A yoga teacher training course should combine personal practice, teaching skills, philosophy, anatomy for movement, ethics and supervised experience.
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Review the curriculum
- Asana technique and sequencing
- Pranayama foundations
- Meditation
- Yoga philosophy and history
- Teaching methodology
- Observation and supervised teaching
- Professional ethics
Check the teaching faculty
Review the trainers’ experience, areas of study, class responsibilities and approach to feedback.
Understand the daily schedule
Residential courses may include early practice, lectures, workshops, study periods and teaching assignments. Make sure the workload is clearly described.
Look for supervised teaching
A useful programme includes practice teaching, observation, lesson planning and direct feedback rather than lectures alone.
Prepare before joining
- Maintain a regular personal practice.
- Read the course syllabus.
- Practise note-taking.
- Prepare suitable clothing and props.
- Allow time for rest and study.
Common mistakes
- Choosing only by price or location.
- Ignoring assessment requirements.
- Expecting a certificate without steady participation.
- Joining a course that does not match current experience.
Practice limits
Advanced poses, retention, bandha and cleansing practices should be taught progressively and supervised by suitably qualified trainers.