By its nature, yoga probably falls more into the alternative medicine side of health and fitness, which lends itself to an unstructured environment where anyone can offer yoga classes. However, yoga teachers have responded to consumers' calls for more certification by forming yoga associations. Asking your studio and teachers about their association memberships can help you determine their qualifications.
Yoga Alliance
In the United States, Yoga Alliance is the main organization for yoga schools and teachers. Instructors must complete a Yoga Alliance-approved teacher training program to become a Registered Yoga Teacher, and yoga schools must provide a standardized 200- or 500-hour training program to be certified as a Registered Yoga School. Look for a designation of RYT after a teacher's name to signify that he has completed a Yoga Alliance-compliant teacher training program. You can search for registered yoga schools and teachers on the Yoga Alliance website.
Type-Specific Associations
There are also associations for specific types of yoga -- for example, the International Kundalini Yoga Teachers Association, or IKYTA. IKTYA lists over 700 kundalini yoga teachers in North America. If you're interested in practicing a certain style of yoga, type-specific associations can help you find a qualified teacher or studio.
Other Associations
Some states have their own yoga associations, such as the California Yoga Teachers Association, or may include yoga studios in alternative medicine associations, such as the Florida Institute of Complementary & Alternative Medicine. The North American Studio Alliance, or NAMASTA, provides member studios resources such as help with recruitment, discounts on supplies, insurance and legal assistance.
Importance
With the increased interest in practicing yoga and the fact that the government does not require any licensing or training of yoga teachers, an association can help you find a teacher who is truly qualified, according to the Wall Street Journal's Smart Money. Not all teachers opt for training such as that offered by the Yoga Alliance, due to the time and money involved. This doesn't mean they're not an effective instructor, but yoga associations exist to offer students peace of mind.
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