YOGA TEACHER TRAINING: SHIFTING ONLINE

You have heard of the multiple benefits of yoga. Perhaps you have experienced some of them; attended several classes and left feeling simultaneously relaxed and strong, calm yet invigorated. Have you ever wondered why that was?

What exactly is the distinction between the practice of yoga versus stretching or fitness, for instance? 

What about the mantras, the mudras, traditions and philosophical concepts yoga teachers sometimes mention or briefly refer to in class? What is that all about and where does it originate from?

Regardless of where you may be in your yoga journey -newbie or aspiring teacher- if those questions are sparking your curiosity, it may be time for you to sign up for a yoga teacher training. 

Yoga goes way beyond the physical practice of asana (postures) we are growing accustomed to in the West. That said -given most participants’ expectations and tight schedules- it is difficult for yoga teachers to dive deep into the subject. 

A solid teacher training course covers key aspects of performing and teaching asana and opens a space for meaningful discussions on yogic history and philosophy. It is an important step to understand the true purpose of yoga.

Finding your voice

Whether online or onsite, yoga teacher training is a transformative experience. It will not only enable you to deepen your yoga practice, but it will also help you find the teacher present within you. 

Throughout those immersive 200 hours, you will find your voice and gain the skills necessary to share your knowledge with others in a way that feels true. 

Benefits of online learning and teaching

Covid-19 has forced us to shift online. While this seemed impossible to a great majority only a few months ago, we have proven to be highly adaptable. In spite of the many restrictions we are currently dealing with, we may be finally using the internet to its full potential in order to continue working, spreading knowledge, and educating ourselves. Faced with no other choice, we embraced our problem and found solutions that -to some extent- are surprisingly acting in our favour.

1. Bring it into your home and save in more than one way

Does it never seem to be the “right” moment to attend the teacher training course of your dreams? 

In addition, in this period of great uncertainty; with professional and personal plans put on pause, social distancing, and all the precautions or concerns that come along with all of that – when will the moment ever feel right? 

It is undeniable that virtual sessions won’t ever replace the level of depth experienced in real human interactions and onsite teacher training courses. 

Yet let’s look at the bright side of things. How convenient is it to be able to bring the teacher training you’ve carefully selected -the one you thought you’d never manage to attend; due to the current context, financial restrictions or time constraints – for a budget price, into your home? 

2. Study at your own pace

Self-study and self-awareness are essential ingredients for the development of a yoga practitioner and teacher.

With a DIY approach to learning merged to personalized assistance and constant feedback, an online teacher training course will beautifully complement your yogic path, enabling you to follow classes and absorb information at your own pace. 

In addition to the live classes, a wide variety of study materials will be made available to the trainees such as articles, e-manuals, video and audio recordings, tutorials along with meditation techniques.

If you are eager to grow, you will certainly benefit from optimal learning and complete your online training with the same degree of precision you would’ve gotten from an onsite course. 

Yoga teacher training certification

Even though there are numerous online or onsite yoga teacher training courses available, bear in mind that not all of them result in an accredited certification upon completion.

For this, before signing up to a yoga teacher training, it is important to check whether the course you wish to undertake is offered by a Registered Yoga School (RYS®) that meets Yoga Alliance Standards. That is, a globally recognized certification that will design you as a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT).

As this is becoming a standard requirement in the industry, being accredited by Yoga Alliance will surely give you more job opportunities. 

What to expect from certified online teacher training?

1. Interactive sessions are held on zoom to explore the art of yoga and proper alignment techniques to ensure safe asana practice and teaching. You can follow the live sessions, but will also be given access to the recordings if the class schedule doesn’t match yours or if you simply wish to replay classes to ensure full understanding.

2. Weekly assignments are created to keep participants engaged. You will be provided with a detailed yoga teacher training manual along with a set of online study tools made to accommodate all types of learners (visual, auditory, kinesthetic or reading and writing).

3. Individual mentors will be assigned to help you stay focused, clarify any further questions or doubts that may arise and make sure progress flows.

4. For your final exam you will have to: 

A. Record and submit a video presentation

B. Take a written test with multiple-choice questions mostly

C. Lead a portion of a class

4. Upon successful completion of the course, you will be awarded a 200 hours Yoga Alliance Certificate of Completion. 

Become a Yogapreneur

An online yoga teacher training course recognizes that -in today’s world-  good entrepreneurial skills are required to become a successful yoga teacher. A certified online yoga teacher training will prepare you to become a Yogapreneur and help you build the teaching platform necessary to share your passion with your prospective audience.

Devvrat Yoga Sangha online teacher training

This 200-hour online course is compliant with the standards and credentials set by Yoga Alliance USA. It is composed of three modules:

1. Yoga Philosophy and Meditation

2. Asana and Pranayama Practice 

3. Anatomy and Art of Teaching

Each module is designed to help you deepen your knowledge of yoga and to set you up for your teaching path. Together, these modules are the foundation for safe yoga practice and fulfilling career in the field. 

Devvrat Yoga Sangha’s online yoga teacher training course strives to impact your life, inspiring you to create positive change from the inside out.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Julie Beretta
– Yoga Teacher & Real Talk Facilitator