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What you need to know about yoga teacher training

teaching yoga yoga lifestyle yoga philosophy Dec 12, 2019
Yoga teacher training support in Hucknall, Nottingham
 

You’re thinking about undertaking a teacher training course. You’ve rolled out your mat a fair few times, you’ve seen all the instagram posts, seen yoga teachers floating about unconfined by the nine to five schedule. And it’s a great thing to do, right?

 

I agree because I love what I do.

 

I'm so happy for you that you’re making this investigation and you may have found this blog post as a result of your research so I would love to be able to help you.

 


WHAT CAN I EXPECT OF MY YOGA TEACHER TRAINING COURSE?

First things first

 

A YOGA TEACHER NEEDS A REGULAR PRACTICE

Can you actually teach something that you don’t actually know? Would you expect to be able to teach people how to drive a car if you had never driven one yourself?

 

You must have a yoga practice and have been practicing consistently for a long period of time. It’s a lifelong commitment. I’m talking about an actual yoga practice of say, 6 or 7 times a week which is supplemented by going to yoga classes with a real-life teacher, not just online YouTube tutorials. When I suggest ‘practice’, I’m sure you know I’m talking about all of the Eight Limbs of Yoga. The study of yoga within the self.

...YOU’VE ALSO GOT TO HAVE BEEN GOING TO YOGA CLASSES FOR 2-3 YEARS TO JOIN THE COURSE...I’VE ONLY REALLY TRIED A FEW YOGA POSES AT HOME BUT NEVER BEEN TO ANY CLASSES. JUST TRYING TO THINK OF THINGS TO TRY TO GET A CAREER I ENJOY THAT’S GOOD AND RELAXING
— (NOT REALLY THE RIGHT MINDSET FOR EMBARKING ON A TEACHER TRAINING COURSE)

True story; somebody actually emailed this response a while ago asking if I offered yoga teacher training. I had recommended a very good yoga teacher training school - this was their objection.

I don’t post this to shame or belittle anyone, merely to illustrate my point that embarking on a YTT course, one would expect that yoga is a pretty big part of your life already.

 

 

YOU NEED TO LEARN TO GIVE AND ACCEPT FEEDBACK

When you are in the big wide world of teaching your own classes, you will probably not have a job appraisal.


I remember reading years ago that people are more likely to feedback negatively than positively. The source of this information escapes me and Google was unable to help with the vague searches I put in!

Say Phyllis goes to a restaurant and the expectation she has of that experience is met (food was nice, didn’t have to wait too long, the price was fair), it is unlikely she will leave a glowing review. If the Phyllis' expectation was not met in someway, it is very likely she will complain or leave a negative feedback. This unknown source also indicted that Phyllis is likely to share her negative experience with at least 7 people. Not so much if her expectation was met and definitely not so much if her expectation was exceeded.

 

Unfortunately, it’s a fact that if someone’s expectation is not met in their yoga class, they probably won’t tell you about it. They just won’t come back.

 

Here seems a good place to underline that not every yoga teacher is right for every student

 

You do not have to be the right yoga teacher for every person. You teach the way you want to teach.

So shall we reframe the idea of feedback? If it is offered with honesty, kindness and a genuine, authentic motive

FEEDBACK IS A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY


if we can accept it as such.


In real speak, constructive criticism is sometimes hard to accept and it is hard to offer. I'm not just talking about how well someone thinks you led them into downward facing dog. This rule applies off the mat, too.

 

One of the most valuable lessons during my YTT course were exercises in giving and receiving feedback - from peers and from the teachers delivering the sessions. The lessons are still as valid for me now as they were five years ago.

 

Be receptive to the gift of honesty from others and also to the reality that as a yoga teacher, you will not be everyone’s cup of tea. But that’s okay if you’re the perfect latte for someone else.

 

 

YOU NEED TO DO YOUR HOMEWORK

There are countless ways to study and a multitude of different forums for undertaking your studies. There are a great many home learning or online study programs that offer more courses than you can shake a text book at. I know because I’ve had great success studying from home with an online syllabus and have gleaned so many nuggets of precious information this way.

 

Of this method, I would suggest that to study from home you must be self-disciplined and self-motivated.

 

The way that worked best for me was checking and re-checking information. The study I am referring to was an NCFE Level 3 qualification in Anatomy & Physiology (with distinctions for each of the twelve body systems assessed over 6 units. If you’re interested. )

 
 

Being a science, there is no grey area - it’s not subjective. There’s a right and a wrong.

 

For each of the body systems, I studied the online material. Then I studied the same body system in a text written for beauty therapists. Then I studied the same body system in a text book loaned to me from a friend who was a nurse - the same text she had worked with as she was training. Then I studied the same body system in a book called Holistic Anatomy - An Integrated Guide to the Human Body I wanted to make sure I knew my subject. I earned my distinctions. I've referenced this book because it gave me so much; I really enjoyed reading it and if you’re interested in this field, I’m sure you would, too.

 

Another of my home study experiences was an ABC Awards Yoga Teacher Level 3 qualification. I hasten to add that I undertook this course after I had completed my 200 hours Yoga Teacher Training course.

 

What can I say? I’m diligent.

 

After my studies had ended, I needed to keep studying to supplement what I had already learned.


What I will say is that after having such a profound and in-depth learning experience, I was alarmed to realise that people could actually become employed as a yoga teacher with just this Level 3 qualification.

 

That realisation did not float my boat.

 
 

As a yoga teacher, people will place their physical safety, wellbeing and sometimes their emotional health in your hands. And not only for the 60min class that they take with you.

 

Injuries can last a long time so please know you are in a position of great responsibility and it is your responsibility to make sure that you study well and with the right teacher and school for you.

WITH GREAT POWER COMES GREAT RESPONSIBILITY
— SPIDERMAN

Do your research with the school you intend to study with, make sure they are teaching the style of yoga that fits best with why you want to teach it yourself. Have conversations with other people who have graduated from the school. Attend classes with the school. Have conversations with and get to know the team who will be delivering the lessons.

 

Make no mistake, you will be spending a lot of time with these people and the training can be intense at times.

 


 

A NOTE ON MY OWN TRAINING

I make no secret that I studied my 200hr Yoga Teacher Training course with Bahia Yoga in Nottingham. The reason for that is because I’m bloody proud to have studied there.

 

I have a deep respect and love for my teacher, Jasmin Bahia, who has entrusted me with so many lessons and skills that I am honoured to be able to share in the way that I do. I attend classes at the studio whenever I can, have been invited to teach many classes there, and trusted to be involved with YTT courses.

 

If you are considering studying with Bahia Yoga, I am more than happy to speak with you about my experiences there and to be able to support you with your studies. Please read on to see some of the ways I can help you out.

 


 

YOU NEED TO BE PREPARED TO INVEST

A 200 or 500hr Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) course will set you back a fair penny, wherever you choose to study. And with good reason, because there is so much time, energy and planning that goes into these courses to make sure that as much content is covered as possible.

You will also be expected to have the appropriate text books - these will vary from school to school - these cost as well, unless you’re lucky enough to be able to borrow from a friend or from a local library. There’s a cost involved with having regular lessons with a qualified yoga teacher. Then there’s the cost of travel to and from the school, accommodation if it’s not local to you or if you are travelling - abroad or otherwise for an intensive study period, and the cost of any absence that you need to take from your day job. I was fortunate enough that when I was studying, I was only studying, but others on the course were taking time off work to attend their study days.

 

It’s fair to say, the financial cost is steep.

 
my favourite yoga books for studying philosophy
 

 

And then there’s the investment of your energy which really isn’t quantifiable and most certainly should not be discounted. If you’re going to school half-arsed, I wouldn’t bother. You will not get the benefit of the experience.

 

Put your whole arse in or not at all.

 

I quickly learned on the days I studied, that I had to write off the evenings because I returned home almost like a zombie, wiped out from absorbing so much information and from the strength of the physical practices. So much so that I also swiftly learned it was best to take the train rather than drive so I could completely zone out on my return home.

 

On application to the school of your choice, they will likely want to meet you.

 

Be wary of schools that will sign you up and take the payment without too many questions.

 

Just as a job interview is a two-way process - it’s as much you finding out if the job is right for you as the other way around - so is the entry to a YTT. The school will be investing a heck of a lot of energy and trust into you. The things they will possibly want to know are

  • how long have you been practicing yoga

  • do you attend regular classes

  • who are your teachers

  • what are your reasons for wanting to study

they may even request a written recommendation from your regular yoga teacher.


Your school will want to see commitment from you, just as you will want to see commitment and dedication from them as your educators.


 

AS A YOGA TEACHER, HOW CAN I HELP YOU?

Allow me to offer you support or mentorship during your studies and later in your business of teaching yoga. There are many ways I can offer this mentorship which can benefit, supplement and enrich your YTT experience. Click here if this is something you are interested in or get in touch.

 

YOU CAN COME TO MY CLASSES

Some teachers find it icky to have another yoga teacher in their class. They might feel judged, on display, as though they are being spied upon. I get it, because I confess to having those feelings myself early on.

 

What you need to know is that yoga teachers need yoga classes too. Time to just zone out and switch off and have someone else lead the movements and our practice. It is my hope that you feel comfortable and welcome in my classes, whether you are a teacher trainee or already run your own classes.

YOU CAN OBSERVE MY CLASSES

As a requirement of your study, you will may have to undertake class observations and provide written evidence (see my notes on feedback above). Also, see above regarding some teachers feeling icky about being observed.

 

For one training I took part in, a teacher declined my request to observe her class; as was her right. Never ever do anything that you are not comfortable with just because you feel you should. Stay true to you.

 

But I am comfortable with it, so please let me know if I can support you in this way.

 

Again referencing the necessity to be able to accept honest feedback, I need it too so I would welcome the opportunity to read your observations of my classes. (I'm self employed, I don’t get an employment appraisal and I like to know how I’m doing.)

 

YOU CAN PRACTICE ON ME

When you know yoga poses well, it can be difficult to only follow the verbal cues you are given, but sometimes it’s the best way for a teacher to know if they’re using the right words. Practice your teaching on me with or with others and I will commit to offering my honest feedback with ahimsa and satya. You can also practice physical adjustments or modifications with me, chanting or ideas of philosophy. I offer a session where we can tailor the support in exactly the way that you need it to supplement the already excellent tuition that you will be receiving with your school.

 

If you would like to work with me, get in touch. We can even utilise modern technology and schedule a video call if we’re in different post codes. I’m here for you.

 


 

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this post, I sincerely hope you have enjoyed it and it may have given you some food for thought. Use the buttons below ⬇️ to get social.

 

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