How to Prepare for Yoga Teacher Training

Becoming a certified yoga instructor is an exciting opportunity to share the physical and spiritual benefits of yoga with others and promoting health and well-being. In order to receive your certification, a 200-hour yoga teacher training program that’s accredited by Yoga Alliance is necessary to begin your new career path. At our Smithfield yoga studio, we strive to make this class enjoyable as well as educational, but we do know that it’s important to prepare your body, mind, and spirit for this comprehensive learning experience. To help you prepare for your yoga teacher training, we’ve sharing some tips to help you get ready.

Get Into Consistent Yoga Practice

Prior to joining a yoga instructor program, you want to get yourself in the right physical condition to keep up with your classes. This doesn’t mean you need to spend hours a day in intensive yoga practice (you don’t want to injure yourself!), but attending a yoga class a few days a week or practicing the asana at home consistently will help you prepare your body for more intensive instruction.

Attend Different Yoga Classes

By switching up your yoga classes and learning from different instructors, you’ll get a feel for teaching methods that are natural to you. While your teacher training will guide you in what you’ll be teaching and give you methods to help you run your classes, taking a variety of classes will inspire you in how you’ll teach your students from providing music and sensory experiences to how you will work with students individually!

Begin Journaling Regularly

Most yoga teacher training programs require regular journaling as part of the requirements, so it will help you budget your time when class starts. More importantly, it will help you develop insights to your yoga journey. Blocking out a few times each week to clear your mind and focus on any questions or concerns you may have will help you achieve clarity regarding obstacles that might be holding you back and help you understand your emotions.

Understand Your Time Dedication

While our program is spread throughout several weekends over six months, there are actionable items for outside of our class. It’s important that you create a schedule that works with your life before your yoga certification program begins so you won’t be overwhelmed when classes start.

• Journaling with minimum of three entries per week
• Eight texts required reading (recommended reading is supplemental and not mandatory)
• Asana, meditation, and pranayama in personal practice and in classroom setting
• Three tests on anatomy
• Three 1-3 page papers
• Monthly class designs (creating and designing yoga classes)
• Classroom practicum mandatory (time will be made within each weekend for these times)
• Mandatory of five classes outside of The Yoga connection and any place that is normally attended
• Community Service (this does not have to be yoga-related)
• You must be present for all weekends (Private make-up classes available for additional cost)
• There will be some online interaction through email

Know What to Expect from Your Program

To help you feel less nervous and also get a better feel for the experience, learn as much as you can about our program. Go beyond reading the information on the website and connect with Martha, or attend classes that she runs before your session begins. If possible, try to connect with someone who has already completed the same 200-hour yoga teacher training you’re interested in.

Be Aware of Insecurities and Ego

Prior to starting your yoga instructor certification course, spend time looking deep within yourself at the internal obstacles that may hold you back during the experience. Whether you have insecurities about your abilities or body image or conversely, your ego tells you you know everything already and the training is merely a formality, it’s important to be aware of these emotional and mental roadblocks that can hinder your success. When you’re journaling and meditating, use that time to be aware of your journey, why you can succeed and what you will learn along the way.

Contact The Yoga Connection to Learn More About Yoga Teacher Training

If you’re ready to follow your purpose and help others learn yoga, The Yoga Connection in Smithfield, NC can help! Our 200-hour yoga certification program is accredited through Yoga Alliance to ensure you learn everything you need to confidently teach others! Learn more by reading about our program, checking out our class schedule, or giving us a call at  919-971-1431 or fill out our contact form!