In this blog, we will help you navigate the pathway for you to determine what Yoga Certification is best for you. We’ll let you in on a little secret, there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to choosing a Yoga Teacher Training. ☝
Millions of people worldwide now embrace yoga as a way of life rather than merely a physical activity. The next stage in your path is to become a certified yoga teacher if you have already experienced the transforming power of yoga and have a strong desire to spread its advantages to others. A famous school devoted to yoga education, School Yoga Institute offers a thorough training program that provides aspirant yogis with the information and abilities required to become competent and confident yoga teachers. We will examine the route to School Yoga Institute certification in this blog article, opening the door to a successful and gratifying profession.
At School Yoga Institute we have been lovingly facilitating YTTs for over 15 years. We know that choosing the right yoga teacher training for you may feel like a daunting task and if you’ve made it here, chances are you have come across a wide array of options when it comes to taking a Yoga Teacher Training. The sheer number of options may be enough for you to feel too overwhelmed to know where to begin. There are 50-hour, 100-hour, 200-hour, and 300-hour + courses offered by thousands of different schools all around the world. Options don’t stop there. Training can be held as intensives, monthly programs or even offered over the years. Weighing up the pros and cons for each can be difficult but the key is in recognizing how to find the right yoga teacher training that fits you, not how you fit it!
We’ll let you in on a little secret, there’s no one size fits all when it comes to choosing a Yoga Teacher Training. Different styles, methods, and schools will suit different people, and finding the right fit for you may not be as simple as a quick Google search.
The path to getting a Yoga Teaching Certification will look different for everyone, in this guide we will help you navigate the pathway for you to determine what Yoga Certification is best for you.
What we may recognize as Yoga through the modern lens is actually one aspect of an ancient spiritual practice. Traditionally, Yoga was taught through a Gurukula system; meaning spiritual knowledge was passed from teacher to student usually verbally and over long periods of time as a means of personal spiritual development. Students often lived with teachers in spiritual reverence of their practice for many years.
With the modernization and popularization of Yoga in the West this approach has been transmuted and Yoga Teacher Training are much more accessible and often times, you actually you may not even need a Yoga Certification to be able to teach.
If you don’t necessarily need a certification to be able to teach why take a training then you may ask? A Yoga teacher training invites practitioners to go deeper into their own connection to themselves, their practice and to discover the truth of who they are. Yoga Teacher Training is so much more than a certification to lead a 60-minute asana class; it is the opportunity and invitation to deepen your connection to yourself so that you may better affect the world around you.
Yoga Teacher Trainings are increasingly accessible, this is definitely not a bad thing however it can feel overwhelming to shift through the variety of training options available to find the one that best fits you. One thing we can say for certain is that not all Yoga Teacher Trainings are created equal.
With the popularity of yoga rising so much in the last few decades governing bodies such as Yoga Alliance have established themselves in an effort to foster and support the high quality, safe, accessible, and equitable teaching of yoga.
Yoga Alliance is an internationally recognized nonprofit association that works to represent the yoga community by regulating the quality of Yoga Teacher Trainings. In their work, they aim to maintain the consistency of education that students receive from a Registered Yoga School. Requirements of a 200hr Yoga Alliance Certified course include minimum contact hours with a Registered Yoga Teacher where students cover technique, personal practice, methodology, philosophy, anatomy, ethics, and lifestyle. Any course that offers a Yoga Alliance Recognised certification will therefore ensure that these standards are met.
Not every school that offers Yoga Teacher Training is registered with Yoga Alliance, nor do you actually need to be Yoga Alliance Certified to teach Yoga. However, many employers will ask you for your certification, it also ensures that the school you’re looking at training with upholds a certain standard in their education.
Whether or not a school is registered with Yoga Alliance is therefore an important thing to consider in finding the best certification for you. You can read more about who Yoga Alliance are and how their training works here.
There are many different types of training out there from 10 hr to 500hr. To help narrow down your search it’s worth clarifying what different types of training there are. If you’re just starting out on your journey you’ll want to take a 200hr Yoga Teacher Training, this is the foundational training for all yoga teachers. As you continue to deepen your professional development you’ll likely start to broaden out to continuing education programs which can vary in length of time.
You can read more about Yoga Alliance and the different types of programs in our blog post all about Yoga Alliance.
Now that you’re more clear on what a 200hr Yoga Teacher Training Certification is, there are something’s you will want to consider in choosing a training.
Choosing the right Yoga Teacher Training Certification program for you first and foremost welcomes you the opportunity to sit with yourself and discover why you want to take a Yoga Teacher Training. Understanding your own motivation in taking a training will be the foundation of choosing the right school for you.
intention
Whether you have the intention to teach or you’re wanting to delve deeper into philosophy, gain an understanding of anatomy, or learn how to hold space and guide others. Knowing why you’re stepping into this training can be your compass as you start to explore the options before you.
Take a peek at our “Things to consider before becoming a yoga teacher” blog where we offer tips and advice on navigating the decision-making process.
NARRATIVE
Take some time to become aware of whether you have some preconceived notion of a particular way you need to be in order to take a Yoga Teacher Training.
Create space to check in with your inner dialogue, are there thoughts arising of where your own yoga practice should be, how long you should have been practicing, how often you should be practicing, what you should look like, what kind of lifestyle you should live, and so on. Let us tell you, there is no right or wrong way to be when entering into a Yoga Teacher Training. Yoga is a philosophy of unity and as such all people should be welcomed into a yoga space.
It’s worth considering that if a yoga school doesn’t feel inclusive of your style, ethos, ethnicity, sexual identity, or any other aspects of your being then it likely isn’t the school or training for you.
PASSION
Circling back to your why, what draws you into yoga and what is it that you’re called to delve further into through your training? Recognizing what lights you up about deepening your yoga will likely guide you towards a yoga training that will feed that light.
For instance, are you more interested in developing your understanding of ancient philosophies, or learning how to hold space for people? Are you looking to build a yoga community or are you inspired to deepen your own physical practice? These are all important questions to consider in choosing the right certification for you!
Becoming solid on your intention, self-belief and passion is a huge part of the journey, from here you can start to narrow down the abundant field of training options to a few that are more suited to you.
Is there a particular style of yoga asana that you want to explore further? There are many different lineages of Yoga and some with more specific styles of teaching asana. Perhaps you already practice a particular style, are interested in the traditions of one lineage, or are called to work with a particular demographic. In that case, it's most definitely worth aligning with a school that offers training in those disciplines.
If you're looking for a more rounded approach to establish the foundation of your teaching knowledge then look for a school that offers something of a more rounded approach, to yoga philosophy, theory, and teaching practice. There are plenty of avenues to explore including Mystical Yoga, Trauma Informed Yoga, Yin Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Hot Yoga, Power Yoga, etc.
If you’re unsure where to start, a great base for knowing which style of yoga to take a training in is to look at your current practice and remember a 200hr training is designed to be a stepping stone to further your journey as a teacher.
A yoga teacher's training encompasses more than just learning how to lead a 90-minute yoga class. Embarking on this journey is dipping your toe into a 5,000-year tradition and a 200hr training means you will be covering 200hrs of energetic work; a YTT is an energetic, time and financial commitment where you will experience profound change! There are many options from 3-week intensives to year-long programs, knowing which one is right for you will ask you to consider what fits with your current lifestyle.
Choosing the right Yoga Teacher Training for you really asks you to consider what is manageable with your current lifestyle. To help you in the decision-making process we’ve outlined some of the different training styles below.
Immersion intensives
This type of training offers a full immersion into the world of yoga. Usually intensive courses are 3-4 week programs that run from early morning through to the evening, although schedules do vary. Intensives are a great option for those who are eager to start teaching right away or those who are exploring a time of transition in their life, or who are looking to completely immerse themselves in a yogic lifestyle. Immersion courses will offer a break from daily routines as students are invited to embrace a yogic lifestyle. This can have a transformative effect on daily habits, perspectives, and relationships that may be holding one back. An immersion training can facilitate a huge moment of transformation as students are removed from the noise, hustle and bustle of daily life.
An immersion training will involve 200hr of training throughout a 3-week or one-month period which can be hard work. However, studies show that immersion training is often the best way of learning and incorporating new skills. One thing to consider is whether you’re able to take this length of time off work/ away from the demands of day-to-day life!
Two- Four Month Trainings
Trainings that are spread over a few months strike a good balance between intensive and longer course options which can propel your yoga career forward. These training sessions are usually held just 1 or 2 days a week or in the evenings. These are a great option for those who can’t take time away from work or families. While these trainings are demanding they can be much more manageable for the day-to-day, they also invite students to begin incorporating more of the lifestyle aspects of a training into their day-to-day.
HYBRID TRAININGS
Hybrid training really allows the best of both worlds for those who want to experience time living in community in surrender to practice and who may not have the time or ability to live residentially for a time. Hybrid training offers an online portion of tuition, usually a few weekends a month followed by a residential retreat. The benefit of this as well as fitting around existing lifestyles is that students will get to know each other before going to the residential.
Year Long Trainings
Year-long trainings are usually held 1 or 2 weekends a month which gives more time for integration and allow the whole process of becoming a teacher to feel more gradual, generally year long trainings are more accessible for those with work/ life/ family commitments.
A year-long training allows more time to integrate and explore philosophies, theory, and teaching methodology. This can also be a great way of developing a local community, though for some it can be difficult to devote their full attention to the
training. A longer training will require you to commit to applying the lessons to your everyday life; the best teachers are devoted students.
Becoming solid on your intention, self-belief and passion is a huge part of the journey, from here you can start to narrow down the abundant field of training options to a few that are more suited to you.
Training Abroad
Taking a training abroad has a certain kind of pull as they’re often held in exotic locations such as Costa Rica, Bali, Peru and so on, this can be a great opportunity to see a new part of the world while investing in your training. They are often held as residential-style retreats where meals and accommodation are included so you can completely detach from day-to-day concerns while you experience a yogic lifestyle. One thing to consider is that while a trip abroad may seem exotic and desirable, be considerate of your financial and energetic commitment.
Often overseas training will not include airfare or other travel expenses. A 3-week or 1-month immersion in an exotic location may sound a little like a holiday but they’re far from it. If you’re planning to travel and see the sites at your chosen location our advice would be to plan a few extra days around your stay!
Immersion training overseas comes in all shapes and forms, the serene natural locations provide the perfect environment for introspection. When looking into this option consider how you would like to live for the full length of time, if you’re someone who is used to a certain level of luxury or who doesn’t like the heat it’s probably not a great idea to book a training on an eco farm in the tropics! While the options are endless, what kind of environment do you know will nourish and support your growth?
One final thing to consider if you’re planning on taking your training overseas is whether the certification is internationally recognised - whether the school is recognized by Yoga Alliance or another certification body.
Training at Home
Training courses from home or in your local community are a great option for those with families, financial considerations or work commitments. A major advantage to taking your training at home is that this is likely where you will go on to teach and so you’ll have the opportunity to get to know other teachers and studios in the area, this is great for ongoing networking!
Taking your training at home also requires discipline when it comes to putting in place new and more productive habits and changes to routine as it can be easy to fall back into old habits.
Training ONLINE
Taking your Yoga Teacher Training online does offer a lot of flexibility when it comes to schedule, often online trainings is evenings or weekends, or even self-paced. However, bear in mind that if you’re someone who needs to be held accountable taking in-person training may suit you better.
The cost of your Yoga Teacher Training will depend on many of the factors that we have explored above as well as on the reputation of the school you’re looking to train with. In-person 200hr programs offered by recognized and respected schools typically cost $2,000 - $5,000 USD for tuition, for residential training room & board is often a separate fee. Additional fees can include travel costs, reading materials, and meals if not already included.
Taking a Yoga Teacher Training is a financial commitment and making yoga as accessible as possible is something many in the wellness industry are passionate about. Many schools like School Yoga Institute offer scholarship programs and payment plans which can make the dream of becoming a yoga teacher a reality. You can read about our scholarship opportunities here.
Yoga is much more than asanas; it is a philosophy and a way of life. The physical asana or practice is just one small part of living a yogic life while completing a 200hr Yoga Teacher Training will give you the certification to be able to teach for many it unlocks so much more. Through the study of Yoga you will be introduced to a way of being that opens pathways of self-inquiry into your own value system, ways of being, and ways of impacting the world. No matter which Yoga Teacher Training you settle on taking it can be the stepping stone to a more aligned lifestyle. This may include making changes in family or home life, with your diet and exercise routines, and also in your relationships.
This change may feel welcome and needed as well as daunting, on the precipice of change it is comforting to have a welcoming, accepting, and open community that can help guide and hold you accountable through the integration of your training. When considering who to take your training with, spend some time looking at any ongoing support, mentorships, or continuing education programs the schools you’re interested in offer.
At School Yoga Institute we are passionate about supporting our students to find lasting and sustainable change in their lives as a result of our programs which is why we offer our mentorship programs, alumni support projects, and continuing education offerings to keep our community alive.
Becoming a yoga teacher may still feel like a dream, but it is one that can become your reality. Choosing to step forward on this path requires trust in the inner voice that is calling you toward a higher purpose.
Whatever your intention is for taking a Yoga Teacher Training, whether you want to teach or not, whether you’re interested in dropping deeper into your practice, embarking on a Yoga Teacher Training asks for your true commitment. Truly you will get out as much out of the experience as you put in. As you move through the process of deciding what you want your 200hr journey to look like be honest with what it is that you know will serve you best on your journey. With the plethora of opportunities to choose from, only you know what will be the best Yoga Teacher Training for you.
Training ONLINE
The School Yoga Institute has established a reputation for quality yoga instruction. We have developed a thorough curriculum that covers both the physical and spiritual facets of yoga as we have years of expertise and a staff of highly skilled instructors. With the help of our programs, aspiring teachers will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead others on their yoga journey. Our programs will give a strong foundation in yogic philosophy, anatomy, teaching style, and personal practice.
Holistic Approach to Yoga Education
The School Yoga Institute is unique in that it approaches yoga instruction holistically. We delve deeply into yoga's timeless teachings beyond its physical poses. We let students study and experience the entire range of yoga's transforming potential through the inclusion of meditation, pranayama (breathing exercises), mantra chanting, and self-inquiry practices in our curricula. By using a comprehensive approach, School Yoga Institute graduates are guaranteed to be well-rounded and ready to teach the fundamentals of yoga to their future pupils.
Choose Your Training Program
In order to meet a range of needs and objectives, We provide a number of training programs. We provide solutions that fit your schedule, whether you choose intense residential instruction or a part-time program. Explore our options carefully, then pick the one that most closely reflects your interests and aspirations.
Immerse Yourself in the Training
It's time to immerse yourself fully in the training experience once you've selected your workout regimen. The training sessions offered by School Yoga Institute take place in breathtaking settings, frequently surrounded by the majesty of nature, creating the perfect atmosphere for personal growth. Become fully involved in the lessons, make connections with like-minded people, and take in the knowledge that seasoned lecturers will be sharing.
Holistic Approach to Yoga Education
A committed personal practice is necessary to earn a yoga teaching certification. You will get the chance to hone your personal practice while taking classes at School Yoga Institute. Discover various yoga practices, perfect your asana (posture) alignment, and establish a regular meditation and pranayama routine. You become a live illustration of the transformational potential of yoga by developing your own practice.
Study Yogic Philosophy and Anatomy
Our well-rounded yoga instructor is well-versed in both yogic theory and human anatomy. The curriculum of the School Yoga Institute includes a thorough examination of yoga philosophy, including Yoga Sutras and the Bhagavad Gita. In order to provide safe and effective instruction, you will also learn about the human body and how it connects to the practice of yoga.
Teaching Methodology and Practicum
Yoga teachers-to-be must acquire excellent teaching techniques. Modules of teaching methods and practical opportunities are included in School Yoga Institute's training programs. Learn how to organize your lessons, communicate clearly, foster an environment that is inclusive and supportive, and develop strong relationships with your students. Under the direction of our seasoned instructors, practicum sessions provide you the chance to obtain practical experience instructing yoga courses.
Final Certification and Beyond
You will be certified as a yoga instructor once you have successfully completed the training course. The journey does not finish there, though. Through continuous mentorship programs, further training alternatives, and chances for both personal and professional advancement, School Yoga Institute continues to help its alumni.
Conclusion
A gratifying and rewarding job where you may motivate and assist others on their yoga journey is made possible by becoming a certified yoga teacher via School Yoga Institute. Aspiring yoga teachers may build on the School Yoga Institute's reputation for quality, holistic approach to yoga teaching, and extensive training programs. Set out on this enlightening adventure, absorb the teachings, expand your practice, and gain the knowledge and abilities required to impart the gift of yoga to others. As you take on the responsibilities of a certified yoga teacher, School Yoga Institute will serve as your beacon of light, enabling you to have a positive influence on the lives of your potential students.
Holistic Approach to Yoga Education
Our well-rounded yoga instructor is well-versed in both yogic theory and human anatomy. The curriculum of the School Yoga Institute includes a thorough examination of yoga philosophy, including Yoga Sutras and the Bhagavad Gita. In order to provide safe and effective instruction, you will also learn about the human body and how it connects to the practice of yoga.
Teaching Methodology and Practicum
Yoga teachers-to-be must acquire excellent teaching techniques. Modules of teaching methods and practical opportunities are included in School Yoga Institute's training programs. Learn how to organize your lessons, communicate clearly, foster an environment that is inclusive and supportive, and develop strong relationships with your students. Under the direction of our seasoned instructors, practicum sessions provide you the chance to obtain practical experience instructing yoga courses.
Final Certification and Beyond
You will be certified as a yoga instructor once you have successfully completed the training course. The journey does not finish there, though. Through continuous mentorship programs, further training alternatives, and chances for both personal and professional advancement, School Yoga Institute continues to help its alumni.
Have more questions about how to find the Best Yoga Certification For You or want to learn about our yoga teacher training? We're here to help! If we can support you in any way please contact us!
CONNECT WITH US
“TELL ME, WHAT IS IT YOU PLAN TO DO WITH YOUR
ONE WILD AND PRECIOUS LIFE?”
- Mary Oliver
