Is Yoga Teacher Training Worth It?
MY LIFE-CHANGING 200h TEACHER TRAINING EXPERIENCE
My Yoga journey, while uniquely mine, echoes the path many fellow practitioners have walked. Like countless yogis before me, I began attending classes purely for physical fitness - a luxury I afforded myself amid life's demands. Then, something shifted. During countless Downward Dogs, a question surfaced repeatedly:
"How can I financially justify this membership?" Yet this question was quickly followed by another, more urgent one: "How could I possibly stop? And should I be looking into getting my Yoga Instructor Certification?"
What had started as a perceived, gentle exercise had transformed into my regular therapy session. My mat became my sanctuary, my practice, my refuge. And then I wanted more.
As my passion deepened, new questions emerged:
Could teaching yoga help satisfy my growing curiosity and hunger for more profound knowledge?
Did I even want to become an instructor?
Perhaps most puzzling, if teaching wasn't my goal, why would I consider investing in yoga teacher training?
Was it worth the money?
The Yoga Practitioner’s Dilemma
Many yoga enthusiasts reach a point where they crave more depth than regular classes provide. I found myself in this exact position - my practice had evolved from simple physical exercise to what is this? Why do I want to do more and more?
I wondered about Yoga teacher training:
Could I justify the cost of a 200hr yoga teacher training?
Should I invest in yoga teacher training if I wasn't planning to teach?
What value would yoga teacher training bring beyond my regular practice?
5 Life-Changing Benefits of 200hr Yoga Teacher Training
1. Developing a Growth Mindset Through Yoga
Before my 200-hour yoga teacher training in Auckland, I hadn't been in a learning environment for years. The prospect of memorizing Sanskrit terms, posture sequences, philosophical concepts, and energetic and functional anatomy seemed overwhelming.
I discovered that repetition was key. I practiced terminology while driving, cooking, and during my practice. This dedication to learning transformed my yoga knowledge and my general learning approach. By the end of my yoga teacher training, mirroring poses during demonstrations became second nature.
2. Emotional Resilience Through Yoga Philosophy
The philosophical aspects of yoga teacher training provide incredible emotional support. Yoga philosophy offers a comprehensive system for emotional regulation and mental clarity for someone seeking personal growth without a traditional religious structure.
During my 200-hour teacher training, I gained practical tools such as energy/ breath control (pranayama), meditation, and self-study (svadhyaya), strengthening my integrity and moral foundation. These skills prove invaluable in both personal relationships and professional environments.
3. Physical Transformation Through Advanced Knowledge
The anatomical education in yoga teacher training is no joke and goes far beyond what you'll learn in regular classes. Unlike clinical anatomy courses, yoga anatomy is functional and practical, but it also adds an energetic slant and is immediately applicable.
My 200hr yoga teacher training provided deep insights into:
How different body systems interact during yoga practice through a Western and Eastern lens, such as nadis and bandhas
Using optimal physiological therapeutic alignment principles to create space, ease, and clarity in the body
Developing personalized spiritual energic approaches to healing through Yoga
This knowledge transformed how I practiced Yoga and changed my overall health, creating sustainable wellness habits long after the training ended.
4. Mental Strength and Emotional Processing
While many begin Yoga for physical benefits, the mental/ emotional transformation during yoga teacher training is profound. The 200-hour certification program is an intensive course in optimal living, touching upon all eight limbs of Yoga (the Yogic lifestyle).
The training environment offers a safe space for emotional processing, with supportive community members who understand and have either gone through a personal journey or were embarking on one through the training. This psychological work results in greater self-awareness and mental resilience beyond the yoga mat.
5. Creating a Sustainable Yoga Lifestyle
Whether you plan to teach or not, yoga teacher training provides an integral foundation for lifelong growth. My 200-hour training deepened my practice and connected me with like-minded individuals who became trusted friends on and off the mat.
For those considering teaching opportunities, yoga teacher training can lead to a fulfilling side career or even a full-time profession that brings joy while serving others.
Is Yoga Teacher Training Right For You?
If you yearn for a deeper understanding of Yoga and a commitment to personal growth, a 200-hour yoga teacher training could be the transformative journey you're seeking. The benefits extend beyond teaching—it's about cultivating a more aware, purposeful, and joyful life.
However, you might want to reconsider if you're approaching yoga teacher training as a convenient way to make extra money without the heart connection. The most impactful yoga teachers bring passion and continuous learning to their teaching.
As someone who has completed a 200-hour yoga teacher training, it was one of the best investments I've ever made in myself. Not only has it restructured how I respond to stressful situations and approach anything I do, but the personal growth, knowledge, and connections I gained are invaluable regardless of whether I choose to teach.
Are you considering embarking on a yoga teacher training journey? What aspects of the experience are you curious about? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!