Being a transformative path for overall wellness, yoga teacher training is an opportunity that one should never miss! If you want to elevate your health, refine your skills, or wish to pursue yoga professionally, then join the yoga TTC programs and start your holistic journey.
There are various yoga programs you can choose from, according to your goals, desired yoga style, and further aspirations. Always make sure to join a Yoga Alliance certified yoga training program as they are well-structured and ensure a high quality standard of the curriculum. Choosing the right yoga training program is extremely important, especially if you aspire to become a certified yoga instructor in future.
Yoga teacher training has a fixed curriculum that includes daily yoga asanas, pranayama techniques, meditation sessions, teaching methodologies, yogic philosophies, and learnings of human anatomy. The certified programs will improve your teaching skills along with boosting your confidence and elevating your in-depth knowledge about yoga. It provides the path for several global opportunities in terms of teaching prospects. From setting your goals to choosing the right training format, this guide will walk you through every important factor to consider while choosing the right yoga training program.
Define your Goals and Intentions
Before choosing a certified yoga TTC program, it is important to set your goals and intentions for the future. This will help you to clarify your objectives and narrow down the yoga courses according to your goals. Decide if you want to learn yoga in order to deepen your practice and focus on personal growth or wish to pursue teaching yoga professionally.
Another decision which you should make before choosing the yoga program is choosing your preferred yoga style. The various yoga styles like Hatha, Ashtanga, Yin, Vinyasa, and Kundalini yoga provide different effects on your overall health. Make sure to understand what yoga style aligns with your goals and elevate your learning experience with it. Think about the intentions you have after completing the yoga program, whether they are small-term or long-term objectives. This will help you in investing in the perfect YTT program and have maximum benefits from it.
Accreditation and Certification
Joining a globally certified yoga teacher training program is an extremely crucial thing to consider before deciding on the program. Make sure that the school you are choosing is accredited by the Yoga Alliance, USA. It is a non-profit organization that sets the global standards for every yoga program across the world. Their certified courses have worldwide credibility and provide numerous opportunities to students who want to become yoga teachers.
Certification is very essential for any yoga student as it impacts their career opportunities and future professional goals in life. Several yoga schools, studios, and wellness centres prefer yoga instructors who have the RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher) Certification accredited by the Yoga Alliance. This shows that your training has met all the important standards and is valid as well as respected.
Choosing the Right Yoga Style
There are various yoga styles which you can choose based on your goals, teaching intentions, and varying needs. Understanding the importance of different yoga styles is essential to consider before choosing the YTT program, so that you make the best choice for yourself.
- Hatha Yoga- It focuses on fundamental yoga poses and breath control. This yoga style is perfect for beginners or newbies to yoga.
- Ashtanga Yoga- It is a dynamic yoga style which includes a set sequence of yoga asanas and is ideal for those seeking a rigorous approach to wellness.
- Yin Yoga- It is a slow paced yoga style that incorporates some teachings of meditation. It focuses on ligaments and deep-connective tissues of your body.
- Vinyasa Yoga- It is often referred as flow yoga because of its easy and seamless transition from one asana to another.
- Kundalini Yoga- This yoga style includes mantra chanting, synchronized breathwork, and deep meditation.
There are several yoga schools across the world that offer hybrid and multistyle teacher training programs. It means that these programs focus on teaching multiple yoga styles in one course.
Course Curriculum and Structure
The curriculum of a certified yoga teacher training program should be comprehensive and must include all the essential sessions required to gain yogic wisdom. Yoga asanas, Philosophy teachings, Pranayama, Meditation, Alignment Adjustment, Human Anatomy, Teaching Methodology, and Class Sequencing are the core subjects that are included in a YTT program. The entire course must have a well structured balance between theoretical sessions and practical teachings. This will allow you to gain in-depth knowledge about yoga and equip you with essential skills required for teaching yoga professionally. In addition to this, several yoga schools also include Ayurveda, Mantra Chanting, Herbal therapy workshops, and other special skills in their programs to make it even more beneficial for the students.
Experienced and Qualified Instructors
The yoga instructors play a vital role in shaping your yoga teacher training experience. Make sure that the school and yoga program you are choosing are guided by certified and highly experienced yoga teachers. Research about their qualifications as well as credentials and read about their personal yoga journey. It is important to get trained under an expert yoga instructor as they ensure to provide the best teachings about yoga.
These yoga teachers also inspire you to become the best versions of yourself and transform your life with the help of yoga. Read the testimonials mentioned on the yoga school’s website so that you have proper insights about your yoga instructor. You can also connect with some alumni in order to get personalized reviews about the yoga program.
Training Format: In Person vs. Online vs. Hybrid
Post pandemic, the yoga teacher training programs are provided in three different formats by various yoga schools. These formats are in person yoga training, online yoga courses or hybrid programs. Each has their own pros and cons so it is important to understand carefully which one aligns with your goals perfectly.
The in-person yoga programs are more inclusive and immersive as you have to be physically present in the yoga school. Online TTC programs are more flexible and allow you to practice yoga at your own pace. The hybrid training programs have a curriculum that includes theoretical teachings with in-person training so that you have an overall balanced approach towards wellness.
There are also formats known as intensive and extensive format yoga TTC programs. The intensive courses have a highly concentrated and structured curriculum that allow you to complete the entire program in a shorter time frame. It is ideal for people who cannot invest much time in their teacher training programs but still want in-depth education about yoga. The extensive yoga programs are more relaxing and structured for a longer period of time. If you are comfortable with spending enough time on the mat and wish to learn the yogic wisdom according to your pace, then this format is the best option to consider.
Location and Environment
The environment and location of the yoga school is essential to set the perfect tone for practicing yoga on a daily basis. From urban yoga studios to mesmerizing and quiet ashram style yoga schools, there are multiple options of destinations to choose from. If you want to escape from the hustle and bustle of life and wish to spend your time without any distraction, then joining the yoga school located in the serene destinations like Kerala, Goa, and Bali are the best options.
Choosing the perfect location affects your training experience as it compliments your practice and reconnects you with yourself. Along with the environment, consider selecting a destination that fits your budget properly. It is essential to calculate your expenses and then decide for the perfect location according to it.
Class Size and Learning Experience
Before selecting the yoga school and program, research about the size of the class they have in their sessions. Determining whether you are comfortable in learning with smaller groups or larger groups are important. Smaller groups while practicing yoga offer you personalized attention while the larger groups support making connections with diverse individuals.
The learning experience with a small yoga group is always going to be different from a larger yoga group. Depending on the size of your training class, you will also get the opportunities to have hands-on teaching practice. This will allow you to get live feedback regarding your teaching skills along with contact support from the other individuals.
Duration and Time Commitment
The yoga teacher training programs have different time duration due to which its curriculum is decided.
- 200 Hour Yoga TTC– It is the foundational teacher training program which lasts up to 4-5 weeks.
- 300 Hour Yoga TTC– This is the dynamic and advanced training which lasts up to 5-7 weeks.
- 500 Hour Yoga TTC– This is a combined and comprehensive yoga teacher training program that includes the 200 hour and 300 hour curriculum. This training lasts up to 8-10 weeks.
Yoga teacher training offers intensive programs that are scheduled for weeks as well as weekend programs. The intensive programs provide in-depth knowledge of every yogic aspect, which you can learn according to your own pace. The weekend only courses are for the yoga enthusiasts who have other commitments and cannot invest much time in the training.
Cost and Financial Planning
The financial planning and budget of the program depends upon various factors. These factors include destination, type and level of program, yoga style, and duration of the training. The cost of yoga teacher training also includes meals, accommodation facilities, materials provided, and certification. Before deciding the program, make sure you are ready with a proper financial plan and have researched about the scholarships or discounts available.
Reviews, Testimonials, and Alumni Success
You must check the reviews and testimonials mentioned on the website of the yoga school you are choosing. It will give you insights about the quality of the yoga program you want to join. You will also get to know about the yoga instructor who will guide you during the training. Another option is to connect with the alumni of the yoga school. They offer firsthand ideas of how your experience can look like and what opportunities you will receive after graduating from the program.
Post-Certification Support and Career Opportunities
One thing to keep in mind is that the yoga school you are selecting should provide you support beyond just certification. There are numerous yoga schools that offer internship opportunities, mentorships, and consultant services to find yoga teaching jobs. There must be sessions and workshops that teach you about business strategies, marketing, and branding along with yoga so that you have enough skills to expand your yoga business.
Personal Intuition and Final Decision
All of the above advice is one thing and trusting your gut and intuition is another. Make sure you are thinking logically and practically but also trusting your inner feeling along with it. If there is a yoga program which is immensely resonating with you, then most likely it’s the perfect choice for you. Think about the pros and cons of every yoga school you are considering, before selecting. You must also have a final checklist ready before you enroll in their program in order to make an informed and wise choice.
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect yoga teacher training program requires sensible thinking. Always make sure to align your future goals and aspirations with the program you are selecting and approach your decision mindfully. Once you have made the right choice, you are free to immerse yourself deeply into the world of yoga. Pick up your mat and step on this beautiful journey of yoga training to uncover your true self and become an even better version.
