‘Am I ready to become a yoga teacher?’ This is a question that most yoga teachers have asked themselves in the beginning of their journey. And to be every honest, the answer is not a simple one. There are a lot of factors that will come together to determine whether you are ready for yoga teacher training or still have to wait some months or even years.

Below are 13 questions for yogis who have encountered this question. If your answer to these questions is ‘yes’, then definitely you are on the right path and should surely enroll in a YA recognized yoga teacher training course.

Are you ready to question your conscious? Let’s begin!

Have you mastered the basics of yoga?

Yoga has several levels. Before enrolling in a yoga teacher training program, question  yourself whether you have understood the basics of yoga or still there is a lot to learn. Most YTT participants bring few years of self-learning experience on the table before they enroll for courses like 200 hours YTTC.

If you can flawlessly perform fundamental yoga asanas, you have scored one point in your favour. However, if you still struggle with basic poses, it is probably best to wait till you master them.

Have you read the best books on yoga?

Yoga has been taught in various forms through various mediums around the world. Yoga books written by globally renowned yoga teachers have proven to be one of the greatest self-learning tools as they elaborately explain the yoga philosophy & asanas as well. If you think that watching few video tutorials is sufficient to enroll in a yoga teacher training program, then, perhaps it is time to question the very idea.

If you want to attend yoga teacher training, grab sufficient knowledge about the yoga philosophy through readables, especially yoga books that will help you to prepare for the challenge. Here are the yoga books for beginners we highly recommend.

Are you physically strong to survive yoga teacher training?

Yoga teacher training is not easy. It will involve rigorous practice sessions that will test your body’s flexibility, strength, and endurance. If you are missing core fitness, enrolling in a certification course might disappoint! Practice hard to attain an optimum level of fitness before joining professional courses like 200 hours or 300 hours YTTC.

Mould your body into the right shape and gather sufficient strength and endurance so that it can withstand the physical challenges encountered during the yoga teacher training. After doing that, go ahead and again ask yourself ‘Am I ready for yoga teacher training?’

Are you mentally ready to go through yoga teacher training?

Before you consider yourself ready to enroll for YTT course, ask yourself whether you can stand the mental stress and challenges that will come across the journey. Sometimes, it is not the body that restrains you from taking a step; it is your mind that creates an imaginary barrier between you and your goal

If your mind is prepared to face any upcoming challenge in your yoga teacher training journey, you have scored another point in favor of joining a good yoga teacher training academy.

Do you have the age by your side?

It is harsh but true that with growing age, our body’s strength, flexibility, and agility decrease. In our fifties, it is really hard for us to exert for a long time without attracting injury and endure stress. Yoga teacher training on the other hand demands both. It will test your physical and mental limits.

It is advised by renowned yoga gurus to avoid tough yoga workouts in senior years. Perform yoga for your own health benefit but think twice before taking the leap of joining 200 hours yoga teacher training course.

Are you prepared to learn from others?

Sometimes, the thing that stops you from becoming better at yoga is not your physical or mental strength; it is your attitude. When you become a student, leave behind the knowledge you already have and keep your mind open for new things. If you want to learn, prepare your mind to accept what others have to offer you. Only then you can continue your yoga teacher training journey in the best manner.

Are you open to new experiences?

During your yoga training, you will train with people from different cultures and encounter new challenges. Aspiring yoga teachers often travel thousands of miles to train in locations like Rishikesh and shed away their dietary & lifestyle habits for a month or two. In short, yoga teacher training journey will be nothing less than a roller coaster ride.

Ask yourself, are you open for new challenges and experiences? If yes, then, you are ready for yoga teacher training. But don’t book your flight tickets just now! Make sure you score in below points too.

Are you ready to unlearn?

If you accept to leave all your existing yoga knowledge at the doorstep of the yoga school, you are going to accomplish what you came for. Bring in your questions, not criticism about yoga philosophy. India is the origin of yoga and the ancient practice is seen more than just a way to achieve of attaining superior fitness and peace of mind.

Are you ready to leave your existing yoga knowledge and start from the scratch? If yes, join a yoga certified teacher training school in India, preferably in Rishikesh,the birthplace of yoga.

Read this inspiring yoga teacher training journey and understand what challenges yoga teacher training can bring!

Are you ready to give yoga more than a couple of years?

Doing the same activity for a long time often leads to boredom and loss of interest. The same happens with yoga. When given a challenge or a new workplace, all humans have tendency to perform better. Learning is a never ending process. You are probably in love with yoga now but before joining a certification course, you must answer whether you are ready to give it more than a couple of years.

In short, you are not ready for yoga teacher training unless you are ready to make a commitment to keep enhancing your practice.

Are you  passionate to share your knowledge  with everyone?

Yoga is not about taking, it’s about giving. Ask yourself, are you ready to share your yoga knowledge with others or you want to keep it to yourself?  Think about it and let your answer decide what will be your next step. The unquenchable desire to learn and share yoga with everyone is a sure tell sign that you’re already on your way to become a good yoga teacher.

Do you want more from yoga?

Things getting philosophical? If your yoga journey has taken a turn from physical knowledge to spiritual enlightenment, then yes, you are prepared to enter the next yoga realm of becoming a yoga teacher. If you have a sincere desire to learn more about the philosophy behind yoga and want to integrate it in your lifestyle, go ahead and start your yoga teacher training.

Deepen your yoga knowledge by enrolling in a certified yoga teacher training course, and become a yoga guru.

Are you in search of a connection with yourself?

“Yoga means addition – addition of energy, strength and beauty to body, mind and soul.” Yoga, or the union harmonizes the mind, body and the soul. Every new day of yoga deepens your connection with your inner self, it is like reconnecting with your inner system. Do you feel a constant desire connect with your inner soul?

If yes, you are ready to become a yoga teacher for sure. And of course you have to score in above points too.

Ready to become a yoga guru? Don’t forget to check out how to prepare for yoga teacher training?

Has yoga sincerely helped you?

Simple breathing exercises, or intense yoga workouts, every yoga practitioner has benefited from yoga in one or the other way. A small injury, a mental distress or just a life phase may be the beginning point of your yoga journey. If you believe that yoga has profoundly helped you in becoming the better you, sincerely, the chances are big that you will remain committed to the practice and are capable of becoming a yoga teacher.

Most important thing

It is possible that you didn’t say YES to all the above points. And it is completely fine. The purpose of this post is to help you answer the question, ‘am I ready for yoga teacher training’. If after reading above points, you think you are ready, you certainly are!

Take the next step towards your yoga journey now! Enroll in Ekattva Yogshala’s 200 hours teacher training course at Rishikesh and become a learned yoga guru. Email us at info@spiritualpunditz.com and start your yoga teacher journey now!

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