How to become a Yoga Instructor
should I do a yoga teacher training?
A guide on where to begin your teaching journey
“Courage means to follow the heart”
There are so many teacher trainings out there, it can be confusing knowing where to start…
Yoga Teacher Trainings are quantified using hours. We don’t know exactly why this is the case, but it has become the way to create a global standard in the Yoga Industry. In order to be a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYS) anywhere in the world, you need to complete what is called a 200hr Yoga Teacher Training, this is sometimes simplified to 200hr YTT. Once you’re a Yoga Teacher with a 200hr training you can then do more trainings of differing hours - for example there are 50hr Yin Trainings and our 150hr TLC Method Advanced Training. Then, to become a senior teacher, you need to complete a 300hr Yoga Teacher Training on top of your foundational 200hr YTT. Once you start you realise that yoga is really a lifetime of learning.
How to become a Yoga Teacher in Australia?
To become a certified Yoga Teacher in Australia you will need to complete a 200hr Yoga Teacher Training.
Different training schools will be certified by different Yoga Bodies. A Yoga Body is usually a non-profit organisation run by senior Yoga Teachers in order to create professional standards within the Yoga Industry. Organisations such as Yoga Australia, Yoga Alliance US and Yoga Alliance EU, are all Yoga Bodies. Finding a school that is certified through a Yoga Body means the school has had to go through a rigorous registration process in order to become a certified school. It can also make personal professional insurances easier to apply for as you will be working within an internationally recognised Teacher Training.
The Light Collective is a Yoga Alliance US registered Yoga Teacher Training School, this qualification is recognised in Australia and around the world.
What do you learn in a 200hr Yoga Teacher Training?
A 200hr is meant to be a foundational Yoga Teacher Training, they will always include Asana, Pranayama, Meditation, Anatomy, Physiology, History, Ethics, Professional Development and Practice Teaching.
Every Yoga teacher training will provide something different depending on the schools philosophy.
When choosing a yoga school, be discerning! Not all trainings are made equal or have quality content. We recommend you do your due diligence, research your teachers, the content they are offering and what you will be learning in the training.
At TLC our 200hr Soulful Practice Teacher Training is a deep dive into Philosophy, Kundalini Kriya, Pranayama, Asana, Mantra and Meditation. This Training will give you all of the foundational skills, knowledge, qualification and confidence to teach and create classes that are grounded in tradition and go deep into yoga as a holistic practice. Read more about the Soulful Practice 200hr Training here.
How long does it take to become a Yoga Teacher?
This depends on the Yoga Teacher Training and the school.
200hr - if you’re doing an intensive it can take anywhere between 3-4 weeks, these intensives may require you to travel or go on retreat to complete the training. Sometimes schools will spread the content of the training over 3 months to one year and this can be a blend of online and in person classes.
150hr - at The Light Collective we have created The TLC Method, a blend of our signature trainings designed to expand your personal spiritual journey and inspire your teachings and practices. In this advanced teacher training we have spread the course over one year and it is all offered online. Learn more about the TLC Method here.
300hr - this usually takes 4-6 weeks when done as an intensive; but like all courses sometimes this can be spread out into a longer course offered over 6-12 months.
Am I ready to become a Yoga Teacher?
We believe that the answer is almost always yes. If there is a deep soul calling and you’re reading this blog post you’re probably more ready than you realise.
As one of our favourite authors Clarissa Pinkola Estés says, "All the 'not readies,’ all the 'I need time,' are understandable, but only for a short while. The truth is that there is never a 'completely ready,' there is never really a 'right time’."
Most schools, generally encourage you’ve had at least 2 years practicing regularly as a student. A Yoga Teacher Training is intensive and coming in as a yoga beginner can be completely overwhelming. Having some preparation is key to successfully completing a 200hr training. We suggest you speak to a teacher or start a regular yoga practice to deepen your connection to your mind and body.
I’m not sure I want to be a yoga teacher, but I want to learn more. Should I do a yoga teacher training to learn more?
There are a lot of students who come into yoga teacher trainings who simply want to learn more about yoga, this is great - Sian Pascale was working as an architect when she did her 200hr YTT and had no intention on giving this up… However, after her training everything changed and now she is running an Online Yoga Teacher Training School! Whatever your initial motivation is, know that things will shift and your life will change after you do a 200hr.
Do I have to be really flexible to do a yoga teacher training?
You will find that some schools are more focussed on Asana and some schools are more advanced or intense. For the most part you to have a basic level of fitness as you will be working with movement and with strong energetic practices. You’ll find over the course of your training your flexibility will change, don’t feel you have to be perfect before you go into a teacher training as your flexibility will shift as you learn more about your body.
At The Light Collective our trainings don’t focus on physical flexibility or strength, we aren’t as interested in the way yoga poses look- rather how they can connect you to and awaken your energy body. Our trainings are focussed on the energetic and teach yoga through the Tantric perspective in this way.
What teacher trainings do you recommend?
There are many great yoga schools across the world, find one that resonates with your interest. We suggest you connect with your teacher, find a format of learning that works for you, make sure the training fits your budget and ensure the location is right. We would also encourage you to get in contact with the school, send them any questions you might have and ask your local yoga teacher - they might be able to give you some guidance.
At The Light Collective our yoga philosophy is to let our teachings become a Calling to every person who wants a life that is deeper, richer and fuller. A sacred life. A freedom in the heart of being. We are committed to creating leaders in the spiritual realm by creating trainings that are filled with authentic practices that will change peoples lives.
We are dedicated to providing an experience in our trainings that is of the highest quality, in a safe and supportive environment and taught in a way that embodies the Divine Feminine principles. Explore more of our philosophy here.
❖ Read from students who have already completed our trainings here.
“Sometimes there are no words to help one’s courage. Sometimes you just have to jump.”
the light collective 200hr YTT
200hr foundational yoga teacher training
150hr advanced yoga teacher training