Like other types of fitness training, yoga has made its way into swimming pools and water. Aqua yoga, or yogaqua, adds a new twist to the ancient Indian practice of connecting mind, body and soul through breathing, moving meditation and sequences of poses. Like traditional yoga certifications, aqua yoga certifications require commitment, motivation and come in a variety of types for different styles of yoga.
Time Frame
In her book "Aqua Kriya Yoga," author Camella Nair writes of the time frame needed to complete both a yoga teacher training course and an aqua yoga teacher training course. Nair says although there is no national or international regulations covering aqua yoga standards, teaching courses may differ by school. Most recognized schools, however, follow the guidelines set by the Yoga Alliance, which include 200-hour and 500-hour teaching training courses. The 200- or 500-hour courses can take anywhere from four weeks to two years to complete, depending on the school. An additional aqua yoga certification may take another weekend course, depending on whether you are a trained yoga teacher or swimming instructor taking the course.
Features
The book "Aqua Yoga" describes the connection between a traditional yoga practice versus an aqua yoga practice. Depending on the size of the pool and water depth, most poses can be adapted and practiced in the water. A normal aqua yoga class would incorporate gentle warm-ups, standing poses, balance postures, seated poses, backbends and core work. Pranayama, or breathing, exercises may also be done as part of any aqua yoga class, as can meditation.
Types
Like traditional yoga, there are different disciplines or styles of aqua yoga in which you can be certified. Most common is to receive your training in traditional ashtanga and hatha yoga and incorporate that into your aqua yoga practice. Nair's book spends time on aqua kriya, another type of yoga. Most schools will offer aqua yoga certifications in different types of yoga, or a common aqua yoga certification course that will cover more than one type to give you more variety when teaching.
Benefits
Aqua yoga is beneficial for those with joint problems, back injuries, arthritis and fibromyalgia. Aqua yoga places little to no strain on muscles and joints, making it effective for the elderly or those who are overweight or with high blood pressure. The benefits of gaining an aqua yoga certification include giving you the knowledge and confidence to develop a safe and healthy yoga practice for individuals with these limitations.
Warning
Before signing up for any yoga teaching training course, do your research to learn more about the school, its yogic lineage and its instructors. Choosing a school or course that is recognized by the Yoga Alliance is another way to ensure a high-quality program that will be recognized nationally and internationally.
References
- "Aqua Yoga"; Francoise Barbira Freedman, Gisele Pieron, Christine Hanscomb; 2002
- "Aqua Kriya Yoga"; Camella Nair; 2007
