Whether you are planning to teach yoga professionally or would just like to delve deeper into the practice, a Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) is a good place to start. In some places, such as in Samyama, we offer a Meditation and Yoga Teacher Training, and in other schools, they would mix various kinds of yoga practices together, such as Vinyasa and Yin. Therefore, there are many YTT types out there, with variation in syllabus and of course teachers and content. 

Every single Yoga Teacher Training, however, should award you with a certificate at the end. And this certificate is accredited by the Yoga Alliance, a non-profit organisation that oversees the standards of yoga schools and teachers worldwide. There are curriculum standards put in place by the Yoga Alliance for what would qualify as a 200-hour training or a 300-hour training, and even additional trainings such as the 100-hour and the Continuing Education courses. 

The 200-hour module serves as the foundational training program, designed for those who are new to teaching yoga or seeking to deepen their personal practice. This program covers essential elements of yoga, including fundamental asanas (postures), pranayama (breathing techniques), meditation, anatomy, physiology, and the basics of yoga philosophy. It typically includes a comprehensive overview of teaching methodology, focusing on how to instruct and adjust students safely and effectively. The curriculum also emphasises the development of personal practice and the establishment of a consistent teaching style. Upon completion, graduates are equipped with the basic skills and knowledge to teach yoga classes confidently and to begin their journey as certified yoga instructors.

The 200-hour program, a foundational course, requires 75 hours dedicated to Techniques, Training, and Practice, covering asanas, pranayama, and meditation. Anatomy and Physiology are allotted 30 hours, focusing on the skeletal system, major muscles, and physiological systems like the nervous and respiratory systems. Yoga Humanities, which include the history, philosophy, and ethical aspects of yoga, also require 30 hours. Professional Essentials, which cover teaching methodologies, professional development, and practicum, constitute 50 hours. Schools have the flexibility to allocate up to 15 elective hours within these core categories to further tailor the training to their unique style or emphasis.

In contrast, the 300-hour module is an advanced training program designed for those who have already completed the 200-hour training and wish to deepen their knowledge and expertise. This program builds upon the foundational concepts learned in the 200-hour training, offering more in-depth study and exploration of advanced asanas, pranayama techniques, and meditation practices. It is ideal that you would have experience teaching yoga already before doing the 300-hour training.

The 300-hour curriculum often includes more detailed anatomical studies, advanced teaching methodologies, and specialised topics such as yoga therapy, Ayurveda, and the subtle body (chakras, nadis, etc.). Additionally, this advanced training encourages personal growth and development, helping instructors refine their teaching skills, expand their understanding of yoga philosophy, and cultivate a more profound personal practice.

This program requires a minimum of 50 hours in Techniques, Training, and Practice, with a substantial emphasis on advanced asanas, pranayama, and meditation techniques. Teaching Methodology covers 5 hours, focusing on advanced instructional skills, communication, and classroom management. Anatomy and Physiology are covered in 15 hours, with a more in-depth look at bodily systems and their application to yoga. Yoga Philosophy, Lifestyle, and Ethics for Yoga Teachers receive 30 hours, delving deeper into traditional texts and ethical considerations. The Practicum component includes 30 hours, emphasising practical teaching experience, feedback, and observation. The advanced program’s structure ensures that graduates are well-prepared to teach yoga with a higher level of skill and understanding, catering to the more nuanced needs of their students.

Graduates of the 300-hour program would then be a 500-hour certified yoga teacher, taking in the 200 hours of the first training and the 300 hours of the second. They are often more confident and competent, with a deeper reservoir of knowledge and experience to draw upon in their teaching.

Overall, while the 200-hour module lays the groundwork for a solid yoga teaching practice, the 300-hour module allows for a more comprehensive and nuanced exploration of yoga, enabling instructors to enhance their skills, knowledge, and personal growth. Together, these programs provide a well-rounded education for those committed to the path of teaching yoga.