If you are here, it means that you are eager to explore the world of yoga. For anyone who thrives on ancient healing sciences, learning yoga, the authentic way, is a must on their wish list. And one of the places where you can reach out to authentic yoga courses is India. There are many states known for yogic lineage, amongst which Kerala stands strong. That is why, you will find foreigners from across the globe heading to Kerala for yoga knowledge. And apart from Hatha Yoga and Ashtanga Yoga, the Yin Yoga Teacher Training In Kerala is also picking up.
While researching about the courses, you will come across to week’s courses, one-month courses and retreats. So, are these the same? This is the burning question everywhere. And to further confuse you, there are year-long courses offered by prominent universities across the globe.
Yin Yoga Teacher Training In Kerala – What Is It?
Firstly, Yin yoga is a popular yoga form today, in which you have to hold the postures for 3-10 minutes. The slow pace of this yoga form works deeply on the connective tissues, the tendons, fascia, ligaments, and so on. This is a gentler type of yoga, when compared to Ashtanga or Vinyasa. If you are someone who is looking for slow and therapeutic yoga, then this is it. It is for all those who want to explore each posture, taking more time. If you are a yoga teacher well-conversant with other styles, then you can join this course, to add another feather to your cap.
Let us summarise the features of Yin Yoga before we discuss short-term and long-term courses.
- Long holds are a prominent feature, which sets Yin Yoga apart.
- Yin yoga mostly works on the connective tissues, rather than the muscles and joints.
- The main focus of this form is stillness. You will be engaging in a mindful activity, as a part of the course.
- It also helps to balance Yang energy.
- Yin yoga is suitable for all types of practitioners, whether beginners or intermediates.
Most courses conducted in Kerala, including the Yin Yoga Teacher Training In Kerala or for that matter, India are of 1-month or 2-months duration. So, you can call these short-term courses. But, wait, short-term does not translate into easy. They can be very intensive in nature. For beginners, you may have a doubt whether a month is sufficient for a teaching career. Well! Let us dig into these queries.
Length Of The Courses In Yoga
Whether it is a Yin Yoga Teacher Training In Kerala or the 7 days Yoga Retreat in Kerala, does the length of the course matter? Yoga teacher training can be time consuming. If you intend to do a part-time 200 hrs course, it can take 6 months. However, schools across the country are creating one-month intensive courses for yoga learners. They are residential. The two-year long 300 hrs YTTC is being compressed into another month. Everything depends on your commitment level. You are the one who needs to fit in the course into your life. There are several factors, which can affect the duration of courses. Let us browse through some of them.
Factors That Affect Duration Of The YTTC
- The background of the yoga student is of prime importance. If you have been learning other forms of yoga, then learning a new form in a month or so is easy. You already know most of the tricks. You basically adjust faster.
- The structure of the course is also important. Intensive courses in places like Kerala have been designed to accelerate your learning. These courses are residential, so that means you are spending 24 hours daily, with your teacher roughly. Part-time courses are scheduled for 1-2 years, as they are part-time, or online, or hybrid.
- Your commitment level also matters. If you are dedicated to yoga, a month can be enough to learn a new form.
- All the schools follow a different set of guidelines, so the duration may also be different. If you opt for a one-month course, it can turn out to be more effective, as you are glued to the school, curriculum and the teachers for that entire period.
You soak in every bit. However, when you are choosing a year-long course in part-time or online or hybrid mode, you are distracted. You are dedicated to other duties, as well. So, yes, the short-term courses like the 100 hours yoga TTC or the 200 hours Yoga TTC are apt for those who are professionally inclined. After you complete a short-term 200 hours course, you can start teaching. The courses prepare you for that. However, learning yoga in totality is a lifelong process.
Effectiveness Of Short-term Yoga Teacher Training Courses
Short-term intensive courses have long days. You wake up in the wee hours of the morning and conclude at sunset. There will be breaks of course, but you cannot go anywhere.
You will not have much free time when you are a part of a residential training course. Your school will also arrange for weekend trips to holy sites and temples, across the location. You will be breathing, eating, and sleeping yoga.
Then, there will be weekly assignments, which you have to submit. It means, you have to study at the end of the day. They carry weightage, and to get your completion certificate, you need to complete assignments. Moreover, you have to take examinations to get the certificate. There will be both practical and written examinations.
A word of caution here, the 7 days Yoga Retreat in Kerala is entirely different. It is more like a flexible holistic holiday. These are mostly relaxation courses for those who want to give responsibilities a miss. They are an escape. You take part in pre-conceived activities, in a participant’s manner. You will not cover much of theory and background. It is mostly practical. You can of course go back and continue to practice those. So, the choice is entirely yours. Choose wisely.
