Yoga is a lifestyle change that begins with a few breathing exercises and transitions into an encounter with asanas, Sanskrit texts, and perhaps a visit to the ashram for the deeper enthusiasts. It spans a vast spectrum of knowledge and practice that 1-hour or 90-minute sessions are often inadequate to cover.
The 200 hour yoga teacher training is a longer, more intense program that caters to the students wanting to become teachers or who want a better understanding of yoga. Before signing up for a class, here are a few pointers on what to expect.
- A deep understanding of yoga anatomy and physiology
The study of human anatomy and physiology is not restricted to biology class and med school. Rather, the 200-hour yoga teacher training program incorporates a deep understanding of the human body to help better appreciate its motion and range. A deeper dive into the body will heighten the awareness, the poses' experience, and how deep breathing impacts physiology.
Therefore, good instructors should exhibit their knowledge and transfer it to their students. They will combine expertise from different sources like physiotherapy and sports physicians. This way, every new teacher has a solid foundation and will be a valuable asset as they embark on their yoga journey.
- A foundation of insightful yoga texts
The history of yoga dates back millennia with evolving rituals and practices. Though a good training program should be up-to-date and teach new, safe techniques that prevent stress injuries, it should also refer back to the collection of ancient yoga texts for instruction.
For example, the Patanjali Yoga Sutra defines how best to practice yoga and overcome the obstacles along the journey. Moreover, it defines the eight limbs of yoga, different meditation practices, and the benefits. Armed with this background, the program creates a better appreciation for the asanas. Finally, these yoga texts impact the practice and your overall well-being.
- Practical work
The true mark of an impactful 200-hour yoga teacher training is the capacity of a student to teach their own class. Therefore, expect a practicum portion of the training that converts gathered knowledge into a transferable skill.
Besides proving an understanding of the curriculum, practical work will be a chance to exercise speaking and teaching skills. Who knows, it might be the skill that bumps you up from a good yoga practitioner to a great teacher.
- A step out of your comfort zone
You may be used to various asanas, yogic texts, and rituals, but the training program is a different experience. For a start, the program is rigorous and spans a few weeks with intensive courses in between. Next, a good teacher must grasp yoga practice as a whole to cater to different students and their needs. Therefore, the 200-hour yoga teacher training course will push you to refine old and new asanas and techniques, which are a physical and mental exercise. The good news is that you will actively feel stronger, more nourished, and healthier.
- An all-round program
Yoga extends beyond the capacity to stretch the body into unfathomable poses. It is also a plunge into mindfulness, wakefulness, and being one with the self. In the course of learning, you will encounter barriers that are not physical challenges but mental blocks to work through. Some will be more difficult, depending on what the body is hiding. In the end, however, all the deep work will impact all spheres of life, and you will be better for it overall.
Yoga is a lifestyle that transcends physical body exertion to meditation and mindfulness. Therefore, teacher training is labor with the promise of transformative rewards.
