We often get questions about yoga teacher trainings, where to find a good one, what is the best way to become a teacher, how to choose the right program, which style of yoga to go for.
Choosing a Yoga Teacher Training can be an important decision and nowadays there are many options available: intensive courses, weekend programs, online trainings, and in-person courses. Endless choices, but it helps to first understand what you can realistically expect from a yoga teacher training and what to consider before choosing one. Ultimately it is your choice and you want to trust your instinct and gut feelings, but some critical pre-research can be useful.
1. A yoga teacher training is a transformational experience
A yoga teacher training course is often much more than learning how to teach yoga poses.
For many students, it becomes a deep personal and transformational journey. During the training you may discover new aspects of your practice, develop greater self-awareness, and build a stronger connection with yoga as a lifestyle.
Many people begin a training simply wanting to deepen their knowledge of yoga, and finish the program with a much broader understanding of the practice and of themselves. Keep in mind that yoga is ultimately about getting to know yourself better and transforming some of the old patterns which are no longer beneficial.
2. A course does not automatically make you a teacher
It is important to understand that completing a 200-hour yoga teacher training does not instantly make someone a yoga teacher.
A training program gives you important tools, such as:
• Understanding yoga practice and sequencing
• Basic yoga anatomy and philosophy
• Teaching methodology
• Opportunities to guide other students and practice teaching
However, confidence in teaching develops with time and experience.
Many teachers need months and sometimes years of personal practice and teaching before they feel fully comfortable guiding regular yoga classes. And it might not be easy to make your livelihood as a yoga teacher fresh from completing a training, as you might need a few years to build up trust and confidence.
3. A personal practice is essential
A yoga teacher training is not designed to teach you yoga from the very beginning.
Before joining a training it is recommended that you already have a regular yoga practice. Invest some time first into establishing your own practice, this helps you understand the teachings through your own body and experience.
Yoga is something that is primarily learned through practice, not only through study. And practice takes time and patience. 99% practice, 1% theory.
4. Commitment to practice
During a training it is necessary to maintain a steady and committed yoga practice.
This often involves small lifestyle adjustments such as:
• Setting aside time for daily practice
• Studying between training sessions, alone or within a group
• Managing your own wellbeing and energy levels (sleep, food, social activities, etc)
Yoga develops through consistency, patience, and dedication. Keep into consideration the extra time you will dedicate to your practice and study next to the official training days.
5. Start with one style of Yoga
There are many yoga styles today, such as Vinyasa Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Yin Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga. And so many more!
When starting a teacher training, it is often best to focus deeply on one style first. This allows you to build a clear and strong foundation, to get to know that one practice really well.
Later on you can always explore other yoga traditions and broaden your experience following other training courses.
6. Choose teachers with real teaching experience
One of the most important aspects of a yoga teacher training program is the teachers themselves.
Look for teachers who:
• Have many years of teaching experience
• Have taught regular classes in yoga studios
• Have experience mentoring and guiding students
Real teaching experience provides insight that goes far beyond theoretical knowledge. And according to the yoga tradition – the teachings are passed on from teacher to student! Get to know your teachers before enrolling into their course.
7. 200-Hour vs 500-Hour Yoga Teacher Training
Most basic programs are 200-hour yoga teacher trainings, which is the international standard established by the Yoga Alliance in the US and provides a sufficient foundation to start teaching.
A 500-hour yoga teacher training usually offers a deeper and more comprehensive study. These programs are often taken after completing a 200-hour training and certain schools might offer a 300-hour advanced training which can be taken as a follow up program after the basic 200-hours.
Generally starting with a 200-hour training is a good way to go, you will then know if you need more education and – if so – in which direction. While a certification is technically not required in Europe to teach yoga classes, Yoga Alliance registered programs are generally the safest choice, as you can rely on approved standards which are the same around the world. And in the US and Canada, you actually need the Yoga Alliance certification to be able to teach (for insurance purposes). Please note that higher standards apply in the UK.
8. Intensive Training vs Long-Term Program
Another important choice is the training format. The 2 most common options you will find around the world are:
Intensive yoga teacher training (usually 3-4 weeks):
• Very immersive learning experience
• Faster progression
• Strong group connection
Weekend training over several months (either in person or online):
• Slower integration of knowledge
• More time to practice between modules
• Easier to combine with work or family life
Both formats can provide a valuable education program, but they certainly offer a very different experience. Also bear in mind that intensive training are generally offered in retreat format (on sunny locations!) which will add up to the training fees.
9. Do you want to deepen your practice or teach?
Before starting a training it can be helpful to ask yourself:
• Do I want to just deepen my personal yoga practice?
• Do I want to become a professional yoga teacher?
Many students begin a training simply to learn more about yoga, and only later discover the call to teach. Others already have the goal of teaching from the beginning.
Both intentions are valid and welcomed in a teacher training environment. You will find that certain programs are better shaped for the deepening of personal practice (like month long immersions in retreat settings) while others are more focussed on the teaching curriculum and might have higher standards to accept you in the program.
Yoga Teacher Training at Yoga Circle
At Yoga Circle we believe a teacher training should provide a strong foundation, practical experience, and space for personal growth. Quality of teachings is essential, and so is the experience of the teachers in guiding groups.
We have great teachers at Yoga Circle, some with decades of experience in teaching yoga and also trainings. And with the new location we will also have the space to start offering trainings. So if you were waiting for our offerings, we are happy to announce the starting of our first 200-hour Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training in October. More information about our Teacher Training program will be shared soon.
And if you are in doubt – ask your yoga teacher for advice. They know the programs around and they certainly know you!
