How Do I Become a Yoga Instructor?

We get many emails with subject line, "how do I become a yoga instructor?" So we thought it would be helpful to write a quick blog and share this information for any of you who are interested in becoming a yoga instructor.  

How Do I Become a Yoga Instructor?

The simple answer is this - to become a yoga instructor, all that is required is that you complete a 200 hour yoga teacher training program. Once you've completed a 200 hour yoga teacher training, you'll be awarded a certificate.  That 200 hour yoga teacher certification is all you need to become a yoga teacher.  Let's look at this in more detail.

Becoming a yoga instructor is much easier than you might think.  All you need to do to become a yoga instructor is to take a 200 hour yoga teacher training.  You can now find many options to take a 200 hour yoga teacher training online.  There are also hybrid 200hr yoga teacher training options.  You can of course still find traditional, good ole' in person 200 hour yoga teacher training programs.  You really want to figure out if online yoga teacher training is right for you, or if you'd be better off with an in person yoga teacher training.  So it's important to understand the differences between online ytt and in person ytt and to learn what you can expect in a 200 hour yoga teacher training.  

What Can I Expect In a 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training

Whether you take your 200 hour yoga teacher in person or online, you can expect the same basic outcomes from your 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training program.  Almost every 200 hour yoga teacher training program will cover these basic topics:

• Yoga Philosophy
• Yoga Anatomy
• Yoga Postures
• Yoga Sequencing
• Yoga Business
• Chakras and Esoteric Body

Once you decide that you want to become a certified yoga instructor and you start checking into how to become certified as a yoga instructor, you'll find that these are the general topics covered, and this is what you can expect when you enroll in a 200hr yoga teacher training.  Beyond these similarities, however, there are many differences. 

How Do 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Programs Differ From One Another?

There are many differences from one 200 hour yoga teacher training program to another.  Once you've decided to become a yoga instructor, you'll want to pay close attention to make sure you choose the right program for you.  Some considerations are the lead trainer of the yoga teacher training, the price, the requirements and the schedule.

How do I become a yoga instructor?

The 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Teachers

The main difference is the teacher.  You'll want to find out who the lead trainer is for your 200 hour yoga teacher training program.  You may also want to find out what their perspective is, their teaching style and their passions.  You'll find that some ytt programs emphasize anatomy while others go deeper into sequencing or philosophy.  You want to find one that resonates with you and aligns with your goals.

The Assignments for the 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training

Assignments can vary drastically from one 200 hour yoga teacher certification program to the next.  You may be asked to write class plans, teach yoga postures or sequences to others or even to take a final exam.  Some yoga teacher training programs have intense written assignments while others are more about putting theory into practice.  You may be asked to partner up with other yoga teacher trainees or you may be expected to work independently.  It's important to ask the right questions to find out what will be required of you in order for you to become a yoga instructor so you can enjoy the certification process.  

The Schedule for 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training

Once you set out to become a yoga instructor and start comparing yoga teacher training programs, you'll realize they all have unique schedules. If you go with an online yoga teacher training, you may be able to find one that is totally self-paced with no required log in times or face-to-face meetings.  You may also prefer a hybrid option where you can enjoy a combination of live or in person offerings with pre-recorded, on demand material to balance it out.  If you're looking for a traditional in person yoga teacher training, you can always find one locally or in a retreat-style setting.  

The Price for 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training

Another big variant to consider once you decide you want to become a certified yoga instructor is how much your budget is for yoga teacher training.  Generally speaking, the less overhead the program has, the more savings you should receive as a student.  If you find a fully online program, you will probably get the most bang for your buck.  If you go with a hybrid training, you'll be spending more.  Fully in person trainings are thousands of dollars because of the overhead associated with them.  Retreat style yoga teacher trainings in special locations are usually the most expensive because of the travel fees and overhead connected to this style of training.

How Do I Become a Yoga Instructor?

Once you've chosen the 200 hour yoga teacher training that is right for you, please take your time and savor every moment.  It's a beautiful experience and offers a lot of room for expansion and transformation.  Be sure to keep a journal so you can write down what you're feleing and what you're learning.  

If for any reason you finish your 200 hour yoga teacher training program and still want more, you can always take an advanced 300 hour yoga teacher training to become a 500 hour yoga teacher.  There are also many specialty certifications so you may find yourself taking kids yoga teacher training, prenatal yoga teacher training, restorative yoga teacher training or yin yoga teacher training.  

Stay true to yourself and follow your own path, friends. 

how do i become a yoga instructor