It is very important that you have a baseline of experience and knowledge before you start a 200-hour program. There is a lot to learn (sometimes in a short amount of time) and the more you know coming into the program, the better. A good rule of thumb… after 1 year of consistent yoga practice you can consider taking the program. Consistent practice is 3 – 5 times a week.
This experience is important to help you get the most out of your training. And it must be noted; I am not talking about your ability to do crazy poses that you post on Instagram! Remember, yoga is not about what the pose looks like! Do you know what the Sun Salutations are, what Pranayama is, and how to do a safely alignment Warrior 2? Then you barking up the right tree. A baseline of knowledge and experience is necessary, while being able to put your foot behind your head is not 🙂
As I always say, a 200-hour teacher training program is only a foundation, it is only the very beginning of your training as a teacher. It will open your eyes and expose you to so many new and exciting ideas & philosophies. There is a lot of learning and growing to do in a Yoga Teacher Training program. Starting with a fairly basic understanding of yoga can be very helpful.
If you still aren’t sure if you’re ready, ask your teacher. Or go take class with the head teacher of the 200-hr. program and ask his or her opinion.
What’s most important? Do you have a passion for yoga? Do you want to do what you love for a living? Then get your butt into class, be consistent, and when you are ready the program will be here waiting for you.
Written by – O2 Lead Teacher Trainer, Christina Raskin