Yogis BEWARE

May 10, 9:31 AMHouston Yoga ExaminerDarla Magee

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Just recently on Twitter I had a debate with another yogi about the importance of a yoga teacher training program being Yoga Alliance approved. "the other yogi" stated the advice seeker need not worry about such a thing since "yoga training is not at all similar of as good as it was less than 50 years ago". My point was completely opposite. I believe since every yoga studio that is open seems to think they can raise their bottom line by cranking out teachers in a weekend - they are right! They can make good money- but they are not making good teachers.

As a yoga teacher who has been highly trained and who was studied the various limbs of yoga for most of her life- I find this "quickie certification" highly offensive and ludicrous.

A yoga teacher needs knowledge. Yoga teachers must study the practice the philosophy and human anatomy to fully understand yoga. A teacher needs more than the ability to stand on their head or to be "bendy" to effectively and safely teach.

I have taken yoga classes over my city and found some great teachers. I have also found many many more that were...bad. REALLY BAD. Specifically these teachers were "trained" at studios who hold weekend- 2 day "teacher training" courses. (or worse some 'yoga teachers" do not claim any certification at all- but simply list teachers they have taken regular classes from.) Oy!

As a result of this my practice has become mostly a home practice- or when I do go to a studio I will only go if I know the teacher has been trained in a valid- teacher training program. This saddens me deeply. Students are being ignored, instructed to do postures that are beyond their level or ability and worse- students are being injured.

So yoga students BEWARE! Research your yoga teacher. Find out who trained them, how long the training was and if it has any Yoga Alliance validation.

And yoga teachers- listen up: Just because you can do advanced postures and practiced with a great teacher once or twice at a yoga conference or took a weekend workshop with Famous Yogi X does not make you qualified to be a yoga teacher. Oh, and if you took a weekend Teacher training course at Studio X and they call you "certified"- this means nothing, except that your wallet is little lighter and your ego a lot bigger.