Yoga teacher training (YTT) is a life-changing journey that develops and improves your yoga practice. It also gives you the skills to teach yoga to others. Some YTT programs are structured as intense short-term courses. However, some programs are spread over the year to maximize learning yoga and make it more effective.
Thinking, can you do yoga teacher training over one year period? The answer is yes! Many programs now offer extended formats that allow you to complete your training gradually. This format is for those who want to gain deeper knowledge of yoga without sacrificing other responsibilities.
In this post, we share the benefits and expectations of a one-year yoga teacher training, how it works, who this training is for, and the pros and cons of completing the program in one year.
How Does One-Year Yoga Teacher Training Work?
One-year yoga teacher training programs are designed to fit into your life without overwhelming you. Such yoga training usually works in the following ways:
Spread Structure of The Curriculum
200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training
The 200-hour YTT curriculum covers foundational yoga topics such as basic yoga anatomy, philosophy in texts like Yoga Sutras, yoga teaching methods, different yoga styles, and practical training in asanas and pranayama.
It helps you build a solid foundation for yoga while balancing other life commitments.
300 Hour Yoga Teacher Training
The advanced yoga course focuses on specialized topics like advanced anatomy, yoga therapy, sequencing, adjustments, and meditation techniques in a year.
The curriculum aims to broaden your knowledge, allowing for gradual mastery of complex teaching techniques, and providing a more in-depth understanding of yoga.
Weekend or Monthly Workshops
Most programs schedule in-person or live sessions over weekends or specific weekends each month. This allows participants to dedicate focused time to their training without having to take extended time off work or other daily life commitments.
Online Learning
Many YTT programs include virtual components- lectures, readings, and yoga classes. This adds an extra layer of flexibility so you can study from home at your own pace.
Homework and Personal Yoga Practice
In addition to the scheduled workshops, participants are often given homework assignments to reinforce what they’ve learned. This may include reading, journaling, or practicing specific yoga poses and sequences.
Steady Progression
By spreading the curriculum over a year, students can learn difficult topics like anatomy, philosophy, and teaching methodologies without feeling rushed. This steady progression also builds a consistent practice.
Benefits of a One-Year Yoga Teacher Training
Are you confused whether to choose a yoga teacher training spread over a year, or an intensive short-term course? Read the benefits of a year-long yoga teacher training program and make a wiser decision.
More Time for Integration of The Learning
One of the greatest benefits of extended YTT is the ability to absorb and apply what you’re learning. Rather than cramming all the information into a few weeks, you have time to reflect on new concepts, practice them, and ask questions along the way.
This method of learning works best for subjects like yoga. Because yoga education involves lifestyle modification which can be mastered over one year.
Flexibility for Busy Schedules
Whether you’re working full time, have family responsibilities, or have other commitments, a one-year certified yoga instructor program gives you the flexibility to learn at a manageable pace. Classes are often scheduled on weekends or in the evenings to fit around various schedules.
Gradual Growth
With more time to practice, you can refine your skills and develop your personal yoga practice alongside your teaching skills. This allows for a more natural progression into becoming a confident and knowledgeable yoga instructor.
When your course is spread over 12 months, you understand the importance of regular practice and build one for yourself gradually.
Can You Do Yoga Teacher Training Over One Year- Yes, If You Are…
One year of yoga instructor training is for those passionate about yoga but need flexibility due to their hectic and fast-paced lifestyle. Here’s a list of who might benefit from this extended format:
- Working Professionals with Full-Time Jobs
- Parents or Caregivers who Cannot Physically Leave Their Places Often
- Beginners of the Yoga Practice
Pros and Cons of Completing YTT Over One Year
Like any program, there are pros and cons to completing your yoga instructor course over one year. Let’s take a look:
Pros
- Spreading out your learning over a year allows you to retain more information and apply it practically. It gives you more time to absorb information.
- A good yoga teacher is the master of his personal practice. Building your personal habit of practicing yoga regularly becomes easy in one year. You can also master one of the appropriate teaching styles.
- Intensive programs can be mentally and physically exhausting. A year-long program gives you space to rest and recover between sessions.
- You won’t have to disrupt your job or personal life to complete your training as the schedule is built to be more manageable.
Siddhi Yoga’s self-paced online YTT programs give you all the above benefits. You can learn effectively without disrupting your personal life and existing routine, with space to rest between sessions, allowing you to retain more information and practice yoga regularly.
Cons
- It’s a long-term course requiring commitment. While you can balance the training with your life, the program requires a year-long commitment which might feel daunting to some.
- If you want to start teaching yoga right away, a year-long program means you’ll have to wait longer before you’re fully certified. It might mean delayed career opportunities for some.
- If you lack patience, you might feel less motivated to wait for the final exams and complete the course.
Finding the Right One-Year YTT Program
Choosing the right training program is crucial especially when committing to a year-long course. Here are some tips to find the best program for you:
- Prefer an accredited program. Ensure that the yoga studio provides Yoga Alliance certification. This guarantees quality training and makes you eligible to be registered as a Registered Yoga Teacher.
- Decide whether you prefer in-person or a mix of online and offline learning. Many programs now offer hybrid options for more flexibility.
Online yoga teacher training courses, like Siddhi Yoga’s, are becoming more famous. You can learn and master yoga at your convenient timings, fitting seamlessly in your busy schedule.
- Research about the school and its instructors. Read reviews, ask for testimonials, and check the qualifications of those teaching the course. Prefer reputed schools and instructors.
How to Stay Motivated Throughout a One-Year YTT Program
Here we address the biggest challenge of a one-year yoga teacher training course. In a super quick digital era, commitment to such training requires consistent efforts and discipline.
While the flexibility of this format is a big advantage, it also means you’ll need to find ways to stay motivated and engaged over a longer period. Here are a few tips to help you stay on track:
- Before you start your training, set both short-term and long-term goals. Whether it’s mastering certain poses, improving your understanding of yoga philosophy, or building confidence as a yoga instructor, having these milestones will keep you focused.
- Consistency is key when it comes to learning over a year. Designate specific days and times for your practice, studying, and homework assignments.
- You can build your personal yoga practice routine. Habit building is easily possible with this type of program.
- Many yoga teacher certification programs have a community of like-minded people who can support you along the way.
Join group discussions, attend optional workshops and online classes, or connect with other trainees outside class. This sense of community will keep you accountable and motivated.
Siddhi Yoga has a vibrant online community of fellow learners and experienced instructors to keep you motivated throughout the year.
- Don’t forget to reach out to your teachers when you need guidance or motivation. Regular communication with your teacher can help clarify difficult topics and keep you engaged in the learning process.
- Take time to acknowledge your progress along the way. Whether it’s mastering a difficult pose or understanding yoga philosophy better, celebrating small wins will boost your confidence and motivation to continue.
The Bottom Line
A one-year yoga teacher training program is perfect for those who seek personal growth along with flexibility in their learning schedule.
Whether you’re a working professional, a parent, or a beginner, this format enables you to pursue your passion for yoga without feeling overwhelmed. With the right yoga certification program, you can become a certified yoga teacher while still having balance in your life.
If you are thinking, can you do yoga teacher training over one year period, read this blog. Think of the pros and cons, take time to research different programs, and find the one that suits your goals, schedule, and lifestyle.
