Choosing a yoga teacher training program can be overwhelming, you’re probably wondering: What will it be like? How long will it take? And more importantly, how much is this going to cost me?
In this article, we will outline all the different factors to consider before making a decision.
How many hours of training do you need to teach?
If you’re considering becoming a yoga teacher, it’s important to know that there are several different levels of certification:
- Beginner: RYT 200
- Intermediate: RYT 500 (additional 300 hours after initial training)
- Advanced: RYT 700 (additional 200 hours after intermediate training)
The industry-standard introductory certification is the RYT 200 (Registered Yoga Teacher 200 hours). To attain this level of training, you must complete at least 200 hours of instruction with a Yoga Alliance approved teacher training program.
While 200 is the minimum amount of hours required to be certified as a yoga instructor, many schools offer more comprehensive programs that include or provide additional training in anatomy and physiology so you can better understand how your body works during practice – and how best to modify poses for students with injuries or medical conditions.
Some schools also offer specialty courses such as prenatal yoga or kids’ classes so that they can accommodate all kinds of bodies at their studios once they graduate.
What kind of yoga do you want to teach?
Before you choose a training program, it’s important to have a general sense of what kind of yoga you want to teach. Do you want to stick to Ashtanga or focus on Restorative? Or maybe work with Hatha? You may be drawn to one style over another because of its practice or philosophy.
Most yoga schools offer a general overview of the practice in 200 hours – though make sure that your prospective program has teachers who are trained in the particular style of your interest to make the most out of your program.
In addition, consider what else is offered at the school. If there are only two classes per week and no teacher training coursework associated with them (such as anatomy), and you are looking to work with individuals with sports injuries, then perhaps that program is not right for you after all.
What’s your budget?
If you’re looking to take a yoga teacher training program, the cost of your program can range from $300 to $5000. The length and location of your program will determine how much it costs. For example, if you want to go on an in-person retreat for a month in Bali, expect to pay more than if you were doing an online course from your house that lasts for four months.
What are the pros and cons of whether it’s located near home or far away?
There are pros and cons to both options. If you’re considering a yoga teacher training program that’s located near home, it can be nice to save money on travel costs – but you will miss out on a fully immersive experience.
However, if you want to learn in a new place with people from all around the world, a destination training will be your jam. When picking a destination, consider the culture – do you prefer a tropical hotspot where you can hit up the beach after class, or a spiritual hub to deepen your inner work?
As long as you do your research beforehand and choose carefully, either option can yield great results!
Consider your personal goals as a yoga teacher.
As a prospective student, consider what your personal goals are as a yoga teacher. Do you want to teach in a studio, corporate wellness, or do you want to teach yoga 1:1? Are there certain niche populations of students that interest you more than others – children or the elderly?
Depending on the answers to these questions (and others), it may be best for you to inquire how your prospective program is able to cater to your questions in those areas of interest.
What is the culture of the training program?
The culture of the training program is an important factor to consider. The instructors, fellow students and location can all influence your experience.
Listen to your gut. Ask yourself when you check out their materials and/or speak to the teachers on informational calls:
- Does it feel like a place where you’d be comfortable?
- What vibe do you get from the online/social media content – does it feel warm and welcoming?
- How does this community differ from other communities where you’ve been active in yoga practice before?
- Is there anything that would make this new community stand out positively for its unique atmosphere or energy?
What is the quality of the teachers and guest instructors?
When you are looking for a yoga teacher training program, it’s important to consider the quality of the teachers and guest instructors.
The best programs will have experienced, knowledgeable and passionate teachers who invite curiosity and love questions – and different perspectives, and can explain concepts clearly without hesitation. They should be able to demonstrate poses and adjustments with ease, as well as give feedback on your practice.
If possible, talk with other students at the school or studio where you might take classes before signing up for their training program. Ask them what they like best about their experience there; if they’ve taken any classes from certain teachers in particular (or even just one), ask why they chose them over others–what makes those individuals stand out above all others?
What are the alumni networks like?
When it comes to finding a good yoga teacher training program, alumni networks can be a resource you take on for the rest of your teaching journey. The friendships you make with the other students in your cohort and the teachers at your school can make or break your passion for your practice. As such, it’s worth doing some research into what kinds of students graduated from your program of choice.
There are a lot of things to consider when choosing a yoga teacher training program, these tips can hopefully guide you in making the best choice for your needs.
Now that you’ve got a better understanding of how to choose a yoga teacher training program, all that’s left is applying to your dream school and begin the path to new beginnings — we wish you all the best on this journey!
