Must Read! Before You Opt for Yoga Teacher Training Course

Just like choosing the perfect smartphone, selecting the right yoga teacher training program can be confusing.

With so many yoga schools offering different philosophies and styles, and various modes of teaching—whether it’s on-site, online, or hybrid training.Then there are various qualifications to consider, such as diplomas, undergraduate degrees in yoga, or certified 200, 300, and 500-hour courses —the options can feel overwhelming.Some criteria are clear: Do you prefer online or on-site training? Are you drawn to Ashtanga Vinyasa, Iyengar, or traditional Hatha yoga? But the real challenge begins when you try to decide which specific program is the best fit for you.

Don’t worry; we’ve got a solution! Here are 5 criteria to help you select the Best yoga teacher training course for you.

1. Curriculum Relevant to Yoga Teaching

While many yoga schools offer similar curricula, the difference lies in how effectively the course prepares you for real-world teaching. To become a confident yoga teacher, it's essential to choose a course with content that is directly relevant to teaching yoga, not just practicing it.

Here’s why this matters: After graduating from a yoga teacher training course, your first challenge will be attracting students to your classes. You may know how to perform asanas, pranayama, and meditation, but the real question is—whom will you teach, and how will you conduct a class?

The second challenge is building confidence in your teaching abilities. This confidence doesn’t come solely from mastering yoga techniques but from understanding how to lead a class from start to finish. Remember, mastering an asana is one skill; teaching that asana effectively is another. If your training doesn’t adequately cover teaching methodologies, you may feel the need for additional certifications down the road as your growth plateaus.

2. Teacher's Credentials

Teachers are the heart and soul of any yoga teacher training course. While many Yoga TTCs may offer similar curricula, the quality of your training will ultimately depend on the teachers guiding you.

A great teacher not only imparts knowledge but also equips you with the tools to apply that training effectively in your own classes.To assess a teacher’s credentials, start by exploring their social media profiles, YouTube channels, or any content they have shared online.

This can give you a sense of their teaching style, expertise, and approach to yoga. Additionally, any reputable yoga school should have its teachers registered with Yoga Alliance, which adds another layer of credibility.

Choosing a teacher with the right credentials and teaching style can make a significant difference in your journey, transforming your experience from simply learning yoga to mastering the art of teaching it.

3. Mentorship After Course Completion

A school might have the world renowed faculty, but their expertise is little use if you don't have the support you need after the course is over.

The real challenges often begin after you’ve completed your yoga teacher training. You'll likely have a ton of questions—trust me, I did after my first TTC. That's why it’s crucial to have ongoing support. When choosing a yoga teacher training course, make sure they offer a community support group where you can connect with peers and experienced teachers.

This mentorship and community can be invaluable as you start teaching. It’s a place where you can ask questions, share experiences, and continue learning, ensuring that you’re never alone on your journey to becoming a successful yoga teacher. You may have the world renowed faculty, but their expertise is little use if you don't have the support you need after the course is over.

4. Risk-Free Investment

The purpose of taking a yoga teacher training course varies from person to person. Some want to deepen their personal practice, others aim to add credentials to their profile, and some are complete beginners aspiring to become yoga teachers. Additionally, preferences for particular styles of yoga play a significant role in the decision-making process.

However, not every course is suitable for everyone. People often end up investing in courses that don’t align with their needs or preferred style, leading to wasted time and money. It's common to see individuals sharing their disappointing experiences on social media, where they traveled to places like Rishikesh only to find that the course didn’t meet their expectations, and there was no recourse because there was no money-back guarantee.

To avoid this, it's wise to seek out courses that offer a partial or full money-back guarantee. This ensures that your investment is secure and gives you peace of mind, knowing that if the course doesn’t meet your expectations, you have options to recoup your investment.

5. Price (Not a Primary Criterion)

A common question we hear is, “Why is this training more expensive than others?” I always respond with, “If both courses were the same price, which one would you choose?” The answer often reveals what truly matters.

Price should never be the primary criterion when selecting a yoga teacher training course because pricing is largely about perception. There's a widespread belief that a higher price indicates a superior product, while a lower price suggests something is lacking, even if the lower-priced option offers great value.

Consider this analogy: You could sell a $2 shoe for $200 if you successfully create the perception that it's an aspirational product worn by celebrities. The actual quality of the shoe might be irrelevant to those drawn in by the perception of exclusivity.

If you're on a tighter budget, it’s tempting to choose the least expensive course available. However, this can be a mistake if you overlook other critical criteria like curriculum, faculty expertise, and credentials. If you have a budget of, say, $400 (approximately ₹35,000), ensure the course you choose meets all your needs. If it does, and the price fits within your budget, then it’s the right choice for you.