In yoga practice, courses can refer to two different things. Traditionally, it refers to a sequence of yoga postures practiced in a particular order -- a practice similar to the formal katas and forms of martial arts training. As the yoga industry has grown more modern and formalized, courses also refer to a series of classes a potential yoga instructor takes to become certified to teach.
Traditional Course Basics
A traditional course of yoga takes the practitioner from one pose to the next in a prescribed sequence of movements. Different styles use varying sequences, but all have chosen the specific sequence to accomplish a set goal. Yoga nidra, for example, uses a sequence of relaxation and breathing to achieve a sleep-like state. A power yoga course focuses on body strength postures to build power and vitality.
Traditional Styles
Not all styles of yoga use courses. Some simply teach the different postures out of context, leaving it to individual practitioners and teachers to choose which postures they want to work in a given session. Others, however, recommend specific courses or consist entirely of a single course. Some yoga styles that make heavy use of courses include kundalini, Bikram, ashtanga, nidra and gitananda. You can develop a course of yoga using postures selected from the repertoire in any yoga style.
Sun Salutation
The sun salutation is a course of yoga used in many traditions, even those that don't emphasize the use of courses. Sun salutation begins by standing erect and relaxed, then moves through standing back arches and toe touches. You then lower your body into a lunge, followed by a series of postures on all fours that strengthen the back and core. At the end of this sequence, you return to standing by passing again through a lunge and toe-touch position. The course is intended to work as a full-body stretch and strengthening program.
Certification Courses
In the United States, there are no overall authorities to grant yoga certification. Yoga courses to become a teacher involve attending classes at a local yoga school and working your way up to instructor status. However, many health clubs will require certification in group fitness instruction from an accredited program if you want to teach yoga. In India, certification and academic courses are a common offering in trade schools and colleges throughout the country. Depending on the program and your goals, you can spend anywhere from two to four years taking courses for a basic instructor credential.
References
- "Yoga For a New Age"; Bob Smith; 1986
- "You: The Owner's Manual"; Michael Rozien & Mehmet Oz; 2005
- Kerry Collette; Yoga Instructor; Hillsboro, Oregon
- ABC-of-Yoga: Yoga Styles
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