How to Prepare for an Intensive Yoga Teacher Training
Yoga Teacher Training courses come in many shapes and sizes and are now more available than ever. With so many choices, choosing one that is right for you can also be overwhelming; there are many things you need to consider. Once you have chosen and booked your training, another challenge awaits - preparing for it.
Embarking on a yoga teacher training journey is a transformative experience, and it can be very demanding on your body/mind, especially if you choose a short-form, intensive Yoga Teacher Training course. To get the most benefit, you need to ensure you are ready. Whether you aim to deepen your practice or start a teaching career, here are essential steps to ensure you're prepared for this exciting adventure.
Step One - Choose the Right Program
There are thousands of Teacher Training courses out there, and the first step to making the best out of your experience and investment is doing some research to find a course that resonates with your needs, wants and expectations. This includes choosing training in a style or method that you have practised and enjoy practising. If you want to teach after getting your certificate, you should be more flexible with the timeframe and location. Rather than trying to squeeze in a teacher training course while on holiday, find a training that is right for you and work your holiday around that. If you want to work on your practice and learn more about yoga, not teach, you might choose a different one that is not so demanding concerning the curriculum. Apart from the style and location, check the curriculum, read about the teachers, find out how long the school has been offering courses and its credentials (easy to find on the school's Yoga Alliance page), find out about any preparatory reading, practice or modules (it is difficult to squeeze everything in three weeks without preparation) and last but not least, read student reviews and testimonials to get a sense of what to expect. You can read more about this part in my "Pick a Yoga Teacher Training Course that is Right for YOU" post.
Physical Preparation
If you are used to practising twice a week or less, it will be challenging to maintain the daily practice usually required at most Intensive Yoga Teacher Training courses. If you don't prepare well, your body will tire, which might lead to injuries. You might also struggle to focus on lectures if you are tired. Therefore, to make your training more enjoyable and beneficial, devote yourself to daily practice in the months leading up to the training. Maintain a balanced diet and include rest days and restorative practices to prevent burnout. Incorporate restorative practices like Restorative Yoga to support your body's recovery.
Mental and Emotional Readiness
Preparing mentally and emotionally is as important as physical readiness. Incorporate mindfulness and meditation into your routine to cultivate a calm, focused mind. Journaling can help you reflect on your motivations and set clear intentions for your training. With physical practice, you will create a daily Sadhana that can carry you through your Teacher Training intensive and your life after the training. Set clear intentions and goals for your teacher training journey. Reflect on what you hope to achieve and how you want to grow. Focus on maintaining good health and self-care practices before and throughout your training. Focus on nutrition, rest, and managing any injuries.
Understanding Yoga Philosophy
Familiarize yourself with basic yoga philosophy. Our Teacher Training intensives include a pre-training Yoga History and Tradition module, but if the one you choose does not have something along those lines, inquire about the recommended reading that will help you understand not only the physical but also the deeper meaning of yoga. Understanding these concepts will enrich your training experience and help you integrate yoga principles into your life. Inquire if your chosen YTT school uses Sanskrit terms (as we do) and if you need to learn the essential Sanskrit asana names (that used to be taught in classes, but unfortunately not so much any more). Sanskrit is the language of yoga, and we must all help carry this tradition forward.
Final thoughts
Preparing for a Yoga Teacher Training course requires thoughtful consideration and planning. By following these steps, you'll be well-equipped to embark on this transformative journey with confidence and enthusiasm.
200-hour Yoga Teacher Training courses
Nina Vukas
Nina is the founder of Spanda Institute, Program Director and a Lead Teacher for Advanced Study Programs. She has been a Yoga practitioner since 1998, started teaching full time in 2005, and has been educating yogis on their journey towards becoming Yoga Teachers, as well as educating Yoga Teachers to advance their knowledge and teaching skills since 2009. Nina is also a Yoga Therapist, Somatic Psychotherapist, Mindfulness and Meditation teacher, and forever a student. Currently, she is studying Psychology.
