What is Yoga Teacher Training Like?

Before registering for a Yoga Alliance teacher training, you might think what it is like, right? 

Is it about learning fancy yoga poses? Will you be chanting for hours? Is it going to be physically intense? Yoga teacher training is a mixture of so many things. It can be exciting, eye-opening, challenging, and overwhelming. 

What is Yoga Teacher Training Like?

YTT is more than the Instagram special retreat setup and peaceful meditation moments. It is an intense and fulfilling process that takes you beyond your comfort zone. The training will reshape your thoughts, perspectives, yoga-related understanding, and the world inside you.

A Day in Yoga Teacher Training

Every teacher training is different, be it a Hatha yoga or an Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Training. However, the basic structure is similar. Whether it is a month-long intensive program or a flexible weekend-based one, this is what a day in YTT looks like – 

• Early Morning Practices – Your day will begin early morning with a slow-flow yoga session. It can be a strong class followed by a peaceful meditation and pranayama session. 
• Classes & Discussions – There is a deep dive into the yoga philosophy, teaching techniques, and anatomy, where you will learn that yoga is more than movement. 
• Teaching Practice – YTT is incomplete without teaching. You will teach yoga classes, like guiding a partner with a pose, or doing your teacher’s job for some time. 
• Sattvic Food – The experience of Sattvic food is real. It involves consuming fresh, organic, and nourishing food. The wholesome meals improve energy, focus, and inner balance for a better practice session. 
• Afternoon Yoga Classes – The mid days are for technical learning like hands-on adjustments, cues, sequencing, chakras, and the business side of yoga. 
• Evening Sessions – It depends on your training, if the evenings are for kirtan, bhajan chanting, restorative yoga, meditation, or reflection time. 

No matter what, it is for sure a satisfying day! 

Challenging Moments in YTT

Every satisfying journey comes with challenges. These are some challenges that are faced in YTT – 

Physical Demand – Practicing yoga every day with different poses sores the muscles. Even if you are active already, you will experience those sweet cramps. 

Mental Overwhelm – The course includes learning Sanskrit terms, anatomy alignment, and so much more, which can be mentally overwhelming. 

Emotional Imbalance – Yes, this is surprising! But yoga brings pent-up emotions, even the ones you did not expect to face. Remember, it is normal. 

Bye-Bye Comfort Zone – Speaking in front of students, giving them adjustments, and offering feedback in front of your mentors can be awkward in the beginning. You will need to leave your comfort zone to grow! 

Rewarding Moments in YTT 

Rewards are sweet fruits after the challenges. Here are the fruits you bear in YTT – 

A Whole New Practice – You will gain a completely new yoga understanding, physically and mentally. This will help you grow and it is a rewarding feeling. 

New-found Confidence – Teaching yoga or practicing with more awareness will be a fulfilling experience. The confidence is unstoppable, then! 

Good Connections – It is possible to make good friends during your training program as practicing together helps in jelling up at some point. 

Personal Growth – There is no bigger asset than individual growth in life. You see things from a wider lens, a changed mindset, and a better way of managing yourself. 

Crying During YTT 

YTT is a physical plus emotional journey. A lot of people cry between the asanas and in meditation. Here are the reasons – 

Release of Stored Emotions – Most of us have pent-up stress, trauma, and emotions inside the body. The yoga practice makes it easier to bring them to the surface. 

Let Go – YTT helps to let go of past pains and hurts. You will release a lot of what no longer serves you. 

Safe Space – A YTT experience brings out the best in you. You are vulnerable like never before. Let yourself be, heal, and grow through the past. 

Learnings from Yoga Teacher Training Experience

1. Learning Never Ends – 

• Completing a 200-hour yoga teacher training does not mean you know everything. The yoga world is a lifelong journey of continuous learning. 
• Every class, student, and moment will give you new experiences. Staying open, curious, and willing to grow is the key. 

2. Less is More – Having all the answers is not possible. Neither is it possible to master every yoga pose because it is not about showing off. Yoga is about creating space to learn and self-explore by letting go of the need to prove your personal practice. 
3. Teaching from Personal Experience – 

• One of the most impactful teaching methods is the one that comes from your personal experiences. 
• Your teaching skills matter more than repeating what’s written in books or taught by your teachers.

4. Moving with the Flow – There is no such class that is fully planned or goes exactly as planned. This is a part of the process – you need to have patience, and trust that these experiences are a learning. 
5. Leave Perfectionism – Wanting everything to be perfect is unrealistic. You will experience that there is no perfect class or yoga instructor. Let mistakes happen, make your presence count with originality, and hold space for yourself and others. 
6. Off-Mat Teaching – The best part is teaching away from your mat. Demonstrating poses or alignment is important, but observing your students is super essential. Guiding your students and being present for them is equally valuable. 
7. It’s Them, Not You – Yoga students are eager to grow and thrive when given the right support. You must understand their needs and guide them effectively on their yoga journey. Make it about them, not you!
8. Being Yourself is the Key – 

• Being a great teacher is being yourself. Wear what is comforting for you, eat what nourishes your body, and teach authentically. 
• Students connect with the real version of you, not the ideal version made up in your head. 

9. Move with an Open Mind & Heart –

• Always choose to move with an open heart and mind, as it will help you look at newer perspectives. 
• Yoga teacher training programs will help you unlearn, challenge limiting beliefs, and create a space for real connection and growth. 

Conclusion 

A yoga teacher training course experience is new, overwhelming, and fulfilling. Every moment, ranging from challenging physical practices to unpredictable long discussions, lectures, and slow reflections, is a part of your journey. 

The end of training will mark the beginning of your new journey. A new relationship with yourself, yoga, and the people around you. You will be a better-skilled individual with your own yoga practice experience. 

Well, now you know what yoga training is like, right?