There are so many different types of trainings, and it’s critical to find the best one for you. While all Yoga Alliance-certified YTTs cover certain fundamentals, different programs have different focuses. For instance, some emphasize meditation and philosophy, and others focus on anatomy and fitness. Some are geared toward helping you deepen your practice, while others prioritize the nuts and bolts of becoming a teacher. With all the options, there’s sure to be a YTT that’s a good fit, no matter what you’re looking for.

From philosophic concepts and obscure muscle groups to classroom management and marketing techniques, YTT will throw a lot of information at you. The stronger of a foundation you already have, the easier things will be. Before your training starts, take regular classes, and practice at home consistently. Make sure you know the names of key poses, and start learning the Sanskrit names as well. If there’s required reading, try to do some of it before your training begins. When things get busy, you’ll be glad you’re not starting from scratch.

Your YTT will probably cover a lot of information that’s new, and some of it will likely challenge your beliefs. Whether it’s new alignment cues for poses you’re already doing “right,” esoteric concepts like the chakra system, or new practices like chanting and kriyas, try it approach everything with an open mind. Be truly curious about what you’re taught, and commit to trying things out for yourself before dismissing them.

When you’re busy with training, socializing might not be at the front of your mind – but don’t miss the chance to bond with the other trainees. One of the benefits of yoga teacher training is the chance to be part of a like-minded community. You might stay friends with people from your YTT long after it’s over, or even work together in the future. Plus, you and your fellow trainees will all benefit from supporting each other when training gets challenging (and it will!).

During teacher training, you will learn, change, and grow so much. By the end, it’ll be hard to remember what it was like to not have the knowledge and understanding you’ve gained. Keeping a journal throughout the experience will allow you to go back later and appreciate how much you’ve transformed. Not only that, writing about what you’re learning during the program will help you process it all. Whether you enroll in a part-time YTT at your home studio or join us for an immersive month here at Vikasa, these tips will help set you up to deepen your personal practice and become an effective yoga teacher.