If you’ve been practicing yoga for some time now and feel that it is time to take it to the next level, Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) can be it. For most yogis/yoginis, a YTT is the next obvious step after they have spent considerable time practicing yoga as a student.
And it may not always be to become a yoga teacher but get in-depth knowledge about the scriptures, philosophies, anatomy, methodology, and techniques of practice.
If your focus is on becoming a yoga teacher, you need to be physically and mentally prepared to undergo rigorous training. Once you begin the training, your personality and outlook towards yourself and life will totally change.
Thus, you must get to know some important things that can help you prepare beforehand. Moreover, learning what to expect from a yoga teacher training program will further help in the mental and physical preparation.
Read further to see how a YTT program helps change your life and what you can do to prepare for it.
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Discover What Awaits in Your Yoga Teacher Training Program
Enrolling in a Yoga Teacher Training Program is a transformative journey that goes beyond the physical practice of yoga. In this enlightening exploration, we delve into the rich tapestry of experiences awaiting you in the program. Discover the essence of what to expect from your Yoga Teacher Training Program as we unravel the intricacies and unveil the secrets that will shape your transformative path.
The YTT program is challenging and rigorous yet Fulfilling
You are vying to become a teacher of the subject which has multiple facets. Hence the curriculum of the training of the said subject will not be as easy as you think. You will be pushed beyond your limits both physically and mentally. You may even cry at one point!
With all this being said, you will gain immense knowledge on the subject of yoga. From its history and religious aspects to your body anatomy and its modern avatar, nothing will be left untouched. You will be able to find your voice through which you will be able to lead your students.
For all this to happen, it requires utter dedication, focus, observation skills, keen listening, and hard work.
You will do more yoga than you have ever done
Trust us when we say that you will never have performed so much yoga in your life as you would in our 200 hour online kundalini yoga teacher training program. The practical part of the course is more else you performing asana 5 days a week, sometimes for the entire day.
And let’s not forget the daily self-practice!
As a result, you might get sore and stiff muscles, be exhausted, and be fatigued to no end. But you will also be able to figure out how to cope with it. Your pain will also become a learning opportunity.
You’ll learn all the intricacies of performing yoga asanas in more depth. The details about the alignment, the working of the muscles, giving cues, and listening to your body are only some of the things that you will learn from this process.
You will get overwhelmed with the onslaught of information
During the training, there will be many new Sanskrit terms that will come across and would have to be learned. The basic anatomy of the human body and how each asana affects the disposition would have to be understood.
The philosophy of yoga and its origins, along with the relevance of scripture, the 8 Limbs of Yoga will be read and memorized.
You might even find yourself surrounded by pages of notes, highlighters, post-its, and notebooks to assimilate all the theoretical knowledge.
These are bound to make you feel overwhelmed.
The best way to cope will it to take it one step at a time and focus on the journey rather than the end goal.
You will go through an emotional rollercoaster
During the first week of the training, there is a high chance that you may feel out of your comfort zone. Add on to it the constant yoga practice, in and outside of class. Plus the plethora of theories and getting into the study mode will make you cranky.
At one point you might also curse the time your decision to take up online YTT!
The journey of undertaking online YTT is an emotional rollercoaster because you come across your fears, insecurities, inhibitions, doubts, ego, and pent-up emotions. Your feelings and thoughts will also be influenced by the other people in your group.
However, at the end of all this, you will look back and appreciate the experience that made you a better version of yourself.
Your communication skills will improve
One of the prerequisites of being a yoga teacher is to have good communication skills. In its absence, you will not be able to communicate the cues and direct your students to reach the perfect pose.
If you think you are not well versed in communication skill, you do not have to worry about it. You will be taught to find your true voice in teaching methodology and public speaking part of our teacher training course. The voice with which you will be able to assert your directions and cues.
In the last week of the course, you will be asked to lead your group in yoga practice. This is done to eliminate any fear of speaking in front of large gatherings and help you understand the importance of your communication power.
You will get a break from the hectic schedule
The institute conducting the YTT knows how taxing the schedule can be for the students. To eliminate any burnouts or injuries from happening in the training, they design the course in a way that you get at least one day off. This is the day when you can unwind, give a rest to your mind and body, and recharge for the upcoming week.
There are also days when you feel you will not be able to go through an entire day without breaking down. The instructors are experienced enough to understand this situation and will give you the time off.
However, you should try and attend the classes on these days as well as you might find yourself cheering up and feeling light. If not, no one is judging your ways!
You will meet people from all walks of life
One of the best parts of YTT is that you get to meet people from different ethnicities, races, and cultures. They all have come for a common purpose – to become a certified yoga teacher and learn as much as they can.
It helps in opening up your horizons and perspective about people in general. They are also a great source of knowledge, who will later become a part of your community. You get a sense of belongingness when you see these people come together to pursue their passion.
And who knows, you may even foster a lifelong friendship!
You will gradually notice a change in your life
As you go through with the training, you start noticing changes in your life. You might become mindful of your diet and become more grounded in your behavior. You will feel more empowered and confident.
You will let go of things that you considered relevant to make time for your yoga practice. As you begin your transformation from the inside out, you also figure out the nature and personality of the people around you.
Your entire outlook towards life and your body changes, which is a positive change.
Essential Tips for Online Yoga Teacher Training Prep
Now that you have some understanding of online YTT course, you should prepare yourself for it. From figuring perfect training course to building yourself as a brand, here is a list of 9 things you must know while preparing for YTT.
Set an intention for the course
Just like you would set an intention before you take up a course to learn about photography, gardening, or dance, set an intention for YTT as well. It is quite possible that you may join the course to become a yoga teacher but somewhere down the line your heart and mind change.
While the flexibility of the mind is encouraged, it can often create confusion and disengagement from the program.
It is necessary that even before you start searching for the right training program, you first understand your need for doing the training program. Take some time to ponder the pros and cons of your intention.
With a clear and fixed intention in your mind, you will find that your journey to becoming a yoga teacher becomes quite easy.
Make sure you are consistent in your practice
The YTT is a rigorous course where you will be learning many asanas in-depth and sitting for long hours. Build up on your pranayama, meditation, and other spiritual practices to get a hold of some basics. See whether you have been manifesting some yogic aspects off the mat as well.
Touch upon some advanced yoga poses, not because you think this is a requirement for the training program but because you want to make your body stronger.
There will be lots of body movements, mental stimulation, and lectures on scriptures and philosophies of yoga. You need to be physically and mentally ready to undergo a tough regime to fulfill your goal.
You need to understand that first you need to be mindful and kind towards your body and mind before you can be kind to your students as a teacher.
All of this can only be achieved when you have been regularly practicing before starting the course.
It doesn’t matter if you’re not a yoga expert
You need to understand that taking part in a YTT course doesn’t require you to master the advanced poses such as a headstand, the crow pose, or any other balancing poses. This can also be developed when you are undergoing the training.
Teaching yoga is mostly about cues and showing compassion.
The cues, telling the students how to do a pose, are the essence of achieving a perfect pose. In addition, the way you show compassion while teaching will make you a great teacher.
Thinking that YTT is all about learning more poses and pranayama techniques will be an incorrect approach.
Decide the yoga style you want to get trained in
Since you’ve been in this field for a long time, you will know that there are various styles of yoga being taught across the globe. And it is obvious that the training programs also vary to cater to a specific yoga style.
So your job is to decide on the yoga style that resonates and inspires you the most. This will also determine the type of training course you will undertake. However, it is not necessary that you instantly get an answer.
Kundalini Yoga, with its unique blend of dynamic movements, breathwork, and meditation, stands out as a powerful choice for those seeking a holistic approach to wellness. In a Kundalini Yoga Teacher Training course, participants delve into the specifics of this ancient practice, including the awakening of dormant energy through targeted exercises and meditation techniques. The curriculum spans a spectrum of subjects, ranging from the science of breath (pranayama) to the study of yogic philosophy and anatomy. Aspiring teachers not only gain a comprehensive understanding of Kundalini Yoga but also acquire practical teaching skills. The transformative power of this style extends beyond the physical, fostering mental clarity, emotional balance, and spiritual growth. By choosing Kundalini Yoga for your YTT, you open doors to a path that not only imparts profound knowledge but also enhances the overall quality of your life.
You may also like the flow of the Ashtanga Vinyasa but at the same time also feel that the Iyengar Yoga style is your call.
Your decision can also be driven by the fact that there are no prenatal yoga classes offered in your neighborhood and you would like to start one.
It can come from a personal experience as well. You have felt the benefits of restorative yoga on yourself and would like to impart the same knowledge to others.
If you have multiple options, jot them down. Later, try to attend different yoga classes to get a feel of the practice. It can help you make a clear decision.
Be ready to do in-depth research to arrive at the final decision.
Spend time researching the available training program
Many factors influence your choice of the YTT program that you enroll in. You should first decide on the training program you want to avail. One of the most common YTT formats is the 200-hour teacher training. This training program covers all the major materials that are needed to become an excellent yoga teacher.
Apart from that, there are considerations you should look into as well. See how comprehensive the training curriculum is. It should be covering all essentials such as asana, alignment, anatomy, sequencing, philosophy, pranayama, adjustments, teaching practice, and meditation.
Look into the certification of the instructor. Also, see if they have licensed to give out special instruction about the treatment of therapies if they offer the same in the curriculum.
Check out the reviews of the training program and the instructor. The success of the training program depends a lot on the style and method of teaching. This is especially useful if the training program has been shifted to an online platform.
Make sure to see if the class is interactive and students get constant feedback and support.
While your budget should be a major consideration in all of this, it should not compromise the quality of the course.
You can also see whether a training program provides a sneak-peek into their training session. This is not a mandatory requirement but more of a personal preference. Most people, who are nervous or anxious about taking up a course, tend to feel at ease if they get a short experience of the class beforehand.
Read and listen to the experiences of people who have taken the YTT
Reading blogs, listening to podcasts and youtube videos describing a YTT graduate’s experience becomes essential when you are willing to attend a training course. Their experiences will come in handy to set some expectations for the classes you will be attending.
Gaining knowledge from the graduate’s experience will also help answer some doubts that you may have about the course. Through the blogs, you can also personally contact them to get detailed information.
You can also get a headstart on some literature so that you are not completely clueless.
The podcasts and blogs can get you into the mindset of attending the course.
Leverage social media to build your support system
Social media is currently one of the most lucrative methods to build your base. It can aid you in getting contact with like-minded people who can become your support system. They will understand your struggles and encourage you to move forward.
You can also help others in their YTT journey by connecting with other aspirants.
Getting active on social media can subsequently be a kickstart to your business as well. If you create an online presence on any social media platform by documenting your journey or showing off your skills, you will find it easier to attract students.
Set aside your insecurities and judgments
Whenever you embark on a new journey, especially with a group of people, your mind fills up with all sorts of insecurities. You start worrying about your self-image, your confidence dwindles if you have to ask a question and your ego tells you that you know everything.
Do not get carried away by seeing the fit body of a yogi/yogini and start judging yourself. A slim body doesn’t need to be more flexible and strong than a healthy body. You should also not get overwhelmed if another person was able to learn something faster than you. Focus on your body’s response and adapt to its needs.
You need to understand that each person is different and unique in their experiences and approach. You will be surprised to see how the YTT course changes your perspective about people. You all are in this together with a different set of doubts and concerns.
Take a break before starting YTT
Once you have decided on all the details, try and take a short vacation or break before you start your classes. Taking a break is akin to resetting your mind.
If you keep practicing and gathering information till the evening before your classes start, chances are that your body and mind will be exhausted. An exhausted body can lead to injuries and an exhausted mind can prevent you from assimilating new knowledge.
You’ll be able to acquire far more perspective and benefit from your future YTT journey if you take some time off before the course to prepare yourself for what’s in store.
This is an opportunity to be fully rested before beginning an intensive, rigorous, and life-changing regime that is the YTT course.
Conclusion
Yoga Teacher Training is not something to afraid of. Granted that it may be immensely tiring and time taking, you get to learn about something you have been passionate about. You get to learn and experience a lot during the training. You get to meet like-minded people and will witness a transformation within yourself.
This is a life-changing journey you will be embarking on. Let go of your inhibitions and commit to yourself.
