How to Prepare for Your Yoga Teacher Training?

Embarking upon the route of yogic learning and practices through a yoga teacher training is an excellent, thrilling, as well as serious choice. It is important that you enjoy the practice no matter how complex or tough it might seem. A yoga teacher training program can have different outcomes for everyone and preparing for undertaking the program can surely accentuate these individual outcomes for the better. Here we will discuss how to prepare for a serious yoga teacher training especially if you are traveling to yogic destinations and are set to undergo intensive programs like a 200 hour Yoga teacher training in Rishikesh or Ashtanga and Hatha Yoga in India overall.

Get a Hang of Regular Yoga Practices

Before enrolling into a yoga teacher training program, it is better to get into the habit of practicing yoga on a daily basis, if you are not doing that already. It would be helpful for you when you would accommodate daily yoga classes everyday during the course of the program. Regular yoga practices will also build physical and mental form for rigorous yoga training during the Yoga TT program.

Explore Different Yoga Classes

Do the time and do the style as well, or shall we say, explore various yoga styles and see how your body and mind respond to each before selecting the type or style of yoga you are looking to specialize in.

Set Your Expectations Beforehand

Many people and aspiring yogis miss this but it is crucial to set expectations in advance and start working on it. A yoga teacher training program is quite intensive with a proper channelising of practical and theory. You can get into these readings to understand it better when the Yoga TT classes will go on.

Upscale Your Fitness Level

We know that yoga is for everyone and every size and shape and levels of fitness. However, if your body is not equipped to manage the daily rigorous asana practices with ease during a Yoga TT program, then it might be a cause for concern. Try to start yoga practices 2-3 months before starting a yoga teacher training. You can practice 3-4 days a week for 2-3 hours in a day. If you are unable to, then do not be nervous, maintain a happy and positive attitude.

Keep Some Medication Aids Handy

You will discover some of the best yoga schools at some of the remotest locations, be it a 200 hour yoga teacher training in Rishikesh, India or a yoga school in a place like Bali. There is a possibility that you might not find the right medication in times of need. Hence, it helps keep some basic medication handy for conditions like common flu, upset stomach and muscle soreness. Most yoga teacher trainingcourses can be rigorous with classes starting as early as 7 am and concluding at 5 or 6 pm in the evening. If you are not trained to do regular workouts then the schedule might wear you down further. Hence, it is better to stay ahead of the curve and keep certain aids, medication with you such as Anti-enemics, anti diarrhea pills, cough and flu medicine, rehydration aids (to revive the body post practices) and protein bars.

Modify to Go Deeper into the Practice with Safety

Yes, whether you are a beginner level yogi or an advanced yogi, modifying the asanas to reap various benefits, targeted results, and to refine the practices, is recommended. Modifications are also advised for certain injuries as well so the yogi can incorporate safe and correct asana practices with ease. Hence, pay special attention to the adjustment and alignment classes to identify the right modification and to be able to incorporate the apt. modifications independently as well.

There is No Space for Competition

You are now under the shadow of Yoga and there is no space for rivalry, competition or any insecurities. When we step out of the comfort zone that we build around us with our family, friends and peers, it is possible to get plagued by self-deprecating thoughts such as not being able to do asanas correctly, not feeling focused enough to sit in meditation for hours, etc. And most of all, we start comparing ourselves with our fellow batchmates. Yoga has no space for this commotion. Yogi believes that a yogi’s journey is very individualistic and personalized. As long as your intention is pure and you are focused on fulfilling your yogic expedition with hearty diligence, you are doing great.

Let Your Ego Slide

While practicing yoga and getting into the depth of its layers, it is easy to feel like you know it all, the poses and the science behind each practice. However, gaining mastery over the poses is just one aspect of yoga, it is a discipline, a lifestyle, a state that becomes true when absorbed at mental and spiritual levels. This takes years of practice and study. Yogic education is a lifelong journey and it is important to keep on upgrading it, keep on studying it with diligence.

Focus on Prana, the Breath

Beyond everything else, take one step at a time rather than taking leaps. Patience is a virtue when it comes to yoga. With patience comes perfection in the mind and body, the urge to practice yoga with safety and taking each step into consideration. This brings us to another important element, the life line of yoga, ‘prana’ or breath. Focus on the breath as you practice each asana as breath is the element that channelize the energy of yoga to let its essence be absorbed in the body and mind.

For instance, there is a possibility that you might reach for an activity late because it started late and now your ride is late.