In short, as most complicated questions are answered: it depends. Let me explain.
Before the start of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the International Yoga Alliance did not approve for any online yoga teacher training course certifications. Since then, they have approved many online yoga teacher trainings. But are they worth it?
In early 2020, I planned to take a in-person 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training at my local studio. Then, as we all know, the COVID-19 pandemic hit in mid-March 2020. Dismayed, then determined, I signed up for a online 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training that was certified through Yoga Alliance. It took me 3 months to complete but I did it before the end of 2020!
Now, in 2021, was it worth it?
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If you are simply looking to deepen your knowledge and understanding on the topic of Yoga, beyond the mat, then yes!
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- I’ve been a fitness / sports instructor since I was 16, I thought “teaching yoga is similar but it is yoga not gymnastics”. I figured it would be a simple transition. However, I was gravely mistaken nor did taking the online training program prepare me to teach in-person classes, especially at a studio!
- It was immersive knowledge with quizzes, worksheets, and zoom calls. However, for teaching, attending teaching practice sessions via zoom was only optional, so I found myself unmotivated to attend but one.
- Human interaction cannot be replaced. After taking another 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training, this time in-person, I was inspired, enthusiastic and above all confident! Let me tell you more about my in-person training…
In-Person Yoga Teacher Training
After a year, I decided to sign up for another 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training at Red Dragon Yoga at San Rafael, CA in September 2021, which finished November 2021. How did it prepare me to teach?
- Experience Teaching. We practiced teaching single poses with specific dialogue. Then we got to practice peppering it with our own dialogue. Then we were given a sequence to memories in sections. We taught, taught and TAUGHT! A lot and it was very uncomfortable but effective.
- Friendship. I practiced in-person with my co-trainees. The act of taking in information is 1/2 the challenge of learning, the other half is to efficiently explain / teach it to someone else! Not only for the training, but I also got to know about their personal lives and their challenges. It grew into friendship.
- Support. The studio offered community classes for trainees to teach at to support their experience as fresh teachers. Then there was the continued support of the co-trainees beyond the studio.
What about you, do you think it was / is worth it? Comment below.
What’s next? Ever have shoulder pain after a vinyasa class? Perhaps it is how we are doing chaturanga…
