How to Choose a Yoga Teacher Training Program
Choosing the right yoga teacher training (YTT) program is a significant decision that can shape your future practice and teaching. Do your research and trust your intuition.
Key factors to consider:
1. Accreditation and Credentials
Ensure that the program is accredited by a recognized yoga organization, such as Yoga Alliance. This accreditation ensures the program meets certain educational standards, providing you with a high-quality education.
2. Lineage Matters & Experienced Instructors
Research the instructors' backgrounds. Experienced teachers with diverse training can offer valuable insights and guidance. Look for instructors who have a blend of practical teaching experience and theoretical knowledge. Look for teachers who are experts in your preferred style of yoga.
3. Comprehensive Curriculum
A robust YTT program should cover various aspects of yoga, including:
- Asanas (Postures): Detailed instruction on alignment and modifications in your preferred lineage.
- Anatomy and Physiology: Understanding the body and how it moves.
- Philosophy: Practical insights into yoga's roots, especially the Yoga Sutras.
- Teaching Methodology: Techniques for instructing and adjusting students.
- Pranayama and Meditation: Breathwork and meditation practices.
4. In-Person Training
While online programs offer convenience and can make training more accessible, in-person training provides invaluable hands-on experience. Being physically present allows for direct feedback, personalized adjustments, and a deeper sense of community. Yoga is a practice deeply rooted in human connection, which is best cultivated in a shared physical space.
5. Investment
High-quality YTT programs typically require an investment of over $3500. This investment reflects the depth and breadth of the curriculum, the expertise of the instructors, and the comprehensive nature of the training. Programs that are significantly cheaper may cut corners in important areas, such as instructor experience or curriculum quality.
6. Community and Support
Choose a program that offers ongoing support and a sense of community. A supportive network can provide guidance and encouragement throughout your training and beyond. Ask the training leaders for stories about what their graduates are doing post-training.
Why Avoid Entirely Online Programs
While online learning can be beneficial for supplementary education, a fully online 200-Hour YTT program lacks the essential elements of hands-on practice and direct teacher-student interaction. The nuances of alignment, adjustments, and the energetic exchange between teacher and student are best experienced in person. Additionally, building a connection with your peers and instructors is crucial for personal and professional growth in yoga.
If you’ve made it to this point in the blog post, chances are you’re wondering how our training stacks up to those metrics. We know that YTT is a significant investment, and we pull out absolutely all the stops to deliver a training that is truly transformational. We offer The Foundations of Yoga as Healing Movement, a comprehensive 200-hour yoga teacher training program limited to 12 students to ensure deep learning. Accredited by Yoga Alliance, our program is designed for those inspired to learn more about yoga and use it to make the world a better place. Our curriculum, crafted by experts including a mental health therapist, life coach, and a PhD in education, focuses on teaching hatha and vinyasa flows in an alignment-based style using B.K.S. Iyengar’s texts. We emphasize functional movement, heart-centered living, and practical spirituality to support longevity and well-being.
Conclusion
Investing in a high-quality, accredited, and in-person yoga teacher training program is a decision that will pay off in your personal practice and teaching career. Take the time to research, visit studios, and speak with instructors and alumni to ensure you choose the program that best fits your needs and aspirations.
Embarking on this journey is a profound step towards deepening your understanding of yoga and sharing its benefits with others. Choose wisely and embrace the transformative experience that awaits you!
