How to Prepare for Yoga Teacher Training
Your 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) is more than just a certification—it’s a transformative journey that deepens your practice, expands your knowledge, and inspires personal growth. Preparing for yoga teacher training can help you make the most of this incredible experience.
As someone who has guided more than 500 students through their YTT for over eight years, I’ve seen what works best.
Here’s my advice to help you thrive on this life-changing path:
Commit to Regular Practice
Consistent yoga practice is among the most effective preparation methods for yoga teacher training. It strengthens your body, builds stamina, and familiarizes you with poses and sequences you’ll explore more deeply during training.
Whether you prefer flowing Vinyasa or meditative Yin Yoga, aim to practice several times a week. This habit will help you build a strong foundation for the physical demands of a 200 Hour YTT.
💡 Preparation Tip: Focus on challenging poses and incorporate breathwork (pranayama) into your sessions. This is also a great time to experiment with less familiar styles.
Explore Different Yoga Styles
Before starting your training, broaden your experience by attending various yoga classes. Each style—whether Hatha, Ashtanga, Iyengar, Restorative or Yin Yoga —has something unique.
This exploration will help you better understand yoga’s diversity and discover what resonates with you.
💡 Preparation Tip: If possible, try classes with different teachers to observe their cues, sequencing, and energy. This will inspire your teaching style later.
Prepare for Yoga Teacher Training Mentally and Emotionally
Yoga teacher training isn’t just a physical challenge—it’s also a profound inner journey. Reflecting on your mindset and addressing insecurities can set the stage for growth.
Be prepared for moments of self-doubt and revelations that challenge your ego. This is part of the process; learning to sit with these feelings is a skill you’ll carry into your practice and teaching.
💡 Preparation Tip: Start a yoga journal to explore why you’re drawn to this path. Writing about your intentions, fears, and hopes will help you approach YTT with clarity and focus.
Understand the Commitment
Most yoga teacher training programs require a significant time investment, often involving full-day sessions over several weeks or weekends. Balancing YTT with other responsibilities can be challenging, so planning ahead is key.
💡 Preparation Tip: Adjust your schedule to create space for study, practice, and rest. Let family, friends, or colleagues know about your commitment so they can support you.
Know What to Expect
Yoga teacher training is physically demanding and intellectually enriching. You’ll dive into yoga philosophy, anatomy, teaching methodology, and plenty of asana practice.
It can sometimes feel overwhelming, but knowing what to expect helps you prepare mentally and physically.
💡 Preparation Tip: Familiarize yourself with some foundational concepts, like the eight limbs of yoga and basic anatomy. This will give you a head start and boost your confidence.
Dive Into Reading
Reading about yoga’s history, philosophy, and practical aspects is a great way to prepare for yoga teacher training. Not only does it deepen your understanding, but it also enhances your appreciation of yoga as a holistic practice.
💡 Preparation Tip: Start with classics like The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali or Light on Yoga by B.K.S. Iyengar. You might also explore contemporary books on yoga anatomy or teaching techniques. Learn more by reading Best Books for Yoga Teachers.
Plan for Travel (If Applicable) to the Yoga Teacher Training
If you’re traveling for your YTT, arriving at your destination a few days early can make a big difference. Use this time to adjust to the environment, get to know the area, and settle in mentally before training begins.
💡 Preparation Tip: Spend a few moments each day connecting with your surroundings through a grounding practice, such as a short meditation or nature walk.
Clarify Your Yoga Teacher Training Intentions
Why are you taking this journey? Is it to deepen your practice, teach others, or explore something new about yourself? Knowing your “why” is one of the most important ways to prepare for yoga teacher training.
Your intention will guide you through challenges and remind you of the bigger picture.
💡 Preparation Tip: Write down your intentions and revisit them throughout the training to stay connected to your purpose. Learn More by Reading What Can You Do with a 200-hour Yoga Certification?
Don't Compare Yourself to Others
It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparison during YTT but remember: your journey is uniquely yours. Instead of worrying about how others are progressing, focus on your growth.
💡 Preparation Tip: Celebrate small wins—mastering a pose, understanding a concept, or simply showing up with an open heart.
Prepare to Take Care of Yourself during the Yoga Teacher Training
YTT can be physically and mentally demanding, so self-care is essential. Rest when needed, nourish your body with wholesome foods, and incorporate restorative practices like yoga nidra or gentle stretching.
💡 Preparation Tip: Establish a self-care routine before YTT starts. It will serve as a foundation for maintaining balance throughout the program.
How to Make the Most of Your Yoga Teacher Training
Learning how to prepare for yoga teacher training is just the beginning of a journey that will challenge and inspire you. By approaching it with intention, curiosity, and self-compassion, you’ll gain far more than a certification—you’ll grow in ways you never imagined.
Embrace every moment, and remember: the process isn’t about perfection but progress. You’ve got this!
Happy training,
Christina Raskin, Head of Yoga Teacher Training
Christina Raskin
