How to Prepare Mentally and Physically for Yoga Teacher Training • Yoga Basics

Once I applied for yoga teacher training, all of my free time and weekends vanished! Not forever, just for three months. I dedicated my heart, time, and attention to delving into the medicine of yoga to become a well-trained instructor.

Embarking on the life-changing journey to become a yogi is nothing short of exciting, adventurous, and transformational! Whether the intention is to become a certified yoga teacher, to deepen knowledge of yoga philosophy, or to build relationships, there are key considerations to keep in mind to be well prepared for the experience.

Mental Considerations

Keep an Open Mind

Be mindful of preconceived expectations about the pace of the training, intensity of the material, relationships formed, and how quickly you develop skills. Going into training with rigid expectations may leave you frustrated and unable to experience the fullness of the opportunity. While others may share their stories, your journey remains personal, guided by the degree to which you remain open and receptive.

Explore Basic Concepts

Yoga Philosophy will introduce traditions, language, culture, and wisdom that you may not have learned before or challenge your beliefs. Explore basic yoga concepts to prime yourself for a deep dive into the philosophy during training. Become aware of terms like the paths of yoga, Yamas and Niyamas (ethical principles), and the eight limbs of yoga. The more you see these terms, the more they become part of your vocabulary and personal practice, and enhance understanding of complex texts like the Yoga Sutras and the Bhagavad Gita. You will take this knowledge and marry it with your own experiences and culture to define a teaching style that works for you!

Reflect and Journal

Creating a ritual bridges the transition from daily life into the deep reflection required during training. Journal consistently before and during training to witness your own personal growth and solidify your values as a teacher. Later on in your teaching journey, you may look back on these reflections for inspiration and appreciation of how yoga has impacted you. Example journal formats include morning pages, gratitude journal, brain-dumps, and inspiration pages.

Here are a few journal prompts to reflect on now:

• Why am I choosing to pursue Yoga Teacher Training now?
• What does committing to this process look like for me?
• What fears or doubts arise when I consider myself as a future yoga teacher?

Set Priorities

Set clear intentions with time, money, relationships, and work. It can be intense, learning about philosophy, culture, lifestyle changes, asanas (yoga poses), personal practice, and how to lead. You will need to set boundaries and appropriate time aside to delve deep into the study of yoga, so that you can get the most out of the training.

For example, in my yoga teacher training, the first thing we memorized was Sun Salutations. We made the commitment to practice every morning, created group chats to keep each other accountable, and individually taught our cohort a creative sun salutation flow by the second weekend. This required an attitude of dedication, a disciplined morning routine, and a commitment to the process!

Emotional Regulation

Training may bring up buried memories, trauma, grief, etc. and lead to intense crying, sadness, or discomfort. Be proactive in resolving existing conflicts or heavy emotional ties; this will increase your capacity for internal reflection. Rest assured that all of your emotions and experiences are valid and are truly a part of this pivotal journey to discovering the best version of you.

Find Support

Identify a mentor or role model who has already completed yoga teacher training and can provide advice, practice teaching, and emotional support throughout your journey.

Physical Considerations

Nourish the Body

Begin to shift towards balanced eating that includes a variety of leafy greens and vegetables, healthy fats, lean meats, and fruits. Reduce or avoid foods that leave you fatigued such as fast food, heavy starches, and processed foods. Take the time to plan out energizing meals and snacks for training days, so that you can nourish from a place of intention and not desperation.

Begin a Personal Practice

Take a few classes at a local studio to expose yourself to a variety of teaching styles, sequence flows, and intensity levels. Prioritize a home practice that includes asanas, pranayama (breath control), and meditation to get your body moving towards the intensity that comes with structured training.

Clean Your Space

A clean space leads to a clear mind. Take the time to declutter non-essential items, organize your living space, do laundry, and deep clean your home. As you embark on yoga teacher training, more time will be devoted to practicing, studying, and embracing a new lifestyle, which demands a well-kept sanctuary to come home to.

Purchase Materials

Make sure that you are aware of any training prerequisites and required materials which may include:

• Completing a 200-HR training if you enroll in 300-HR or 500-HR training
• A written clearance letter for physical activity (if you have any prior injuries or medical conditions)
• Study materials
• Yoga mat
• Yoga props (blocks, bolsters, Mexican blankets, etc.)
• Comfortable clothing

In-Person vs. Virtual Trainings

For in-person training, cohorts may meet inside or in an outdoor space. Much of the training is spent in a circle on the floor/ground. Bolsters, blocks, and Mexican blankets are helpful aids for maintaining these seated postures for an extended period of time.

For virtual training, you may attend synchronous live meetings or watch asynchronous lectures on a computer or tablet. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, extended screen time can lead to dry eyes, headaches, and blurry vision. You can reduce eye fatigue by taking intentional screen-free breaks, integrating movement before/during/after lecture times, focusing on distant objects, or wearing blue-light glasses.

Closing

Preparing for yoga teacher training requires both mental and physical reflection, discipline, and dedication. Remember to seek advice from alumni of your program and set boundaries with your relationships. Finally, maintain an open mind as you embark on your yoga teacher training with poise, clarity, and curiosity! Share your yoga teacher training experience and preparation tips in the comments below.