Why Yoga Teacher Training
Hi everyone and welcome back! Last week, I didn’t mention one thing that I’ve been wanting to do, because honestly, it didn’t seem doable. Shame on me, there’s always a way! So……I’ve been wanting to attend a Yoga Teacher Training (200 hr YTT) for some time now. When the idea popped in my head, I thought of the “Why?”. This is always important to me because if I can’t come up with a good reason, then spending the time and money is pointless. After thinking about it, the main “Why?” to attend a 200 hr. YTT is because I want to learn more about yoga, since its helped me so much. Honestly, my attitude and outlook has totally changed (more on this at a later time) since I started doing it consistently about a year ago. Also, if I get a chance to teach here and there as a form to help people, that would be AMAZING!! Currently, I teach at an elementary school, so why not teach the benefits of yoga to others!!
Thinking about my “Why?”, I know what I am NOT interested in. I have no desire to open up my own yoga studio. I feel that having to rely on money doing the thing I love would start making it feel like a chore & I would slowly start to hate it (that would be my fear). However, hosting workshops for those that just need a mental break and doing pop-up classes would be so much fun! While I tend to be an introvert most of the time, I enjoy helping people. Maybe that’s why I’ve always gravitated more to education than engineering (which is what my major is on!). Those are pretty much my reasons for wanting to do a 200 YTT course. I crave the knowledge (and would love to learn the history, sequencing, body alignment, and so much more)! Now that you know my “Why’?”, let’s delve into what information I have found.
Face-to-face vs. Online Training
Dilemma with Face-to-Face Yoga Teacher Trainings
Here’s the thing. YTT programs that are accredited by the Yoga Alliance (according to their website, they are “the largest nonprofit association representing the yoga community.” They set the rules and standards for programs and teachers.) are all face-to-face. When I thought about doing the training, my thought was trying to find a place that I could do it during the summer, since I won’t be teaching and could do the courses during the weeks. Welp, when I checked out accredited YTT studios, the programs had either already started in January, or they didn’t have any posted. On top of that, since the ones I found are only done on the weekends, it would take me 10 months to complete. With the boys having sports games and competitions, missing them is not okay with me. I would either need to wait until they graduate high school or miss their events. Neither of them, which I want to do.
Secondly, when I started looking, I could only find 3 studios relatively close to me that have accredited YTT programs. One close to me, and two others a little bit further out, which with traffic, would take me forever to get to.
Another drawback is the cost. The face-face trainings are between $3,000 – $4,000. That’s a lot! Most have payment plans, but you still only get 5-6 months to pay it off, which is still expensive per month. Some of you might be thinking, “but the teachers need to get paid and there is cost for the space” and I totally agree. I’m not arguing the price! It’s just that right NOW this form of YTT is just not doable for me. However, I still want to learn more and deepen my knowledge (and share it with others).
My Personal Experience with Online Programs
A couple of weeks ago, I ran into an advertisement of a 200 YTT online program. Intrigued, I clicked on it. Granted, while face-to-face YTT would be amazing, the thought of an online learning of yoga sounded interesting. The reason I didn’t scoff at this idea is because I received my alternative teaching certification from an online program.
At the time, when we had moved to TX, I wasn’t sure of what career path to take. I had previously worked at a university, but here, most of the universities are downtown, and that’s a drive! Also, the boys were still young, so I decided teaching would be a good option. I spoke to someone at a college and we both decided that if I wanted to get into the classroom quickly, online certification would be my way. I already have a BS and MS, so all I needed was the teaching knowledge. The advisor directed me to an alternative certification program and I got started. Gotta tell ya…..it was the BEST decision I ever made! I remember it clearly, I started in March and by April I passed my Bilingual test. In June, I passed my EC-6 Generalist test and by August, I passed my ESL test! That same August, I was hired as a 4th grade bilingual teacher. Just because I did not get my training face-to-face did not mean that I was unprepared. I survived my first year, and loved it! After this first year, I took my final test (Pedagogy) and received my permanent teaching certificate. Honestly, in life, I feel that you can be the most (or best) educated person, but if you do not put it to practice, it does not mean anything. I was determined to learn. While taking the courses, I treated my online modules as though I was truly in-class. I took lots of notes, was very disciplined (made sure that during the hours the boys were in school, I was also “in-school”), and took it seriously. My goal was getting a job, and I achieved it! I am now in my 6th year of teaching.
My thoughts on Yoga Online Training
The reason I side-tracked and wrote about my teaching certification journey is because I am seriously contemplating starting an online YTT program in May, when school ends (because I can devote my time and attention to it). Before anyone thinks, “why online”, let me tell you how I came up with this (almost) decision. First, I am not interested in teaching at an elite hoity toity studio or any that requires or might require having a Yoga Alliance (YA) certification (Online programs are not certified by YA). Also, as I mentioned previously, I am not interested in opening my own studio or wanting to become some international yoga person. However, here is what I AM interested in doing:
- I would love to teach in community centers (places where people can go at a low cost to take a class to find peace and stillness).
- Teach kids at schools
- Do lower cost workshops
- I honestly just want to learn about yoga and deepen my knowledge. The principles, Sanskrit terms, body anatomy (as to how yoga helps the body), etc.
Yoga has helped me so much mentally, that I would love to bring that calm and peace to others. For me, it has nothing to do with “oh, let’s get to A, B, and C pose” but everything to do with “You are stressed or anxious? Let’s come together to a safe place to work out without any judgement.”. Helping people is my passion, and as I learn more about yoga I would love to share what has helped me with others.
Lastly, the cost of online training is definitely appealing. Thousands of dollars vs. a couple hundred. That is a huge difference.
Final Thoughts
Finally, to sum up my two choices:
- Face-to-Face:
- You get the benefit of a teacher giving you immediate feedback, which I would love to do and is definitely wonderful
- Has the certification of the Yoga Alliance
- More expensive
- Hard to find a studio that’s not only close to me, but that I can do the training when it is convenient to my schedule
- Online Training:
- Much cheaper than Face-to-Face
- I can do it at my own pace and convenience
- I won’t get to be in a class with other students and have the teacher right in front of me to correct any mistakes
- The program is not certified by the Yoga Alliance
Tough choices! Some may agree with online learning, some may disagree. There are definitely pros and cons to both types of learning. At the end of the day, it’s my journey to take and whatever happens will be dependent on my drive and dedication. I will let ya’ll know ultimately on what I decide. There are TONS of options out there, so I want to make sure that I make a good choice on a program that works for me!
Semi-Plan for Strength Training
As I mentioned last week, I started looking online at examples of programs that integrate yoga and strength training. I’m still new to this, so I’ve had to look at several sites. Some make my head spin because they are so in-depth!! At this point, I need a step-by-step! LOL I did find a good starting point at My Inner Fire. I found this and this by Kenzie Morley. She also has more tips on her Instagram account @yogoskenz. I see a lot of good websites and blogs, but right now, I need something that I can do at home and not need a gym membership. I like how Kenzie keeps it real and talks about how her workouts are done mostly at home and gives suggestions. There is also sample workout schedules.
It’s been a busy week at work, so I haven’t hammered out entirely how I want to do it. All I know is that yoga has to happen daily! LOL Next week is Spring Break (Yeah!!) so I’ll be off, and at least I’ll have time to put a plan in place.
And last…..My next crochet project
Just a quick note on my new project! Since the warmth, is slowly approaching, it has me excited for the upcoming beach weather! It is just around the corner!! To get in the spirit, I found a cute beach cover-up that will be my next project.
It is called Enjoy Summer Top by Katerina Crochet. I am so excited to be making this top! It requires fingerling yarn, but I have two sports weight cotton which I love! I looked through my stash and am torn between two yarns I have. I have Lion Brand Comfy Cotton Blend color Lovey Dovey and also Sugarwheel Cotton by Yarn Bee in Paris Mornings. I love pink, so both of these would work out!
I would like to start this project this weekend, so I’ll let ya’ll know what I choose!!
Thank you for reading and have a wonderful week!!!
Grounding Fitness, LLC 