Over the last 18 months, Google reported a surge in online searches for yoga teacher training. Clearly, many people are considering a change in career path and an opportunity to pursue a passion for yoga.
Whether the pandemic has got you reevaluating your career, or you have long been thinking about becoming a yoga teacher, before committing to a yoga teacher training course, keep the following in mind.
- It’s not a holiday
Despite the beautiful images of yoga teacher training courses held in beautiful locations like Thailand and Nepal, a training course is not an opportunity for a holiday.
Training courses held abroad are often intensive programs, held over a few weeks with up to 10 hours of training a day.
So, if you’re looking to relax in the sun and enjoy a bit of yoga on the side this may not be the option for you.
Instead, you may be interested in a yoga retreat, allowing you to fully enjoy the benefits of staying abroad while still keeping up your yoga practice.
- It takes a lot of work!
You may think that yoga is all about relaxation, gentle stretches and breathwork, however, training to become a yoga teacher takes a lot of hard work!
A typical training course covers all aspects of yoga, from yoga history and philosophy to human anatomy and physiology, in addition to plenty of daily physical practice.
Be prepared for hours of study, accompanied by lengthy yoga sessions and teaching practice.
- Who you study with matters
You’re going to be spending a lot of time with the teacher trainer, so it’s important to make sure you get along.
Check your compatibility by taking classes led by the training provider and gain an insight into their teaching style.
It’s also worth taking a look at the trainer’s experience, qualifications and accreditation.
If you’re looking to train in a particular style of yoga, like Hot Yoga, for example, the trainer should have qualifications specific to this style.
A course that is accredited with Yoga Alliance Professionals, the UK’s leading professional body for yoga teacher training, has been reviewed and meets the highest standards for yoga training, ensuring your qualification is recognised for its quality.
- You may not be accepted onto the course
Before taking on a yoga teacher training course, you should have a solid amount of practice experience under your belt.
Committing to a regular yoga practice before undertaking a course ensures your practice is up to speed and lays down the foundations to begin training.
Yoga Alliance Professionals recommends all training courses require the trainee to have at least 2 years of yoga experience before enrolling on the course to ensure a high level of teaching.
You may also be asked to attend an interview or practice assessment, so it is worth looking into the entry requirements before applying.
- No two courses are the same
While yoga teacher training courses may cover similar topics, the delivery, content and structure can vary greatly.
It’s wise to look into the different aspects of the course, such as introductory sessions, teaching opportunities, mentoring, guest teachers, and the follow-up support available.
These additional benefits go a long way in advancing your skills and confidence to teach yoga.
Reflect on which aspects of training are most important to you and what you most want from a course.
- It will change your life!
Yoga teacher training is a gruelling, educational, emotional experience that requires your all. It forces you to look inwards, reassess existing beliefs and undergo personal growth.
The course is an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, to be vulnerable and identify your sense of purpose.