go for the most active forms of yoga. The hype won't last for ever, although there might still be something of it left afterwards I hope.
There is a lot happening in the yoga world at the moment, and that has to be welcomed. I wish you Good luck with your yoga-plans!
Om Shanti
(NB: Yes I am a yoga teacher, and an alternative health therapist, and please no hate mail if the BWY is everything to you.)

[Janus]

Thanks very much for your input there er... Pupuce's husband! My approach to yoga is to try and do it to relax your body and mind, ie Hatha yoga. I couldn't cope with the 'Geri' bouncing around, lively yoga (is it called ashtanga?). For me, it's about trying to let go of all the stresses of the day - is this something like the one you did in the US?
My worry is about obtaining a qualification that is recognised in the UK and I thought this was just the BWY's qualifications but I could be wrong here.
I am not thinking of entering it to make pots of money, just enough to have some pocket money really! I would have to fit in around my daughter's schooling (when she's that old) so would mostly want to do day classes so I think if I'm not being very flexible then I can't expect to make money.
For me, I have so enjoyed yoga and would love to pass it on for others to enjoy, what better than doing something you enjoy as your work?
It's so confusing to know where to start but I'm certainly not thinking the BWY is the only avenue but really didn't know who else to contact. Obviously I need to start searching, I've tried the net but just get an overload of info. Can I ask where you found out about your course, if it's not too much trouble?
Thanks again.
Jane

[Pupuce]

Do you minde-mailing DH ? I am sure he'll be happy to answer... It is harder to convince him of going to Mumsnet !

[Janus]

Sure Pupuce, should have done that in the first place really! Thanks again for input.