Yoga Teacher Training FAQs
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INTERESTED IN BECOMING A YOGA TEACHER, but have some questions?
Deciding on a yoga teacher training is a big decision, and it’s only natural (and sensible) to have a lot of questions!
These are some of the most common questions people ask me, but if there’s anything else you’d like to know, please ask me:
How do I know if I’m ready for a YTT?
BLOG POST: 11 signs you’re ready for a yoga teacher training.
There are no pre-requisites to join this programme, but you’ll need to be comfortable following a guided yoga class. You also need to love yoga and have a genuine desire to learn more about it of course!
If you’ve been thinking about a YTT, it probably means you’re ready. It’s important to first ask yourself why you don’t think you’re ready. Most people answer this with “I don’t know if I’m good enough” but I’m here to reassure you that you are, and that there’s no such thing as being “good enough”. There’s a common misconception that a yoga training is full of “advanced” asanas, but I promise this is really far from the truth. You don’t need to be able to do a one-arm handstand or hold your breath for 10 minutes. I can’t either, and that’s not what you’ll be learning.
This training is centered around accessible and inclusive yoga. My past students have been a mixture of ages, experiences and abilities. I truly believe this makes the YTT a more enriching experience because you can learn from one another and see for yourself how yoga is personalised and unique for everyone.
If you’d like some more reassurance then please message me so I can put your mind at ease and talk things through with you.
How much experience do I need to join?
Even if you’re relatively new to yoga, you’re still welcome to join. You don’t need years of experience, but you do need to feel comfortable following classes and be familiar with the asanas. It’s impossible to give a general answer to this because it will vary considerably, for example, if you’re already a Pilates teacher then you may be new to yoga but have a great foundation to learn. If you’re an enthusiastic and curious student then a year of regular practice is perfect.
Do I need to do anything to prepare before the training?
I simply encourage you to keep up your regular practice and maybe try some new classes, either online or with a different teacher at your local studio (variety is the spice of life). If you don’t have a specific meditation practice, you may find it helpful to try some guided ones on Calm, Headspace, or Insight Timer.
I don’t set any pre-reading, but after the YTT I’ll give you a long list of great books so you can continue to study in your own time.
I’m worried I don’t know enough about anatomy and philosophy.
That’s absolutely okay - most people who join the training don’t know anything about this in advance. That’s what I’m there to teach you and we start from the beginning so it’s easy to understand.
What do you actually learn during a 200 hour training?
A lot! You can see the detailed course curriculum here and the various guest teachers here.
Is there an exam?
If you’d like to get the certificate then yes, there will be a few exams. I promise they’re nothing to worry about though. You’ll have three in total:
A written theory exam (with lots of short answers and labelling things - no long essays).
A written class plan (you’ll have done many practice ones before the exam so you’ll be great).
A teaching exam where you guide your fellow students through a class. This can be done individually or as a group.
What style of yoga do you teach?
I teach a blend of Hatha and Vinyasa/flow styles and I'm also qualified to teach yin and restorative yoga. What I teach during the training are the foundations of sequencing and theming. That way you have all the info and can adapt it to your personal preferences and develop your own style - I’m not here to mass produce identical yoga teachers so I encourage you to find your own groove.
By learning the foundations of sequencing and theming, you can teach something that resembles a strong Ashtanga-vinyasa class, or something very grounding and calming. You can also choose whether to link asanas together to create a flow, or teach them individually so the class is more Iyengar style.
You'll also learn how to teach restorative yoga, so you'll be able to guide relaxing classes and incorporate various meditation and breathing techniques.
The training has an emphasis on accessible asanas and inclusive language. You’ll learn how to adapt asanas, offer variations, and accommodate all abilities, body shapes and sizes. This means you’ll be able to create something simple and beginner friendly, or sequence a more complex class for students who would enjoy something more challenging or creative.
How much physical asana practice will there be?
You’ll have one guided asana practice each day, usually in the morning. During other lessons you’ll also be moving around, such as when we learn about anatomy. In the evenings you’ll have the opportunity to teach each other in small groups, so there will also be movement then. Please be aware that there’s also a lot of theory where you’ll be sat down. If your body needs a rest, you can happily observe the morning practices.
Some evenings, especially in module two, you’ll have restorative yoga classes too.
What are the exact dates and times of the training?
Module 1: Wednesday 18th September 2024 at 4pm - Sunday 29th September 2024 at 8pm.
Module 2: Wednesday 29th January 2025 at 4pm - Sunday 9th February 2025 at 8pm.
Accommodation and meals are included until Monday morning for both modules. You can leave on the Sunday evening, but if you have a long journey you are very welcome to stay until Monday and have breakfast.
Do I have to attend both modules?
Yes you will need to attend both modules to complete the training. Each training is a new cohort, which means it’s not possible to start with module two. It’s also not possible to do module one with one cohort and module two at a later date.
What time do we start and finish each day?
The days are long, but fun! The exact schedule may change sightly, but in general we’ll begin at 8am and finish by 7pm. You’ll get breaks through the day. You can see an example of the schedule on the main YTT page if you scroll down.
Do we get any time off?
You’ll get an afternoon off to relax each module. During the day you’ll also have one hour for breakfast and 90 minutes for lunch. You’ll also get a 30 minute break in the afternoon, plus small breaks between each session to stand up, stretch and get some fresh air.
Can my partner / children visit me?
Your family are welcome on-site during your afternoon off, or you can happily meet them somewhere nearby. If you want to leave site to have dinner with them one evening then of course that’s no problem as long as you don’t miss any sessions. Unfortunately they cannot stay on-site during the training though.
I have a really important work meeting I simply can’t miss - is this okay?
No problem - we can probably work around that and you can catch up with the sessions you miss. Please talk to me about this before you book so we can try and find a solution.
How much time is required for homework and self-study between the modules?
This will depend on your individual study style. Of course the more you put in, the more you’ll get back. A couple of hours a week would be a good amount, but even five minutes a day will be really worthwhile. I send suggested study topics to keep you engaged during the break, but these things are optional. If you choose to do extra, such as practice class plans, I’ll always offer feedback for you.
What if I can’t join all of the online sessions?
That’s no problem - they’re recorded so you can watch them in your own time.
Is this training accredited by Yoga Alliance?
It is, yes! It’s accredited as an RYS-200 hour yoga teacher training, which is widely recognised as the foundational qualification for yoga teachers.
Is this YTT recognised around the world?
Yes - you’ll be able to teach internationally.
Can I teach yoga as soon as the training is finished?
Absolutely! You can also start teaching after module one to gain confidence.
What if I don’t want to teach yoga?
That’s no problem. Usually the training is a mix of people who plan to teach, and people who are there to deepen their personal practice. You learn so much that you can directly apply to your own practice and lifestyle that many people sign up just for this reason. Many people also join the training for themselves, but end up wanting to teach after.
Can you actually make money from teaching yoga?
Yes - you can. Many yoga trainings lack the business support needed to make yoga a stable form of income, but I make sure to include this aspect within the YTT and to offer on-going support once the training has finished.
I’m in touch with many of my past students and I’m helping them to plan their first retreat or brainstorm ideas for online courses etc. I’ll always be your cheerleader and support you in any way I can.
I have a background in marketing and event planning, so this is an area I’m familiar with.
What is the average age? Am I too young / too old to join?
Everyone is welcome! So far my past students have ranged from 24 to 72 years old and there’s usually a balanced mix of all ages. The minimum age is 18 but there’s no max.
How big is the group?
The minimum number is 10, and the maximum is 16. There are also lots of opportunities to work in pairs and smaller groups.
I have an injury - can I still join?
Yes of course. Please tell me in advance so I can make sure I accommodate this.
Can I take the training if I’m pregnant?
You are welcome to join if you’re pregnant, but you’ll need to make sure you can comfortably complete both modules.
Can I arrange my own accommodation?
Yes you’re welcome to arrange your own accommodation. If you live nearby you’re also welcome to commute. I really recommend staying on-site simply for convenience and the group dynamics though. The accommodation at the venue is in twin or triple rooms with shared bathrooms. If you want private accommodation then there are numerous hotels or Airbnb’s within walking distance. You can then choose to include meals as an optional extra.
How do I get there from Zürich / Bern / Basel / Geneva etc?
The venue is in Chamonix in the French Alps and just across the Swiss border. It’s accessible with public transport. The nearest train station is Les Pelerins (Chamonix) but it’s walking distance from any main station in Chamonix and also accessible by bus. If you’re driving, there is free parking on-site. From Geneva there are also regular busses to Chamonix town centre, and from there it’s a 15 minute walk to the venue.
Approximate driving distances:
1 h from Geneva
1 h 30 from Montreux / Vevey
1h 45 from Lausanne
2 h from Fribourg
2 h 20 from Bern
3 h 20 from Zürich / Luzern / Basel / Lugano
What’s the food like?
Delicious! We’ll have a private chef taking care of us during our stay who will be cooking healthy and wholesome meals. You’ll get breakfast, lunch, an afternoon snack, and dinner. You can also bring some of your own snacks if you like, but that’s optional. Allergies and intolerances can be accommodated, and the food is vegetarian / vegan. There will be one dinner per module that’s not included so the chef can have a night off. On this evening you can eat out at a local restaurant.
Can I bring my own food?
Unfortunately not. You’re very welcome to bring some of your favourite snacks though. There’s a supermarket a few minutes walk away if you want to buy anything. One dinner per module is not included (so the chef has a night off) so you can eat at a local restaurant of your choice.
Are payment plans available?
Yes - I’m very happy to discuss payment plans.
The training sounds amazing, but it’s over my budget. Do you offer financial support?
Yes, partial scholarships are available and will save you up to CHF 1000 off the cost of tuition. Please get in touch to discuss this in more detail.
Are there any additional costs?
No, there are no hidden or additional costs. You will need to cover your own travel, but food, accommodation and all teaching materials are provided. Please note that one dinner per module is not included. This is so the chef can have an evening off. On this night you’ll need to arrange your own dinner and eat out at a local restaurant in Chamonix - there are many to choose from within a 15-20 walking distance.
Can I read some reviews from your past students?
Happily - my graduate testimonials are here. If you’d like to be put in touch with one of my graduates, please just ask.
interested in joining?
You can either complete the application form to secure your place, or alternatively, you can register your interest here: