Yoga Instructor Training & Yoga Certification Guide

Interested in taking your yoga practice to the next level by enrolling in a yoga teacher training and yoga certification program? If you are like most students, you have been practicing yoga for a while and are now wondering if you should take the plunge of becoming a yoga teacher. Or, you have taken an introductory 200-hour yoga teacher training and are ready to advance to your 500-hour series.  Whether you are just starting out or deepening your existing practice, our site will offer everything you need to know about how to become a yoga teacher.

On our site you will find:

1. A directory of schools offering yoga teacher certification programs in the US and all over the world.
2. Tips on what to look for in a yoga instructor certification school.
3. Insight on what to expect from your teacher training experience.
4. Business and marketing advice on how to launch and build your career as a yoga instructor.
5. Wisdom from veteran teachers on what it takes to teach yoga effectively.
6. Financial aid and scholarship programs being offered.
7. Tips on teaching methodologies.
8. Yoga industry trends and news.
9. + much more!

Yoga Teacher Training Schools

If you are looking for the perfect yoga school to take your teacher training with, then we work with some of the top schools from around the world that offer everything from 100-hour, 200-hour, 300-hour, 500-hour, and immersion programs that range from Vinyasa, Hatha, Power, Ashtanga, Kundalini, Kids, Yin, Restorative, Prenatal, Hot, Bhakti, and of course many blends and fusion styles. Some of the courses being offered include:

Amazing Yoga - Power Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training with Amazing Yoga is an incredible opportunity to learn how to facilitate transformation—physical, mental, and spiritual.  You will leave the training radiating and filled with confidence and joy.  Whether you aspire to teach, are an experienced teacher or simply want to deepen your practice, this training will empower you. Our trainings are held in exotic locations such as Tulum, Mexico and Costa Rica.  Get ready for a full immersion into yoga at the most peaceful and magical places you can imagine. Use this link to learn more about Amazing Yoga

Yandara Yoga Institute – Experience life as a yogi. Awakening your inner radiance, as well as gaining technical skills, are the keys for success as a yoga teacher. Let the warming presence and deep knowledge of our faculty meet you at every level to inspire learning and transformation. Take a stroll on the beach or through our organic garden. Enjoy evening music with Jaya kirtan band and feel the support of a like-minded community. Come make friends for life in the beautiful nature of Baja, Mexico or magical Bali, Indonesia. The process of becoming a yoga teacher is one that is filled with magic and joy. Use this link to learn more about Yandara Yoga Institute.

Fred Busch Power Yoga – The premier 200hr/500hr Hot Yoga & Power Yoga Teacher Training lead by Fred Busch in Miami, New York, London, Lima, Bogota, & Malta Europe. Fred Busch Power Yoga trainings offer the best of all worlds.  Hot Vinyasa Yoga with exposure to all the deepest teachings of Yoga, Yoga philosophy and tantra.   Our Yoga Training is a comprehensive program that joins the Hot Vinyasa Yoga with a powerful background in physiology and anatomy while weaving together Asana, Pranayama,  Visualization, Meditation, Mantra, Eating Wisely, and Healing.  Fred Busch is Author of  A Clear and Definite Path  and The Lower Back Bible. To learn more visit Fred Busch Power Yoga.

Etowah Valley Yoga – Are you ready to share the joy of yoga with others?  At Etowah Valley Yoga our students learn how to teach the art, science and philosophy of yoga, not just lead a yoga class.  Established and approved as a Registered Yoga School since 2007, we offer 200 Hour and 500 Hour Teacher Training programs. We also are a member school of IAYT and offer Professional Yoga Therapist certification. Etowah Valley Yoga Teacher Training Programs are about creating a yoga community of ethical, talented, balanced yoga instructors.  We offer various training programs that meet the schedule and lifestyle needs of our students. Use this link to learn more about Etowah Valley Yoga

Sadhana Yoga Chi– Master Teacher Doug Swenson, offers 200hr & 500hr Professional Yoga Alliance approved programs, for All Levels of Practice. Our program embraces a progressive and holistic approach to; Ashtanga, Yin, Vinyasa, Power, Restorative and more. We teach; Enhanced Nutrition, Philosophy, Meditation, Anatomy and more. This unique experience – is not just another TT, yet a profound recipe for better life. Programs held in Lake Tahoe, California, stunning beauty and endless inspiration with Small Groups, for higher quality training. We teach month long or segments – embracing Quality Education, Beauty and Lots of Fun. Use this link to learn more about Sadhana Yoga Chi.

Or visit our Yoga Teacher Training Schools directory.

Preparing For Your Yoga Teacher Training

These are important articles any aspiring yoga teacher should read as they prepare to take their first steps of becoming a yoga instructor. Please note we have over 200 articles on our site and the ones listed below are just some of them. Please make sure to follow us on Facebook as we post new articles weekly.

Am I Ready To Become A Yoga Teacher? – Yoga is much different here in the West then it is in the East so the bar and standards that have been set for new teachers are much different. Ask this question to ten people and you will get ten very different answers. While there is no right or wrong answer (trust your intuition which is your own Guru), these are some signs to look for that will at least tell you that you are in the vicinity of being ready. Use this link to read up on Am I Ready To Become A Yoga Teacher?

How To Become A Yoga Teacher – Many students take a yoga teacher training because they are looking to deepen their practice while others seek to teach professionally. If you are looking to build a career as a yoga teacher and teach in front of students, this article will offer some insights on what to expect and how to go about the process. Use this link to read up on how to Become A Yoga Teacher.

Different Types and Formats Of Yoga Certification Programs – As you start to search out schools in which to take your training with, one thing you will notice is how many of them structure their training using different formats. Some will be intensives, others will be nights and weekend, some will be yoga retreats, and there are now even online yoga teacher training courses. In this article we will review the pros and cons to each type and format. To learn more visit our article on Different Types Of Yoga Teacher Trainings

200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training – This article outlines what to look for in an accredited 200-hour yoga teacher training and what to expect from it. There are certain set of criteria in which you should look for depending on what your goals are as a student and soon to be teacher. Use this link to learn more about taking a 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training

500-Hour Yoga Teacher Training – As in any industry, there are different levels one can reach in their skill-set. And like massage, the more hours you put in the higher level of credentials you will receive. Use this link to find a listing of schools offering 500-Hour Yoga Teacher Training programs.

Finding the Right Yoga Teacher Training – Every student has a different set of goals in what they want to accomplish during their training. This article offers some tips on what to look for in the right yoga teacher training for you. Use this link to learn more about Finding the Right Yoga Teacher Training

Yoga Teacher Training Tips – What should one expect from a teacher training? What is the experience like and how should you go about taking one? This article offers some tips and suggestions on how you can get the most out of your teacher training experience. Use this link to learn more about Yoga Teacher Training Tips

Yoga Teacher Training Curriculum – Many schools training curriculum will vary. However if you plan to become a registered yoga teacher with the Yoga Alliance, then there is a certain set of information you will need to learn to become accredited by the YA. Use this link to learn more about what you can expect from the Yoga Teacher Training Curriculum

Yoga Alliance – Who are the Yoga Alliance and how do they impact your ability to become an accredited yoga instructor? While there are many mixed messages as to whether or not it is necessary for a teacher to register with the YA and whether they actually provide any value to those who pay their fees, the Yoga Alliance are the only group in the US who set standards for teachers and schools. So it would be a good idea to get to learn a little bit about them and then you can decide for yourself if you see any value in registering with them. Use this link to learn more about the Yoga Alliance.

Registered Yoga School (RYS) – A school that has met a specific set of requirements for their teacher training curriculum can then become a Registered Yoga School with the Yoga Alliance. To learn more visit our page on Registered Yoga School.

Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) – For a teacher to become registered with the Yoga Alliance, they must have taken and passed a yoga teacher training with a Registered Yoga School. However it should be noted that the Yoga Alliance does not certify students. To learn more visit our page on Registered Yoga Teacher.

Setting Your Intention – Getting the most from your yoga instructor certification course is all going to come down to you setting your intention and being focused. This article offers some advice on how to do just that. Use this link to learn more about the power of Setting Your Intention

Path To Becoming A Yoga Teacher Never Ends – As a teacher, your responsibility will be to remain a student for the rest of your life. No matter where you are in your practice, you will always need to push further if you truly want to be of service to your students. This article takes a closer look at how you will always need to continue your education as the Path To Becoming A Yoga Teacher Never Ends

Is A 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Enough? – Many in the community will argue that a 200-hour yoga teacher training is not sufficient for a student to teach professionally. While this debate continues, this article offers some insights on when is enough training sufficient. Use this link to explore whether or not A 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Enough?

Yoga Business and Marketing

Should you decide to launch and build a career as a yoga instructor, these articles will offer some marketing and business tips on how to teach yoga professionally.

Yoga Teacher Salary – You might be wondering, “How much can a yoga teacher make?” or “What is the average salary of a yoga teacher?” Like any industry, this will vary depending on your experience. As the saying goes, “Do what you love and the money will follow.” Use this link to learn more about Yoga Teacher Salary.

Yoga Marketing – What exactly is “yoga marketing” and how is it different from other forms of marketing? This article offers a general overview of the yoga and health industry and prepares you to better understand the field you are entering. Use this link to learn more about Yoga Marketing.

Yoga Politics – No matter what industry you work in, the ego will find its way into it and try to dishearten anyone looking to make a difference. This is especially true for the yoga industry. So as you start your path towards becoming a yoga teacher and inserting yourself in the “industry”, just know that the politics of yoga are alive and well. But don’t let it stop you from living your dream and supporting those individuals who seek your help. Use this link to learn more about Yoga Politics.

Yoga Teacher Marketing – What are some ways you can market yourself as a yoga teacher? Should you decide to take this route of teaching professionally, you need to be aware that you are now running your own business and you are the product and service being offered. This article offers some tips and suggestions on Yoga Teacher Marketing.

Find Your Voice As A Yoga Teacher – Who are you as a yoga teacher? What are your going to bring to the table that is different and unique that other teachers are not? One of the most crucial components of becoming a successful yoga instructor is being able to find your voice and teach from a place of authenticity. Use this link to learn more about how to Find Your Voice As A Yoga Teacher.

Find Your Niche As A Yoga Teacher – While this may sound very similar to “finding your voice…” it isn’t. This is more about how you use your marketing approach to separate yourself from other teachers. It offers tips and suggestions on developing a business strategy and how to approach your teaching so that it helps define you in a crowded space. Use this link to learn more about how to Find Your Niche As A Yoga Teacher.

Marketing and Selling Yourself As A Yoga Teacher – For many new teachers, the idea of having to market and sell yourself sounds kind of weird. I mean, “Can’t I just get a teaching job and the studio just pays me?” Well yes and no. As a teacher you are now a business owner and you are the product and service combined! Use this link to learn more about Marketing and Selling Yourself As A Yoga Teacher.

Making Money As A Yoga Teacher – Is money bad? Unfortunately a lot of us in the community have a negative relationship with money and then we bring this belief system into our teaching business. This article explores changing your beliefs around money so you can make some! Use this link to learn more about Making Money As A Yoga Teacher.

Spending Money On Your Yoga Business – For some of us, spending money on a new business can be a bit scary. This article is part one of a two part series that outlines the importance of “how” you spend money and addresses issues that come up such as fear when investing in your business. Use this link to learn more about Spending Money On Your Yoga Business.

Getting Hired As A Yoga Teacher – One of the most exciting points in any new teachers career is getting their first job. But so many people make a common mistake when approaching a studio and this article offers one important tip on how to befriend a studio. Use this link to learn more about Getting Hired As A Yoga Teacher.

Your Yoga Marketing Is Like Your Yoga Practice – For most teachers, the idea of having to market themselves kinda sucks. And when teachers approach it from this space, many tend to get stuck in one area of their marketing. This article takes a look at how many business owners get stuck on one area of their marketing and fail to touch upon others. Use this link to learn more about why Your Yoga Marketing Is Like Your Yoga Practice.

Five Business Ideas For Yoga Teachers – You might be wondering what are some other ways of making money as a yoga teacher? Most tend to think its either working at a studio or offering privates. In this article we explore five other ways you can generate some income. Use this link to learn more about Five Business Ideas For Yoga Teachers.

Yoga Teacher Burnout – It happens to the best of us: We put all of our energy and hard work into something we care about so deeply. Then one day we wake up and have nothing left to give. What happened? Use this link to learn more about Yoga Teacher Burnout

Wisdom and Insight From Veteran Yoga Teachers

David Frawley – As a world renowned teacher and head of the American Instiute of Vedic Studies, David was kind enough to share his two cents on what yoga is and what a teacher of it might want to consider along their path. Use this link to read our interview with David Frawley.

Doug Swenson – Known as the infamous “Dave Swenson’s brother”, Doug Swenson (director of Sadhana Yoga Chi and the Ultimate Holistic Teacher Training) offers aspiring teachers his perspective on teaching yoga. He may not be as famous, but his words and wisdom are just as powerful. Use this link to read our interview with Doug Swenson.

Susan Hopkins – Sue (director of Etowah Valley Yoga) is another one of those hidden gems of a teacher you may have not heard of but has been teaching for over eleven years and practicing for over twenty. While some teachers in the community went big, she decided to keep it simple. Use this link to read our interview with Susan Hopkins.

Linda Karl of Metta Yoga – Although not as widely known as some of the “famous” teachers, Linda Karl is still considered a veteran of the community. Her blog “Linda Karl’s Journey” offers many readers her intelligent perspectives on teaching yoga and she was kind enough to share some of them with us. Use this link to read our interview with Linda Karl of Metta Yoga.

Yoga World Reach – Many students are looking to use their teaching credentials to support their local and global community. Teaching yoga to underprivileged communities has many challenges that come with it and r.r. Shakti of Yoga World Reach offers her perspective and experience. USe this link to read our interview with r.r. Shakti of Yoga World Reach.

Dharma Richards – As a student of the legendary Dharma Mittra, Dharma Richards brings that same essence and vibe to her teachings. She has also studied with Seane Corn, Sharon Gannon, Sadie Nardini, and many others and offers her perspectives to new students. Use this link to read up on Dharma Richards.

Yoga Teacher Training Scholarship

For some of us, paying the full tuition of a yoga certification program can be pretty expensive especially when there are very few options to get financial aid. Yoga is a way of life that calls to many of us to not only heal and empower our own lives, but we are also inspired to help others. This is why we here at Yoga Training Guide are committed to supporting students with our annual Yoga Teacher Training Scholarship program. Every year we plan to give away at least one fully paid (tuition) teacher training to one lucky student. We are also working hard on being able to offer more then one but at least this is a start right? If you are interested in learning more about our program and participating then check out our Yoga Teacher Training Scholarship page. Please note we just finished up a scholarship promotion but will be announcing another one shortly. Make sure to send us your email or follow us on Facebook to be kept in the loop.

What Inspires You To Become A Yoga Teacher?

For many yoga students, we all have different reasons that bring us to yoga and inspire us to want to teach it. However I am sure we can all agree that yoga has the power to change peoples lives and therefore the world we live in. All of us at some point have met someone where yoga completely changed who they are and how the create their reality. Many of you may know who Shiva Rea is and what a spectacular teacher she is. Her lead teacher of Prana Flow (Twee Merrigan) was kind enough to talk about becoming a yoga teacher and offer some in depth insight on taking a yoga teacher training. Here is the video please enjoy:

What Is A Yoga Teacher Training Program?

A yoga teacher training program (or yoga certification) is the process in which a yoga student takes a study course to become a yoga teacher. If you are just starting out in your process of becoming a yoga teacher, then you will want to register with a 200 hour yoga teacher training. A 200-hour yoga instructor training is the minimum requirement and in many ways is considered a pre-requisite course. While it is allowed for you to teach professionally once you have passed the 200-hour yoga teacher training, most in the yoga community will now agree that this is not enough and your teacher status should be viewed almost that of an intern. Once you have completed a 200-hour yoga teacher training, then you will be allowed to take a 500-hour yoga teacher training where you can learn to master the art of teaching yoga to others. Once you have completed the 500-hour teacher training then you will have sufficient knowledge and experience to truly become a yoga teacher.

History Of Yoga Teacher Training

Yoga has a rich history that goes back thousands of years (no one really knows exactly when) and started in India. In the classical sense, yoga started off as personal spiritual practice that culminated meditation, breathing (pranayama), and physical exercise (asanas.) When you link this all together, you get a practice called yoga. The idea behind yoga teacher training simply put is the art of passing down this knowledge to the next generation. In India it was (and still is) quite common for everyone to have a guru. A guru is a teacher and someone who shares with you their path of enlightenment. As many people were becoming much healthier and stronger due to yoga, it became more popular. Yoga is very common in India and everyone does it the same way that most in China do Qi Gong or Tai Chi. In the mid 60′s here in the US, gurus started to come over from India and was made a household name by people such as the Beatles (although some gurus were already here in the US as early as the 1900′s) Once people such as the Beatles started talking about gurus and meditation, then people started to practice more forms of alternative healing and physical practices such as yoga. Because of the stress induced lifestyle here in the US, yoga started to take off as people became more open to it. Once this happened, yoga studios started to pop up and the community needed to establish a way of teaching the next generation of teachers. Hence, yoga teacher training was born. It should be noted that for some time the term “yoga teacher training” was not even used in India as their approach to yoga teacher training was more about dedicating your life to a spiritual practice and your guru. For them, this was called becoming a Yogi.

Yoga Teacher Training and the Yoga Alliance

In the 1990′s, yoga was slowly but surely starting to grow in popularity. More yoga schools were opening and more teachers were needed. At that time there were no standards or regulations set up for yoga teacher training’s. Most teachers at that time went to India to study with a guru and then brought back their learning’s here to the US. But as more teachers were needed and could not afford to go to India to study, yoga schools decided to establish their own form of yoga teacher training based upon what they had learned from their teachers in India and others in the US. In the mid 1990′s two groups called Unity in Yoga and Ad Hoc Yoga Alliance were producing conferences and events around yoga. These two organizations noticed that yoga was growing in popularity but that there were no set standards for the yoga community or yoga teacher training programs.

In 1999 the two groups decided to come together and form the Yoga Alliance. Their mission is to establish a set of yoga teacher, yoga studio, and yoga teacher training regulations and standards that the yoga community can adhere to (note that all yoga schools only join voluntarily and that not all schools are registered with them.) These sets of standards help keep a system of checks and balances in place so that yoga teacher training schools have to abide by certain guidelines that help ensure the overall quality and integrity of yoga. This is why you may see symbols such as:

1. RYT: Registered Yoga Teacher
2. E-RYT: Experience Registered Yoga Teacher
3. RYS: Registered Yoga School

Should you decide to become a yoga teacher and take a yoga certification program, one of the decisions you will need to make is if you want to study with a school that offers a Yoga Alliance Teacher Training program or one that acts independently. If you choose to study with one that is not registered with YA, make sure you do some research to see which yoga studios still allow you to teach without a Yoga Alliance registration. Many do and it is not necessary to join their group. In fact, many veteran teachers are allowing their memberships to lapse with the YA because they feel the organization does not do much for them.

Choosing the Right Yoga Teacher Training

There are many factors that one should consider before taking a yoga teacher training. Most students who practice yoga think that there is not much difference in most of the yoga certification programs out there and this is not the case at all. Many yoga schools come from different perspectives and approaches when it comes to yoga teacher training. One thing you may notice is that some yoga schools take their yoga certification program very seriously while others look at it as a more relaxed approach to deepening your own personal practice. So you will need to consider what your intention is for signing up to a yoga training program. Another thing you are going to need to consider include the style of yoga you study as this can impact your future in yoga should you decide to teach professionally. Before you take your yoga teacher training, make sure you set a clear intention as to what you want to accomplish both on the short term and long term basis.

What To Expect From A Yoga Teacher Training

Since many yoga teacher training programs vary, what you might expect from each one varies as well. But one thing is for sure, you will be challenged on all levels (physically, emotionally, and spiritually) Like any school course, it is bound to reflect back to you any weaknesses or shortcomings you may have. Taking a yoga teacher training program is going to bring up any issues you might have tucked away and will now be forced to look at. One of the main things you will need to face is the fear of public speaking. Most students forget that becoming a yoga teacher means you will need to stand up in front of small and large crowds and speak and lead the classroom. So if you have any issues with public speaking, this is going to be a great opportunity for you to overcome this.

Another thing you can expect from your yoga teacher training is learning more about anatomy. Since in many ways you will now become a form of health practitioner and students will be handing over their bodies to you, you will be required to learn and understand the human body and how it functions. Remember, becoming a yoga teacher is not just about teaching people poses, its about teaching them how to live healthier lives and you will need to learn as much as you can about true health.

Yoga Teacher Training Curriculum

If this is going to be your first time taking a yoga instructor training, you might be curious as to what exactly happens and what is covered in the yoga teacher training curriculum. Many schools may vary in their yoga certification studies program but what you will generally find in any course are yoga teacher philosophy and ethics, teaching methodology, anatomy and physiology (you will need to have a solid understanding of peoples health and bodies), a reading list, (yes you will need to read!) and some schools will cover the business aspects of launching a career in yoga. And of course, lots and lots of yoga practice. Many yoga teacher training schools will want to make sure that you truly are advanced enough to hold each pose with integrity. So make sure that before you begin your yoga teacher training, that your practice is strong enough to pass basic requirements. But of course no one is ever perfect, but you do need to be at a certain level. So how do you know if you are ready for your yoga teacher training?

Are You Ready For A Yoga Teacher Training?

So how do you know if you are ready to graduate to the next level of your yoga practice and take a yoga teacher training? Taking the plunge into a yoga certification program is like having children: you are never “fully ready”. Many students tend to question themselves or project this idea that other teachers were more ready then they are to become a yoga teacher. But the truth is that almost all yoga teachers you see out there were never “ready”. They just hit a point in their yoga practice and then decided to dive into a yoga teacher training. So don’t over-think yourself out of taking one. Listen to your intuition and it will guide you. The first and most important sign you can look for is if you have a burning and exciting feeling inside you that says “Go for it!” Do you?

Still Not Sure I Am Ready For A Yoga Teacher Training

While pondering the idea of taking a yoga teacher training course, just remember that the most important factor about taking a program is that you are learning, growing, and having fun no matter what happens. Most people put too much pressure on themselves and “expectations” and then think they have to perform at a whole other level once they have completed the yoga teacher training. The truth is that your learning will never end and just because you took one yoga certification program does not mean you have to be or act in a certain way. Meaning you don’t have to just jump into being a full-fledged yoga teacher. Sure, there are the business considerations you may have to consider if you want to go this route:

1. Will you want to teach at a yoga studio?
2. Are you ready to market yourself as a yoga teacher?
3. Are you ready to make the commitment of ensconcing yourself in yoga so that you can teach it correctly?

Yoga Retreats

Many schools offer immersion programs held at yoga retreats for students who are still unsure if they are ready to take the full dive into teaching yoga. Becoming a yoga instructor is not for everyone as it will require a level of commitment. The course will challenge any student to a point that it will have you question yourself. For some students, they are ready to rise up to the challenge. For others, it can be a disheartening wake up call that they are just not ready. This is why it might be a good idea to take a yoga retreat and immersion to test the waters and see if you are ready.

Things To Consider When Becoming A Yoga Teacher

Like many yoga enthusiasts out there who are excited about taking a yoga teacher training, at some point there comes a time where if you have been practicing long enough it might be time you consider taking your practice to the next level and become a yoga teacher. Being a yoga teacher can have its perks. I mean you get to teach people the thing you love and get paid for it! But most people when they are considering becoming a yoga teacher don’t take the time to think about some of the down sides to it. All they see is the glitz and glam. As you start your path of taking a yoga teacher training, keep in mind there are some drawbacks as well.

1. Students complaining – That’s right, when you teach at a studio not everyone is going love you.  In fact, some may not like you at all. Are you going to be ok if they complain to the studio manager about you?

2. Cancellations – If you are doing privates, how will you handle the fact that if someone cancels a session? Of course you can always insist that they have to pay either way. But still, it can be a touchy subject to broach.

3. Little Money – In the beginning as you start out you will not make a lot of money. In fact, you will barely make enough to just get by and you will need to live a simple life until you establish a strong business foundation.

4. Having a bad day – Even if you are having a bad day, you still have to push through it and find your positive side quick when you start to teach that class.

5. Politics and Ego – Just because this is yoga and it’s (supposed) to be all about love and health, it always isn’t. The same BS that goes on in the corporate world happens in the yoga world too.

6. Yoga Teacher Burnout – Ask any yoga teacher and they will all agree that at a certain point you just get burnt out. All of a sudden this thing you love so much you start to dread. Do yourself a favor and try to find your balance as soon as possible so you do not experience yoga teacher burnout. It is going to be important that you cultivate your own practice (take) while teaching others (give)

7. Yoga Teacher Marketing – Being a yoga teacher professionally means in many ways you are a company and your own business. This means you are going to have to think about how you market and brand yourself as a teacher here in the US. Are you ready to see yourself as a business?

Now I hope we did not scare you away from wanting to become a yoga teacher and take a yoga teacher training because it can be a very rewarding career. We just want to show you that just like anything in life, yoga has another side to it as well. And just because it’s yoga, does not mean everything will be “lovey dovey”. But, the most important factor to keep in mind before you take a yoga teacher training is that if you really love to teach yoga, then when the negative stuff does appear it won’t be so bad (especially if you know already that it is there). Because everything here I mentioned is in ALL industries. So you can’t avoid it no matter what type of work you choose to do.

As A Yoga Teacher You Are A “Yoga” Representative

Taking a yoga teacher training and becoming a yoga teacher is an honor and should not be taken lightly.  When you put your first step into the water and check things out, be mindful of the lineage and family you are becoming part of. When you consider taking a yoga teacher training program, remember that it is a lot different then just practicing yoga because you will now act as a representative of an entire movement. You will be one of many voices that new students will look to as an example of what yoga is. By taking a yoga teacher training program and moving up the rung of the ladder so to speak, you will now have a responsibility not only to yourself, but also to those around you who want to know what yoga is and are ready to take their first step onto their yoga mat. Are you ready to represent yoga with grace and integrity and have this responsibility on your shoulders? At the same time remember that all teachers put on their yoga pants one leg at a time no matter how great they are.

Your Evolution As A Yoga Teacher

One of the greatest benefits to taking a yoga teacher training is that you get to see what you are made of. Your first challenge along your yogi path was to get yourself to class. Your next challenge was to go on a regular basis. Third challenge was to align breath with movement. Your fourth challenge was to integrate your mind. So if you find yourself at a place where you are going to yoga regularly, can move through a series pretty well (meaning that your poses, breath, and movement through each pose are aligned), and your mind and soul are integrating with your body, then I would say you are ready to take a yoga teacher training. Besides, there are no “bad” results if you do take one. The worst that can happen is that you find out you still need to work on some part of your practice and that is actually not a bad thing at all. The only thing that can come from you taking a yoga certification program is that you learn more about yourself.

Becoming A Strong Yoga Teacher

If you want to learn how to teach yoga and delve into your yoga teacher training, one of the most crucial aspects you will need to overcome is your ability to speak in front of large audiences and overcome any shyness or insecurities you may have. In becoming a yoga teacher, you will need to have the ability to command a room and project your voice. People are going to be looking to you and following every move and word you say. So many yoga students tend to focus on their practice and asanas that they forget that a teacher is not only good in their own yoga practice, but more importantly they are great leaders. As you go through your yoga certification program remember that on the one hand you need to deepen your own practice, and on the other you need to strengthen your leadership skills since a yoga teacher is both a teacher and leader at all times.

Fear Of A Yoga Teacher Training

Are you afraid of taking a yoga teacher training? Fear is one of our greatest tools and teachers. I know this sounds strange but fear offers you an opportunity to learn more about yourself. It is there pointing something out to you that is out of alignment. If you have any fears or doubts about taking a yoga teacher training program, then jump right in! Take a look at those fears. What are they teaching you about yourself? Are you afraid of failing? My definition of failure is this:

What you experience when you don’t try.

So as long as you try and do your best, you did not fail. Or are you afraid of what others might think? Expectations? Not good enough? Who cares?! The most important reason to take a yoga teacher training course is to have fun, learn, and grow! Remember, your path of teaching and being a student never ends. So many yoga students think that after they take a couple of yoga training programs then that’s it. Not even close! In fact, it’s still the beginning. As the saying goes: Learn to teach and teach to learn. As a yoga teacher, you are always (until the day you die) still learning. So have fun and jump in to your yoga teacher training! Just remember to respect and honor the lineage you are now a part of and represent it with joy, love, and integrity and you cannot go wrong!

Ready To Get Started?

Yoga Teacher Training Schools - This link (or the “Schools” button at the top) will display all the schools offering yoga certification programs located all over the world.