How to find the right yoga teacher training

Sep 10, 2020

In 2016 Yoga was recognized by UNESCO as an intangible world cultural heritage. The yogic teaching is even considered a form of healing. In order to deepen their own knowledge of yoga, many movement lovers choose to become yoga teachers.

If you too would like to deepen your knowledge and connection to your yoga practice or wish to share the beneficial effects of yoga with others, then a training as a yoga teacher* is the right path for you.

In this article we give an overview of the yoga teacher*in-training in Germany. From the differences between the different types of training, to the prerequisites you should bring along, to the appropriate school. The most frequently asked questions about the training will help you to prepare yourself for this path.

3 good reasons to become a yoga teacher

Become a yoga teacher* to inspire yourself and others.

A yoga teacher training not only opens up new career opportunities, but also has far-reaching effects on your personal development.

#1: You strive for a profession that fulfills you and has meaning.

The demand for yoga is constantly increasing. Many are looking for relaxation and a connection between body and mind. As a yoga teacher* you help them to deal with stress and strengthen their relationship with their own body. This role is very important in a society that is constantly stressed and stimulus is flooded.

#2: You deepen your own practice.

For many yoga students* the motivation behind the teacher training is the desire to expand their own knowledge of yoga. Some students only want to deepen their own practice with the acquired knowledge and do not want to make yoga their profession. This is another good reason to become a yoga teacher*.

#3: A yoga teacher training course can change your life.

The yoga teachings not only expand your physical abilities, but also contain spiritual insights that drive your personal development. They create the basis for creating a life in harmony with yourself and your environment.

What types of yoga teacher training courses are there?

The training courses for yoga teachers* differ according to yoga style and length of training. Popular training styles are the traditional Hatha Yoga, the flowing Vinyasa Yoga and the intensive Ashtanga Yoga. Teacher training courses for styles such as Iyengar, Aerial and Bikram Yoga are also offered in Germany. In our article "Which Yoga style suits you", you will find a good overview of the ten most popular yoga styles.

In addition to the classical yoga teacher training there is also the yoga trainer training. The name alone does not reveal much about the differences, so it is important to know that a Trainer Training Course focuses primarily on physical fitness and not on spirituality. This training does not represent a holistic concept and only takes a few weeks. Also, as a yoga trainer you will not teach in a yoga studio later on, but you can use it to teach courses in a gym.

Another difference is the duration of the training. There are so-called block trainings where you complete the entire teacher training in an uninterrupted period. Alternatively, you can attend short seminars over a longer period of time, usually at the weekend, or take an online course.

How long does a training as a yoga teacher* take?

Fast and intensive or slow and thorough.

Depending on which type of training you decide on, it can take from a few weeks to several years to become a yoga teacher*.

The Yoga Block Training

In the block training, yoga becomes your life center for 4-6 weeks. Your everyday life is then completely dedicated to the yoga teachings and you learn in a very intensive way. A training of good quality includes at least 200 hours of time.

The in-service yoga teacher training

This form of yoga training usually lasts between 1 and 4 years and often takes place at the weekend. The advantage of this type of training is the good compatibility of work and other everyday commitments. In addition, this form offers enough time to internalize what has been learned. However, there is also the danger that the new knowledge is lost in the chaos of everyday life.

The yoga teacher online course

Taking a course online offers you time flexibility. You decide when you want to learn and how much time you want to invest per learning unit. While the training content is taught digitally via video, the final examination is held in person with an examiner.

Each of these course types offers advantages and disadvantages, which you should weigh up according to your life situation and your motivation to take a yoga training course. A yoga trainer training course focuses more on the fitness and relaxation effect, whereas a yoga teacher training course will allow you to delve much deeper into the philosophy.

An online course is flexible, but requires independent learning. With the choice of a multi-year course or an offline block course, yoga moves into the focus of your life for a while and you can build a close relationship with your instructor and the other participants. Since the Corona crisis, there are also online training courses that offer regular video conferences with your yoga instructor.

What do you need to become a yoga teacher?

Live yoga and do good.

A good yoga teacher does not have to master all the fancy and complicated poses. However, you should have practiced yoga for 2 to 3 years before starting the training. Your personal life experience, compassion and your ability to guide others confidently also play an important role. Some yoga schools therefore set a minimum age of 25 years.

Good teaching often requires years of practice. It's best to find as many students as possible: your parents, your friends or you can offer free yoga classes to refine your personal teaching style.

This practical experience completes the theoretical knowledge that you will receive during your training.

What should I learn in a good yoga training?

From asanas to philosophical principles and didactics.

The content of the training varies according to the chosen yoga style and training format. However, there are some topics that should definitely be covered:

Yoga poses and techniques of the chosen yoga style (asanas, pranayama and meditation)
Anatomical principles and pathology (e.g. chronic pain and poor posture)
Contents of Yoga philosophy (e.g. holy scriptures like Yoga Sutra and Bhagavad Gita)
Methodology and didactics for your Yoga classes

In contrast to many trainer training courses, certification alone is not an indicator of high-quality training. Therefore, you should definitely research in advance what content is taught and how much practical experience you can expect.

A bonus is the opportunity to sit in on yoga classes and give your own practice sessions in yoga classes. If a yoga school follows the standards of a yoga association, this is another sign of good training quality.

Is yoga teacher* a state-approved profession?

No. The profession of yoga teacher(s)*in is not recognized by the state. That means it is neither legally protected nor regulated. It is therefore not only possible to become a yoga teacher who is interested in it, but also to offer training courses without having to meet certain requirements. Therefore it is important to do good research to find a trustworthy training centre.

Some schools advertise with state recognition, but this is based solely on the status of the school and not on the degree. In order to better regulate the situation of yoga teachers, teachers have joined together in associations such as the BDY (Berufsverband der Yogalehrenden in Deutschland e. V.) and the EYU (European Yoga Union).

These associations set minimum standards for yoga training. The standards of the American Yoga Alliance are also used by many schools as a benchmark.

When choosing your school, you should therefore check what principles the training is structured according to.

Find the right yoga school

Be in tune with your teacher.

For a solid education you can consider yoga schools that meet the BDY requirements. However, there are also many independent websites that will introduce you to the best yoga teacher training courses and compare their advantages and disadvantages.

Tip: If you know a yoga teacher who inspires you, ask him where he did his training and which school he would recommend to you.

Your first criterion should be the style of yoga you want to teach. In the next step you should make a selection of schools that offer this style and compare them with each other.

Once you have found the right yoga school, all you have to do is register to make your dream come true.

Time for a new path?

Follow your heart and teach yoga.

The decision to attend a yoga teacher training course is not one you should make rashly or impulsively. If you have been actively practicing yoga for a few years and have felt the desire to take your practice to the next level, you should follow this intuition.

You already know that teacher training is the right thing for you and would like to make yoga your philosophy of life? Then start looking for the right yoga school for you.