If you’ve recently decided to move forward with a yoga teacher training course, the abundance of options available for those seeking yoga education can be overwhelming. The key to finding the kind of training that best suits your individual needs and preferences is to identify the primary takeaways you want from your yoga teacher training program.
Keep in mind that there's no one-size-fits-all answer to finding the right yoga teacher training. A lot of it depends on personal choice, why you want to teach yoga, and whether you've got the time and patience to learn the craft of yoga. Here's what you should ask yourself before committing to a yoga teacher training program.
What Styles of Yoga Are You Interested in Teaching?
The majority of those seeking the right program choose one focusing on the style that they've already taken a lot of yoga classes in and are most familiar with. However, you don't have to go this route — exploration provides abundant opportunities for personal growth, so don't be afraid to branch out a bit, practice to the next level, or learn something new.
No matter what styles you're interested in and feel the most comfortable with, it's still a good idea to take a few classes that stretch your horizon. For instance, taking a class or two in vinyasa yoga from an experienced teacher trainer, even if you never plan on teaching it, will provide you with a broader understanding of yoga as a whole. Trying new things may even lead to a whole new passion and direction for you!
What Elements of Yoga Most Inspire and Interest You?
Some yoga programs focus on philosophy or spirituality, incorporating esoteric practices such as chanting and mudras. Others take on a more anatomical approach, catering to those looking to treat a wide variety of health conditions, including arthritis to cancer to stress. Kindred Yoga training blends the two; we strive to understand the ancient wisdom and apply it appropriately and safely for modern bodies.
Is It Important to You That Your Training Is Authentic and Connected to the Roots of Yoga?
Not all yoga is the same. Some programs are more fitness-based, and others are more authentic to yoga’s original intention to integrate the body, mind, and spirit. If you are looking for an authentic experience of yoga, it may be useful to know what lineage your teacher trainers were trained in. Kindred Yoga owner Christa Stebbing, for example, was trained in the Himalayan Tradition under the guidance of the Spiritual Head and Senior Teachers of the Himalayan Institute.
How Much Practical Teaching Experience Do You Think You Will Need?
Be aware that yoga teacher training programs vary widely in the amount of practical hands-on experience you get. If it’s important to you to get a lot of opportunities to practice your teaching skills — instead of just learning the information — you’ll want to find a training program that provides those opportunities.
What Demographic Do You Want to Serve When You Graduate?
It’s important to choose a training program that will give you the tools you need to teach the people you plan to work with. Consider that not everyone who does yoga is young and fit. If you want to be able to adapt to a diverse clientele, you will need the skills to adapt yoga for different bodies, injuries, and abilities. This is a primary focus of our training.
What Is Your Vision For Your Future as a Yoga Teacher?
Another consideration is what you hope to do with your yoga certification and teacher training. Do you want to teach large group classes in a studio, smaller group classes, or private sessions? Perhaps you’re just taking the training for your own personal learning and growth. You should be sure to ask your potential trainer how they prepare you for teaching in different environments.
About Kindred Yoga’s Teacher Training Program
Kindred Yoga offers a Yoga Alliance certified program of 200 hours that lasts for approximately nine months and is available in person at our North Wales, PA, studio or online. Our teacher training includes an additional 25-hour mentorship program on top of the 200 Hour RYT Certification (but included in the cost of the program).
Our primary focus is on making yoga accessible and beneficial for people of all ages and abilities. When you graduate, you will have the skills and experience to teach vinyasa yoga, hatha yoga, gentle yoga, and restorative yoga. Each student receives personalized instruction designed to help them get the most from their journey with yoga. Our next class begins this October!
For more information on how to become a yoga instructor in PA or to sign up for yoga classes in North Wales, PA, reach out to our team today!