If you are considering undertaking yoga teacher training, you will not be disappointed. It can be a life changing journey of self-discovery, personal growth, and transformation. But how do you choose a yoga teacher training course that’s right for you? Here’s our guide to help you decide.
How do I become a yoga teacher?
Traditionally no formal training course or qualifications are required to teach yoga. For centuries yoga students in India studied under a respected guru or teacher for decades before passing on the knowledge they acquired to others. But as yoga increasingly infiltrated studios and gyms in the west, many yoga organisations sought to standardise yoga teaching through certification. Now most employers will require evidence of completion of a minimum 200 hour yoga teacher training (YTT) course.
What is the difference between 200hr YTT and longer courses?
Generally, the minimum number of hours training required to become a certified yoga teacher is 200 hours. The globally recognised registry of certified yoga teachers - Yoga Alliance International Registry – require a minimum 200 hours training with a Registered Yoga School to become a member and receive the designation Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) 200 ‘Foundation Level’.
Increasingly yoga schools are offering 250 hours or more training. Often these longer courses include more specialist disciplines such as yin yoga. But the most important aspect to becoming a good yoga teacher is experience. Experience as a long-term student of yoga. And experience teaching yoga once certified.
A comprehensive, face-to-face, 200hr YTT (combined with years of practice) should be more than sufficient to set you on the path of teaching. Once you become proficient teaching the fundamentals, you may wish to undertake further studies to enhance and expand your teaching skills. Yoga naturally becomes a life-long journey of learning!
What are the benefits of online yoga teacher training vs 200hr face-to-face yoga teacher training?
Since Covid, a proliferation of online yoga teacher training courses have emerged, and Yoga Alliance International Registry now recognise and register online yoga schools and courses.
The benefits of online training are the flexibility to complete studies in your own time, and to engage in distance learning with yoga schools and teachers around the world. However, there is no substitute for learning face-to-face with a trusted and experienced teacher, and a community of fellow students.
Many students testify that the friendships made, group learning opportunities, and experiences shared are one of the highlights of their 200hr YTT. And many employers have a higher regard for face-to-face teacher training as it demonstrates discipline and commitment. Consider carefully which format suits you best before signing up.
Should I choose a full-time or part-time 200hr YTT?
Yoga schools offer teacher trainings in many different formats over different timeframes. 200 hours of training may be delivered in a residential environment over a few intensive weeks, or can be delivered part-time over a period of up to 12 months.
Ultimately the format you choose will probably depend upon your personal, professional, or family situation. Intensive yoga teacher trainings may be attractive if you can afford to take a month away from your work or family. And there are many benefits to immersing yourself in the teachings and experience with few distractions. However intensive trainings can be physically and mentally exhausting with long days and little time to rest and reflect.
A part-time YTT may be more practical and convenient if you work or have a family. There is also more time and space to reflect and integrate the learnings between study weekends. But it is important to organise your life so you can be fully present for each training weekend, which can become a mini retreat from the outside world.
Fore more insights into finding a 200Hr Yoga Teacher Training to suit you click here.
To find out more about SoHo Yoga’s 200hr Part-time Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training, ‘Awakening to the Divine’ visit sohoyoga.com.au/yoga-teacher-training.