Deciding to become a certified yoga teacher can be one of the best choices you ever make. It gives you the chance to do an activity you love, as well as the ability to teach others about the practice. It can also be a way to make some extra money.
However, with this decision come some doubts. Many times, the decision not to pursue yoga teacher training is because you may have heard of some of the common myths around this choice. Below are those myths and reasons why you should ignore them.
Myth #1: You have to be Able to do All the Poses to be a Yoga Instructor
Everybody is different, and every person has limitations with what he can and can’t do. Just because you can’t do all of the yoga poses, that doesn’t mean you can’t be a yoga instructor. In many cases, you might learn these while doing yoga teacher training, and this can be incredibly empowering and exciting. However, you may never be able to do all the poses and have to make concessions.
Not being able to do all of the poses should not stop you from pursuing your passion. Nobody is perfect, and your students will have their struggles as well. Being able to make accommodations or changes is a great way to make the practice sincerely yours, as well as help others through their efforts.
Myth #2: You Need to Have Practiced Every Day for Two Years before You Start Training
One of the exciting things about yoga is that it’s a discipline from which you can always learn. It’s recommended that you have minimum six months of consistent practice before looking into yoga teacher training, but you don’t need to have practiced every day for two years (although if you have, this could be beneficial).
It’s essential to have some experience when pursuing a yoga certification, but you don’t need to be an expert. It’s also beneficial if you go into the program with an open mind and a desire to learn something new. You may have a lot of knowledge about yoga, but you should be willing and able to learn more. This is what will make the practice more thrilling and help you improve your skills as a practitioner and a teacher.
Myth #3: You Have to be in the Best Shape Possible
Yoga is a practice that tones the body and mind, and over time, you will get into shape and become stronger. However, to start your yoga teacher training, you don’t have to be in the best shape possible. Again, it’s beneficial to have some experience, but you don’t have to be perfect. As you continue your yoga certification journey, and as you teach skills to students, you will get into better shape. Everyone has to start somewhere, so start where you are and grow from there.
Myth #4: You Need to Have Specific Personality Traits
For many, when they think of yoga instructors, they imagine people who are environmentally conscious and don’t eat meat. While these people may be yoga instructors, they aren’t the only ones who can get certified. People from all walks of life have the ability to learn these skills. The only requirements are a desire and dedication to take on this challenge and then instruct others in practice.
Becoming a yoga instructor can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience. If you’re looking to take on this challenge, do it.
