Yoga Teacher Training: A Mixed Experience

[Jesica]

I recently completed a 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training in India program, and while I had high hopes, the experience left me with mixed feelings.

On the positive side, the program fostered a wonderful sense of community. The connections I formed with fellow trainees were deep and meaningful, as we shared a mutual passion for yoga. The lead instructor was highly experienced, especially in asana practice, providing thorough, hands-on guidance. I also appreciated the strong emphasis on alignment, which has greatly enhanced my personal practice.

However, there were several areas where the program fell short of my expectations. The curriculum felt disorganized, with sessions often seeming like they were put together without a clear structure or progression. Key topics, such as anatomy and yoga philosophy, were rushed through or condensed into a single weekend. As a result, I didn’t feel fully equipped to guide others safely and confidently.

Another significant issue was the limited practical teaching experience. While I anticipated more opportunities to practice instructing, these sessions felt rushed and lacked depth. We were often left to figure out adjustments and modifications on our own, with minimal personalized feedback. This left me feeling like I had the theoretical knowledge but lacked the practical skills to teach effectively.

One of my biggest disappointments was the lack of focus on the business side of yoga. Many participants, myself included, were eager to learn how to build a successful yoga career, but this topic was barely addressed. In today’s competitive landscape, understanding how to navigate the business aspect of teaching yoga is crucial, and the program missed an opportunity to provide this valuable insight.

While I’m grateful for the personal growth and relationships I gained from the experience, I wouldn’t say the program fully prepared me to be a well-rounded yoga teacher. If you’re seeking a comprehensive training that thoroughly covers the technical, philosophical, and business aspects of teaching yoga, you might want to explore other options.