If you are thinking about enrolling in a yoga teacher training program, there might be a lot of questions before you can commit. You may be asking yourself: Am I really ready to commit my time and religiously finish hours of training? Can I afford it? What if I don’t want to teach after? Is it really worth doing yoga teacher training? These are just a few of the daunting thoughts that may surface in your mind, and we are here to answer those burning questions. But first, let’s answer a few basic ones:
What’s the required length of yoga experience before joining a Yoga Teacher Training?
Ideally, 3 months to a year of consistent practice will help you prepare your mind and body for the transformative journey that you will go through.This amount of time can help you understand your own practice and body resulting in less risk of injury. It will equip you with basic comprehension of the techniques in mediation, breathing, asanas, beginner poses, and relaxation.
Do you have to be SUPER flexible?
No. Our philosophy is that yoga is for everybody, and for every body. Familiarity with the essential poses of yoga will be helpful, so that you won’t be overwhelmed by the content. You want to make sure that you will not struggle to hold required poses partnered with breath control. Yoga teacher training is intensive, but it is also a learning experience, both mentally and physically. Increased flexibility might be just one of the many benefits you can gain after the program.
What is yoga teacher training?
Yoga Teacher Training or YTT is a training program for yoga practitioners or yogis who wish to deepen their skills and knowledge on yoga. The training can either be in-person or via online. YTT offers a variety of certifications: 50 hours, 100 hours, 200 hours, 300 hours, and 500 hours. The 200 hours is considered as the minimum amount of training in order to teach and build the foundation of your yoga practice. The 50-100 hours are assessed as supplementary courses, 300 hours as the second level, and 500 hours as the highest international standard for yoga teachers.Learn more about 200-hr, 300-hr & 500-hr online YTT’s here.
Is Yoga Teacher Training Worth It?
Absolutely!
1. Deepen Your Yoga Practice
Yoga teacher training can help you to have a deeper connection with yoga by going back to the basics. You’ll be taught about the fundamentals of yoga and its mechanics, healthy alignments, the history and science behind the discipline, human anatomy, and much more. In the process of learning to teach yoga, you will also learn skills and techniques that will affect your personal practice, whether you go on to teach yoga or not.
2. Experience Personal Growth and Self-Improvement
Yes, YTT is a commitment physically, mentally, spiritually, and financially. Now, you may be pondering and feeling a bit worried if, in the end, you might not want to teach after all. Can you bring back the time, energy, and money you’ve already spent? Will it be worth it? Aside from learning to teach yoga, teacher training is also a way to invest in a better lifestyle and get to treasure a wonderful experience. You will learn new things about yourself and be given the opportunity to discover new strengths and confront limitations you thought you had. YTT can encourage you to experiment and acquire the necessary knowledge to incorporate a deeper yoga practice into your personal life, which is a benefit you will always have, even if you do not end up teaching yoga.
3. Learn the Art of Letting Go
We already know that yoga is a good stress reliever and reduces anxiety because it calms the mind and relaxes the body. Others seek yoga to help with trauma recovery as a complementary practice with a provider. Yoga teacher training will study the depths of effective methods in dealing with stress by diligently practicing meditation, mindfulness, and breathing control.
4. Move Beyond the Physical
Yoga is not only for stretching and a typical workout, but it can also aid you with your spiritual growth, intelligence, and enlightenment. It brings harmony and inner peace and contentment within yourself. In YTT, you will constantly be reminded to value the present time until it becomes a habit. It can lead you to a more positive outlook in life and develop higher awareness.
5. Gain the Confidence in Expressing Yourself
Joining a YTT program will guide you to find your voice. You will be able to hone your competency in public speaking and to communicate with clarity and efficiency. It is a chance for you to learn how to lead people through a common goal with confidence in your speech and body language. Don’t forget, the foundation of confidence is achievement. Once you accomplish your yoga teacher training and get your certification, you will emerge as a well-informed yoga practitioner with faith in your own abilities.
6. Build New Bridges
A yoga teacher training can open doors for you to forge new connections and nurture lasting and meaningful bonds with people who come from diverse backgrounds. They can help you motivate yourself and share your interest in yoga and in other aspects of life. The people you meet in a YTT will always have a special place in your heart because you develop a unique kinship with them as you experience the same training courses and relate to enlightenment during classes. Speaking from personal experience, I am still connected, both personally and professionally, with several people who were in my yoga teacher training. Sharing a transformative experience with like-minded people is a recipe for lifelong bonds of friendship.
7. Develop Your Leadership Skills
Leaders are not born but made. In yoga teacher training, you are trained on how to lead by example, practice discipline, inspire others, be a good listener, and be more empathetic. You can develop your skills in resolving conflicts and giving proper feedback for your own future classes and trainees.
8. Find a Mentor
One of the best ways to improve any skill is to find a good mentor. YTT can provide you with the best yoga teachers from all over the world who will impart their wisdom and experience to educate you on what you need to know to master the art of yoga. You will have access to their knowledge, especially if you want advice or to know their secrets in becoming a successful professional in both practice and business.
9. Share What You Love
What better way to find fulfillment than by sharing with the world what you love and value? Pass on the benefits of yoga for physical and mental well-being that you have experienced in your own practice. You can influence others to build their strength and flexibility, find balance, appreciate mindfulness, reduce stress, and show them how to incorporate healthier choices in their daily lives. Isn’t it satisfying to know that you have brought happiness and meaningful purpose to someone?
10. Earn From Your Passion
Making a career and earning from what you love is the greatest life hack you can possibly do! The profession of Yoga Instructor is a fast-growing in-demand career right now as more people are drawn to the positive advantages that only yoga can offer. It is a career and business venture that can give you the chance to have a flexible work option because you can choose your schedule, students, and location for classes. Working with what you love stimulates your creativity. You won’t feel forced because you genuinely care and are excited about what you do. But remember, passion is not enough to become successful. Sure, YTT and becoming a Yoga Teacher can give you work flexibility, but it requires effort and perseverance, which are skills you might learn during yoga teacher training.
11. Change Your Life
Regardless of whether you decide to teach or not, we can still all agree that a 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training is a life-changing experience. YTT is a way to move forward when you feel stuck with your study and practice. It can be the catalyst of productive change and in unlocking different possibilities and skills that you may have never dreamed of. You can travel to beautiful locations and meet new friends. Pursuing yoga as a teacher is a healthy road to take in seeking your full potential and will surely have a long-lasting positive impact on your life.
I’m convinced to join a Yoga Teacher Training. What do I have to do now?
1. Set Your Goals
Reflect and answer:
–Why do you want to become a Yoga Teacher? Having an answer to this question will help you stay motivated as you begin your training. A clear purpose will give you ideas on the steps you need to take in achieving your objectives. But if you don’t, it’s okay. YTT can serve as an exciting ground to explore and discover new things along the way.
–Do you have the right gear and props? One great thing about yoga is it doesn’t require much equipment. Good yoga clothes can reflect on how you can properly execute a pose, a quality mat may assure your balance and comfort, and a couple of sturdy blocks and straps are helpful for safe support and stretch.
–What niche will you be focusing on? There are different types of yoga teachers. You can work with athletes, teach prenatal yoga, work with seniors or people with disabilities. Yoga also has a variety of styles that you need to consider. There are 8 major styles: Vinyasa, Anasura, Ashtanga, Bikram, Hatha, Hot, Iyengar, and Restorative.
–What is the best teacher training that fits you? For years there has been a steady increase in YTT programs being offered in the market. Bear in mind that not all programs are the same. You need to find one that aligns with your heart, your schedule, and is of high quality. For example, if you’re passionate about yoga for all bodies and adaptive yoga, find a program that is passionate about inclusivity and tailoring the ancient practice of yoga to all people. You also have to consider if the program would meet your budget. In-person training is more costly compared to virtual classes due to added expenses like studio memberships and, if you live far away, gas, money, parking, etc..
2. Get Qualified
Reflect and answer:
-How will you find a quality yoga teacher training program? Quality training will cover topics such as alignment, cueing, sequencing, the history of yoga, yoga philosophy, energetic systems, yoga asana, pranayama, and meditation. It must help you enrich your own practice. It’s also a good idea to ask friends or your yoga classmates for their recommendations because they may be able to provide you with honest opinions.
-Should the program you choose be registered with Yoga Alliance? Not necessarily. But if you want to select a yoga teacher training program that you think you can get the most out of with regards to international qualifications, then you should look for a Yoga Alliance certified program. Yoga Alliance is based in the United States and is a leading non-profit organization that represents the yoga community and establishes yoga teaching standards that are followed around the world.
– Which is better: online or in-person? Whether you’re looking at an in-person YTT or online YTT, be sure that you can connect with the people who run the program before signing up. Even with an online YTT, you should be able to talk with your trainers! If you crave a personalized program and one where you want to be in full alignment with the mission and vibe, you should be able to connect with the trainers (preferably a lead trainer) before even signing up!
– What are the top Teacher Training Programs? Soul Strong Yoga offers both in-person and online Yoga Teacher Training. We are a 5-star rated Yoga Alliance registered school that provides 40 yoga classes a week from Beginners Yoga to excellent teacher training programs that you can easily customize! Our leading virtual online 200 hours yoga teacher training is an engaging, self-paced, and convenient program that grants trainees 400+ page yoga teacher manuals, unlimited lead trainer support, a world-renowned anatomy program, live support zoom calls, and a lot more perks. Yes, online yoga teacher training is worth it too! You can check other resources in our blog “ 10 Best Online Yoga Teacher Training Programs”.
3.The Plan After
Reflect and answer:
-How will you start your brand? Finishing your YTT is just the first step in building your business. You need to plan out the important details like the location of your classes, ideal platforms to advertise, whether to rent a studio, setting up a website, how to get traffic, and to reach a wider audience. What makes Soul Strong Yoga’s online 200-hour yoga teacher training unique is that we prepare you for what comes after your training by supplying you with a Yoga Teacher Resume Template and Professional Standards and Business Practices.
–What can you expect in the future? You can take your YTT with the most prestigious schools or most exquisite destinations, but it will always go back to YOU and what are you willing to invest in for your dreams to come true. Like any business, you will make mistakes and overcome many challenges, but you will learn from them and make yourself stronger. Don’t forget to maintain certifications. A great teacher is forever a student. Read as much as you can and continue to learn.