How to Be Ashtanga and Restorative Yoga Teacher - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Feb 2, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The practice of Ashtanga and Restorative Yoga can have a powerful effect on the body, mind and soul. By practicing these two styles of yoga, one can achieve physical strength, flexibility and improved posture. regular practice has been found to reduce stress levels and increase mental clarity, focus and concentration.

Furthermore, the combination of the two styles can lead to increased self-awareness, improved relaxation and better sleep. With regular practice, practitioners can also experience improved health due to the strengthening of the body's immune system. Lastly, the practice of Ashtanga and Restorative Yoga can help to reduce anxiety, depression and other negative emotions.

Steps How to Become

Become a certified yoga instructor. To become a certified yoga instructor, you will need to complete a 200-hour yoga teacher training program. This program is typically offered at yoga studios and can be completed online or in person.
Choose a specialty. Once you have completed your 200-hour program, you can choose to specialize in Ashtanga or Restorative yoga. There are additional courses you can take to become a certified Ashtanga or Restorative Yoga teacher.
Take additional training courses. For Ashtanga Yoga, you will need to complete additional training courses focused on the eight limbs of Ashtanga Yoga and the different poses associated with this style of yoga. For Restorative Yoga, you will need to attend workshops and seminars to learn about the different poses and breathing techniques associated with this style of yoga.
Gain experience teaching. Once you have completed your additional training, you will need to gain experience teaching Ashtanga and Restorative Yoga classes. This can be done by volunteering to teach classes at a local studio or by taking on private clients.
Get certified. After gaining enough experience teaching, you can pursue certification as an Ashtanga or Restorative Yoga teacher. This process may involve taking exams and submitting a portfolio of your work. Once certified, you will be able to teach classes at yoga studios and gyms.

Practicing yoga can have a wide variety of positive effects on the body, mind, and soul. Having a reliable and efficient yoga teacher can help you to get the most out of your practice. An experienced Ashtanga and Restorative Yoga Teacher can guide you through the precise movements and breathing techniques that will help you to achieve the desired results.

With their knowledge and expertise, they can help to improve your physical strength, mental clarity, and spiritual connection. These benefits are amplified when combined with a regular practice, which is made easier with a reliable and efficient teacher.

You may want to check Pilates and Restorative Yoga Teacher, Yoga Studio Manager, and Yoga Program Director for alternative.

Job Description

Lead group and private yoga classes, including Ashtanga and Restorative Yoga.
Design, prepare and modify yoga classes to meet the specific needs of each student.
Educate students on the benefits of Ashtanga and Restorative Yoga.
Ensure safety of students by monitoring form, alignment, and breathing.
Develop relationships with students to foster a supportive, inclusive environment.
Provide individual guidance and support to help students reach their goals.
Create and maintain accurate records of student attendance, progress, and feedback.
Integrate philosophy and meditation into classes to deepen student experience.
Participate in professional development activities to stay current with best practices.
Assist in marketing and promotional activities to increase class attendance.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Understanding and ability to teach the 8 Limbs of Ashtanga Yoga
Knowledge of vinyasa sequencing and how to create effective classes
Understanding of anatomy, physiology, and alignment principles
Ability to lead students through a safe and effective practice
Ability to offer modifications for different levels of students
Ability to provide verbal cues and adjustments to support proper alignment
Knowledge of pranayama techniques
Understanding of yogic philosophy and theory
Knowledge of meditation techniques
Knowledge and understanding of the benefits of Restorative Yoga
Ability to create a supportive and nurturing environment for students
Ability to provide compassionate, non-judgmental guidance to students
Excellent communication skills
Effective time management skills
Deep knowledge and understanding of yogic principles
Ability to create a safe space for students to practice in

The ability to be a successful Ashtanga and Restorative Yoga teacher requires having a blend of both soft and hard skills. Soft skills such as patience, empathy, and compassion are essential in order to build a strong bond with students and encourage them to trust and open up to the practice. Hard skills such as knowledge of anatomy and physiology are also necessary to ensure that students are doing poses correctly and safely.

having a good understanding of yoga philosophy and principles is key to teaching the practice with integrity. Finally, an effective Ashtanga and Restorative Yoga teacher should have excellent communication skills to be able to clearly explain and demonstrate the poses, as well as have the ability to motivate and inspire students to reach their goals.

Yin Yoga Instructor, Barre and Restorative Yoga Teacher, and Corporate Wellness Yoga Teacher are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have teaching Ashtanga and Restorative Yoga?
How do your teaching styles differ when it comes to Ashtanga and Restorative Yoga?
Describe your philosophy for teaching both styles of yoga.
What challenges have you encountered as an Ashtanga and Restorative Yoga teacher?
How do you ensure that all students are comfortable and safe in your classes?
What strategies do you use to help students progress in their practice?
How do you use props to enhance an Ashtanga or Restorative Yoga class?
What do you think is the most important element of teaching Ashtanga and Restorative Yoga?
What do you think sets your classes apart from other teachers classes?
Describe how you create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere in your classes.

Common Tools in Industry

Yoga Blocks. These are foam blocks used to help support yogis in postures. (eg: half moon pose)
Yoga Straps. These are long straps used to help yogis reach their arms or legs further in postures. (eg: side stretch pose)
Yoga Mats. These are thick mats used to provide cushioning and support while practicing yoga. (eg: downward facing dog pose)
Bolsters. These are rectangular shaped pillows used to provide support and comfort in restorative poses. (eg: supported bridge pose)
Blankets. These are usually cotton or wool blankets used for warmth and comfort in restorative poses. (eg: corpse pose)
Meditation Cushion. This is a round cushion used to help yogis sit comfortably in meditation. (eg: easy seated pose)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT)
American Viniyoga Institute (AVI)
International Yoga Alliance (IYTA)
Yoga Alliance (YA)
National Association of Professional Yoga Therapists (NAPYT)
Yoga Therapy and Research Institute (YTRI)
Yoga Education in Prisons Trust (YEPT)
American Council on Exercise (ACE)
Yoga Services UK
British Wheel of Yoga (BWY)

We also have Hatha Yoga Instructor, Yoga Studio Instructor, and Kundalini and Restorative Yoga Teacher jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Asana. A physical posture or pose used in yoga practice.
Pranayama. The practice of breath control in yoga, which helps to regulate the vital energy of the body.
Meditation. A mental practice that involves focusing the mind on a specific thought or object.
Vinyasa. A type of yoga that focuses on linking breath and movement, creating a flow between poses.
Mantra. A sacred utterance or phrase used in meditation, often repeated to help bring mental focus and clarity.
Ayurveda. A traditional Indian system of medicine that uses natural remedies to promote health and wellbeing.
Mudra. A hand gesture or movement used in yoga and meditation to help direct energy and focus the mind.
Bandha. A form of energy lock used to store and direct energy within the body, enhancing yoga postures and meditation practices.
Kriya. A cleansing technique used in yoga practice to purify the body and mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Ashtanga and Restorative Yoga?

The primary difference between Ashtanga and Restorative Yoga is that Ashtanga is a dynamic form of yoga that involves flowing through a set of postures, while Restorative Yoga is a gentle and relaxing practice that focuses on calming poses held for longer periods of time.

How many limbs are involved in the practice of Ashtanga Yoga?

Ashtanga Yoga involves eight limbs: yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana and samadhi.

What type of environment is typically used for a Restorative Yoga class?

Restorative Yoga classes are often held in a quiet, peaceful environment with dim lighting and minimal distractions. Soft music or nature sounds may also be used to help create a calming atmosphere.

How long should a Restorative Yoga pose be held?

Restorative Yoga poses are typically held for 5-20 minutes depending on the individual's needs and preferences.

What type of benefits can be gained from practicing Ashtanga and Restorative Yoga?

Both Ashtanga and Restorative Yoga can provide physical, mental, and emotional benefits. Ashtanga can help to build strength and flexibility, while Restorative Yoga can help to reduce stress and improve relaxation.

Web Resources

Ashtanga Yoga Program | Contemplative Sciences Center csc.virginia.edu
Ashtanga | Yoga I and II yoga.dasa.ncsu.edu
Why You Should Try Yoga - Health Encyclopedia - University www.urmc.rochester.edu