200hr yoga teacher training qualifications are not for the faint-hearted. They require serious dedication and investment: financially, physically and emotionally. But, if you want to deepen your practice, expand your horizons and embark on a spiritual journey, it could be the perfect route for you.

I’m often asked by my students whether the 200hr yoga teacher training would be a good option for them. The answer is always the same: it depends on what they want to achieve. 

A 200hr YTT is about much more than teaching you the fundamentals of how to be a yoga teacher. You’ll learn what yoga really means to you and how it can transform your life for the better. You’ll make friends for life and gain a newfound knowledge that knows no bounds.

But, how do you know if now is the right time to kick off your yoga teacher training journey?

RELATED: CURIOUS ABOUT YOGA TEACHER TRAINING? LET’S EXPLORE!

What is the purpose of the 200hr yoga teacher training?

The 200hr yoga teacher training is the first step for keen yogis to strengthen their understanding of the foundations of yoga. It’s the start of a lifelong learning journey.

200hr YTT courses – wherever they are and whoever they are led by – are designed to prepare your mind, body and spirit for the huge responsibility of sharing the power of yoga with others. It’s the most common certification available for yoga students and should cover the fundamental elements of yoga anatomy, the physical asana practice and yoga philosophy. More in-depth 200hr YTT courses will also take you through lesson planning, business methodology, meditation and subtle energy practices.  

While legally you do not need a 200hr YTT certificate to teach a yoga class, it is something I would strongly advise you to consider. Many studios won’t even consider a yoga teacher without a minimum of 200hrs as a qualification, and the wealth of experience and knowledge you gain from YTT cannot be taken purely from attending classes.

It is therefore a badge of honour; one that shows that you take the safety and experience of your students seriously.

Questions to ask yourself before you register for your 200hr YTT.

Just because you love yoga, it doesn’t mean that you should necessarily take part in a 200hr YTT. Here are some of the key questions I would recommend you think through before signing on the dotted line.

RELATED: 10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR YOGA TEACHER TRAINING.

How long have you been practicing yoga?

Most yoga schools will ask for a minimum number of years worth of yoga practice in order for you to take part in their yoga teacher training. For Laura Green Yoga Teacher Training School, a minimum of two years of consistent yoga practice is required verified by a reference from your teacher.

Be aware: this isn’t something you should take with a pinch of salt. You may well adore yoga, but if you’ve only been rolling out the mat for a few weeks, the simple fact is that you aren’t ready. It doesn’t matter how long you can hold a headstand for or whether you’ve already nailed crow – that isn’t what this is about.

You should already have a long yoga journey behind you. This journey is a crucial part of your onwards one. It will tell you why you want to train, what you want to achieve, who you want to serve and what aspect of yoga most speaks to you.

Get up close and personal with yourself as a yogi before you commit to something as enormous as yoga teacher training. Only then can you fully appreciate which training is the right one for you.

What is your end goal?

Before you sign up for your 200hr YTT, ask yourself why you want to do it. What’s your intention for the course? Is it to start up a yoga business? To deepen your own practice? To add it to your resume?

It’s important to know that you’re doing your yoga teacher training for the right reasons… If you want to use your qualification as a means of quitting your 9-5 and making big bucks from the word go, I’d hasten a guess that this isn’t for you. On the other hand, if you want to commit yourself to a transformative period of growth and gain the initial means to share your love of yoga with others, then you’re probably onto a winner.

Be aware that your end goal could very easily change once you actually start your YTT… And that’s okay!

What style of yoga do you want to train in?

This is very important, as all schools specialise in different styles of yoga. 

If your love for yoga sits well and truly in the hot yoga camp, then you probably aren’t going to get much from a Vinyasa based training. Likewise, if you ONLY want to ever teach Ashtanga, a course that covers everything but Ashtanga will leave a pretty sour taste in your mouth.

Essentially, you need to decide whether you want to have one style under your belt or a range. My yoga teacher training course covers a mix: vinyasa yoga, hatha yoga, restorative yoga, yin yoga, remedial yoga, chair yoga and gentle yoga.

Do you want to take part in an intensive YTT course or a long-term one?

There are pros and cons of both intensive YTT courses and the longer term ones. A lot of the time your choice will come down to your personal circumstances. However, if you do have the flexibility to choose one of the other, have a serious think about which would suit you better.

Typically, an intensive YTT will involve three to four weeks of daily tuition. A longer term course could run over three, six, twelve or eighteen months… Really, it’s how long is a piece of string with long term courses.

How do you best learn? Are you someone who needs to immerse themselves in one subject and one subject only for it to sink in? Or do you prefer being able to apply your learnings to your everyday life and take your time?

Of course, with an immersive course, you get your certification quicker: a gold star for many. But, you get considerably less time teaching which can bring a hefty shock when you step out into the real world. While a long term course will (as the name suggests!) take longer, it does adhere more closely to the traditional way of learning yoga. You can practice teaching while you do the course to really hone your skills as a unique and thoughtful yoga teacher.

What can I do with my 200hr yoga teacher training qualification?

If your yoga training school is registered with Yoga Alliance Professionals, there’s a good probability that the training will include your Yoga Alliance certification (but check!): this means that following your course you will be a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT).

This shows your commitment to the craft and your understanding and awareness of teaching. Students will trust you more, and you can teach comfortably in the knowledge that you are well prepared for whatever a class might throw at you.

But remember: this is only the beginning. Life as a yoga teacher doesn’t end at your 200hr training. You can (and should!) keep taking part in various training sessions to enhance your offering and improve your skills as a yoga teacher.

Can I do my 200hr yoga teacher training with Laura Green Yoga?

Here at Laura Green Yoga I offer a range of yoga teacher training courses, including your 200hr YTT.

My next course runs from March 2022 – November 2022, one weekend per month as well as a week-long immersive in Droxford, Hampshire.
To find out more, visit my 200hr yoga teacher training page. I really hope to hear from you soon!

Three little words, one short phrase ‘Yoga Teacher Training’ can represent an entire spectrum of feelings, such as excitement, passion, freedom and of course fear.

The desire to take a Yoga Teacher Training course is felt in the heart, but the head’s response is usually to create barriers made of ifs, buts and should nots. Let’s work through these ifs and buts to see if we can find a unity between the heart and the head which can unlock the door to Yoga Teacher Training for you.

Let’s begin with no fixed notations just a curiosity . . .

To be a teacher of yoga one must forever and always be first a student of yoga.  Let’s begin there . . .

Come into a comfortable seated position, softly close your eyes, bring your hands into chin mudra, thumb and index fingers lightly touching. A mudra focuses your mind and channels your energy. Feel the contact of your thumbs and index fingers, let this represent the wisdom and knowledge you already have, feel the circle your fingers make here, a circle of possibility, feel the openness in the palms of your hands and allow an openness to possibility. As you think to yourself, I am curious. Stay here a few moments and breathe. Take a few gentle stretches luxuriating in the feeling of yoga. Simple yet powerful. Accessible yet profound.

Return to stillness and ask your heart ‘Why am I curious? What am I curious about?’

When considering Yoga Teacher Training, the first question to ask is of yourself . . .

Why am I interested in yoga teacher training? Do I . . .

1. Wish to deepen my own knowledge and personal practice of yoga?
2. Do I wish to share my knowledge and the practice of yoga with others?
3. Both!

When first enrolled in a Yoga Teacher Training course in Hampshire I had recently finished a Yoga Immersion Course, purely to deepen my personal practice, I loved this course so much that I wanted to study more. I loved the depth, the dedicated time, and the community of like-minded people that I had been able to connect with in a way just not possible in a weekly 1 hour class. So I enrolled in Yoga Teacher Training, saying to myself I had no intention of teaching yoga. But in hindsight, I can see that it was a ruse created by my head, rather than fessing up to the limiting beliefs that were getting in the way of me hearing my hearts true desire to teach.

If you can honestly say that you have absolutely no intention to actually teach in any capacity my advice to you is don’t take a teacher training. Instead invest your time, money, and energy in your personal journey, find an immersion course, read books, go on retreats, connect with as many different teaches as you can, and digest as much yoga as feeds your passion.

But . . . if you notice you can’t help but ‘share’ your love then let’s explore a little further. When a colleague grumbles of back pain do you find yourself extolling the virtues of child’s pose, if a friend tells you their feeling anxious do you find yourself demonstrating a breathing exercise from class?  When you have felt for yourself the life-changing effect of yoga it can feel selfish to not share the teachings with those you care for. This is your inner teacher yearning to step forth. It’s from here that the spark is lit, I’m curious about Yoga Teacher Training, but then too often the ifs and buts blow out that spark.

Lack of self worth is the biggest spark blower outer I know.  There isn’t a single person that I have taken through teacher training or mentored that hasn’t struggled with self worth. It shows up a little different in each person but usually something along the lines of . . .

I’m too old, I’m too young

I’m not strong enough or flexible enough

I’m too fat or not fit enough

I can’t do advanced postures like headstand or wheel

I don’t know enough

I can’t remember the Sanskrit names etc

Or they compare themselves to their current teachers, who’ve probably been teaching for years and can’t imagine being able to do it, but did you see the evolution from trainee to now?

Let’s pause here . . .  what is your spark blower outer? Now let’s consult your wiser self, that self that’s in your heart. If you’ve been practising yoga for anytime at all, you know it has nothing to do with your body size, flexibility or fitness level. Say that statement again to yourself, smile and say So What? That’s not yoga!

Now let’s continue . . .

So we’re ready to admit that somewhere inside of us the teachings of yoga desire to be shared. Let’s ignite that spark and let it burn bright. What do you dream of doing as a Yoga Teacher?

1. Travel the world as a nomadic teacher
2. Share your passion as a paying hobby
3. Find freedom in retirement with teaching as your project
4. Supplement your current career by giving back to your community as a teacher
5. Set up your own business as a full or part time yoga teacher

Your answer to this question helps you select the right type of teacher training course for you. Let’s look at the specifics in some detail.

Types of Yoga Teacher Training Courses

The standard Yoga Teacher Training Course worldwide is 200 Hour Accredited Course. 200 hours is the minimum number of hours to qualify to teach. Many 200 Hour Courses will end up being more than that though, once you add in practise teaching, homework and homestudy. For instance my 200 hour course is about 215 contact course hours, plus 20 hours recorded class attendance and around 1-2 hours home study each week for the duration of the 9 months which totals around 300  hours, but it’s still called a 200 Hour Teacher Training.

200 Hour Courses as accredited by self-appointed governing bodies such as Yoga Alliance Professionals, Yoga Alliance USA, British Wheel of Yoga, The Independent Yoga Network and Friends of Yoga. They are all organisations that aim to set standards and quality within the Yoga Teacher Training world, they are competitors’ of one another and will all argue their case for why they’re the best. The top two in the UK are Yoga Alliance Professionals and the British Wheel of Yoga, who both have qualification criteria and high standards for both their Teacher Trainers and potential Teacher Training Students. For instance, to run Teacher Training with Yoga Alliance Professionals you must first be a Senior Yoga Teacher with them which means you must have been teaching for 8 years and 4,000 hours and to be accepted on a Teacher Training course your need to have been practicing yoga consistently for at least 2 years. This is not the same as all the accrediting bodies.

How Long is a Yoga Teacher Training?

So we know the courses are 200 hours but the length of courses can still vary a lot. Intensive trainings range for 2.5 weeks to 6 weeks, now you can do the maths on this that’s going to be tough to just fit the 200 hours in, with little time left for further reading, assimilation and practice. Medium range courses are 6-12 months and there are some longer courses that take 2- 3 years to complete.

Consider the balance here of how you’ll fit the course around your current life commitments, how much time you want to absorb and assimilate that experience and what you end goal is. Intensive trainings are fine, honestly, but they will leave big knowledge gaps as you simply can’t learn and absorb as much in 3 weeks as you can in 9 months. If you are aware of this then you can fill the gaps with Yoga Teacher Mentoring or specific further trainings and CPD courses.

Many people are attracted by the intensive trainings in India as they crave an authentic experience and really living the yoga; but this is unlikely to be your experience simply because of the intensity of completing the 200 hours in a short space of time, you will be in trainings, lectures and on the mat every waking hour to tired to experience the local culture. Instead if this authentic Indian experience is what you crave book yourself and extended retreat at an Ashram in India, travel to Rishikesh, where you can devote your days to practising yoga and the yogic way of life as opposed to learning to teach.

Location of your Course

If you’re not doing an intensive, it’s likely your training will be in the UK and you may need to travel for it. Teacher Training courses are usually long and tiring so consider the implications of traveling both in time and financially.

Online Yoga Teacher Trainings

Online teacher training courses have been around for a while but never accredited by Yoga Alliance Professionals or British Wheel of Yoga. The effects of Covid have meant that more online courses have started or blended courses. You need to consider if this suits your learning style well and if you are self-motivated enough to really make this work.  I personally don’t feel that a 100% online training works for yoga, to me it would be like learning to drive a car online and then going out on the roads.

Yoga Style for Training

Some teacher training courses are focused on one style of yoga such as Vinyasa Yoga, some go as far as to tie you in to teach their style such as Bikram Yoga or Forrest Yoga and others are more broad qualify you to teach Yoga and then empowering you to find you own style and your own voice as a teacher.

200hr Yoga Teacher Training Course Syllabus

The accrediting governing bodies tend to leave it open to the Course Directors to set their own syllabus which means they varying windingly between courses. Look at the course syllabus to see if it aligns with your interests and also your intentions. If for instance, you want to set up your own business as a teacher make sure the syllabus includes the business of yoga in detail, which is quite rare.

A fully rounded syllabus should include:

Yoga Asana, Pranayama & Meditation, both developing your own appreciation and the in’s and out’s of how to actually teach

The History & Philosophy of Yoga

Teaching Methodology – how to sequence, how to lesson plan, voice and language, modifications, injuries, how to creating a safe and inclusive yoga space

Anatomy – a thorough and broad overview, relevant to teaching yoga

Business Methodology – how to set up class, how to set up your own business, marketing etc

Teaching Experience – each other, real students, how often?

What to expect: However you choose to train it is going to be an intense journey. There will be tears, you will form friendships that will last a lifetime, you will find it challenging, there will be massive heartfelt highs with such joy but also fear and doubt will bubble up a lot.  Teacher Training is a journey of self-development and professional development but there will be a lot of support from your teachers and your fellow trainees.

This is what you can expect from training with Laura Green Teacher Training Yoga School in Southampton, Hampshire

A 200+ hours accredited course with Yoga Alliance Professionals

A 9 month journey, with 8 full weekends in the UK and a 1 week intensive retreat at the end.

Me, Laura Green, present and connected with you throughout and teaching 70% of the course plus a small faculty of teachers and experts in their field.

10 homework assignments directly related to your growth as a teacher.

8 real world real student teaching experiences at my Community Classes

A tough, intense and life changing journey, check out the course testimonials here.

A broad experience in all yoga, giving you the tools to teach Vinyasa, Restorative, Yin, Chair & Hatha so that you can get out there are really teach in your community.

No cookie cutter teaching, you will be challenged and inspired to bring you, your uniqueness, your voice and your magic to your teachings.

How Do you know If You Are Ready To Do A Yoga Teacher Training Course?

Guest Post from Michelle Smith on her journey to become a Yoga Teacher

It’s quite simple really.

You don’t.

And not everyone who does a yoga teacher training course goes on to be a teacher! Some people do it just to further their own practice, and that too, is a beautiful thing my friend.

What is helpful to know if you are ready to take the next step is:

~ Are you thinking about yoga all the time?

~ Yoga has helped you and now you want to share yoga with everyone around you?

~ You wish to deepen your own practice?

~ You have a committed and solid practice?

~ You have the space and time to commit to a Teacher Training?

The decision for me, to do my yoga teacher training, has come from a place of love. A love for myself, and a love for others – a deep desire to share the joys of what yoga has brought me. Sometimes I’ve ended up in tears, more often a sweaty heap – and definitely a lot of laughs. I’ve learnt so much over the past few years, attending workshops run by Yoga Alliance Professional Certified Teachers has really grown my core knowledge of yoga. The sense of community here in Southampton and being enfolded into a group of people who share the same views and values in life was a huge influencing factor in my decision.

The feeling of wanting to know more is a wonderful compass to navigate your journey. Yoga goes beyond a physical practice.  Its about learning why we move in a certain way. Its about form and function. Then there is the philosophy side of things – the intriguing journey yoga has taken through the ages that is an ancient practice for many a soul. Whatever your reasoning – yoga teacher training will no doubt have a deep impact on your life.

If you are not sure, spend some more time on your mat. Find your path – when the moment is right for you. You will know. Trust yourself to go with the feelings and just do it! You won’t regret it.

If you have any questions or are curious about the process of becoming a yoga teacher, check out our 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Page which will give you an in-depth look at what is really needed to be a Certified Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance Professionals.

Om Shanti Om

~Michelle~

~ Ever Dreamt of  Doing Your Yoga Teacher Training? ~

There are so many reasons why I am thankful to have found the path of yoga which led me to do my own yoga teacher training. It has shaped my life in so many ways. My relationship with my body, my relationship with others, my mental health, my career. I used to have a ‘job’ but I retired at 26, went to do my yoga teacher training and truly have never felt like I’ve worked a day since – despite my husband calling me a workaholic. I can truly honestly say Teaching Yoga is the most rewarding, amazing, heartfelt, joyous and at times terrifying experience.

And training to be a Yoga Teacher – well that’s a whole new level of personal development. Here are just a few awesome points about teaching yoga . . .

1. You spend all your time barefoot & wearing leggings
2. Your days are filled with the most wonderful people who you get to connect with on an honest, open & authentic level
3. You become a part of the most amazing community filled with people who inspire you on a daily basis
4. You get really good at doing yoga poses as you’re doing them all day every day
5. You help people and get to make a real difference in people’s lives which is so rewarding
6. You can fit it around another job, quit work all together to be your own self-employed Yoga Boss, or save it as a retirement project
7. You are constantly learning and growing as a person and a teacher

If this sounds like something you need, then let me be your guide.

The next 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Course, accredited by Yoga Alliance Professionals starts March 2022 and I’m taking applications now. It’s a 9-month journey with 8 Weekends in the UK, Southampton + 1 Week Intensive.

A minimum of 2 Years Prior Yoga Experience is Required.

200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Course

01| Real World Teaching Experience

Many courses will teach you a lot of yoga, which yes you need! BUT you also need to learn, HOW TO TEACH. How to stand up in front of a group of students and guide them through a yoga experience that works for their body, calms their mind and uplifts their soul! How to use your voice, choose your words, place your hands; how to sequence, theme and break down asanas. Teaching yoga is both an art & a science and it takes practice. Each Sunday on this course the Trainee Teachers lead our Community Yoga Class to practise their skills on actual students in a real class environment. We get you teaching from Month 1!

02| Engaging & Educational 

There’s a lot to learn:
~ Asana, Pranayama & Meditation
~ Anatomy, Physiology & Biomechanics
~ History of Yoga, the Ancient Yoga Texts
~ Yoga Philosophy & Modern Day Applications
~ Prana, Chakras, Bhandas, Mantra, Chanting
~ Sequencing, theming, imagery
~ Hands on Assists & Verbal Cueing
~ Teaching Methodology
~ Business Methodology

Sessions are taught Laura and a faculty of fascinating guests teachers with a strong focus on practical, hands-on, relatable, fun and memorable teaching. We want to empower you with knowledge, skills & confidence so that you can go out there and teach with Confidence, Passion & Precision.

03| Supportive Community

Training to teach yoga is tough. The course asks for long hours over weekends, where you’re regularly asked to step outside of your comfort zone. Expectations are high and standards are higher BUT you have an amazing support crew from your fellow trainees, Laura’s entire community of students who turn up each Sunday for class, and an amazing Faculty of Teachers who all have your back and want to see the very best for you. This is a journey unlike no other and you’ll make friends for a lifetime.

04 | Blend of Vinyasa, Hatha & Yin

This course focuses on giving you the skills to be the teacher you want to be. It’s not tied down to styles and specific lineages but will give you the confidence to teach yoga in the WAY YOU WANT and in a way that serves your community.

With a grounding start in Hatha Yoga, progressing through the more dynamic Vinyasa Yoga and then developing on to Yin Yoga and even some Chair Yoga.

05 | Final Week Training Intensive

After 8 Weekends of training in Southampton, UK Laura will whisk you away for a final week-long intensive the Hampshire Countryside of Droxford. Here we will complete this 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training course, taking a practical exam and experiencing the more subtle and advanced aspects of teaching such as the Chakra System, Prana Vayus and Kosha. The week finishes on a high with our Graduation Ceremony after which you fly home a fully qualified Yoga Teacher.

06|Accredited by Yoga Alliance 

This Yoga Teacher Training Course taking place in Southampton has been quality controlled, verified, assessed and accredited by Yoga Alliance Professionals. Laura Green Training & Mentoring Ltd is a registered yoga school and Laura is a Senior Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance Professionals. You will be fully qualified and insured with the leading industry body giving you confidence and trust in your training.

Interested?

You’ll find all the details including Course Overview, Dates and Course Fees here. Have a good read through then get in touch for an informal chat and to find out more about the application process.

If you have any questions, thoughts please get in touch. If you know anyone might be interested in this journey I’d love it if you could forward this on.s