A Yoga Teacher Training course is not your regular Yoga Retreat. It is a program designed to make a Yoga teacher out of a regular practitioner of yoga. There are several steps in the process of certification. Different countries have different yoga certification institutions. So for all purposes we will focus on an internationally renowned Yoga accreditation entity like Yoga Alliance.
Being the world’s largest association of Yoga Schools, Yoga studios and Teachers, Yoga Alliance provides the standards for yoga Teacher Training syllabus used by Yoga Schools all over the world. Their certification path for yoga Teachers is straightforward and simple. And it starts with a 200-hour yoga teacher training course.
At Mimamsa Yogshala, we strive to make TTC an amazing experience. We are an accredited Yoga Alliance school, and our 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Courses are designed to be transformative and empowering. By the end of your course your practice will have developed a lot. Youâll have a deeper understanding about the different aspects of Yoga, and youâll receive our Diploma and Be eligible to request your Yoga Alliance 200RYT badge.
Know before you come: What you should know in advance.
If you are looking to do your 200 hours Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh, you are probably looking for a mix of exotism and tradition. Well, look no further. Rishikesh has all you want and more. Teacher Training courses in Rishikesh are among the most affordable in the world. Rishikesh is situated on the banks of the Ganges River, surrounded by hills on three sides, not far from Haridwar and Dehradun in the state of Uttarakhand, in North india.
With sandal incense smoke filling the air, temples and ashrams all around, the Himalayas on the backdrop, Rishikesh is a hub for adventure and spiritual seekers. Known as the birthplace and world capital of yoga, the city attracts thousands of tourists every year, who come to meditate, practice yoga, hike and trek in the himalayas and for rafting. The town is mentioned in ancient Hindu Texts and considered sacred, along with its biggest attraction: The Ganges.
Despite the growing number of visitors the townâs lanes and alleys retain an old-world charm, and it remains a wonderful place to relax and unwind among nature. It has a distinctively peaceful, uplifting, and international feel.
Alcohol and meat are forbidden! You won’t find them in any store or restaurant, and certainly not at a Yoga school. Vegetarianism and veganism are intrinsically connected with the culture here, and there are lots of cafes and stands offering delicious food from around the world.
Although there are gorgeous river beaches, some can be dangerous and bathing or swimming are forbidden.
There are plenty of Yoga schools to choose from, and it can be overwhelming to pick one. Know that the differences in Yoga Teacher training curriculums are small. Although some schools may include different modules on subjects like, Vedic astrology, Ayurveda, and Naturopathy, or offshoots like Acro Yoga, Vinyasa Flow, and Yin.
They all have the same core curriculum aligned with Yoga Alliance standards. Classes on Asana ( Usually Hatha or Ashtanga), Teaching methodology, Anatomy and Physiology, Yoga Philosophy, Pranayama and Meditation, are always present in a 200 Hour certification course.
When is the best time to attend a Yoga Teacher Training course in Rishikesh?
The best time to visit Rishikesh are the months of March and April, October and November. These correspond with spring and autumn seasons.
During these months the weather is milder and thereâs low probability of rainfall.The temperatures average 25-30 Celsius during the day and drop a bit after nightfall.
A second layer is advisable for early mornings and evenings. Summer brings the Monsoon that spans from late June to early September.
The heat and humidity reach their peak in August, and itâs a blessing when it rains, and it rains a lot. The months of December to February are the winter season. Rishikesh has a himalayan subtropical climate, strongly influenced by the Ganges and the mountains.
Although during most of the year light and comfy clothes are the dress code, During these months youâll need a jacket and a beanie.
What you should pack for your 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training
When packing your bags before your training, make sure you tik these boxes:
- Smartphone/Tablet/Computer for communication and recording
Many teachers will allow you to take pics or videos of their class for study purposes. Make sure you bring a device for that.. - Travel and health insurance
This is highly advisable, for any trip longer than a week. Of course it also is for TTC. - Money
Make sure your credit/debit card will work overseas, if you are coming from outside India (you can ask your bank about this). And bring some cash with you as a backup in case your card doesnât work. - Notebook, pens, highlighter
Most schools will offer this, but if you are study nerd, youâll want your best pen and highlighter - Comfortable light cotton yoga clothing for yoga classes.
Youâll spend most of your time on these. Think of comfort and freedom of movement. - Shorts (just above the knee) to wear in yoga classes (optional)
Some teachers ask for tighter shorts or leggings for asana practice, so they can observe the body and better adjust you. Ask your school what they recommend. - Raincoat or Umbrella (For monsoon months i.e July-Sept)
If you are coming during monsoon, don’t forget this. - Comfortable walking shoes/slippers
Yoga Halls and many other common and public spaces ask you to leave your shoes at the door. Bring flip flops or slides to make it easy. A pair of snickers is also advisable, especially for your days off, to roam around and explore. - Torch (optional)
India has many power cuts. A torch is useful to find your way back to the room, or read at night. - Alarm clock (optional)
Classes start early. If you are not used to early rising, bring an alarm clock - Yoga mat
We provide yoga matts for the course, but you can bring your personal one if you prefer - Ear plugs
In case, you have noisy neighbors - Toiletries: shampoo, soap, toothpaste etc.
The major brands are easily found on the market in case you forget something. - Medication you require
Bring enough for one month, and prescriptions from your doctor in case you run out. - Face mask / Hand sanitizer / antibacterial soap
In airports and during your flights youâll be requested to use a face mask. In India, hand hygiene is of the utmost importance if you want to keep a healthy belly during your training. - Mosquito repellent/Mosquito net
Rishikesh is surrounded by Jungle, make sure you come protected against insect bites. - Tablets for travel sickness/diarrhea/fever/pain killers.
Many westerns fall victim to all sorts of virus and bacteria. Having your own first aid kit can be very helpful to you or those near you. - Probiotic tablets
Bring enough for you entire stay in India. - Socket Converters for Indian switches
Depending on your country of origin, your power plugs may or may not work here. Socket converter is a great gadget to bring along. - Warm clothing like jacket, socks and trousers for the night (For Oct – Feb TTC Students)
Yep, during these months youâll need them! - White clothes for Opening and closing ceremonies.
The courses always start with an ancient vedic ceremony. Wear white if you can or very light colors.
How to prepare for a Yoga Teacher Training Course
1. Establish a Regular Yoga Practice
200 Hour YTT is a course tailored for all levels of Yogis. Having said that, you are supposed to have some practice and experience before joining. Why else would you think about becoming a Yoga teacher, without trying it and experiencing its benefits?
We advise a minimum of one year of regular Yoga sessions before coming to Teacher training. The course is intense, and youâll need to be in a good physical condition to keep up with the classes. People who are into sports and live a healthy life are more prone to enjoy the course.
People with a background in Gymnastics or Dance, also feel very comfortable with the asana part of the course. The most important factor before attending your Training is to develop a regular practice.
2. Attend Different Yoga Classes
Especially in the beginning, If you only know one teacher, you are exposed to only one approach to the teachings. Finding Yoga classes for your level and preference is pretty easy nowadays.
Online or in the studio, check for different classes and styles, and feel what suits you better. More calming and relaxed or more powerful and vigorous, thereâs a Yoga practice for everyone.
While your teacher training course will give you the skills and tools you need to run your classes, taking a variety of Yoga classes beforehand will inspire you, and bring clarity on what route to take with your future students.
From adding music and sensory experiences, to how to approach students individually, thereâs a lot to learn before the Training begins, just by paying attention.
3. Start Journaling Regularly
Self study is a very important part of the Yoga system. It is called swadhyaya in sanskrit. You do it when you practice asana, when you read about Yoga or other elevated ideas, and you do it all the time, in daily life, we are always learning. But Journaling helps by making this study systematic.
Journaling regularly about your feelings, emotions, dreams and fears, helps to bring them out into the light, so you can deal with them better. Write down your own positive affirmations, and read them out loud.
This way you are conditioning your mind for positivity, confidence and joy. Establish your goals, and break them down into easy and feasible steps, so you can get a feeling of accomplishment every step of the way. What will you do after the training? How does the Yoga Teacher training align with your vision for life?
4. Read Books About Yoga
When you attend your 200 Hour Yoga Teacher training at Mimamsa Yogshala, a comprehensive manual and a textbook will be distributed. Theyâll be your guides along with the teachers during instruction.
In the meantime, you can do your own diligence and read books, watch lectures, movies, and documentaries about Yoga to start learning and get ahead of the game. Some of the books we recommend are great friends and life companions for yoga teachers.
Try âAutobiography of a Yogiâ by Paramahansa Yogananda, âLight on Yogaâ,by B.K.S Iyengar, and âYoga Malaâ from Sri K. Patabis Jois. Remember, different schools of yoga (styles or paths) have their own selected scriptures and textbooks. Research and discover what resonates with your heart, and what makes you tickle.
5. Know What to Expect from Your Teacher Training
Many people contact us without actually reading the course program. Weâve extensively described it here, to help you get a feel of what’s coming. Mimamsa Yogshala offers a variety of 200 Hour courses, suited for all levels of Yoga experience. Our locations in India and southeast asia also differ, to offer different accommodation packages to suit our students needs.
Do not expect a Yoga Holliday! No matter the place and facilities, our 200 Hour Training courses are always immersive and intense learning experiences, designed to give you the skills and tools to start teaching Yoga.
You can go beyond reading the information on the website and connect with our office line for more information, follow us on social media, or try to connect with someone who has already completed the same 200-hour yoga teacher training youâre interested in.
6. Control Your Ego
Becoming a certified yoga instructor is an exciting professional opportunity, and is surely the dream life for many. Itâs easy to imagine yourself Teaching Yoga and having a following in a famous studio, launching a profitable online Yoga Business, or traveling the world teaching.
Although these scenarios exist in the Yoga Industry and are accessible to all, there is a sea to be crossed. Understand that You won’t learn everything about Yoga in 200h, that continuous education is for life, and that thereâs a lot of work and practice ahead. Be humble, be brave and be happy, to be taking a role in the spreading of the Yoga Teachings.
Before attending your 200 Hour ttc, Spend time looking deep within yourself. Meditation is the Goal of Hatha Yoga practice, and a precious tool for all Yogis. Start meditating regularly. You can do it before or after your asana practice, or at a separate time and place. Ask yourself important questions during this period, and look at narratives your mind is creating that may hold you back during the course.
Insecurities about your flexibility and ability, your self image, feelings of grandeur, or diminishment, may also be noted. There are so many ways your ego can throw a curving ball at you. It is important to be aware of these ideas, feelings and emotions, because they can become real obstacles to your learning ability, and ultimately to your success in the course and in life.
Meditation and Journaling can make you more aware of your mindâs content, and therefore better able to address any problems.
Contact Mimamsa Yoga for more Information about Our Upcoming Yoga Teacher Training Programs
Are you ready to become a professional Yoga Teacher? Mimamsa Yogshala is a Yoga Alliance accredited Yoga School and Our 200-hour yoga certification programs are your entry point for a successful career. Join a future batch and become a certified professional Yoga Teacher. Apply here , or give us a call at +91 8859221330