how to prep for a 200-hr yoga training

Bienvenue! 💜

I've just started my yoga training with BreatheForChange, a program that is geared towards educators. It's just like any other yoga training program but designed with educators in mind. During this journey, all participants will learn about the proper placement of yoga poses, mindfulness techniques, and SEL strategies for students / learners. 

What's also special about this program is we will learn how to empower ourselves to lead the lives we want which in turn will inspire those around us to lead the lives they want. As Suli Breaks said, "Remember one hand washes the other before they can both wash the face." - "Friends" 

What I truly want is to help others live the life they want - with yoga and wellness in mind of course! 

Listen to your heart and your body. They will tell you everything you need to know. Trust yourself and trust the process. Okay, here's how I prepped for mine. 

Step 1.

Figure out what yoga style you enjoy. Vinyasa? Ashtanga? Bikram? Not sure? Spend some time reading up on the benefits and nuances of the eight yoga styles. Doyouyoga.com offers simple explanations of all variations. 

I love vinyasa flow yoga. I've practiced Ashtanga a few times and bikram maybe once. Figure out what you like and stick with it.

Step 2.
Find a yoga training program that aligns with your values and preferred style. Google is your best friend here, and testimonials and reviews will help guide you to your best fit.

Read each review with a grain of salt. Everyone's experience will be different. Pay close attention to the quality of the instructor and how they welcomed and encouraged their students. Which one(s) resonates with you?

B4C was an easy choice as I'm an educator and want to become a yoga instructor for educators and/or students. They equip us with SEL*F strategies and information that will improve our own SEL, thereby, improving our learners' SEL. Win-win!

Step 3.
Depending on the start date, create a rough schedule or timelines for exercise. When I decided to do the yoga program, I had four months to prep myself. I started off strong, practicing yoga four times a week, 30 to 40 minutes each session. As the school year progressed, it became difficult for me to practice at 5 a.m. so I adapted and began practicing right when I got home.

If you're concerned about shelling out money to attend classes, look online! I found a $15 Groupon for the Yoga Collective which gave me access to online content for one year. I only went to studio classes a handful of time to save money. Please note, I am familiar with yoga poses and am mindful about how I position myself. That being said, having an instructor helping with adjustments is extremely beneficial.

If you're a beginner or need a refreshment, I invite you to check out your neighborhood yoga studio. They generally do specials for those who've yet to attend. It could be $30 for unlimited classes for two weeks. Take advantage and aim to go four or five times! Check out Classpass, Groupon or Living Social. Deals are always going on somewhere so you will find the one that's destined for you. 

Step 4.  

Choose a few pieces of literature to gain a strong sense of spirituality and reflection. Any yoga teacher training worth its salt will have a recommended reading list. Read the synopsis of all suggestions and decide which ones you'd like to learn more about. You have the power to personalize your yoga journey. Select readings that are intriguing or ones that will promote your personal growth. 

I'm in the middle of The Spirit of Anatomy by Carolyne Myss and really enjoy thinking about life in terms of energies. Everything has energy! Even objects! This is a concept called animism. 

Animism holds the idea that every object, creature, and place has a soul. The energy we hold towards an object, creature, or place reverberates within its soul which then becomes engrained in ours. "Our biography becomes our biology" as Carolyne Myss writes. Your body is a physical representation of your experiences and history. The energy we emit and receive become engrained in our cellular memory. 

Anyways, I'm going a bit too deep into this now but I just want to plant a seed in your mind if anything else. 

Step 5. 

Set your intentions for committing to this training. It will expose you leaving you raw and vulnerable each day. Envision what kind of person you want to be at the end of the program. What kind of emotions are running through you now and at the end? What do you want to do with your newfound knowledge? Take a deep breath in and release your intentions to the world. Really do this though. Right now if you can! 

Everyone has their own reasons for undertaking a 200-hour yoga certification program. Revisit your intentions often. It's okay if they change as time goes on. We are always changing and if we allow ourselves, we can evolve to the person we are meant to become. 

Step 6.

While nourishing your mind and soul, nourish your body as well! It's natural to segue into a healthy diet. After all, you want to upkeep your body so that it can handle the intense workout you will undergo. If you want to strengthen your practice, you must strengthen all aspects of your life for yoga to be successful. Check out my meal log to see what I packed for my training. 

Step 7.

Keep a journal of your thoughts, intentions, emotions, fears, worries, etc...all of your feelings are valid. 

Your feelings are valid!! That's worth repeating more than once. 

Acknowledge any and all emotions. If possible, let them go. You are worthy. You are amazing. You want to improve your well-being. That is admirable! Give yourself a pat on the back. 

You are and always will be a work in progress. Trust the process and trust yourself. If you listen to your heart, you can't go wrong. 

Diving into a yoga teacher training program will challenge you immensely! Prepare yourself by prepping your body and mind for the arduous work ahead. 

That's it from me today! 

Bises 💜