Yoga, meaning 'union' in Sanskrit, is one of the oldest fitness regimes in the world. It has been in practice for around 5,000 years as the art of living a physically, mentally and spiritually healthy life. But as a career option, Yoga has come up in the forefront only recently both in India and abroad. The art has come out of its shell of being known as just a way of rejuvenation to a booming career option abroad and it is picking up as a lucrative alternative in India, the land of its origin. Contrary to certain misconceptions, Yoga hardly has anything to do with any particular belief or religion.

As there are no specified qualifications to become a Yoga instructor / trainer, experience counts a lot. Only after a practice of around 10 - 12 years, you can become a good instructor simply because you really get well - versed with the practice through these years. In India, there are more than 35 colleges offering graduate and postgraduate courses in Yoga, besides, around 15 Yoga learning centres. If you are a graduate in any discipline you can pursue courses in Yoga, but Philosophy graduates are preferred. These courses are available at the graduation level, post - graduation level.

The main areas of Yoga include anatomy, philosophy, exercises, meditation and also theory and principles of Yoga. In the practical part, many asanas like shatkama, suryanamaskar, pranayam and yogasana are taught. Since most of the literature of Yoga is in Sanskrit, working knowledge of the literature will help you in understanding the discipline better and faster. Other professionals like doctors, engineers, paramedical persons, scientists and researchers can also take up courses in Yoga. Amount of time taken to become a certified Yoga teacher varies from person to person, depending upon individual's commitment , desire, degree of one - to - one training and practice.

Work areas in Yoga can be divided into two -(a) Teaching and Research and (b) Curing diseases (Yoga therapist).
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The other aspect of Yoga is its curative power. It has been seen over a period of time that mostly people get enticed to learn and practice Yoga for its curative properties. Yoga helps manage or control many ailments including asthma, arthritis, back pain and blood pressure. Therefore, it becomes very important that the Yoga trainer should be an expert in all postures and their effects before jumping on to the career bandwagon. Generally, if somebody has a physical problem, then emphasis is laid on asanas and breathing exercises. Mediation along with breathing exercises in also practiced. If the person has mental illness, depression or anxiety, then more stress is laid on mediation and breathing exercises.