3 Things to Consider Before Signing Up For Yoga Teacher Training

Thinking about taking the plunge and signing up for yoga teacher training? Here’s what I wish I knew before signing up:

It’s been almost a year since I completed yoga teacher training — say what?!

I didn’t put a ton of research in before signing up. I went to one info session and BAM, I signed up for yoga teacher training. Okay and I also thought about it for 4+ years. But when it came to researching and exploring different options, I didn’t.

I don’t regret my decision to do my yoga teacher training at Yoga Vida for a second (more on that below!) but there are a bunch of things I wish I would have taken into consideration.

Related: 6 Reasons Why You Should Sign Up For Yoga Teacher Training 

3 things to consider before signing up for yoga teacher training.

▶︎ 4-Week Intensive vs. Weekend-Only Format

Most programs I’ve come across are in one of two formats:

• a 4-week (or something similar) intensive. Monday thru Friday it’s yoga, yoga and more yoga.
• a 10-weekend (or something similar) intensive. You only attend class Friday evenings and all day Saturday and Sunday.

I did my yoga teacher training at Yoga Vida in NYC as a 4-week intensive. The timing was right — I had just lost my full-time job. I also was hesitant, though, to sign up for a weekend-only format training. I’m in a semi-long distance relationship and only get to see my boyfriend of 5+ years on the weekends.

The biggest difference I’ve noticed between the two formats is that people say the 4-week format is a lot more… uh, intense for lack of a better word. You’ll eat, sleep and breathe yoga for those four weeks with little time for much else.

The weekends-only format gives you more time to soak in everything that’s happening. But chances are you’ll also be juggling other things during the week.

All-in-all I don’t think one format is better than the other, they’re different. At the end of the day, go with the program that works for your schedule.

Related: How I Went From Hating Yoga to Yoga Teacher

▶︎ Destination Yoga Teacher Training vs. Staying Local.

How dreamy does going to Bali for a month to study yoga sound? That’s a straight up Eat, Pray, Love fantasy.

I didn’t consider doing a destination yoga teacher training. For starters, I’m not very adventurous and like the comfort of my own apartment. But don’t let my old soul stop you.

Some of my friends have had FABULOUS experiences traveling for their YTT. Others have said the accommodations and experience were lacking.

If you do decide to do your yoga teacher training else where: do your research. Duh. But seriously, dive deep and reach out to previous participants. Know what you’re getting yourself in to.

One of the benefits of staying local is that you can continue to be part of the community. Most of the people from my graduating class are in NYC too. I see them around the studio and they’ve been SO supportive, coming to my own yoga classes.

Related: Feeling Super Vulnerable As a Yoga Teacher

 

▶︎ Go Where You Love.

Is there a studio in your city that you absolutely love? That’s probably where you should do your yoga teacher training.

My yoga class is not super spiritual. It’s athletic and light-hearted. I knew I wanted to do my training at a studio that matched this ethos.

Another yogi friend of mine did her training at super spiritual studio in NYC. She is super spiritual and studying at a studio that matched served her well.

A big mistake I see is people signing up for teacher training at a studio they don’t love.

Tell me: Have you ever thought about signing up for yoga teacher training? To my fellow yoga teachers, what do you wish you knew before signing up?