Yoga teacher training is amazing for personal as well as professional growth. It improves your practice and allows you to share the benefits of yoga with others.
As yoga becomes more popular, more people are becoming certified yoga instructors. Before you begin, you must know why you want to become a yoga teacher. Are you passionate about teaching or do you just want to improve your own practice?
Your reasons will shape your experience and keep you motivated. With a clear purpose, you’ll be ready to make the most of this life-changing experience.
In this blog, we will walk you through how to do yoga teacher training in 9 steps. Let’s get started!
Assess Your Readiness
Before starting a yoga teacher training course, make sure you’re fully prepared. Ask yourself a few questions to assess your readiness:
Commitment
Are you ready to put in the time and effort required for training? Yoga teacher training requires several hours of practice, study, and self-reflection each week. Do you have the time and energy to commit?
Yoga Experience
How consistent is your current yoga practice? You don’t need to be an expert but having a solid background in yoga will make training smoother and more enjoyable.
Passion for Teaching
Do you want to share yoga with others? Teaching yoga is more than just doing the poses – it requires the ability to guide and support students in their own practice.
Once you’ve thought about these points, you can choose the right program.
Research and Choose the Right Program
Choosing the right yoga teacher training program is one of the keys to success. With many programs out there, you need to find the one that suits your goals, lifestyle, and interests. Consider these factors when researching:
Yoga Style
Decide which style (Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Kundalini Yoga etc) you want to focus on. Choose a style that resonates with your current practice or the one you’d like to specialize in as a teacher.
Certification Level
Start with a 200-hour certification, if you’re a beginner. For deeper knowledge or advanced teaching, you can later do a 300-hour program.
Program Format
In-person training gives hands-on practice while online training gives flexibility especially if you have other commitments. Some programs also offer a hybrid format (mix of online and in-person).
Accreditation
Make sure the program is accredited by recognized organizations like Yoga Alliance for credibility and job opportunities. A Registered Yoga Teacher gets recognition all over the world.
Siddhi Yoga is a Yoga Alliance-accredited school that provides internationally recognized certificates, taught by globally recognized instructors, and that too, with a flexible schedule.
Location and Schedule
Consider the program’s location (local, abroad, or online) and whether the schedule fits your lifestyle (weekends, part-time, intensive, etc.).
Cost and Financial Options
Compare costs and check if the program offers scholarships or payment plans.
Research thoroughly to find a program that fits your vision and lifestyle. This step will greatly impact your learning experience and future success as a yoga teacher.
Plan Your Finances
If you want to become a certified yoga teacher, you will require financial planning. Start by calculating the total costs, tuition, travel, accommodation, and materials like books or yoga props.
Create a Budget
Outline all the expenses and set a realistic budget that covers the training and any additional costs like meals or transportation.
Explore Payment Options
Check if the program offers scholarships, discounts for early registration, or payment plans that allow you to pay in installments.
Consider Financing Options
Look into personal loans or financing, if needed.
Plan for Unexpected Expenses
Set aside some extra funds for unexpected costs like additional workshops or certifications.
By planning your finances in detail, you can enjoy your training without financial stress during the training. With Siddhi Yoga, you can expect cost-effective training with our affordable courses. It will remove the financial strain associated with in-person courses.
Prepare Physically
Preparing your body for yoga teacher training is a crucial part of the process. A daily yoga practice or physical warm-ups will help you build the physical foundation needed to thrive during the training. Focus on building strength, flexibility, and balance as these are the core elements of most yoga styles.
Strength
Incorporate poses that build strength like plank, warrior poses, and chaturanga. These will prepare your body for longer practices and challenging sequences.
Flexibility
Practice poses like forward folds, lunges, and hip openers to increase flexibility and avoid injury during training.
Balance
Work on balance with poses like tree pose, warrior, and dancer’s pose. Good balance will improve your overall practice. Also, make pranayama (breathwork) a part of your daily routine.
Controlled breathing will help you manage energy during challenging poses and build a deeper mind-body connection. Start a daily pranayama practice now and you’ll be physically and mentally stronger during training.
By building physical and breath control, you’ll enter and sail through the yoga teacher training strong, prepared, and centered.
Mental and Emotional Preparation
Yoga teacher training is not only physically demanding but also requires strong mental and emotional preparation. One of the best ways to cultivate this is by starting a regular deep breathing or meditation practice.
Focus
Practicing meditation will improve your ability to concentrate which is essential to absorb all the information during training.
Stress Relief
Deep breathing and meditation will help you manage stress so you can stay calm during challenging moments in your training.
Acknowledge Doubts
Common concerns are feeling unprepared, getting nervous about teaching, or questioning your skills. Reflect on these fears and understand they are normal.
Build Confidence
Remind yourself that yoga teacher training is a learning process and you don’t need to be perfect from the start.
By tackling your emotional barriers, you can do training with clarity and confidence ready for the mental challenges ahead.
Study in Advance
One way to get ahead is by studying in advance. Start reading essential materials and yoga philosophy texts like Yoga Sutras, Bhagavad Gita, or books on anatomy and alignment. This will give you a strong foundation and make learning during training much easier.
At Siddhi Yoga, we provide a study manual to trainees at the time of admission. Reading the same will give you an edge in the class when the actual topic is taught.
Yoga Philosophy
Read through the core principles of yoga philosophy including the eight limbs of yoga and ethical practices (Yamas and Niyamas).
Anatomy and Alignment
Study basic anatomy related to yoga poses, to understand how the body moves and how to avoid injury.
Create a Study Schedule
To stay organized, create a study plan. Break down the reading material and assignments into manageable sections. Set aside time each day for focused study.
Practice Teaching
Start practicing yoga with simple sequences, with friends or family, to get comfortable with teaching.
By studying early and following a plan, you’ll do teacher training well and be ready to absorb new information efficiently.
Stay Strong During Training
Yoga teacher training can be physically and mentally demanding, so make sure to take care of yourself throughout the process. A balanced routine with yoga practice, proper meals, rest, and self-care is key to staying strong and focused.
Balance of Yoga and Rest
While your yoga practice will intensify during training, make sure you also schedule time for rest and recovery to avoid burnout or injury.
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially after long practice sessions to stay hydrated and energized.
Eat Nutritious Meals
Focus on energy-rich whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. These will fuel your body and keep your energy levels stable during intense training days.
Prioritize Sleep
Maintain a good sleep schedule, aiming for at least 7-8 hours per night. Sleep is crucial for mental clarity and physical recovery.
By following a healthy routine with balanced meals, hydration, rest, and self-care, you’ll be able to give your best during training and enjoy the experience.
Get Involved with the Community
Connecting with others during yoga teacher training is crucial for personal and professional growth. Engaging with your fellow trainees not only creates a supportive learning environment but also enhances your overall experience. Sharing insights, challenges, and achievements with others helps build a sense of community.
Create a Support System
Bond with your peers by participating in group activities, discussions, and practice sessions. Having a support system will help you stay motivated and feel encouraged during tough moments.
Collaborate and Learn
Share tips and knowledge with fellow trainees, which will increase your understanding of yoga practices and philosophies.
Mentorship
Seeking mentorship is another way to get involved with the community. Reach out to instructors or experienced teachers for guidance. Their insights, feedback, and advice will help you refine your teaching style and improve your skills.
Ask Questions
Don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek advice from those more experienced.
By getting involved with your yoga community, you’ll find support, inspiration, and lasting connections that will make your training more enjoyable.
At Siddhi Yoga, we have a huge online student community to share learning and teaching experiences and encourage. You can also get personalized help and guidance throughout your training for confidence and growth.
Post Training Transition
After completing your yoga teacher training, it’s time to focus on transitioning into teaching. Start by creating a plan for how and where you’d like to teach.
Teaching Options
Look for studios or gyms in your area that are hiring instructors. If you want flexibility, look into teaching online yoga classes via Zoom or YouTube. You can also start your own classes.
Online Presence
Marketing yourself is key to attracting students. Create a professional website that showcases your yoga services, class schedule, and philosophy. Use social media like Instagram or Facebook to connect with potential students, share content, and grow your following.
Continuing Education
Stay inspired and improve your teaching skills by attending workshops, yoga retreats, or pursuing advanced certifications (e.g., 300-hour, 500-hour yoga teacher training programs).
By planning your teaching path, building your online presence, and continuing your education you’ll be set for a successful yoga career after training.
The Bottom Line
In summary, yoga teacher training is a transformation to improve your practice and share your passion with others. From checking if you’re ready and picking the right program to staying healthy and joining the community, each step helps you improve. This growth benefits both your personal life and your career.
As you transition into teaching, having a plan, building your online presence, and continuing your education will help.
Yoga is a lifelong journey of learning and self-discovery, and becoming a teacher opens the door to many opportunities to inspire and support others on their path.
