What To Expect From Yoga Teacher Training

Yoga is such a healthy and life-changing workout that’s becoming more and more popular these days. Due to this, a lot of people are also considering becoming yoga teachers. It’s an amazing opportunity to indulge in the culture of yoga and absorb every bit of its elements. It’s definitely a fulfilling profession!

However, this sort of experience can also be quite overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure of what to expect from it. Fortunately, we can help you with that. Read on so you can find out the things to expect from your yoga teacher training.

What do you do in yoga teacher training (YTT)?

If you want to become a yoga teacher, you must undergo a yoga teacher training program (YTT). The purpose of this is to equip you with the right amount of knowledge and experience when it comes to the practice of yoga. Taking a teacher training course will develop you in all aspects of yoga: philosophy, anatomy, physiology, and all of its different styles and variations. It’s a very thorough and challenging experience that will reward you with a certification that says you are a registered yoga instructor.

There are different types of training programs that you can enroll in. Some yoga studios offer 200-hour teacher training programs, while some offer 500 hours of completion. It totally depends on your capability and availability because this type of training is more of a “work at your own pace” type. This is good especially for those who are juggling other commitments such as work or school.

The teacher training programs also give you the option to choose which yoga style is most suitable for you. Yoga is a very personal practice and it is important to find the type of exercise that makes you feel like is best for your body and soul.

Now that you know what yoga teacher training is, let’s get to the main topic of this article.

8 things to expect from yoga teacher training

A yoga class may be a bit intimidating; because you are learning something new along with other students that are strangers to you. It’s completely understandable to feel a little bit nervous at the beginning.

But don’t worry, because if you start familiarizing yourself with what to expect, those nervous tickles would probably lessen. Phew!

It’s an intense training program

Yes, we all know yoga is a relaxing and meditative type of workout. It’s a bit different compared to other types of exercise that involve energetic movements that make our hearts race out of our chests. However, yoga teacher training classes can be intense and challenging. There are a lot of things to learn about yoga, like its history and its many types and variations. You need to set your expectations that this training will require your focus, hard work, and dedication. You need to listen and observe well because the time will come when you will be the one teaching a crowd of students before you.

It’s really overwhelming

As mentioned above, there are a lot of things to learn in yoga. Studying the countless poses and their consequent Sanskrit names are only a part of a much bigger picture. You might find yourself studying the way you did back in school. Sometimes, it may be possible that you would want to step out to get some air. Do not be disheartened, though! All of these are going to be worth it in the end. Just like they say—you will be reaping what you sow.

Meeting like-minded individuals

One of the most amazing things about being a part of the teacher training course is meeting people who have the same mindset as you. You may be coming from different places or having different lifestyles but the bottom line is you all share the same passion for learning yoga. This will be the very foundation of your newfound friendships that would probably (and hopefully) exist even outside the confines of the yoga studio.

Improving your communication skills

You can enhance the way you communicate as you master the art of yoga. When it comes to doing the poses, it’s much easier to instruct someone how to do it if you communicate using direct speech or straightforward words. It’s about being learning how to speak clearly and precisely because it can be difficult to learn yoga if the instructor is hard to understand. Also, the training course develops our manner of speaking more kindly and compassionately towards others. Yoga is a peaceful and personal practice that needs to be taught in a gentle, patient manner.

Change of priorities

When you let yoga into your life, it can take over most parts of it! There is a huge possibility that your free time will be used for things yoga-related. Don’t feel scared—this is bound to happen. Yoga practice is not limited within a studio, it can happen even outside of it and it affects your everyday life. It improves your lifestyle such as the food you eat, how much sleep you are getting, and the frequency of your exercise. There will be scenarios when the other things that you used to do will be set aside to give space to yoga practice. Eventually, you will adapt to it and it will be something you can’t live without! The best thing you can do is to learn how to manage your time.

Your body will be tested but strengthened

Under the teacher training course, expect that your body will be pushed to the limit. You will be consistently doing a lot of yoga poses. It’s going to be exhausting for sure, but you will be enjoying every minute of it! Yoga requires precise movements that can sometimes be difficult to do but once you’re able to do it, it’s very fulfilling and good for the body. Make sure that your physique is healthy and strong enough to handle constant yoga movements to avoid overfatigue. It’s also a good idea to try some breathing techniques since they play a major role in practicing yoga and it will help you execute the poses better.

You’ll be braver

Another great thing about yoga teacher training is that you will get to look fear in the eye. Every week you will witness yourself and other aspiring yoga teachers break away from fear. You will learn to do things you have never done before or are too afraid to do. Some might be afraid of speaking in public, others are afraid to do the more difficult yoga poses such as the headstands, and many more. Learning yoga is also knowing how to become more at peace with yourself and having the courage to do things outside of your comfort zone.

You’ll feel empowered

Going through the teacher training course will make you feel empowered and hopeful. Once you overcome the challenges brought about by yoga training, you will realize that you can do almost anything. Whatever problems or issues you had in the past, you will figure out how to deal with them better. You came out with a new, fresh perspective that will make you see life differently.

Now, are you ready to take the challenge?

Yoga is a type of workout that will give you a wonderful experience like no other. It will help you develop a lot of things in yourself and your lifestyle. It will teach you how to appreciate life better, know yourself better, and love everything and everyone around you better. It’s really going to leave a great impact on your life.

Furthermore, if you want to become a yoga teacher, go for it. If this is the first time that you will be taking on such a huge responsibility, then go! This is a great opportunity and a journey that will take give you lots of teachings and memories to share and treasure. Learning and teaching yoga will make your life more worth living. Imagine one day, you will get to make someone else feel the same way you do right now.