Have you been thinking about doing a yoga teacher training ? You may wonder how a YTT changes you, what a YTT is like, when to do a YTT or even if anyone can do one? We’re here to guide you through all of those questions and give you an idea of what to expect!

A yoga teacher training (YTT) is a truly transformative experience for many. And is the first step in becoming a yoga instructor. But it’s not only for the aspiring teachers out there. If you feel curious about diving deeper into your yoga practice, whether it be wanting to learn more about yourself or the ancient teachings, a yoga teacher training could be exactly what you’re looking for. 

Think of the 200 hour yoga teacher training as the foundation. While of course these trainings have been designed to provide yoga instructor qualifications, even if you know right now that you don’t want to teach yoga, there are still a number of benefits to attending a YTT. 

For the dedicated yogis and inquisitive souls, here are 6 reasons to do a yoga teacher training, even if you don’t want to teach:

1. Strengthen your personal practice 

A teacher training  is the perfect way to strengthen your practice, learn more about your body and gain a greater understanding of the ancient philosophy and teachings of yoga. You will learn the breakdown of individual yoga postures, looking at correct alignment, adjustments and modifications in both your own body and learn how to see them in others so that you can teach mindfully and safely. You will develop a deeper understanding of your mind-body connection as you learn to move through your practice with awareness both mentally and physically. 

2. Learn more about yourself

A YTT not only teaches you more about yoga but can be a gateway to learning more about yourself. Through the exploration of the ancient teachings and scripts you will be invited to look closely at your own life; identifying patterns that might play out in your relationships or behaviours. With this, your awareness grows and your connection with yourself and the world around you becomes deeper. Think of a YTT at the ultimate self-discovery experience, a chance to learn and grow as a person as well as diving deep into the practice of yoga.

3. Care for your mental and physical health

The practice of yoga is known to offer a range of physical and mental health benefits. Not only can it strengthen your body and increase flexibility, a regular yoga practice can help reduce stress levels and improve your overall emotional wellbeing. During a YTT you will have the opportunity to learn more about the healing aspects of the practice and bring those learnings into your day to day life. Yoga is so much more than the physical postures. Breathwork, meditation and pranayama are tools you will learn that help you connect deeper with yourself and increase your ability to nurture your body and mind. 

4. Learn new skills for life 

Yoga teacher training requires commitment. A course can be held over a number of weekends, spread out throughout the year or held as a one month intensive, immersive experience. Designed to give you the skills to be able to teach a group yoga class, you will also walk away with a collection of learnings and wisdom that can be applied to your day to day life. With a deeper understanding of who you are, the ability to connect with others and a new level of compassion and understanding for the world, a YTT can be a life changing experience for any yoga student.

5. Make new friends  

Meeting new people, making new friends and finding a sense of community is a huge part of a yoga teacher training. As a group you will be learning, sharing and growing together in a way that you may not have experienced before. From that, strong connections are made. It’s very common for students on a YTT to make lifelong friendships thanks to the community that has grown from the shared experience. 

6. Become a teacher, or leader 

If you have no desire to teach yoga, it’s worth noting that around 40% of students who start a YTT also have no intention of teaching. Some, of course, change their minds once they start learning more, but many don’t. Even if you are one of those students who never goes on to teach, the lessons that you learn about yourself and the way connection and community works, can be of great value. Students who have learnt the foundations of teaching yoga can bring something new to their communities; providing great inspiration and offering natural leadership qualities with positive outcomes. 

But you really don’t want to teach?

Many yoga students are adamant that they don’t want to teach yoga. That can often put them off enrolling in a YTT but there is so much more to these courses than becoming qualified to teach a group yoga class. Yes, if you decide that one day you would like to teach, you will have the yoga certification showing you have the skills and qualifications to do so. But equally, you will walk away with lessons and knowledge that can be applied to every aspect of your life. All you need is an open mind and a willingness to learn; personal growth and deep connection is really what it’s all about!