Are you thinking if Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) is hard?
The truth is that YTT tests your mind, emotions, and discipline in unexpected ways. The good part is that hard is not impossible. With the right mindset, approach, support, and dedication, this challenge will become your friend.
Is Yoga Teacher Training Hard?
To most people, yoga seems easy. They think it is about stretching in the middle of the mountains in glamorous outfits and eating colorful fruits.
However, it takes years of continuous practice to reach a certain asana or live a yogic life. Yoga teacher training comes with physical, mental, and emotional challenges. The catch is that growth never comes easy in life.
So, is yoga teacher training hard? Let’s find out its challenges, how we can make it manageable, and all other doubts you might have.
The Real Meaning of “Hard” in YTT
Physical Challenges – YTT involves 4-6 hours of long physical practice in a day that tests your stamina and muscles. The difficult poses will start getting better as your body adapts and strengthens slowly with time.
Mental Challenges – You will be memorizing sequences, understanding anatomy, and learning yoga philosophy. Consuming these different new terms and knowledge together can be a challenge.
Emotional & Spiritual Challenges – YTT will bring self-exploration, vulnerability, deep emotions, and self-doubt. But these discomforts will help you grow beautifully.
Is It Hard for Everyone?
Well, this is completely subjective. It depends upon which background you are coming from as it plays a big role in defining how hard it is for anyone. For instance –
Beginners vs. Experienced Learners – If you’re new to yoga, YTT will feel overwhelming with detailed learning of breathwork, alignment, asanas, and philosophy all at once. Whereas, for an experienced learner or a certified yoga instructor, the intensity differs, but turning your personal practice into teaching is still a challenge.
Different Learning Approaches – Some learn efficiently by watching the teacher, others may learn well by implementing on their own, and some find it easy to learn from books. YTT involves all kinds of learning, such as demonstration of asanas, hands-on practice, or theoretical study.
PS – It is best to find out what works for you!
Challenges of YTT
- Developing a New Routine
YTT is not a weekend hobby. You will be waking up early in the morning, attending long hours of yoga classes, and practicing yoga. At first, waking up for sunrise class may feel difficult, but soon, it will become your habit.
PS- Waking up early can be one of the best habits you will develop.
- Speaking & Teaching
The yoga training mainly involves teaching and speaking. Your first yoga teaching gig will make you feel nervous. However, with practice, you will learn to cue and teach confidently.
- Knowledge Overload
In one part of YTT, you will learn about yoga anatomy, Sanskrit terms, yoga sutras, sequencing, and philosophy. In the other part, you will be memorizing information and Sanskrit texts.
PS – You can pace yourself by taking notes and trust that you will slowly learn all of it.
- Time Management
For a lot of people, it is difficult to manage work, family, and rest while catering to the long hours of YTT. During this time, you can manage your time by prioritizing important tasks and setting boundaries.
- Criticism
With new teachings, you will make mistakes and receive a lot of feedback. The best approach is to take criticism as constructive feedback.
How to Make Yoga Teacher Training Manageable?
You can always try to pursue challenges head-on! Let us check out some ways to manage the Yoga teacher training course challenges.
A Supportive Yoga Circle – You can ask for help from your fellow yoga students, mentors, and yoga instructor, as they will guide, manage, and uplift you during hard times.
Structured Learning – You can choose a well-designed program like Siddhi Yoga’s 200 Hour TTC, which breaks down every step by making the tough lessons easy to absorb.
Open Mindset – It is best if you keep an open mindset and approach, as YTT learning will turn easy and life-changing.
(Sweat + Self-Doubt) ÷ Deep Breaths = Progress
Common Myths About Yoga Teacher Training
- You have to be an expert in yoga before joining a YTT.
No. You do not need to do headstands, inversions, or perfect splits. YTT will teach you everything about yoga and train you to be a better teacher.
- Only full-time yoga learners can complete YTT.
Anyone interested in yoga can pursue and complete YTT. The fully online yoga teacher training by Siddhi Yoga makes it possible to study at your own pace and attend online yoga classes.
- You must be super flexible before enrolling in YTT.
No. YTT will help you gain flexibility with time.
- You will have everything figured out by the end.
There is no definite time for growth. Yoga teacher training gives a different perspective, growth, and mindset shift, which will help you figure out a lot of things.
- YTT is only for young or fit people.
Yoga is for every age, every body type, and individuals with any fitness level.
- It is hard to become a yoga teacher.
No. With discipline, passion, and choosing the right training program and school you can become a certified yoga teacher.
- YTT is too serious and no fun.
No. YTT is a balance of learning and fun. With disciplined studies come fun practices as well.
(Tears + Laughter) × Inner Growth = YTT Magic!
Make your YTT Enjoyable
You can make your YTT enjoyable with a mindset shift. Start seeing difficulties as a stepping stone and prepare yourself before starting your yoga instructor training.
- Start building stamina with regular yoga practice. No worries, you can start small.
- Read the basics of anatomy and yoga philosophy to be familiar with the topics.
- You can learn the foundational yoga poses by exploring books and the internet.
Why Does a Good YTT Program Help?
If yoga instructor certification is hard, then the best yoga teacher training program can make a difference. Here is how –
- Good Teachers Have A Huge Impact – Experienced instructors can teach yoga classes, mentor you, encourage you, and help you grow confidently.
- A Clear Syllabus – With an abundance of knowledge, a clear syllabus will help you in moving step by step.
- Support is Everything – Programs like Siddhi Yoga’s 200 Hour TTC will help you with supportive teachers and a community that cares for you.
Conclusion
Yoga teacher certification is not meant to be easy. Well, that is the reason it is challenging and rewarding.
Best Things in Life are Challenging – Progress in yoga comes from pushing your limits because every challenge is an opportunity to evolve.
You Don’t Need to Be Perfect – Perfection is not the goal. Showing up, learning, and growing is the key.
Remember Your Lessons – Lessons from the yoga teacher training program are life-changing. It will build your confidence, patience, and resilience.
So, it is not about how hard it is but how strong and wise you have become!
Stop thinking and take the first step to challenge yourself with yoga teacher training today!
