Yoga teacher training can be a nerve-wracking experience, but with some preparation, you can start on the right foot and really make the most of it.
But how exactly do you prepare for yoga teacher training?
A yoga course isn’t the same as other academic programs, so it is vital to research and figure out exactly how you can best prepare for your yoga teacher training.
So, let’s learn how to prepare for yoga teacher training with five simple tips! Plus, what I wish I knew before starting.
5 Simple Ways to Prepare for Yoga Teacher Training
Start a Daily Yoga Practice
The most important thing to do to prepare physically and mentally for your yoga teacher training course is to start a daily yoga practice. If you don’t do this already, this might entail a bit more work and effort, but it is totally doable!
The critical thing to remember is to start small. Your daily yoga practice doesn’t need to last 2 hours and be overly complex. Start with 30 minutes daily, preferably at the same time, to build a healthy daily yoga routine.
Tip: Work privately with an experienced yoga teacher or therapist to help design your daily yoga practice.
Study Yoga Books
In a yoga teacher training course, you will be exposed to so much new information ranging from anatomy and physiology to philosophy and Sanskrit. If you are new to these topics, this can be pretty overwhelming! To help get the ball rolling, it might be a good idea to start going through the reading list provided by your school.
An excellent general overview book for a budding yoga teacher is “Light on Yoga” by B. K. S. Iyengar.
Light on Yoga: The Bible of Modern Yoga
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This book explores many foundational concepts of yoga and gives a wonderful overview of yoga poses.
You may also consider reading “Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali” by B. K. S. Iyengar to start exploring the depths of yoga philosophy.
Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
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Explore Different Yoga Classes
There are tons of different yoga styles, and what better way to start learning the basics than to explore things in your own yoga practice!
Related: Types of Yoga: All the Different Yoga Styles Explained
Every yoga teacher and studio has a unique style, so try going to different places, and you will be surprised by how much you can learn.
If you find an experienced yoga teacher that you like, try regularly going to their classes for a while to dive deeper into the subject.
You may also consider registering for your local yoga studio’s “yoga for beginners” workshop series. You are likely not a beginner at yoga if you are pursuing yoga teacher training. However, even the most experienced yoga students can benefit significantly from attending the beginner’s class and building on the foundations.
Reach Out to Other Students
Yoga teacher training is not only about what you learn but also about the community you gain entrance to and the deep relationships you form.
In yoga philosophy, this is also called “sangha” or spiritual community, and it is such a critical component to moving deeper into the path of yoga.
When we connect with like-minded people moving along the same journey, we can also gain more confidence and motivation on our own paths. Forming these connections can help you move through the challenges you may face and stay clear on your goals. Plus, it is also a fantastic way to make some lifelong friends!
Tip: Join your local yoga school community groups or search online for Facebook groups for yoga teachers and yoga students.
Nourish Your Body, Mind, and Soul
Yoga teacher training can be immensely taxing on the body and mind.
So, during the preparation time for your yoga training course, it is a good idea to begin investing more in your self-care. Particularly if you are doing a one-month intensive yoga teacher training course, you may want to start preparing physically with more intensive yoga practice and paying closer attention to your nutrition, sleep, and overall health.
Yoga is also a profound spiritual journey, so make sure to also tend to your soul with nourishing hobbies, journaling, and creative pursuits.
The deeper connected you become to your inner self, the closer you will get to the true essence of yoga, and preparing your mind and soul for this awakening can take a lifetime (or more!).
How Long Should You Do Yoga Before Teacher Training?
One of the most commonly asked questions before joining a yoga teacher training is, “can a beginner do yoga teacher training?” And the truth is, it depends!
Related: Becoming a Yoga Instructor with No Experience (Yoga Teaching 101)
Some yoga schools require that you have at least one or two years of regular yoga practice before joining a yoga teacher training course.
But some schools are also open to beginners. Taking a yoga teacher training course is an excellent way to learn the foundations of yoga.
Before starting your yoga teacher training, having at least some regular yoga practice is always a good idea. Yoga teacher training is a significant investment, so it is crucial to determine whether this is something you enjoy and want to dedicate your time and money towards.
Also, yoga is 90% practice and 10% theory, so the best way to become a yoga teacher is to become an excellent yoga student!
But how do you know if you are ready for yoga teacher training?
If you desire to become a yoga teacher and are motivated to start, that is the only requirement you need!
You do not need to be a master of all the yoga poses. In fact, many highly experienced yoga teachers do not even practice some “advanced” yoga poses like headstands or arm balancing positions.
The deeper you go into yoga, the more you will realize that it is truly an inner journey, and all it requires is curiosity, dedication, and open-mindedness.
Isabella Koepf – RYT500
Is Yoga Teacher Training Hard?
No matter how experienced you may be, yoga teacher training can be challenging on all levels of the body, mind, and soul. Regular physical yoga can expand your abilities, while breathwork and meditation can open your mind and increase your connection with your true self.
All of these factors combined lead to a truly transformational experience!
But yoga teacher training is absolutely nothing to be afraid of. Yes, it will be challenging at times. But it will also be a profound experience that will change how you view the world and yourself.
So, get ready for the journey of a lifetime!
Related: How Long Does It Take to Become a Yoga Teacher?
What I Wish I Knew Before Yoga Teacher Training
The main thing I wish I knew before yoga teacher training was that yoga is much more than yoga poses.
In many yoga studios, yoga practice appears like an excellent way to improve your physical and mental health. But in reality, yoga is so much more than this, and it is truly a profound spiritual journey if you are open to it.
Although it may feel uncomfortable at first, opening yourself to these spiritual teachings can genuinely transform your yoga experience and open you to possibilities you never even dreamed of.
Additionally, the 200-hour yoga teacher training course is really just the first step on a long journey. You will not be an expert after this course; you will be a safe beginner teacher.
And it is essential to remember always to continue being a student and learning the vast subject of yoga as much as possible.
Even within one lifetime, learning everything you can about yoga will be impossible. So, get ready for a long journey, but it is also a journey that will truly change your life!