Becoming a yoga teacher is about more than just learning yoga poses—it’s about understanding yourself and helping others. Whether you love yoga for better health, peace of mind, or want to guide others, yoga teacher training can change your life.
But how do you get the most out of this experience?
In this guide on how to train as a yoga teacher, you’ll find simple tips to help you do well in your training. From improving your practice and gaining confidence to finding your teaching style, this guide will support you every step of the way. Let’s begin!
1. Choose a Yoga Teacher Training That Feels Right for You
The first and most important step is to choose a yoga teacher training program that suits your goals and lifestyle.
- Check the Curriculum: Does it cover yoga poses (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), meditation, anatomy and philosophy?
- Know Your Learning Style: Do you prefer face-to-face classes or online yoga teacher training?
- Look for Accreditation: If you want to teach globally, choose a program that’s recognized by Yoga Alliance.
- Read Reviews: Hearing from past students can give you valuable insights into the program.
Pro Tip: Trust your gut. A good yoga instructor certification program will not only match your goals but also make you feel excited and inspired.
2. Build a Strong Foundation with Pre-Training Preparation
Yoga teacher training courses can be intense so prepare your body and mind beforehand.
- Get consistent practice: Get comfortable with basic yoga poses like Downward Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana), Warrior poses, and simple breathing exercises.
- Stretch and Strengthen: Even 5-10 minutes of daily stretching and strengthening can help your body adapt to longer practice sessions.
- Know Your Yoga Language: Familiarize yourself with basic yoga terminology and concepts like “pranayama” (breath control) or “asana” (pose) so you can follow along easier during training.
Pro Tip: Start journaling your yoga experience before the training. Write why you love yoga and what you hope to achieve—it will keep you motivated throughout the program.
3. Learn Not to Be Perfect
One of the biggest mistakes during training is trying to “perfect” every pose. Remember yoga is not about being the most flexible or having the most perfect form. It’s about enjoying your path of becoming a registered yoga teacher.
- Be Patient with Your Progress: Your strength, flexibility, and balance will improve over time.
- Ask Questions: Don’t be afraid to speak up during class—your teachers are there to guide you.
- Receive Feedback: Constructive feedback helps you grow as a student and a teacher.
Pro Tip: Everyone in your training group will have different strengths and challenges. Focus on your unique yoga journey, not comparisons.
4. Stay Organized and Time Efficient
A yoga teacher certification program includes assignments, practice teaching, and group work. Being organized will help you stay on track.
- Use a planner: Note down important deadlines, practice hours, and reading assignments.
- Break Tasks into Smaller Chunks: Instead of waiting till the last minute, break down assignments into smaller tasks.
- Create a Study Routine: Set aside specific times each day or week for self-study and practice.
Pro Tip: If your training is online, set reminders and minimize distractions during live classes or recorded lessons.
5. Take Care of Yourself
Yoga teacher training can be physically demanding, especially if you’re practicing multiple hours a day. Prioritize self care and you’ll stay energized and avoid burnout.
- Hydrate and Nourish: Feed your body with wholesome food and drink plenty of water.
- Rest and Recover: Don’t underestimate the power of rest—your body needs time to recover after long practice sessions.
- Include Restorative Poses: Child’s Pose (Balasana) and Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose (Viparita Karani) are great for calming the mind and relaxing the muscles.
Pro Tip: Meditation will help you stay calm and centered. Even 5 minutes of mindful breathing can make a big difference.
6. Connect with Your Teachers and Peers
Your teachers and fellow trainees can be a great source of support and inspiration.
- Be Approachable: Participate in group discussions and share your thoughts and experiences.
- Practice Together: Practice with peers during practice sessions to build confidence and get feedback.
- Form a Study Group: Having a small study group will make studying more fun and less stressful. Some internationally recognized yoga schools, like Siddhi Yoga, create a community to help you connect with your fellow students, instructors to help you learn better.
Pro Tip: The friendships you make during yoga teacher training will last long after the course ends—they may become your future colleagues or mentors!
7. Develop Observation and Listening Skills
Good yoga teachers don’t just teach—they observe, listen, and adapt to their students’ needs. So, it is crucial for you to do the following if you want to become a yoga instructor:
- Pay Attention to Details: See how your teachers cue poses, adjust students, and handle different situations.
- Take Notes: Write down key teaching points and corrections you receive during your yoga classes—it will help you remember later.
- Practice Observation: During group practice, observe how your peers move and adjust their postures.
Pro Tip: Observation will help you develop empathy and create a safe space for your future students.
8. Start Yoga Teaching Practice Early
One of the most daunting parts of yoga teacher training is teaching your first class. The earlier you start practicing, the more comfortable you’ll become.
- Teach to Friends or Family: Start small by guiding friends or family through short sequences.
- Get Comfortable with Cueing: Practice giving clear and concise instructions.
- Record Yourself: Recording your practice sessions will help you identify areas to improve while you teach yoga.
Pro Tip: Remember every certified yoga teacher started as a beginner. Teaching is a skill that gets better with time and practice!
9. Get into the Spiritual and Philosophical Side of Yoga
Yoga is more than physical postures—it’s a holistic practice that includes philosophy, mindfulness, and meditation.
- Read the Yoga Sutras: These ancient texts will guide you to live a balanced and meaningful life.
- Reflect on the Yamas and Niyamas: These principles will guide how we interact with ourselves and others.
- Apply Philosophy to Daily Life: Think about how you can bring mindfulness, kindness, and non-judgment into your daily actions.
Pro Tip: Keep a journal to reflect on how the spiritual teachings of yoga resonate with you – it will make your teaching more real and sincere.
10. Be Open to Feedback and Growth
Receiving feedback can be scary but it’s part of becoming a great yoga teacher.
- Ask for Honest Feedback: Whether from your teachers or peers, ask for suggestions on how to improve.
- Reflect and Adjust: Take notes on feedback and work on small changes.
- Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge the improvements, no matter how small – they’re signs of growth.
Pro Tip: See feedback as a learning opportunity not criticism. It’s meant to help you succeed, not hold you back.
11. What’s Next After Training
Your journey doesn’t end when you finish your 200-hour YTT – there’s so much more to explore!
- Set Teaching Goals: Do you want to teach online, at a studio or run your own classes?
- Keep Practicing: Your yoga practice is your foundation – keep learning and improving.
- Specialize: Consider advanced certifications in areas like prenatal yoga, hatha yoga, yin yoga or meditation.
Pro Tip: Start building your personal brand as a teacher—this could be as simple as creating an Instagram page or networking with local studios.
The Bottom Line
Enrolling into a yoga certification program is a life-changing experience that will change your life on and off the mat. Follow these tips and you’ll come out of training a confident, knowledgeable, compassionate, and certified yoga instructor.
Aim not to be perfect but to grow, learn and connect. Open your heart and trust the way – you’ll teach many lives!
