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5 Myths About Yoga Teacher Training

co-written by: Brittany McBride & Emma Davis

There are many misconceptions surrounding yoga teacher training. Understandably so, with more options to choose from than ever before. How does one even begin deciphering which program to take? We’ve set out to debunk the top 5 myths about enrolling in a yoga teacher training program and shed some more light on the topic. Let the myth-busting begin.


MYTH #1: I’m not ready

“I’m worried that my practice isn’t good enough.”

Ah yes, that all too familiar voice. You know the one. That pesky inner critic that whispers repeatedly that you are not enough. Yoga works beyond the physical practice, extending far off the mat. You may only make it to a class here and there, but what matters most is your desire to learn.

In fact, there may be some days, weeks or even months where you do not practice any physical yoga postures, but are still incorporating yogic principles, breathing techniques and meditation into your life. Maybe your daily yoga is practicing patience on your MUNI commute to work! Or, you may be experiencing pain from a new or chronic injury. Yoga training is an opportunity to learn how to properly modify poses to help heal yourself and others. Perhaps you’ll even heal that pesky inner critic along the way.

MYTH #2: I’m not sure I want to teach, so yoga teacher training is probably not right for me

“I just want to deepen my practice. Can I still take a training?”

Yoga trainings are great for students of all levels with many benefits of becoming certified. Some students may get certified to begin, or advance teaching careers. Others become certified to deepen their personal practice, and there are many different reasons in between. Maybe you are mainly interested in learning how yoga works, and want to join a structured course and study among like-minded folks. Fabulous! Follow that calling.

Set your intentions for enrolling in a training and prepare to get the most out of it. For example, if you’re taking the training because you’re a doctor and want a deeper understanding of the benefits yoga has on the body, then you can tailor your learning, questions, and practice towards it.

Even if you are not sure you want to become a teacher, in the beginning, it’s wonderful knowing that you can always change your mind. It’s empowering to realize that your yoga certification will always be there for you—right in your back pocket—to be used now, or in your future endeavors!

MYTH #3: I’d have to quit my job

“I don’t have time for yoga training; I’d have to quit my job!”

Taking a yoga training can be very beneficial for your personal practice, or career change, but you don’t have to quit your job to embark on this journey! With a part-time program, you can incorporate yoga training into your current work schedule with ease. After all, your current workplace may be the perfect venue to start offering a corporate yoga class – taught by you!

You may find that staying at your current job allows you to take your time in planning your next move if a career change is what you seek! Think about what you do day-to-day. Yoga can be a powerful addition to what you already have going on and help facilitate a career pivot rather than a drastic work/life change.

Myth #4: It is too expensive.

“I would love to take a yoga training, but I can’t afford it.”

Yoga training is a valuable investment for your life and personal development.

We offer easy and flexible payment plans with the intention to make our 200-Hour Teacher Training accessible to all students seeking to deepen their yoga practice and to teach yoga regardless of their financial situation. Plan to take advantage of early registration discounts–this will help you maximize your education without breaking the bank!

MYTH #5: It will take over my life

“But what about weekend brunch with my friends?!”

Don’t worry; there’s still time for brunch! Our training schedules fit in easily with your personal schedule! The Part-Time Extended Program blends seamlessly into your work week. Whether you have a full-time job or are in school, this training schedule is totally flexible, and you will become certified in just three months!

It’s a perfect balance. You can look forward to Guided Yoga Practices after work or school on Tuesday and Friday nights from 6:30-8pm, followed by Asana Clinics/Lectures from 8-9pm. On Saturdays and Sundays, you’ll meet 12:30-5:30 pm.

Translation: You still have your weekends! Meet up with friends for dinner, put on your dancing shoes to go out at night, enjoy the sweet morning sunshine AND get your laundry done!


Want to immerse yourself in the study? If your schedule allows, opt for the Full-Time Immersion Course. The pace has some major benefits, including earning your certification in just one month!

Tuesdays through Fridays, you’ll be in session from 9am-6pm. Full and expansive days, but you’ll have Mondays off (woo-hoo!).

Saturdays and Sundays are your “Sleep-in Days” where you’ll have all morning to relax with your coffee, stop and smell the roses, and then head to the studio from 12:30-5:30pm.

FUN FACT: The Full-Time Immersion and Part-Time Extended groups merge on the weekends! This is a great opportunity to meet new people, practice teaching with a larger group, and of course, make lifelong friends–the most valuable investment!