Understanding the Difference
The practice of yoga has become increasingly popular worldwide, and many individuals are now considering becoming certified yoga instructors. However, with so many certification programs available, it can be difficult to determine which one is right for you. This article explores the differences between the World Yoga Organisation (WYO) and the Yoga Alliance (YA), two of the most well-known yoga certification organizations.
What is the World Yoga Organisation (WYO)?
The World Yoga Organisation is a relatively new certification body that was founded in 2016. It was created to provide individuals with a more affordable and accessible way to become certified yoga instructors. The WYO is based in India and offers a range of certification courses, including 200-hour and 300-hour yoga teacher training programs.
What is the Yoga Alliance (YA)?
The Yoga Alliance is a more established certification organization that has been around since 1999. The YA is based in the United States and is considered the gold standard in yoga teacher certification. The organization offers two levels of certification: Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) and Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (ERYT).
Accreditation
One of the most significant differences between the WYO and the YA is their accreditation. The Yoga Alliance is accredited by the International Yoga Federation and is recognized worldwide. The WYO, on the other hand, is not yet widely recognized, and its accreditation is still in the process of being established.
What is the International Yoga Federation (IYF)?
The International Yoga Federation is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1987. It is the largest yoga organization in the world and is recognized by the United Nations. The IYF works to standardize yoga practices and to promote yoga as a way of life.
What this means for you
If you plan to teach yoga internationally or want to be recognized as a yoga teacher by a wider community, the Yoga Alliance certification may be more suitable for you. The WYO certification is still gaining recognition and may not have the same level of credibility in some countries.
Curriculum
Another significant difference between the WYO and the YA is their curriculum. The WYO certification programs focus on traditional yoga practices and are designed to provide students with a solid foundation in yoga philosophy and practice. The YA certification programs, on the other hand, are more flexible and offer a variety of elective courses that allow students to specialize in different areas of yoga, such as prenatal yoga or yoga therapy.
Elective Courses
The Yoga Alliance certification program offers a wide range of elective courses that you can choose from, depending on your interests and career goals. Some of the elective courses include:
- Prenatal Yoga
- Yoga Therapy
- Yin Yoga
- Restorative Yoga
Traditional Yoga Practices
The World Yoga Organisation certification programs focus on traditional yoga practices and are designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of yoga philosophy and practice. The courses cover topics such as:
- Yoga Philosophy
- Meditation
- Yogic Anatomy
- Asanas
Cost
The cost of becoming a certified yoga teacher can vary significantly depending on the certification organization you choose. The WYO certification programs are generally less expensive than the Yoga Alliance certification programs, but this does not necessarily mean that they are of lower quality.
WYO Certification Cost
The cost of the WYO certification programs can range from around $1000 to $2000, depending on the program you choose and where you take it.
Yoga Alliance Certification Cost
The cost of the Yoga Alliance certification programs can range from around $2000 to $5000, depending on the program you choose and where you take it.
Conclusion
Choosing the right yoga teacher certification organization can be a challenging decision. Ultimately, it comes down to your goals, interests, and budget. If you plan to teach internationally or want to be recognized by a broader community, the Yoga Alliance certification may be more suitable for you. However, if affordability is a significant factor or you are interested in traditional yoga practices, the WYO certification might be the better option.