Now choosing a suitable yoga teacher training course is not difficult anymore. Though selecting a perfect YTT needs a lot of research and effort. Being a student and a yoga instructor at a yoga teacher training has taught me the things to consider before choosing a yoga teacher training course.
So here I am, as your well-wisher, will guide you with the top 10 tips for choosing a Yoga Teacher Training Course.
A five-minute read about choosing the best teacher training course for you: there you go!
1. Know Your Ultimate Goal
Identify why you want to take up the course.
Before enrolling in yoga teacher training courses, know your ultimate goal of joining a YTT. Ask a few questions: Do you want to enhance your yoga practice? Or do you want to pursue yoga as a career choice?
After answering the above questions, you will get a clear picture of your needs that will help you find suitable yoga teacher training. Knowing your ultimate goal will make things easier for you and help you stay on track for the long run. Hence, you will be sorted out completely.
2. Check If YTTC is Yoga Alliance Certified
Choose a Yoga Teacher Training that is Yoga Alliance Certified
Whether you want to become a yoga instructor or not, always choose an Institute affiliated with Yoga Alliance. Yoga Alliance is an international yoga governing body that has set several standards and criteria for yoga teacher training programs.
Ensure that your yoga training is completed by the organization certified by the yoga alliance. Many yoga teacher training courses are duly authorized by the yoga alliance and follow their standards and protocols. We do not say that other non-affiliated institutes are not good, but authentication is essential.
#3. Know where it is located
Choose a location that will make you fall in love with YOGA.
No wonder suitable surrounding and climate plays a significant role in choosing an appropriate yoga teacher training program. Rishikesh, Dharamshala, and Goa in India are considered the best and most authentic places to learn yoga.
Also, the surroundings and climate of these places are perfect for learning yoga. These places are rich in natural beauty. The pleasant environment, lush green forests, fantastic river flows, and tranquillity will make anyone fall in love with these places. These places are beautiful and will help you dive deeper into understanding yoga and make the most of it.
4. Go Through The Syllabus
Check out the syllabus offered by various Yoga Teacher Training, and choose what you feel is the best.
All schools registered by the yoga alliance have similarities in their curriculum, but they also have the freedom to change their curriculum according to their different teaching styles.
Some schools pay more attention to practice than theory. Some highlight anatomy and medical yoga, while others focus on personal development. Also, some schools believe in a traditional serving of yoga, while others love to train yoga from a modern perspective.
You need to understand your needs and then decide on a school with a balanced curriculum that you feel is right for you.
5. Get The Complete Course Cost
Enquire about the cost and compare!
Yoga teacher training is an investment that can not be reversed. You must know everything before investing. Get full details about the programs, and ask for discounts.
Ask them about the remaining facilities. Compare the prices with different schools and understand why there is a difference in cost. Thus make most of your money and don’t feel shy to ask.
6. Know The Experience Of Teachers
Research on teachers also plays an important role.
Now it is time to check the teachers you wish to learn from. Look at how long they have been teaching and how long they have been teacher training. Also, see who their gurus were. These types of information are necessary as you will be spending a valuable amount of time with them.
You can attend a few public classes and decide which instructor you would love to be with. Make sure you feel connected with them and enjoy how they teach your yoga style.
7. Understand Different Styles Offered By YTTC
Choose a basic yoga form that will help you to flourish.
There are many styles of yoga available out there. The most popular forms of yoga are Ashtanga, Hatha, Vinyasa Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, Aerial Yoga, Acro Yoga, and Power Yoga. Also, there are not-so-popular forms of yoga-like Yin and Yan Yoga and Restorative Yoga.
If you have already practiced the particular yoga form and what to continue with, you will make the correct choice. However, selecting one specific yoga style can be tricky if you are new to yoga. So, it is always suggested to start with Hatha yoga.
Hatha yoga is the mother of all yoga forms. It is a foundation that will help you to adapt various yoga forms. Hatha yoga will bring a deeper approach to fundamental aspects of yoga.
8. Check Details Of Accommodation, Food
Know about the facilities of food and accommodation.
Get in touch with the yoga teacher training schools that you have short-listed. Now enquire them about the accommodation and food facilities. Residential pieces of training include food and accommodation facilities.
All schools serve vegetarian food. They make sure to nourish you with a healthy meal. Many schools serve three meals a day with two tea breaks. Ask them if they operate on weekends.
Rooms have minimum furniture, cozy beds, wi-fi facilities, and attached washrooms. The places are clean and hygienic. You can always discuss these facilities in detail with the YTT schools.
9. Make Your Mind For Short And Long-Term Courses
Know how much time you can make for yoga learning.
Understand what short and long-term programs bring to you. Short-term courses generally range from 15-29 days. The system is highly challenging as you need to learn a lot in a short period.
Usually, the program is tiring and intimidating, but if it is well-designed and handled by experienced faculty can do wonders. Students tend to discover strength and determination.
Long-term courses give you the time to digest a tremendous amount of yoga knowledge and enhance your yoga practice. It makes the whole yoga teacher training journey worthwhile.
10. Know The Class Size
Class Size Matters!
Before enrolling in any yoga teacher training program, know the strength or class size. Opt for a class that is not so small and not so crowded. It is always productive if the class size is 20-25.
A good tuning between teachers and students is made in less overcrowded classes. A class size of 20-25 will be adequate as the teacher will be able to give attention to every student in the class. You can also ask doubts and queries easily in class. Even the understanding power of the students becomes more when the class is less crowded.
Takeaways
I hope you will consider my excellent tips and choose your perfect yoga teacher training wisely. Pick the courses you relate to and make your yoga teacher training journey memorable.
Remember, no one can stop you until you are focused and determined.