30 Things You Need to Know Before Taking Your First Yoga Teacher Training Program

Prepare yourself. Now that you have worked out where your heart lies, it is time to put in the effort. Attending a teaching training program is the first step and picking the right one is crucial to obtain the necessary skills and to deepen your practice. The tips below cover all the bases and enable you to launch your yoga teaching career while traveling.



General guidelines

Photo by bruce mars

Photo by bruce mars

1. Stop worrying if you are advanced enough. Attending teacher training is not about whether or not you can perform advanced postures. Focus on learning. You are attending the program to learn. You are not expected to know everything.

2. Teacher training is open to all. Whether you want to teach yoga or just deepen your practice, there is a place for everyone in teacher training. It is recommended to anyone interested in yoga.

3. Explore your own practice. Understand yourself so you are able to grow into your practice. Determine what you like, what inspires you, and how you think you can help others.

4. Commit. The only thing that matters before you start your teacher training is your ability to commit. The course is not easy, in fact, it is draining. But if you are dedicated, this can be one of the best things to ever happen to you.

5. Listen. Be ready to take instruction and to work hard. Come with an open mind. This largely determines your ability to transform, not only your physical and mental preparedness.

6. Get over your fears. Enjoy the experience instead of focusing on anxieties. It can be heavy work but the good news is most of the people you attend training with are receptive and supportive. Remember, you are here to learn. Mistakes can be corrected and you will improve as the days pass!

How to choose the right teacher

Photo by Carl Barcelo

Photo by Carl Barcelo

7. Go for depth over fame.

8. Check the teacher's credentials. A decade's worth of teaching others how to teach yoga is a good sign. Look for training, qualifications, and reviews from other students.

9. Select someone who inspires you. Find out about the life of the teacher. Do you feel a connection? Is his or her personality similar to yours? Do you share the same values? Are your kindred spirits?

10. Align the teaching style to your learning style.

11. Look at the mentor-student relationship with former students. You want to be taught by someone who genuinely cares and builds relationships.

12. Follow a teacher whose methods you would like to implement in your future classes.

How to select the best teacher training program

Photo by bruce mars

Photo by bruce mars

13. Look for well-organized content. Check the marketing materials and identify a solid method of teaching. What is the schedule? What are the topics covered? How is the course formatted?

14. Go for one with a comprehensive curriculum. The best yoga teachers make the task look easy. But in reality, it is more challenging. Find a course that covers all the essentials including asana, alignment, anatomy, sequencing, philosophy, medications, adjustments, teaching practice, and meditation. The curriculum must be comprehensive and thoughtfully designed to give you the full education you need.

15. Beware of style over substance. Reviews are important. Do your research. You do not want to get superficial treatment.

16. Do not get distracted by the location. Prioritize the learning that you will get, not the location. Choose training over sunsets or jungles.

17. Do not let your budget dictate everything. Of course, you have to pay for teacher training. While it is understandable that you want something affordable, do not just select a course just because it is cheap. You want to walk away from this fully equipped and skilled. Invest in yourself.

18. Check licenses. Yoga teachers should have certifications. If you are learning a special treatment or therapy, make sure your teacher is qualified to teach those, too.

Preparations

19. Do your homework. Come to the course prepared. Find out if there is a reading list and go through it. Talk to recent graduates and ask what the experience is like. Learn little details like how long classes are, how are tests done, the length of breaks, or if homework is given.

20. Practice asana. Often, programs are physically demanding so do your work and practice at home. This helps in smoother classes once the teacher training starts. But do not overdo it that you are exhausted and drained before your course begins.

21. Ready your spirit. The more open you are, the more you benefit from the teacher training. Before you start, turn inward and evaluate where you are. Is there anything troubling you? Are you ignoring personal problems or issues? Is there anything that can hinder your transformation as a teacher? What things do you need to resolve in life?

22. Do not fear tests. An array of assessment tools is used to evaluate your performance in class. Do not feat them but take them as an opportunity to improve. Accept weaknesses and work on them while continue building on your strengths.

23. Connect with fellow students. Take advantage of this opportunity to meet new people. It becomes more special as you share a common interest. Seek support and share the experience with each other.

24. Be patient. Even after your teacher training, it will take before everything sinks in. Yoga practice is transformative and it does not happen overnight. Your skills will manifest in time. Be patient and keep on teaching and practicing.

What to do after finishing your first course

Photo by Geert Pieters

Photo by Geert Pieters

25. Explore your personal practice. There is a danger that you will spend all of your time teachings. Do not neglect your personal practice. Focus on your known weaknesses, too. Whatever you found challenging during the teacher training, explore it and go deeper.

26. Build relationships. Identify the best teachers you had and stay in touch. Practicing with people better than you elevate your skills faster. Offer to assist them in their classes and continue to obtain inspiration from them.

27. Get liability insurance. Similar to travel insurance, *insert link* you can get liability insurance and protect yourself in case someone sues from injury over your yoga class.

28. Volunteer! Get hands-on teaching experience by providing free yoga classes. This builds your confidence and creates ties with the community. It is also a fantastic way to get the word out there that you are good at teaching yoga and students can seek your services.

29. Never stop learning. Take a higher level of teacher training. Attend a retreat or workshop. Specialize. There are so many things that you can learn. Continue your education and sharpen your skills. You will help a lot more people this way.

30. Share your positive energy with everyone you meet every chance you get.

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