How to Find the Best Yoga Teacher Training Program

Are you looking into a 200-hour yoga teacher training?

That’s incredible. If you feel called to it, there’s a reason and I encourage you to pursue it! But trust me, I know, it can be tricky to pick the best program with sooo many options out there.

The 200-hour teacher training experience comes in many shapes and sizes. It’s so important to consider what you value before starting and do your research to find the most aligned program for your goals and preferences.

My 200-hour YTT certificate

Here are 3 things you need to consider when selecting a 200-hour yoga teacher training program:

The curriculum

All programs are different, come from different lineages and have different perspectives by nature of the teacher or school you study with. Most schools should offer a syllabus, so find that and make sure it sounds like a good fit.

For example, I wanted a well rounded package (of course), but I knew I was most intrigued by the philosophical and spiritual components. So I went looking for that. I also spoke to the teacher prior to signing up and I knew this was her specialty, as well.

FYI: There are standards via Yoga Alliance that Registered Yoga Schools must align with in their 200-hour programs. However, this is a foundation only and you’ll find unique components to each program. They all have their own little flare.

Also word to the wise – make sure your program is registered with Yoga Alliance or you won’t be eligible to be certified as a YA teacher either!

My 200-hour YTT group on graduation day. I love these yogis!

Your current lifestyle

As you look for a program to fit into your current lifestyle, consider these three major factors: Location, duration, and daily schedule.

Depending on where you live, there are likely local programs available. If you work full-time or have a family, this is likely your best bet. This is what worked best for me personally.

There are also many programs abroad if you have the flexibility to travel. Imagine training in Bali! Sounds ahhh-mazing, but it often requires at least a 1-month commitment, which makes for a blitz training experience and an extended vacation. This may or may not be your jam.

Important: Now that the world has made a mega shift into the digital wellness space (because of COVID-19), Yoga Alliance has opened its certification to virtual training programs. If virtual seems like a good fit for you, now is the time to take advantage of it because this likely won’t last (although who knows, the world is changing).

As far as daily schedule – I worked a full time job during my training, so a weekday course that conflicted with regular work hours was not going to cut it. Fortunately, a lot of programs offer evening and weekend classes instead.

Whichever way you choose, know that this will require a significant time commitment. Outside of the 200 hours, you’ll want to dedicate a lot of your spare time to practicing and studying deeper than you ever have before.

Ultimately, you’ll want to make sure a program ticks all the right boxes to fit into you current lifestyle. Make a ‘must-haves’ list and search accordingly. Balance is key so you don’t burn out and truly get the best experience possible for you.

On YTT graduation day with my incredible teacher, Alicia Willemet.

Your own yoga experience

“How good to I have to be at yoga before I take a teacher training?” – I get this question all the time from aspiring teachers. Honestly, there’s really no true answer to this question and it’s up to you to decide.

Hear this: There’s no point at which you will be 100% ready. Don’t let the fear of “not being ready” hold you back from taking this step if you feel called to it. You don’t have to be the best yoga student in the room, but you do need to have a base knowledge and a passion for yoga.

I took my first training after five years of my own yoga practice. It was long enough for me to generally understand and respect the tradition, the foundational poses, and become well integrated in the yoga community. This is not to say you need this much experience, or any more of it either. Again, it’s up to you when to decide when you feel ready.

If you consider all of these factors, you’ll find the program of your dreams. I wish you the best of luck on your teacher training journey!

Hear more about my yoga teacher training experience in this video:

I share way more juicy details in this video, and speak about finding your voice as a new yoga teacher. Check it out if you want to dive deeper.