How to Prepare for a Yoga Teacher Training

The Importance of Preparing for Yoga Teacher Training

Preparing adequately for your yoga teacher training sets the foundation for a successful and transformative experience! By investing some time and effort in the following areas, you’ll be better equipped to absorb the knowledge, connect with your new friends, and fully immerse yourself in the yoga training experience.

Build a Strong Foundation for Your Yoga Study

Before embarking on your yoga teacher training, it’s helpful to deepen your personal yoga practice. This includes exploring yoga asanas (poses) and understanding yoga cues and alignment. Familiarizing yourself with yoga cues and language will enrich your yoga knowledge and enhance your yoga teaching abilities.

However, do not feel you are not ‘advanced’ enough or are not ready for the yoga teacher experience! Our Yoga Teacher Training is not only meant for aspiring teachers, it’s also for people who want a deeper understanding and to take their yoga practice to a deeper level. If you have a love for yoga, meditation, breathwork or wellbeing and a desire to transform your life for the better you are ready to join us on our Yoga Teacher Training Course!

The only prerequisite to our 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training is a sincere desire in your heart to transform and grow. If you feel drawn to dedicate yourself with an open heart and mind to study and practice during your yoga training, we would love to have you join us – in Bali, Byron Bay, Sri Lanka or Online.

Over the 200 Hour YTT we will teach you everything you need to safely and effectively teach yoga to others and to deepen your own practice – along with yoga teachings, practices, and tools for happier, more authentic heart-centered living.

All our Bali, Byron Bay and Sri Lanka yoga course students have complete access to our full Online Yoga Teacher Training modules – including yoga classes, posture labs, and fundamental yoga principles. This means you can brush up on your yoga knowledge and begin your Santosha yoga journey straight away before you join us for the live yoga course. This is an optional (but awesome) bonus for our in-person yoga students.

Research and Select the Right Yoga Teacher Training Program

Choosing the right yoga teacher training program is crucial for a fulfilling experience. Research various yoga teaching training programs and review their curriculum and testimonials, and ensure they are accredited and offer recognized certifications with Yoga Alliance. Consider the teaching style and approach of the yoga teaching program to find one that resonates with your learning preferences and goals.

All our Santosha Bali, Byron Bay, Sri Lanka and Online Yoga Teacher Training courses are fully certified Yoga Alliance RYT-200 Yoga Teacher Trainings. This means you can gain your yoga certification and register with either Yoga Alliance or Yoga Alliance International immediately upon graduating from your Bali, Byron Bay, Sri Lanka or Online yoga studies, after which you’ll be qualified to teach in yoga studios and gyms worldwide.

See our previous post on How to Choose the Right Yoga Teacher Training for You.

Get Physically and Mentally Ready for your Journey

Physical and mental readiness is important for your yoga teacher training journey. Regularly practicing yoga will enhance your strength, flexibility, and stamina. Additionally, cultivate mindfulness through meditation, journaling, and self-reflection to create a positive mindset for your training journey.

Our free Yoga Wisdom for Daily Life mini-course is a great place to start, for tips on applying yogic philosophy to your life – plus free meditations and downloads. This will help you prepare your mindset for the exciting adventure ahead of you!

As part of our course, we recommend all students read the life-changing Eckhart Tolle book “The Power of Now”. “The Power of Now” is a transformative guide that invites readers to embrace the present moment and discover the profound freedom and peace that it offers. Tolle introduces the concept of the egoic mind, which creates unnecessary suffering by dwelling on the past or future. Through practical teachings and spiritual insights, he encourages individuals to cultivate awareness and presence in every aspect of life.

By accessing the power of now, Tolle suggests that we can transcend our identification with thoughts, find inner stillness, and experience a deep sense of connection with ourselves, others, and the world around us. Ultimately, “The Power of Now” offers a profound shift in perspective, guiding readers toward a more awakened and fulfilling way of being.

We find this book is a great introduction to the life-changing wisdom and practices we will share with you on your Santosha yoga teacher training journey.

Ready to start? Visit our course pages to get started today:

Gather Materials and Resources

To make the most of your yoga teacher training, gather the necessary materials and resources. Invest in a quality yoga mat that supports your practice. Santosha provides all the course materials you need as PDFs which you can choose to download to your laptop or iPad, or print.

We also provide a comprehensive Student Handbook and Travel and Accommodation Guide for each of our Yoga teacher training program locations – Bali, Byron Bay or Sri Lanka.

These are full of helpful tips and information on travel, visas, accommodation, transfers, packing, and more; and include a helpful ‘packing checklist’ so you know you have packed everything you need for your Santosha yoga teacher training experience!

You will also have full access to our online yoga teacher training course materials, so if you have the time and inclination you can start familiarising yourself with the yoga course content before your time with us in one of our heavenly course locations: Bali, Byron Bay or Sri Lanka.

Prepare Your Schedule and Commitments

Start by assessing your current commitments, such as work and family responsibilities, and determine how you can make time and space for your important new journey. Find ways to balance work, family, and training by setting boundaries, delegating tasks, and creating a support system for the time you are away.

Communicate with your loved ones about your training schedule, explaining the importance of this journey and seeking their support and understanding. It may be helpful to share your schedule with them and to make them aware of any time differences.

Prioritize self-care and your own well-being in the lead-up to your time on the yoga course, to create the space and harmony needed to fully engage in your yoga teacher training journey.

Create a Supportive Environment

Creating a supportive environment is crucial when preparing for a yoga teacher training program. Start by communicating with your loved ones about your decision to embark on this transformative journey. Share your excitement, intentions, and the significance of this training in your life. Seek their understanding and support, as their encouragement can make a significant difference to your overall experience.

Additionally, engaging with others on the same path can provide a sense of community and support. Reach out to others who will be attending the same program.

Santosha provides you with membership to a special group WhatsApp immediately upon signing up for your Santosha yoga course; so you can connect and make friends with your fellow trainees even before your yoga training begins!

Share experiences, exchange information, and build relationships that will continue to nourish and inspire you throughout the yoga training. By creating a supportive environment and engaging with your fellow trainees, you foster a network of encouragement and connection that will enhance your journey and make the yoga teacher training experience even more rewarding.

On our Yoga Teacher Trainings we take care to create a supportive and accepting space like no other you have experienced! We work with you where you’re at to help you build the confidence and skills you’ll need to share what you have learned and step into a new future with inner-strength, self-love, acceptance, and ease.

Our Santosha yoga teacher training graduates come away with more than just a yoga certification, they leave with new friends and magical memories for life!

Embrace the Learning Process

Approach this journey with an open mind and a humble attitude, recognizing that you are embarking on a path of continuous growth and self-discovery. Embrace the challenges that may arise, as they are opportunities for personal and spiritual growth.

Remain curious and receptive to new knowledge, perspectives, and experiences that will expand your understanding of yoga. Cultivate a mindset of humility, understanding that you are both a student and a teacher on this journey and that everyone has something to contribute.

Come to the yoga training with a “Beginner’s Mind” – a fundamental principle in yoga and mindfulness practices. It refers to approaching each moment and experience with a fresh, open-minded perspective, free from preconceived notions or judgments.

Adopting a Beginner’s Mind allows us to let go of assumptions and expectations, embracing a sense of curiosity, wonder, and receptivity to new possibilities. It encourages us to approach our yoga teacher training with humility, even if we have prior experience or knowledge.

By cultivating a Beginner’s Mind, we tap into the limitless potential for growth and learning, allowing us to fully engage in the training process, absorb new teachings, and discover profound insights. With a Beginner’s Mind, we remain open to the present moment, ready to explore, learn, and expand our understanding of yoga and ourselves.

By embracing the learning process, practicing open-mindedness and humility, and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth, you will create a solid foundation for a transformative yoga teacher training experience.

Ready to start your Yoga Teacher Training experience?

If your dream is to start a new career teaching yoga – or just even to deepen your own yoga practice and have an amazing yoga adventure – we would love to have you join us on our world renowned 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training program! Take that first step into an exciting new life…

Ready to start? Visit our course pages to get started today:

Frequently Asked Questions About Our 200-Hour Yoga Courses

Level 1 Yoga Teacher Training Program FAQS

How proficient do I need to be at yoga to join the RYT-200 Yoga Teacher Training?

During the Level 1 RYT-200 Yoga Teacher Training program you will have asana practice every morning and afternoon. We recommend that students have some form of asana practice and are comfortable practicing daily. An advanced practitioner is not necessarily one who can move deeply into advanced yoga postures; it is someone who comes to the mat with a level of maturity, a willingness to learn, and an understanding of the limits of their own body. This yoga course is not only meant for aspiring yoga teachers. It’s also for people who want a more comprehensive understanding and take their yoga practice to a deeper level.

Will I be accepted into the Santosha Yoga Teacher Training?

Yes, we believe that all people are deserving of changing their lives! Subsequently, the only prerequisite to our Yoga Teacher Training is a sincere desire in your heart to transform and grow. If you are ready to dedicate yourself with an open heart and mind to study and practice during your yoga training, we would love to have you join us – online or in-person in Bali, Byron Bay and Sri Lanka.

Over the 200 Hour YTT we will teach you everything you need to safely and confidently teach yoga to others and develop your own practice – along with Yoga knowledge, practices, and tools for happier, more authentic heart-centered living.

What type of yoga is taught on the Santosha Level 1 Yoga Teacher Training courses?

At Santosha we teach an authentic ‘vini’ flow style of yoga, which connects Hatha yoga postures in short, flowing Vinyasa sequences. This draws on the Sri T. Krishnamacharya yoga lineage, a therapeutic and holistic approach to yoga teaching which creates healing and well-being in mind, body, and breath.

On our Yoga Teacher Trainings you will build a strong foundation for your practice, and learn how to teach yoga safely and effectively. Our founder Sunny and many of our master yoga teachers have trained directly from disciples of Sri T. Krishnamacharya in India, so that you can rest assured you’re sharing authentic yoga wisdom passed down by yogis for thousands of years.

I don’t want to be a yoga teacher – is this Yoga Teacher training course for me?

Santosha Yoga Teacher Training courses are much more than just teacher trainings; they are a chance to personally transform and grow. Even if yoga teaching is not your goal, this yoga course will help you deepen your yoga practice, share a unique transformational experience, and be supported by open-hearted teachers and friends. If you want to transform your mind, body, and life then this yoga course is for you!

I do want to be a yoga teacher – is this Yoga Teacher Training for me?

Yes, this is the one for you! The Santosha Level 1 Yoga Teacher Training is a Yoga Alliance / Yoga Alliance International certified RYT-200 Yoga Teacher training – meaning you will learn the skills to gain your certification and register as a RYT-200 Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance / Yoga Alliance International immediately upon graduation from your online or Bali, Byron Bay and Sri Lanka yoga studies – qualifying you to teach yoga in gyms and studios worldwide.

When will I be ready to teach yoga after the Yoga Teacher Training?

You will be ready to teach yoga straight away once you graduate from the Yoga Teacher Training, having gained the skills, knowledge, and confidence to sequence and lead yoga classes with ease! Many of our Yoga Teacher Training graduates are teaching yoga online and in person all around the world.

Can I join even if I have injuries or am not that flexible?

At Santosha, we believe that yoga is for everybody and all bodies; and therefore we teach safe and sustainable practices for all yogis. You don’t need a perfect, injury-free body to be a yoga teacher, or to join our Yoga Teacher Training >course. Yoga teachers who have had injuries themselves are often better at being aware of students’ limitations with flexibility or mobility and keeping them safe.

Instead of thinking of your injuries as a hindrance to yoga teaching, realise they can be an asset to your awareness and understanding as a yoga teacher. You can successfully participate in the Yoga Teacher Training and go on to teach yoga using modifications and alternate postures.

When you sign up for the Yoga Teacher Training course, we will ask you about injuries so that your teachers can ensure you’re looked after in live classes. Our yoga teachers are trained to gauge student limitations and prioritise safety.

Can I join the Yoga Teacher Training course even if I feel nervous about yoga teaching?

Yes, of course! It’s normal to feel hesitant about starting something new. Many of our students come into the feeling fear of teaching, public speaking, or doing something new. On our Santosha take care to create a supportive and accepting space like no other you have experienced. We’ll work with you where you’re at to help you build the confidence and skills you’ll need to share what you have learned (if that’s your goal).

One of our teams’ greatest joys is seeing our students conquer their nerves and step into their strength to teach and share what they have learned with us during their time on the yoga course.

Likewise, for many on our Level 1 Yoga teacher training program the experience of overcoming their doubts and fears – of teaching, public speaking, or simply doing something exciting and new – is often one of the most empowering takeaways they gain from their time with us on the training.

I am older and cannot do all the postures. Can I still join the Yoga Teacher Training?

At Santosha, we believe that yoga is for everybody and all bodies – and that your practice should meet you where you are at. It’s no problem if you cannot access certain postures. There is no age barrier to accessing the incredible benefits of yoga practices and sharing them with others through yoga teaching! We are getting an increasing number of students joining us in their 50s, 60s, and beyond on the Yoga Teacher Training – and we hope to see more!

I am not that flexible, can I still join the Yoga Teacher Training?

Our philosophy is that there is no “one size fits all yoga.” Yoga should fit your body, not the other way around. Some people may never get into particular postures because of genetics, injury, or other factors, but this does not hinder your ability to teach and share yoga. If you are practising and teaching yoga with attention and intention following the foundational principles of yoga which you learn on the Yoga Teacher Training, it does not matter if you can form every shape perfectly.

I’m pregnant – can I still attend the Yoga Teacher Training?

While it’s possible to complete the Yoga Teacher Training course while pregnant, we ask that decision be made in consultation with your doctor. Only they can advise if this yoga course is right for you. All pregnant students must provide medical clearance in the form of a certificate on the first day of the Yoga Teacher Training and email us upon enrolment to formulate an individual pregnancy plan to keep you (and your baby!) safe and comfortable during your time with us on the Santosha Yoga Teacher Training. Please inform teachers on the Yoga Teacher Training about any physical issues arising from your pregnancy so they can best assist and support you.

How proficient do I need to be at yoga to join the RYT-200 Yoga Teacher Training?

During the Level 1 RYT-200 Yoga Teacher Training program you will have asana (yoga postures) practice every day. We recommend that students have some form of yoga asana practice and are comfortable joining us in daily practice. However this Yoga Teacher Training is not only meant for aspiring teachers, it’s also for people who want a deeper understanding and to take their yoga practice to a more advanced level.

An advanced yoga practitioner is not necessarily one who can move deeply into advanced yoga postures; it is someone who comes to the yoga mat with a level of maturity, a willingness to learn, and an understanding of their own body.

Do I have to wait until the start date to begin my Yoga Teacher Training?

No, you can start your Yoga Teacher Training from the minute you sign up! We give both our online and in-person Yoga Teacher Training students access to all the comprehensive online Yoga Teacher Training course materials – video modules, classes, handouts and specialised yoga teaching manuals – which give you all you need to begin your Santosha yoga journey right away.

I have not studied for a long time nor do I know much about technical things? Will the Online Yoga Teacher Training be suitable for me?

Yes! We have so many students who have not studied for a long time or are not familiar with internet technology, so we have lots of back-up support for our easy-to-use systems and learning portals. All students have a dedicated student support, whose role is to assist you with whatever arises during your time with us – before, during, and after your yoga course. Our unique online yoga teaching workshops and lectures are designed for learning to be grasped by all levels, with varied learning techniques and teaching methods,

How do I claim my free Santosha 50-Hour Yoga Training?

As our gift to you all our Bali, Byron Bay, Sri Lanka, and Online Level 1 RYT-200 students receive one free short online Yoga course – your choice of Yin Yoga, Pre + Post Natal Yoga, Meditation or Kids + Teens Yoga training – to add to your skills and increase your options for yoga teaching upon graduation with extra in demand modalities. We suggest you complete this after your Level 1 Yoga Teacher Training. You just need to email us when you are ready with your choice of short yoga course and we will send through your bonus yoga course log-in to begin.

I feel a bit nervous about doing the Yoga Teacher Training Course. Should I Still Do It?

Yes! This probably means you are ready to step into something new but you just need that extra encouragement to make the next brave step. We are here to offer this to you! You are welcome to email or WhatsApp us and let us know about anything standing in the way of following your dreams, and we can happily provide extra support – both before and during your time with us on the Yoga Teacher Training – in a way that best suits YOUR individual nature and strengths.

Ready to start? Visit our course pages to get started today: