What does it take to become a Yoga Teacher

Going from student to Yoga teacher is often inspired by a desire to wanting to learn more. When I interview for the OYL 200hr Teacher Training, my first question is always ‘why do you want to teach’? In stark contrast to what people think the life of a Yoga teacher is like the reality is extremely different.

My Journey

I was only 17 when I first went to a Yoga class and was hooked from the get-go. However, it wasn’t until 4 years later I decided to look into Teacher Training. Back then 200hr trainings didn’t exist so what I found was a 2-year Diploma that combined long-distance theory and in-person practical, based in Torquay. The course was split over 14 modules, each one covering a topic that we had to research and write about and I was only allowed to move to the next if I passed the previous one. Thankfully I achieved the diploma passing with Distinction for both Yoga and Anatomy and Physiology.

Continued Learning

My learning didn’t end here, after this, I went travelling and practised teaching to my now husband and spent almost 5months in India searching out teachers whose styles I liked. I continued my training with a 200hr Teacher Training in Yoga Therapy and carried on from here studying with world-renowned teachers including, Paul Grilley, Sarah Powers, Elena Brower and for the last several years Tiffany Cruikshank. I am now a Senior Yoga Teacher and a Yoga Medicine Therapeutic Specialist, and I’m currently studying for my 1000hr with Yoga Medicine. To be an effective teacher you have to be a dedicated student, this has been my journey for the last 23 years and I doubt I will feel like I know enough.

How do you know when you’re ready?

When you start to question your practice and the physical aspect becomes a path of self- enquiry, students are often left with the thirst to know more. Why does a pose feel like that? or why do I feel agisted when I meditate? These types of questions don’t always mean you need to teach to find out why, however, if you do have a desire to teach, these questions are a good starting point to know you’re ready to learn more.

What is the starting point?

As an unregulated industry Yoga Alliance was created to distinguish Yoga from the fitness industry and to set standards that Yoga training schools have to adhere to. Anyone wanting to teach has to take a 200hr Teacher Training to be considered a Yoga Teacher. This is the minimum requirement for Yoga Studios and if you want to be taken seriously don’t opt for cheaper options that sell themselves as Teacher Training. If they are not recognised by YA they are not industry recognised. Sadly there are lots of teachers out there teaching with less than desirable qualifications and unless you’re savvy of industry standards as a student you may not know the difference.

How do I select the Right 200hr Course?

Know what interests you about your practice. Now with the new YA Trainer Pro levels schools are able to design their 200hr courses around their specialist areas. For example, OYL is designed around having in-depth Anatomy, Physiology and Philosophy knowledge so if you’re interested in the function of the body and the importance of honouring Yoga’s roots then my course might appeal to you. If you’re interested in energy and chakra work a course based on these theories might be more suitable. If you’re unsure where to start, check the YA website to search for schools that may appeal to you.

How much do they cost?

Reputable teacher trainings will cost in the region of £3,500 to £5,000 depending on location and content. Courses that come in under £2000 need to be questioned and their criteria checked. Most schools will offer payment plans and a non-refundable deposit is usually required. There are Fitness Yoga Teacher Training Diplomas on the market that sell themselves as Teacher Trainings however, these are not industry recognised.

What is the duration?

It depends, trainings in locations such as Bali and India tend to operate as 4-week intensive courses. Most locally based courses will be spread over a few months. Tri Yoga in London for example runs over 2 years with attendance being a weekend every month.

Do I have to teach at the end of the course?

Not necessarily, you may like me prefer to explore your own practice with your new-found skills and teach family and friends. On occasion, students worry they will lose their confidence and prefer to jump right in. There is no right or wrong answer to this, it really depends on how you feel. And once the course has finished you will know the answer.

Do I need Insurance?

Yes, to teach you will need to be insured. If you choose to register with Yoga Alliance they offer insurance as part of their membership. As a new teacher, you will also be eligible for a discount.

What does the life of a Yoga teacher look like?

Being your best self always

Contrary to the posts we see on social media, teaching Yoga can be challenging. You have to show up as your best self every time, and leave your personal problems at the door. There’s nothing worse than being in a class where the teacher looks agitated and the atmosphere is less than relaxing.

Studio

If you choose to teach for a studio you may find yourself travelling all over so it can become extremely tiring, especially if teaching is your full-time job. Know how many classes per week you need to teach to make a good living and be careful not to spread yourself too thin. Studios want loyalty and consistency.

Some teachers combine their teaching with a job that pays their salary this is definitely how I started. It worked well as my day job paid for all my training, in my heart I always knew Yoga was my passion and one day it would become my real job.

Run your own Classes

You may decide to run your own classes which is also a great way to build a clientele, you do need to factor in the marketing of your classes and finding a suitable venue. I have always taught this way as when I started in Jersey Yoga studios didn’t exist so there wasn't really another option other than teaching for gyms.

Maintain your self practise

They say one way to ruin your self-practice is to become a yoga teacher. Your self-practice is what will inspire the classes you teach so it’s super important you dedicate time to your mat.

enjoy the experience

Ultimately once you've made the decision to commit to a 200hr teacher training you won’t look back. Even if you decide not to teach your tool kit will be so full the way you approach your own practice will be life-changing. And your path of self-discovery will be invaluable. Enjoy the ride.

Lisa is the founder of OmShanti Yoga Living and is a Yoga Medicine Therapeutic Specialist and a registered Yoga Alliance Trainer pro. Lisa launched Jersey’s first YA Accredited 200hr Course in 2021. She runs her own private studio where she sees clients on a 1-1 basis.