In-person vs. Online Yoga Teacher Training: Understanding the Differences
Seane Corn once said to me, “My dad taught me that, when it comes to life, the yoga teaches us: don’t pray for an experience to change, pray for the perspective to see the experience through a different lens.” So why am I having so much trouble with the shift from in-person to online everything? Are my sunglasses scratched?
I’m in need of a massive perspective shift ASAP since deciding to start online yoga teacher training, during a pandemic no less! I’ve had it in the back of my mind for years. I’d love a specialty yoga certification but have never devoted the time to make it a reality. But this pandemic has held a mirror up. Am I the person I want to be? Am I living the life I love? Am I living up to my highest potential? You might be asking yourself some of these same questions too.
Once I determined I wanted to become a certified yoga instructor, I had another major choice to make: in-person, or online? With the wide variety of San Diego yoga teacher training options available, I found it best to research my options. In researching what would be the right choice for me, I learned there are many similarities between yoga teacher training online and in-person, but also some important differences.
So what’s the same?
Career path. Whether you are looking to boost your confidence, have gym teacher aspirations, or – like me – hope to learn a specialty, a yoga teacher certification will positively impact your future, regardless of how you earn it. Once certified, a yoga teacher who is comfortable teaching/learning online can take advantage of a newish career path that’s proving to not only be valuable during times of uncertainty, but dare I say maybe even lucrative, if the stay-at-home workout trend continues. Either way, embrace your passion, and take aim to reach your goals with your personal practice.
Yoga styles. With more than 100 styles of yoga, it is important to think about which type of yoga practice you would like to learn more about and teach. There are both broad and specialty trainings; listen to the wisdom within so you select a yoga course that makes sense for you. Time permitting, take an in-person or online class with the yoga instructor(s) prior to committing, to get a sense if you like them and their teaching style. If you are seeking a teacher training course for specialties such as Yoga Nidra, Aerial, Vinyasa, Yoga for Cancer Recovery, or Chair Yoga, check the eligibility requirements ahead of time, as prior Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT®) training may be a prerequisite.
Yoga Alliance. Whether online or in-person, do you want to train at a Yoga Alliance-certified Registered Yoga School (RYS®) so that you can become an RYT® after completing your yoga training? If that is important to you, check the Yoga Alliance Directory to see if the studios/schools you are considering are on the list.
Time commitment. Online and in-person yoga teacher training programs can take anywhere from a month to 1 year to complete, during which you will have to carve out time for homework and contact hours. It is important to think in advance about much time can you commit to your training.
Core curriculum. Regardless of whether you decide to go in person or study online, your curriculum will be the same. As you research possible yoga teacher training programs, take the time to comb through the syllabus, course materials, and content listed on the yoga studio/ school’s website. Make sure they meet your needs.
Physical movement. Both online and in-person yoga teacher training will help you get stronger physically (thank you asana) and mentally. Your attention will be on learning, stretching, growing, moving, and breathing, which will enhance your sense of well-being.
Homework assignments. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but both an online and in-person yoga course will have required books, articles, and assignments. And while the general Yoga Alliance core curriculum will be the same for all schools and studios, how each one approaches the curriculum may vary. Take a peek ahead of time, and tally this into your evaluation of the yoga studio/school’s program. An added bonus: do some studying on the side! Read up on yoga sutra and yoga philosophy. This will help you gain a sense of mindfulness about the practice as you receive your yoga certification.
Yoga community. Make no mistake, your yoga teacher training group will become like family. You will learn from, share, and support one another, whether in-person or virtually. And forming this bond with a like-minded community will nourish you for years to come.
With so many similarities between online and in-person yoga teacher training programs, you might be curious about uncovering potential deal-breakers. Knowing the differences between them each yoga teacher training program will help you make an informed decision on whether you ‘Add to Cart’ or hold off for the unforeseeable future. What’s different?
Cost. There is a substantial cost savings with online yoga training. In addition to a lower program fee, you can save with no commute, little to no time off from other jobs, and no need for new yoga attire. Determine how much you can spend, and stick to it. Keep in mind, some studios/schools offer scholarships, sliding scales, and payment plans.
Location, location. Bali, Costa Rica, India – all were popular choices pre COVID-19, but now you must put extra thought and consideration into where to do yoga teacher training, right? Perhaps your couch is the safest option, but do you have distractions and obligations at home that may detract from virtual learning? I personally love the idea of clearing my space with sage, lighting a candle, pouring a cup of tea, and digging in.
Perspective. Online teacher training programs allow for more diversity and broader perspectives among classmates, as your program might attract trainees from outside your immediate community and be a melting pot of backgrounds. For many, this makes for a much richer experience than an in-person experience at yoga teacher training schools.
Contact. An online yoga teacher training course means no in-person yoga class, no physical contact, and no hands-on adjustments. While this may have its advantages in the midst of a pandemic, correct body alignment to prevent injury is very important, and there is a difference between watching vs feeling. Take this into consideration from both the student and teacher perspectives.
Technology. How familiar are you with apps and other technology used for teaching yoga? Do you have experience with IGTV, Facebook Live, YouTube Live, and Zoom? One thing I find especially appealing about an online yoga teacher training program is being able to watch videos on demand. This means lessons in small doses, at my own pace, when I’m in the best headspace to absorb the information.
Imposter syndrome. You are not a fraud. Just by being you, you will arrive to a yoga teacher training (online or in-person) with a lot to offer. But when we are in the same room with others, there can be a tendency to compare ourselves to others. Perfectionism is totally overrated. Some may find extra support, confidence, and compassion at home behind a computer screen.
Tick tock. A commute to the computer vs. studio will save you time and energy, and reduce your anxiety. As studios re-open with new policies (hello, mask!), you will have to wash, load, and haul your own mat, props, towels, and disinfectant items every time you visit. Online programs do not monitor bio breaks, meals, or comings and goings.
With a newly unveiled perspective, I have accepted with enormous gratitude the opportunity to take the Be Well Yoga for Cancer Recovery online training in Fall 2020. I am excited to learn new things in a new way from the comfort of my safe space with the help of this San Diego non profit. As you weigh the pros and cons of becoming a certified yoga teacher, be conscious of the virtual options available to you, and have fun on your personal yoga journey.
The supreme sweetness in me, honors the supreme sweetness in you.
Namaste,
Amanda Carpowich