How to Find the Right Teacher for Your Yoga Teacher Training Program | Western Wellness

Your yoga teacher can be your biggest inspiration and cheerleader when it comes to your yoga journey and learning how to be a yoga teacher yourself, so it’s important to find the right teacher that’s going to help you on the path to becoming the best yoga instructor you can be.

Here are some handy tips to help you choose the right yoga instructor for your yoga teacher training program. 

Find Out Who Your Potential Teachers Might Be 

Some yoga schools have multiple yoga instructors to choose from, and they all differ when it comes to teaching styles, education, teaching experience and philosophy. 

Read each teacher’s biography and reviews, and talk to past students, if possible, to get a real idea of what different teachers are like. If possible, see if you can contact a teacher directly to find out more about them. 

Does the Teacher Have the Correct Accreditations? 

In Australia, yoga instructors need to be certified through a Yoga Alliance-approved school or course. 

Being taught by an accredited teacher means that they have the experience, have put in the work and are credible. 

Are They Approachable? 

Is the yoga instructor approachable? Do you feel comfortable enough around them to approach them with any concerns or questions? 

You obviously want to feel comfortable around your yoga instructor. It’s important that you’re both on the same page and get along with mutual respect for each other. You need to feel supported, safe and heard. 

Language and Respect for Students 

Yoga instructors don’t just need to be knowledgeable about yoga, but they also need to be clear when delivering instructions, as it’s important for every student to understand exactly what’s happening in the class so nobody falls behind. 

Your yoga instructor should also always be on time and have respect for every student. These are all signs of a good yoga teacher. 

Teaching Style

Some yoga teachers are more into demonstrating each yoga position while verbally explaining every single step, while others may show you the position and then write out the steps and meaning behind each one. Some may be more in-depth, while others prefer to keep things more simple. 

Does the teacher encourage their students and inspire them? Or do they push them to do things that they’re not comfortable with? A good yoga instructor will always encourage you to reach your potential, but they should never push you to do something that you or your body aren’t ready to do. 

Find the teaching style that suits you best, as it may also influence your own teaching style in the future. 

Are You Learning? 

Even if you’re enjoying a class and getting along well with your yoga instructor and fellow students, there’s no point in staying in a class if you’re not actually learning anything. Remember, your aim is to become a yoga instructor yourself. You need to be sure that you’re taking away valuable points from each lesson - insights that will help you become the best yoga teacher you can be. You’re also paying for the lessons, and you deserve to be getting your money’s worth. 

Are You Inspired and Motivated? 

You should be leaving each class feeling inspired, motivated and encouraged, and excited for your next lesson and for what your future holds as a yoga teacher. 

At Western Wellness, we offer in-person and online training programs from our studio in Melbourne, Australia. Our Yoga Alliance Accredited programs are recognised internationally and by Yoga Alliance & Yoga Australia. You can find out more here: https://www.westernwellness.com.au/yoga-teacher-training 

If you’re looking for a friendly, inclusive yoga community, look no further than Western Wellness. Contact us at 0409 248 591 or send us an email here: https://www.westernwellness.com.au/contact to find out more