From Student to Yoga Instructor

By Sangeetha Saran, Bhavan Kumar, and Faye Martins

How does the process of transforming from student to yoga instructor begin? When students have been practicing yoga for a while and feel comfortable with the poses, they may wonder if they are ready to become yoga instructors. The answer to this question is not always clear-cut, but there are some things that students can keep in mind as they decide.

Self-Analysis

For one, students should ask themselves if they feel passionate about teaching yoga. If they do, then becoming an instructor may be the right path for them. Students should also consider whether they have the time and commitment to devote to teaching yoga. It takes a lot of dedication to be a good instructor, and students should be up for the challenge before taking on the role. Finally, students should talk to their current yoga instructor or another experienced yoga teacher to get advice on whether or not they are ready to become an instructor.

Value of Advice

Getting input from someone who has been through the process can be invaluable in helping students make their decision. While being a student has undoubtedly been a transforming experience, compared to when one did not practice yoga, becoming a teacher represents an even more significant step in upping your game. This is because training to become a teacher is a transforming journey, requiring many studies, dedicated practice, an understanding of yogic philosophy, and the lifestyle changes necessary to live a healthier, more balanced life.

Constructive Teaching Influence

When you’re ready to transform from student to yoga instructor, finding the best yoga teacher training course can make all the difference. Here are some things you can learn from a great yoga instructor program:

1. The importance of proper alignment and achieving it in your body.

2. How to modify poses to suit your own body and level of ability.

3. The connection between breath and movement and how to use breath as a tool to deepen your practice.

4. Techniques for meditation and relaxation that can help you still the mind and find inner peace.

5. Lots of helpful tips and tricks for living a healthier, happier life on and off the mat.

Is Time Wasted in a Bad Experience?

Many students are concerned with wasting time from student to yoga instructor. A lousy yoga teacher can teach you many things. First, they can teach you how not to be a yoga teacher. Second, they can teach you the importance of being a good student. Third, they can teach you the importance of being open-minded and flexible in your teaching methods. Finally, they can teach you that even the best yoga teachers have bad days. Ultimately, interns learn what to do and what not to do as they teach classes.

Devoted Teacher Interns

Unless one decides to make yoga practice a daily part of life, it can be very challenging to be certified as a teacher. Instructor training is a transforming experience because yoga teacher training schools want to turn out instructors who represent the best that yoga offers the general public. In other words, mentally sleeping through class won’t cut it.

Commitment to Pursue Excellence

Those who cannot keep students safe, take pride in giving students the complete experience, provide solid advice, help students who need it, and represent the ideals of yoga coherently are not likely to be considered qualified to teach yoga. Paying tuition for training is not a guarantee that one will be certified; any more than a college student is guaranteed a degree just because they are diligent about keeping up with their tuition.

Types of Training Available

There is no shortage of variety when shopping for schools on teacher training. Schools can range from online programs to trendy urban yoga studios or quiet ashrams in remote regions. Schedules, too, can vary, from intensive training with flexible online learning formats to classes that last a month to training that include several months, with the sessions spread out over evening and weekend sessions.

Yoga Styles

Then, of course, you must consider the type of yoga taught. There are many schools of yoga, although most focus on yoga for physical training, Hatha yoga, rather than the more esoteric forms, like, for instance, Raja yoga, the training of yoga for intense concentration and mental acuity. Each intern will go through a transforming journey within any teacher training program.

Price Range

Costs vary from relatively inexpensive to remarkably pricey. When you’re ready to take your yoga practice to the next level and become a certified yoga instructor, there are a few things to consider. The cost of certification can range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand, depending on your chosen program. Additionally, you’ll need to factor in the cost of travel and accommodations if you’re attending a certification retreat. You can do a few things to offset the cost of certification.

Steps Toward Certification

First, check with your current studio to see if they offer discounts for students who become certified instructors. Many studios offer teacher training programs at a reduced rate for their members. Some yoga teacher training programs offer scholarships or payment plans to make certification more affordable. Becoming a certified yoga instructor is an investment in your future. You can make it happen without breaking the bank with careful planning and budgeting.

Staying True to One’s Nature

Naturally, with so many choices available, this raises the question of where to start in one’s quest to transform from student to teacher. The answer is relatively straightforward—pursue the style, school, and type of yoga that you find most appealing – one that accords with your nature. Some people, for instance, have rajasic natures—robust and active— and Vinyasa Yoga, which is fast-paced, is beautiful.

Preferences

When you’re ready to transition from student to yoga instructor, the first step is understanding your personal preferences in learning. Do you like to study independently or with others? Do you prefer a more structured curriculum or a more open-ended approach? These are essential questions to consider, as your preferred learning style will significantly impact how you approach your teacher training.

Learning Options

If you like to learn independently, you might select an online training program that allows you to study at your own pace. Or, if you prefer a more hands-on approach, you might choose an immersive in-person training program where you can practice and learn alongside other students. There is no right or wrong answer regarding your preferences in learning – it’s all about what works best for you. So take some time to reflect on what would help you learn and grow as a yoga teacher, and then find a training program that aligns with those needs.

Final Thoughts

When starting your yoga journey, it can be easy to feel like you’re not good enough or that you’re not ready to take on the role of teacher. However, as you continue to practice and grow in your understanding of yoga, you’ll eventually see that the best teacher is always within yourself. It’s not about being perfect or having all the answers; it’s about being open to learning and growing along the way. Trusting in your ability to learn and improve will allow you to tap into a wealth of knowledge and experience that you didn’t even know you had. And as you continue to share your practice with others, you’ll find that your teaching style naturally evolves and unfolds uniquely. So don’t be afraid to let your inner teacher shine through.

Self-Discovery

Ultimately, yoga is about self-discovery, growth, and expansion. By embracing your unique path, you can help others do the same. Teacher training in yoga is for those who want to take their interest to the next level. Once they have made that decision, the next step is finding a style that suits their natural temperament. Ultimately, it’s an adventure, and one never stops learning how to improve. Certification to teach is just the beginning of genuinely committing to learning yoga. If you doubt what school to specialize in, don’t rush it. Try out different schools and find the right one for you.