The Complete Guide for Choosing The Best Yoga Instructor Certification [2022 edited]

What You Need to Know Before Choosing an Instructor Certification Course

There are many factors to consider before taking on your training, from choosing the right certification and location to how to plan your budget and what to pack. We have no doubt you have many burning questions. Fear not, we are here to answer them all in this handy guide!

Read on for everything you might want to know about choosing the right training, what to expect from a 200hr course, how to prepare and tips for taking the step from yoga graduate to teacher.

1. Choosing the Right Yoga Teacher Certification

What should I consider when choosing a training?

Choosing a teacher training can be a daunting task. With so many different courses out there offering a range of different styles, from Hatha and Ashtanga to hot yoga and acro yoga.

Your first 200hr teacher training should provide you with the building blocks for your teaching and practice, so it’s a good idea to focus on a more mainstream style of yoga to begin with that draws from traditional yoga foundations. If you’re at the beginning of your practice or new to the myriad forms of yoga, go and explore what’s out there through in-studio classes or online videos to see what works for you.

Look for courses that are run by notable schools and led by experienced teachers. A good training course should provide an equal balance between theoretical learning and hands-on practical learning. Be sure to check that the curriculum has a mix between content sessions, yoga classes (where you can practice as a student), and practice teaching sessions where you will be weaving all of your learning together.

The most important thing to keep in mind when choosing a course is to go with what you feel most comfortable with. Your teacher training adventure is an individual journey that will be unique to you.

Is my yoga is advanced enough?

It’s not necessary to have a very advanced practice to join a 200hr teacher training course. At All Yoga, we welcome all dedicated yoga students ready to transform and grow their practice on and off the mat. It is recommended to have at least four to six months of regular yoga, or similar dedication to a physical practice such as dance or movement training, before attending a 200hr teacher training course.

The most important requirement is to have a strong commitment to the practice and motivation to learn new things. In our teacher trainings, we always keep in mind that yoga is not about doing all the asanas (poses), rather about bringing awareness to your own life through the practice.

Does everyone who takes a yoga teacher training course plan to teach?

Not every student signs up to a training course in order to become a fully-fledged yoga teacher. Generally, we find that around half of our students start with the intention to teach after graduation. The rest view the course as a great way to improve their practice and dive deeper into philosophy and roots of yoga. An intensive course is a fantastic way of deepening your understanding of yoga, and a chance to get to know your body and mind whilst uncovering a toolbox of ancient wisdom to guide you through a lifetime of practice.

How long does it take to become a certified yoga instructor?

The international standard to become a fully certified instructor is to complete 200 hours of training. There are various ways to do this. You can either join a one-month intensive course, or a one-year course, which typically has workshops every weekend. With both options, you will need to commit to doing the training with the same school or organizer.

What if I fail?

If you are dedicated, focussed and committed to your practice and the course, then there should be a guarantee that you won’t fail. In rare cases, students who fail are those who either skip class or are not committed to the program.

Do I need a qualification to teach yoga?

Yes. Teaching yoga requires a special skill set that is learnt through an intensive curriculum and structured program. Participating in a high quality course will prepare you with the tools needed to safely and effectively teach a class. Additionally, future employees will ask for proof of your qualifications, with some only accepting accreditations from Yoga Alliance certified schools.

What is a Yoga Alliance Certification?

Yoga Alliance (YA) is one of the most recognized yoga institutions around the world that certifies schools based on their curriculum and teaching standard. Many yoga studios request their teachers to be Yoga Alliance certified for credential and insurance purposes. Being YA certified will help with securing a teaching position after your training is complete.

What does RYT stand for?

A Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) is a distinction given to yoga teachers whose training and teaching experience meet Yoga Alliance requirements. A RYT must complete training with a Registered Yoga School (RYS) confirmed by Yoga Alliance.

English is not my first language; can I still join a training program?

At All Yoga, Yes! The language of yoga is universal and you become the best instructor of through personal practice. There will be small writing assignments, and group discussions and lectures, however if you decide you are comfortable enough to learn in your second language your instructor will be happy to lead you along the way.

Am I able to join a training if I’m pregnant?

If you are planning on becoming pregnant or if you are, signing up to do an intensive training course is best avoided until after the birth and subsequent recovery. Certain yoga poses should be avoided during pregnancy as they can jeopardize your health and your baby’s health.

Am I the ‘right’ age to do a teacher training?

There is no age limit when it comes to doing a training. Yoga is a practice for anyone and everyone to enjoy regardless of their age, experience, or background. We all arrive at the practice of yoga at different stages in our lives and emotional maturity is something required in all students during a course.

What if I have specific health concerns?

Please advise the course coordinator of any health concerns prior to the training. In this way, your teachers can make sure to provide you with a safe learning environment that accommodates your specific needs.

Why choose to do your training with All Yoga?

Leaders in the field: All Yoga has more than 10 years of experience in training students. Over the years, the course structure and methodology has been adapted and improved to deliver the highest quality of training for students. As a notable worldwide yoga program, we certify hundreds of successful graduates every year and are recognised internationally by studios and training schools.

Cutting-edge curriculum: Combining modern teaching techniques with ancient wisdom, we will work with you to deepen your understanding of yoga and its lifestyle, no matter your level. You will be encouraged to challenge yourself physically and spiritually, emerging from our intensive training ready to practice and teach safely with confidence and skill.

Yoga in paradise: Our unique locations are set on beautiful islands with sun, sea and tropical climates in Bali and Thailand. All of our yoga shalas are used exclusively for our teacher training courses, so students can practice with focus in a tranquil environment. Students practice to the sound of waves, stroll the beach on their break times and finish the day with glorious sunsets over pristine waters.

Small class sizes: By limiting the amount of students to a maximum of 22, we offer personalized attention and hands-on support for each student.

Supportive environment: At All Yoga, are courses are always fun and nurturing. With the addition of group bonding activities you have the opportunity to grow with an extended family of beautiful yoga lovers from all over the world who are there to provide their support and friendship.

Read more about our story and experience qualifying our graduates here.

2. How to Prepare for a Yoga Teacher Training

How can I best prepare for the course?

The best way to prepare is to have a dedicated practice of at least 4 months of yoga before joining a course. We recommend a practice of 3 to 6 classes per week. You can attend classes at a studio or follow online videos at home (just make sure they’re appropriately challenging as the styles you’ll be learning). Types of classes that will help prepare for a course with All Yoga are Ashtanga, Vinyasa flow, Yin and Rocket yoga.

How can I budget for a teacher training?

If you’re travelling overseas for your chosen training course, it’s a good idea to put together an in-depth budget so you can be sure you’ve accounted for all of the costs involved, including flights, insurance, accommodation and food etc.

Be sure to look out for special course discounts on offer. All Yoga offers an early bird discount and free accommodation for those who sign-up in advance. Keep an eye out on our course page for availability of our special offers.

What should I pack?

It is advised to pack light, breathable clothing suitable for hot weather. You will be practicing yoga six days a week, so make sure to bring enough comfortable options. However there is no need to over pack as there are many quick service laundry-mats around.

Other useful items to bring are:
• High protection sun-screen
• Mosquito repellent
• Travel adaptor
• Reef shoes
• Beach sarong / towel
• Hand sanitizer
• Blank notebooks x2
• Pens & a highlighter
• Charcoal pills / Imodium
• Rehydration salts

Will I be required to partake in all of the training activities?

Due to the full schedule of the course and necessary course curriculum, we cannot allow missed sessions unless in the case of medical emergencies. If you have a physical injury or illness, we encourage you to observe class and take notes. Students must full fill all contact hours required by Yoga Alliance in order to get certified.

3. About All Yoga’s 200hr Teacher Training Programme

What style of yoga will I learn at All Yoga’s 200hr Teacher Training?

All Yoga’s 200hr course is based on the Ashtanga Primary Series and Vinyasa styles of practice. The traditional Ashtanga form of yoga provides a strong foundation, while the Vinyasa Flow style will help you to develop and sequence classes. To finely balance the Yang practice of Ashtanga, we also incorporate other styles such as Yin Yoga to give students with a broader experience of yoga’s offerings. By the end of the course, students will be able to confidently teach a modified version of the Ashtanga Primary series as well as create custom sequences.

Why Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga?

We choose to specialize our 200hr teacher training course in Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga for many reasons. As well as being a great foundation for your yoga knowledge, Ashtanga Vinyasa is a great practice for cultivating strength, flexibility and a focused mind. What’s more, our students find that learning the fixed sequence is a valuable basis and helpful structure for when it comes to planning future classes. Read more about what you can learn from our Ashtanga Vinyasa teacher trainings here.

Is there any difference between what is taught in each training location?

No, all of our 200hr teacher trainings teach the same course content.

What will my typical day will be like?

Read about a typical day here.

Are there any days off from training? Will I have time to go sightseeing?

Our 200hr courses have 6 days of training, and one day off per week (Saturdays). On days off you are free to explore the area’s sites, scenery and activities. Check out more of what our tropical Bali and Thailand locations have to offer.

What should I read before the training starts?

All Yoga has a recommended reading syllabus for teacher trainings that will be shared prior to training. While it is recommended you are familiar with main texts, reading the full list is not compulsory, as classes will go into in-depth analysis.

How can I apply for a 200hr course?

Once you have filled out and submitted the 200hr online application form here, we will contact you via email to confirm your application along with more information about the course.

What is the payment procedure?

Once your application has been accepted, you will be required to secure your application with a pre-payment deposit (of US$ 650). The remaining balance of your course must be paid no later than 2 months before training starts. If full payment is not received by 4 weeks before the start date, your spot will be opened up to those on the waiting list.

There are two options for payment:
1. 1. PayPal: Deposit can be paid via our website’s Payment Gateway
2. 2. Bank Transfer: Contact us for account details (payments must be net of any transaction fees)

What is your refund policy?

The course balance (minus deposit) will be refunded if cancellation is requested 4 months before the training start date. If the cancellation is within 120 days of the course, there is no refund, ­ however the credit can be transferred and applied towards any other All Yoga course (no expiration date).

Deposits are non¬-refundable, however in the unlikely event that the training is cancelled; we will refund 100% of your payment or offer an alternate placement. All Yoga assumes no liability for flight costs or any other expenses.

Do you offer scholarships?

At the moment we offer no scholarship programmes. However for those on a tighter budget, we offer course early bird discounts and free accommodation for early sign-ups.

4. What Comes After a Yoga Teacher Training

Will I be able to teach right away after a 200hr teacher training?

After you have completed and passed your course, you will be able to start teaching right away. Our 200hr courses prepare students with the foundations needed to teach with confidence and skill. However, as with all vocational qualifications, the real learning starts once you begin your teaching journey. We recommend diving right into teaching classes as soon as you graduate. You can start with teaching friends and family, or offering donation classes to schools and community groups, or maybe getting together with some fellow teachers to plan a workshop. Bear in mind that it takes time and practice to develop your own style and voice. Just like your own yoga practice, teaching will become more familiar if you remember the golden rule: practice, practice, practice.

Will I be able to teach internationally after graduating?

Successful completion of an All Yoga 200 hour teacher training means you will be certified to teach professionally around the world. Our course is accredited by Yoga Alliance, which is the globally recognized standard.

Do I need any more certifications before teaching?

Insurance is one of the most important things to have in place when you are teaching yoga. There are many companies that specialise in insurance cover specifically tailored to teaching yoga. Check that the style of yoga that you teach is covered and ask your insurance company if you need any additional cover if you teach pre or postnatal yoga, aerial yoga, kids yoga, and any other yogic practices. Most companies will give you comprehensive Public Liability Insurance, which will cover you to teach at studios or community centres.

CPR training or First Aid Training is sometimes required to hold classes at studios or fitness centres. These courses can last a day or some can be done over several days if you are unable to commit to a full day in one go.

How do I go about advertising myself as a yoga teacher?

As with any burgeoning business, advertising your own personal brand is part of finding successful opportunities. Take every opportunity to teach and make your name known through attending events, introducing yourself to local studios and connecting with new students.

As you find spaces to teach at look into how you’ll advertise the classes and whom you advertise to. Setting up a website or a social media page for your yoga business is a great way to establish your brand and reach more people. Other ways to promote your classes are posting in forums and groups or putting up flyers in the local area.

If you have any more unanswered questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you every step of your way on your yoga journey.

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