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Karin Weinstein E-RYT500, CPT

Embarking on a Transformative Journey: What to Expect from a 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training

Are you curious about what it’s like to participate in a 200-hour yoga teacher training? Let me tell you what you can expect from this life-changing experience.


Practical Expectations

I’ll start with the practical information; since this is the information often included on a school’s website or syllabus, you may be anticipating much of this already.


A 200-hour yoga teacher training is considered the foundational level of information necessary to begin teaching yoga classes.


All Yoga Alliance registered schools follow a core curriculum that includes:

  • Techniques, Training, and Practice (yoga asana - postures, pranayama - yogic breathing, meditation, etc.)

  • Anatomy and Physiology

  • Yoga Humanities (history, philosophy, etc.)

  • Professional Essentials (teaching methodology, practice teaching, etc.)

The 200-hour designation means that you will spend 200 hours in the presence of the lead instructors. For “in-person” training, 160 hours must be in person, and the remaining 40 hours can be taught virtually.


Keep in mind these 200 hours do not include other program requirements such as:

  • Reading

  • Research and studying

  • Homework assignments

  • Class planning

  • Practice teaching

  • Personal practice

  • Journaling

  • Attending and observing yoga classes (outside of yoga teacher training)

Most yoga teacher training programs require some – if not all – of these.


Personal Expectations

Now let’s get into the more personal side of a 200-hour yoga teacher training, and I’ll offer some insight into what you can expect this journey to feel like.


Imposter Syndrome

Before – and even after – you sign up for a 200-hour yoga teacher training, you may have a serious case of “imposter syndrome.” Some little part of may will feel like you’re not ready or qualified to take part in yoga teacher training.


I’ll let you in on a little secret…


We ALL felt like that. And that is exactly what yoga teacher training is about! You’re literally signing up to become qualified! So, give yourself some grace. Part of yoga is becoming comfortable with uncomfortable sensations – physically and mentally. It’s okay to feel a little nervous.


That’s all a normal part of embarking on a new journey. You should also feel excited! See if you can embrace both of these feelings as two sides of the same coin.


What You Can Expect Mentally

Yoga teacher training can feel mentally demanding. As I mentioned, you attend yoga teacher training to become qualified to teach yoga. As such, you will be presented with a lot of information on various topics.


It’s likely been a while since you were in school and had to deal with things like reading assignments and homework. It helps to keep in mind that you are not expected to memorize everything. Your lead teachers want to give you a solid foundation of general knowledge.


What You Can Expect Emotionally

A significant philosophical component of yoga is self-inquiry. Yoga teacher training can be a catalyst for becoming more curious about your beliefs, thoughts, and habits; you may gain insight into whether the way you spend your precious time and energy is truly serving you in living your best life.


Learning to hold space for yourself in this way can be both insightful and emotionally uncomfortable. However, the more you learn to hold space for yourself and your feelings, the better able you will be to hold space for others.


Ultimately, yoga teacher training is a journey that will challenge you and make you feel more connected to yourself, others, and the universe than ever before. This shift is life-changing and deeply fulfilling.


Ready to learn more about Soma Yoga 200-Hour Teacher Training? Take a look at our syllabus or call 732-777-YOGA for more information.

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