As a secondary school teacher, I have my 6 weeks off during the summer. This past year, I used my time to do an intensive, 200-hour yoga teacher training. I passed my course in mid-August and I have been teaching my first yoga lessons since the beginning of September. I thought it might be time to discuss what training was like.
Daily schedule:
I spent about 8 hours a day studying for the 28 days. But that does not mean that I was “doing” yoga (as most think of it) for the entirety of the day. In England and America, people tend to think of yoga as the physical practise which is just one of the eight limbs of yoga – the asanas. And yes, I spent several hours a day practising asanas, but that was just one part of the training.
I’d start my day with about 90 minutes of Vinyasa practise. Then I’d spend a few hours in lectures on Alignment and Adjustment theory. Then there would be an hour lecture on teaching techniques. I’d then do reading every day. The reading might cover the history of yoga, studying Sanscrit, anatomy, Yogic scriptures and philosophy. Then I’d have a break. After my break, I’d study pranayama (breath work) then spend approximately 2 hours practising Ashtanga. I’d then attend my Yogic philosophy lectures followed by the meditation lecture and practise. Meditation was the portion that I struggled with the most and it was helpful to hear that the most serious Yogis struggle with meditation throughout their lives. I’d then end with my anatomy lessons.
After 28 days in a similar manner, I sat a written exam. The exam covered anatomy, Sanscrit, pose names and variations, philosophy, Scriptures and everything in between. You have three opportunities to pass the written exam and luckily I passed on my first sitting. For my revision, I focused mostly on anatomy as that was the written portion that I struggled with most. As someone who isn’t scientific in the slightest, intensely studying anatomy was certainly challenging.
After the written exam I completed my practical exam, which was teaching a 30 minute yoga class. I was marked on sequencing, cueing breath, adjustments, class structure, teaching voice, presence and awareness. I was quite nervous for my practical exam but I was thrilled to pass that portion as well.
I then registered with Yoga Alliance as a YTT(200hr) teacher and began teaching.
Hopefully, this is somewhat useful if ever you are considering going through yoga teacher training!
Let me know if you have any questions!
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