200 Hours of Yoga Teacher Training Explained

So you’re interested in taking a 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training but not sure what to expect?

First of all, take a moment to let that decision sink in. Choosing to invest time and energy into learning more about the practice is a huge deal.

Deciding to teach yoga is a selfless choice.

I truly believe that those who decide to teach were guided to that decision by something deep within that recognizes the healing potential of yoga and sees the need for healing in the world around them. 

In this article, I’ll cover everything you can expect from a 200-hour yoga teacher training program from what you’ll learn, to what a typical day may look like, and everything in between. 

The Need-to-Know Details of 200 Hours of Yoga Training

200 Hour Yoga Training Program Structure

When choosing a training program, it’s important to find something that makes sense with your life.

Do you have responsibilities like a job or children to consider? 

Do you work weekends?

Is it easier for you to devote one month to your program, or do you learn better when you have time to integrate information before moving on to new information? 

There are a few different program structures to choose from. Now, with the emergence of online training programs, there are even more to consider!

Many yoga teacher training programs meet on the weekends and may span over 10 to 15 or more weekends. 

Other training may meet primarily on weekends but also include shorter online meetings during the week and even blend in some virtual learning. 

Solstice Yoga 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training, for example, is a 12-week program that meets for eight-hour days on the weekends, weekly two-hour online meetings, and includes some online courses that can be completed before the training commences or during.

Immersion or intensive style training programs on the other hand meet every day for approximately one month.

Depending on how long the days are and whether or not you’ll get any days off, they may take 21-30 or so days to complete.

These are ideal for quick learners that can easily digest lots of information at once, and for those who are able to take a full month off from work but would have difficulty taking off 12 weekends in a row. 

Now, some training programs are offered completely online. 

These are best suited for those who are self-starters, those on a tight budget, and those with a lot of responsibilities to consider who would be better off moving at their own pace.

With online training, it's important to remember that you will get from the training exactly what you put in. 

If you know you’ll be able to motivate yourself to work hard, this might be right for you.

But it certainly isn’t for everyone. If you’re interested in using hands-on-assists to serve your students, however, you may need to plan to take an in-person weekend workshop to learn this skill as it isn’t something that can be taught online. 

What Does a Typical Day Look Like in 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training?

While all programs are different, usually a typical day begins with yoga and meditation. In intensive or immersion-style training, expect your schedule to include mealtimes.

While in a longer training program, you may take a lunch break and shorter breaks throughout the day. 

Your day typically begins with asana, pranayama, meditation, and perhaps with chanting mantras. 

Then the rest of the day varies from program to program but will likely include lectures on history, philosophy, or anatomy, practice teaching time where you’ll possibly create your own sequences and practice using your voice, as well as time spent learning and practicing hands-on-assists. 

What You’ll Learn in 200 Hours of Yoga Teacher Training 

Yoga affects the entire human–mind, body, and spirit. So, of course, you’ll learn about a wide range of topics in order to be ready to teach yoga.

Some of the things you’ll learn about include:

• asana
• pranayama
• meditation
• cueing
• sequencing
• hands on assists
• anatomy
• subtle anatomy like the chakras and vayus
• yogic philosophy
• history of yoga
• business of yoga
• how to market yourself as a teacher
• how to take your practice off the mat

While each training is certainly different and each will vary significantly based on the style of yoga you choose to dive into, there are some key components that are required by Yoga Alliance. 

So, if the training program you’re considering is a registered yoga school–which means upon completion you’ll be eligible to register yourself as a yoga teacher with Yoga Alliance–each of the below topics will be covered.

What Will Be Covered at Registered Yoga Teacher Training

Techniques, Training, and Practice

This section covers most of what you need to know about asana, pranayama, and meditation.

Yoga Alliance registered schools are required to allocate at least 75 hours towards this. 

The way you’re taught these subjects will differ from school to school, but expect to spend plenty of time practicing asana, pranayama, and meditation, as well as learning about specific poses, modifications, and adaptations, and how to teach them safely.

Plan to learn how to teach pranayama and meditation techniques, as well as when to use them and how to adapt them for different students. 

Anatomy and Physiology

Learning about anatomy and physiology may sound intimidating to some, but the basic anatomy taught in most 200 hour programs is nothing to be nervous about.

You’ll learn the major bones, joints, and muscles. You’ll learn basic anatomical terms to help make learning these things easier.

You’ll learn basic information on the major systems of the body like the nervous system and respiratory system, and how yoga affects these systems.

But most importantly you’ll learn about how the body moves–biomechanics–and how to keep your students safe through proper movement. 

You should walk away with basic anatomy knowledge, and hopefully with a desire to learn more!

Yoga Humanities

Yoga history, philosophy, and ethics are all covered under the umbrella of yoga humanities.

You’ll learn about yogic texts, key players in yoga history, gurus, and how they shaped the practice of yoga.

You’ll learn important ethics and guidelines to follow as a teacher and what it means to claim the seat of the teacher. 

Professional Essentials

This section covers everything you need to actually teach yoga.

From how to sequence a class, how to give clear and easy to follow cues, as well as everything else that’s needed to actually stand at the front of a class and teach.

You’ll learn the basics of the business of yoga and about what you need to get started. You'll also spend time being observed while practice teaching so that you can hone your skills. 

It’s so important to get proper training through a trusted program before you begin teaching yoga.

There is so much to learn before you can safely teach. Knowledge of asana alone is simply not enough. 

Get clear on your “why”. Why do you want to share this practice? What is your intention?  As you embark on this journey towards becoming a teacher, keep that intention in mind as things get difficult. There are no shortcuts to becoming a great teacher. A 200 Hour YTT is only the beginning!