How Long Does it Take to Become a Yoga Instructor?

Posted August 13, 2020 by in Career
yoga instructor

You love yoga, and you want to love what you do. So why not become a yoga instructor? Committing to a regular practice isn’t enough to prepare yourself to teach yoga. After all, there are those who do and those who teach. To teach yoga in a studio, you need to go through yoga teacher training.

How long does it take to become a yoga instructor? Find out here:

yoga class

What is Yoga Teacher Training?

Yoga teacher training (YTT) is a program for dedicated yogis who want to take their practice to the next level

The gateway to leading a room full of yogis is the 200-hour teacher training course. Over the first 200 hours, you will study, practice, and learn more about both yoga and your body. Teachers consider the 200-hour YTT to be the front door into the world of yoga. It welcomes you into a room, but you can then go on to study more in-depth.

Your next step is the 500-hour program. You can begin the 500-hour YTT after you complete the first 200-hour program. During your next 500 hours of study, you will become even better acquainted with the principles you picked up during the early hours of training.

Whether you are just starting hour one of the 200 YTT or you’re halfway through your next 500 hours, you should know that all programs are different. So, it’s essential to find a teacher and studio you feel will help you grow and embrace you as you face the challenges the program brings. Don’t be afraid to seek out online yoga teacher training if that’s the format that moves you!

How Long Does It Take to Become a Yoga Instructor?

You don’t need a yoga instructor certification to teach a class. If you have a regular practice and a grasp of basic poses, you can lead a group at any time. However, you won’t find a studio or gym willing to allow you to each in their setting. Almost any yoga space will require a minimum of a 200-hour YTT.

The average person will spend three to five months completing their 200-hour YTT. Once you achieve your 200-hour YTT, you can start to look for jobs in studios.

Do You Need to Take the 500-Hour YTT to Teach?

Many established studios will require you to achieve your 500-hour YTT before they give you a class space. They do this because the 200-hour program is only the entrance into yoga. You will find it easier to teach, and you will bring more to the class with 500 hours.

The 500-hour program can take six months to a year to complete. Once you meet the 500-hour requirements, you can keep going! Yoga is a lifelong journey.

Is Yoga Teacher Training Right for You?

If you love yoga and you want to grow in your practice or even begin to teach, then you might consider yoga teacher training.

How long does it take to become a yoga instructor? The answer is: it depends on your goals. At a minimum, you will spend 3-5 months learning if you want to teach in a studio setting. Remember to check online reviews to see what people have to say about the yoga school.

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