Who Can Do a Yoga Teacher Training?

Yoga Teacher Training – Common Doubts and Fears

Most of our staff have been students themselves on a Santosha yoga course, so we understand the doubts and fears that come with taking that first step and joining us on a training…

Do any of these sound familiar to you?

“I’m not good enough to be a Yoga Teacher”
“I’m not flexible enough to be a Yoga Teacher”
“I’m too old to become a Yoga Teacher”
“I don’t have a “yoga body”
“I’m not advanced enough to teach”
“I can’t stand on my head”
“I’ve been injured, I can’t teach”
“I’m a busy Mum! I don’t have time to train as a Yoga Teacher”

We’ve heard all of the above from our students – and every time we do our heart breaks a little!

The Truth about Yoga Teacher Trainings

The truth is anyone can learn and teach yoga – if you have the motivation, dedication, and passion for sharing yoga, which is the most important thing, then you can become a Yoga Teacher. Yoga is for everybody – and ALL bodies.

The more diverse we are as teachers, the more our students can feel empowered to know that yoga is for them too.

And of course, not everyone does a Yoga Teacher Training to become a teacher – many join us for the experience of dedicating themselves to a yoga course, to develop their own self-practice, and go deeper into the transformational benefits of meditation, breath, asana, and yoga philosophy.

In this blog, we investigate the main doubts and fears which might prevent someone from taking that next step to follow their heart and fulfill their dream of joining a yoga teacher training. We hope you find it helpful!

Can I do a Yoga Teacher Training with Injuries?

You do not need to have the perfect, injury-free body to participate in our courses – or to be a yoga teacher.

We offer modifications or alternatives for all postures when needed during asana classes in all our Bali, Byron Bay, Sri Lanka or Online yoga teacher training courses, as ALL yoga teachers should be able to do.

Once you start yoga teaching yourself, if there are postures you cannot demonstrate in your yoga class you can honestly explain to your students the reasons why, and get a class member to demo the yoga posture for you if needed, or work off verbal cues.

We actually find that yoga teachers who have had issues themselves with their bodies are far better at being aware of students’ limitations and keeping them safe, as they are conscious of the care needed to look after an injury or area with limited flexibility or mobility.

So instead of thinking of your injuries as a hindrance to teaching and participating in the course, realise that they can be an asset to your awareness and understanding as a yoga teacher.

Our Yoga Teacher Training Graduate’s Experiences

“I am almost 50 with multiple injuries to a toe, a knee, a wrist and my neck requiring multiple modifications and I completed the Santosha training in Bali (and LOVED it!!) When you have injuries yourself it really makes you very aware of others conditions and also being able to remember that you have no idea what is happening in someone’s else’s body – and hence why Santosha also teach no hands on assists.”

~ Claire Carn, Bali Yoga Teacher Training Graduate

“At first, yoga seemed so out of my reach. For people living with persistent pain like myself, getting out of bed is tough. Becoming a yoga instructor seemed laughable. In my head, I was so intimidated. But my heart told me otherwise.

Coming to Santosha has changed my life. If you live with chronic pain, I have three words for you: GO. DO. IT. I walked away with the same heart and a completely different body. Thanks to Sunny, Peter and the rest of Santosha teaching team, I am free from the pain I have been experiencing for years.

You will never be forced to do anything that you feel uncomfortable with. You won’t be told “push through it” or any of that nonsense. I walked away from the YTT not only at peace with my body, but LOVING my body. Don’t be scared, don’t underestimate yourself. Just come prepared for a transformation.”

~ Mallory Gross, Bali Yoga Teacher Training Graduate

I Don’t Want to Teach – is a Yoga Teacher Training Still for Me?

Our Santosha courses are more than just teacher trainings, they are a chance to transform and grow.

Our Yoga Teaching Trainings are for everyone!

Even if yoga teaching is not your goal, you will dive deeper into your own practice, learn tools for self-care and transformation, share a unique life-changing experience, and be supported by open-hearted and caring teachers and friends.

Like yoga itself, our yoga teacher training courses go far beyond the physical; providing you with powerful and deeply transformational yogic knowledge, practices, and wisdom. Our 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Trainings (Bali, Byron Bay, Sri Lanka or Online) are not just about wanting to teach yoga – but about coming back to your heart.

You can join this yoga course if you are on a personal journey to find a deeper connection to your inner self, to find a sense of peace, and to take your own yoga and meditation practice to a whole new depth.

You will come away with a personal daily yoga practice tailored to your mind, body, and spirit and with tools and teachings to help you navigate the world with more ease, confidence, gratitude, and peace.

Our yoga course graduates often share how our courses have given them so much more than a yoga teaching qualification (you can read more here) and we love knowing that we are helping create positive and long-lasting change in our student’s lives!

Our Yoga Teacher Training Graduate’s Experiences

“My experience of training with Santosha gave me a whole different understanding of yoga. This was the most rewarding part of the training because even though I have practiced for years, I learned a whole other aspect and depth to yoga that I never really encountered. The mental, spiritual, meditative side of yoga was so beneficial to my life and especially in these crazy times we are in currently.”

~ Elisa Santamaria, Online Yoga Teacher Training Graduate

“The course provided a life-changing education that is difficult to put into words, leading to a calmer and more centred attitude to life. Even four months on, I draw on the lessons learned each day-with the knowledge of asana being just the tip of the iceberg.”

~ Kate Miller, Online Yoga Teacher Training Graduate

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

I Feel Scared, Should I Still Join the Yoga Teacher Training?

Yes, of course! Rest assured many of our students come into the course feeling fear around teaching, public speaking or just doing something new.

We support you to conquer your fears.

We completely understand that students may have nerves around this new experience, which is why we take such care to create a supportive and accepting space like no other you have experienced.

We work with you where you are at – to help you gain the confidence and skills to be ready to share what you have learned (if that is your goal).

It is perfectly normal to feel nervous around stepping into something new. We work to help you overcome the most common blockages standing in your way of being the confident teacher you have always wished to become, in a way that best suits your individual nature and strengths.

Out of the comfort zone is where the growth happens, and you can be sure you will learn and grow on our yoga teacher trainings, under the guidance of our supportive and caring team!

Our Yoga Teacher Training Graduate’s Experiences

“In just days I went from feeling anxious, nervous, and insecure about taking a course in a language that is not my original language and doubts but at the same time curious to know more about something that made me feel so good.

To say with pride and confidence that I am a yoga teacher and feel from the depths of my being an immense love and much gratitude to be able to continue transmitting this beautiful knowledge, this wonderful legacy and lifestyle.”

~ Vanesa Marquez, Online Yoga Teacher Training Graduate

I am a Busy Mum, Can I Do a Yoga Teacher Training?

Busy parent, student, or full-time worker? The great news is we now offer a fully Certified Online 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training, meaning anyone can join us on a self-pacing yoga experience & qualify to teach!

Our Online Certified Yoga Teacher Training is the perfect solution for busy mums, workers, and students.

Now you can take advantage of our flexible online offering to fit an online yoga teacher training in with your life, so there are no barriers to fulfilling your dream of being a certified Yoga Teacher.We have had so many mums join us on the online yoga teaching course, and they love the flexibility and support that Santosha offer.

Take advantage of the opportunity to study yoga online and certify to teach yoga while you can fit your studies in alongside parenting or work commitments.

Fit your study into YOUR life, not the other way around! Set a schedule that best works with your work, family, study, and any other commitments for a stress yoga study experience with Santosha!

Our Yoga Teacher Training Graduate’s Experiences

“I did the 200hr course online and it was an absolutely incredible way to do it. I felt so connected to my group of fellow students and teachers. The pre-recorded lectures are amazing and the live Zoom sessions were the highlight of this course. I was able to self-pace and fit the study into my schedule and the support from the teachers was amazing. I felt included and supported the whole way through.

I am so grateful that this course was made available online so that I could take part without having to travel or take time off work.”

~ Katie McDonagh, Online Yoga Teacher Training Graduate

We want as many happy students to join us and access the incredible benefits of attending a yoga teacher training – not just the ability to teach, but the chance to deepen your own self-practice, access life-changing yogic wisdom and teachings, be guided and mentored by caring master teachers and to solidify your purpose in life.

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

I am Over 50… Can I Do a Yoga Teacher Training?

Yes! There is no age barrier to accessing the incredible benefits of these yoga teachings and practices, and sharing them with others.

Our Yoga Teaching Trainings are for all ages!

At Santosha we believe that yoga is for everybody – and ALL bodies – and that your yoga practice should meet you where you are at. It is not a problem at all if there are certain yoga postures that are not accessible to you personally due to age, flexibility, or any other reason.

With age comes wisdom, and the life experience you have gained throughout your time on earth is often a blessing when it comes to being able to guide and inspire others through yoga teaching.

We are getting more and more students joining us in their 50s, 60s, and beyond – and we love it! You can read about Evelyn’s experience participating in the online yoga teacher training course in her 60’s here.

We have graduates from such a wide spectrum of ages on our yoga teacher trainings and we are also seeing many of our graduates (of all ages) pursuing careers and opportunities leveraging their time with us.

The growing ageing population needs yoga and yoga teachers to guide them to live a more healthy inspired life in retirement. There are huge opportunities for yoga teachers with the skills and expertise to work with this demographic. Perhaps that’s you?!

All of this is about mindset.

Don’t hold back because you think you’re too old.

Our Yoga Teacher Training Graduate’s Experiences

“I recently completed my RYT-200 Yoga Teacher Training. It was more than I ever imagined or hoped it could be! I had always wanted to become a certified yoga teacher, but traveled all over the world with my job.

As a single Mom of 3 gorgeous daughters I just never took the time for “me”. Then guess what. At 64 years young I was diagnosed with cancer. Yep, the Big “C”! Surgery, radiation and chemo took me into February 2018. Then a few more health road bumps along the way.

But I saw the Santosha Online Training advertised and it was calling my name. I signed up. It was work, hard work. I learned so much — but especially how to breathe during the asanas. I learned meditation. I learned the philosophy. I LEARNED! And I felt welcome and loved by all the instructors and other students. It was as if I finally found home.

After all my health issues I finally feel that I’m certainly on the road to recovery and yoga is going to get me there. My daily practice has become the center of my day. I know after my practice that I can handle anything life wants to throw at me.

And I am looking forward to life post-covid so that I can give back by teaching seniors and in assisted living facilities.

You are never too old! ”

~ Martie Hicks, Online RYT-200 Yoga Teacher Training Graduate

The world needs more passionate teachers who care for their students and can guide them safely and compassionately. Don’t let your fears around age stop YOU from being one of them!

I Can’t do Complicated Yoga Poses… Can I Join a Yoga Teacher Training?

Who are you not to teach and to hide your unique gifts and perspective from the world?! Our Yoga Teacher Trainings are for all ‘levels’ and everyone can become a yoga teacher if that is their goal.

You are a unique individual with so much wisdom to share based on your own experiences in life; the wisdom you have gained through your history, the challenges you may have overcome, and the experiences you have been through as a daughter, son, student, parent, employee… everyone has a different set of circumstances which has allowed you to grow and learn.

If you have the desire to teach and share yoga, then know that there is a group of people out there just waiting for a yoga teacher just like you!

Know that there is far more to yoga than what you might see on Instagram or social media. Being able to do a handstand – if accessible to you – is great, but mastering fancy poses is not what makes a true yogi.

An advanced practitioner is not necessarily a person who can move deeply into advanced postures; an advanced practitioner is someone who comes to their yoga mat with a level of maturity, a willingness to learn, an understanding of the limits of their own body, and a desire to expand and grow their own understanding of the self and the world around them.

If you have a regular yoga practice you may be more ready than you think to join us on a teacher training; whether the goal is to deepen your practice and understanding – or to step into a yoga teaching role. Or both 🙂

Like yoga itself, our courses go far beyond the physical – providing you with powerful yogic philosophies, practices, and deeply transformational teachings to change your own life – and the lives of others.

Our Yoga Teacher Training Graduate’s Experiences

“Santosha provided me with my own unique experience and with endless love and support to really let go – let go of any ideas of who I am and just ‘be’. My eyes were opened to many aspects of Yoga I had never encountered in my practice, and my heart was filled with light and laughter. I was inspired by all the teachers and people around me and I learned how to heal, and watched as others did the same. Santosha has given me many gifts: teachings from afar, tools to cope with both the unknown and the known and last but not least friendships that will last. And of course I am now a qualified yoga teacher with the confidence to teach from a depth of knowledge and to quietly – in my own way – inspire those who want to learn.”

~ Jessica Bendall, Online Yoga Teacher Training Graduate

If you are looking for ‘not just another yoga training’ but a deeply connected and supported experience of profound transformation – this is the yoga course for you!

We welcome you with open arms and it would be our honor to be part of your yoga journey, walking alongside you, wherever you may come from, and whoever you may be.

I am a Dude, is a Yoga Teacher Training for me?

1000 times… YES! The more men who join us on our mission to share the benefits of yoga the better. Our Yoga Teacher Trainings are for all genders!

Men thrive in the open environment of a YTT and come away with a strong desire to encourage more men to join them on this path.

We love to see it – and challenge more men to step up and join us!

Everyone on our yoga courses can benefit from the wise and compassionate teachers, open-hearted students, and the opportunity to learn and grow in a supportive and accepting environment.

Our Yoga Teacher Training Graduate’s Experiences

“It’s been several months now since I completed my YTT with Sunny, and it was one of the greatest experiences I’ve ever had.I’d lived a boy’s own early life, at various times raced karts then cars, briefly flown aeroplanes, run and worked cattle in the bush, stalked game, camped rough and partied hard, an unconscious but ‘fun’ life, all the while chasing selfish needs, desires and experiences.

My time sitting a Santosha YTT easily surpassed it all.

Sunny and her fantastic teachers have huge, open hearts, teaching a thorough syllabus in a compassionate environment. Such a loving and open space was held by our teachers, it made it easy for us as students to open, stay open and be present, soaking it all in as well as having lots of fun, laughs and the most amazing time!”

– Rick Freedman, Bali Yoga Teacher Training Graduate

Steve, a policeman from Belgium shares his experiences on the course and his current work teaching yoga in youth centers and prisons here.

Steve’s time on the Santosha 200 hr Yoga Teacher Training gave him the insight that the path he had been walking was not one he wanted to keep following – so he gave up his job as a police officer and returned to the non-profit sector, where he now works as a head counselor in a residential setting for minors with troubled backgrounds.

He uses yoga with these teenagers as a tool to do something physical together, as well as to connect with them – and to get them to connect with themselves.

“Being in the environment of the teacher training and fellow students, made me realise I side-tracked too much from a path I was walking. At Santosha I saw my path again that I used to walk and that helped me feel better to make the decision that I was postponing as long as possible to make.”

– Steve Gorelashvili, Bali Yoga Teacher Training Graduate

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Everyone is Welcomed in the Santosha Family…

We have seen it time and time again – you never know where joining a Santosha yoga teacher training is going to take you! We would love to walk alongside you on this path, as you conquer your doubts and fears and step into the future you know in your heart you truly desire. Welcome to Santosha!

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: