People who nurture the dreams of becoming a yoga instructor or master are haunted by the question ‘how long does it take to become a yoga instructor’. This question usually bothers yoga students who can’t wait to kickstart their yoga career and run classes of their own. However, the answer to ‘how long does it take to become a yoga master’ is not a simple one.

Let’s try to answer the question from different perspectives.

The simple answer

Most think that becoming a yoga instructor is all about completing a yoga teacher training course. Such courses are hosted by yoga schools and training centres. The best ones are approved by International Yoga Alliance and offers:

100 hours yoga teacher training course

200 hours yoga teacher training course

300 hours yoga teacher training course

500 hours yoga teacher training course

Some of these courses conclude within a month. Others take more than two. The cost and duration of the yoga course is not too high and long respectively. It certainly does not take years like other college degrees. Taking into consideration that yoga is an ancient practice which takes years to master to its true essence, there is something wrong with thinking that becoming a yoga master is something that requires only a certification.

So, the simplest answer to ‘how long does it take to become a yoga instructor’ is Very Long!

We know it is hard to digest. It is widely accepted that completing a 200 hours yoga teacher training course is enough to become a yoga master or instructor. So, let’s spend some minutes to understand what exactly is a 100, 200, 300 or 500 hours yoga teacher training program.

Understanding yoga & certification programs

YTT certifications give yoga teachers and instructors the understanding of yoga practices that are crucial for a lifelong learning. It includes Hatha Yoga Principles, Ashtanga Practice, Yoga Philosophy, Vinyasa Flow, Pranayama & Meditation, Principles of Ayurveda, Teaching Practice and thorough understanding of human anatomy & physiology.

Yoga is a way to bring body, mind, and spirit in perfect balance. Yoga in the West is mainly seen as a way to a perfect body but it isn’t. Yoga certification programs, be it 100, 200, 300 or 500 hours course, ought to be seen as the perfect beginning to lifelong learning.

Hence, the one-word answer to the question, ‘how long does it take to become a yoga master’ is ‘lifelong’. It is quite possible that yoga teachers who have perfect mastery over physical practice of yoga still have a long way to go a long way in its spiritual aspects.

Completing the certification doesn’t automatically make you the best yoga teacher or master. Without self-practice and continuous learning, no one can achieve the zenith of yoga. So practice is the key for be a good yoga teacher.

Since we have answered ‘how long does it take to become a yoga instructor’, let’s jot down some pointers for those who are just starting their yoga journey.

Starting your yoga learning – Beginner pointers

Joining a yoga school without understanding the basics often leads to disappointment. Yoga teacher training certification familiarizes students with yoga history, best practices, yoga modifications, and guiding principles. However, one or 2 months of guided classes can only teach you so much.

People who are passionate about yoga spend some time understanding the ancient art and self-practicing before joining a professional yoga course. Here are some beginner points to help you get started with your yoga journey. These will also help you answer the question ‘how long does it take to become a yoga instructor’ on your own:

Learn yoga history & theory: Aspiring yoga teachers immerse themselves in learning of yoga history and philosophy before joining a professional course since it gives them a base to stand upon in classes. Going through yoga books will also familiarize you with its depth.

Speak with teachers: Meeting yoga teachers and long term practitioners greatly helps in giving more perspective about yoga and help learn which form or style will suit you the best. Participating in some demo sessions is also a great way to learn how classes unfold.

Watch yoga videos: While complex yoga postures and modifications ought to be practiced under the watchful eye of a trainer practitioner, basic yoga asanas like Pranayama can be learn by watching videos. So, dedicate some time to go through digital yoga content.

Practice yoga: After gaining a decent understanding of basic yoga asanas through books and visual media, it is time to practice. In the beginning, there are some problems which you may face during practice, like whether I perform correctly or not but if you are not going for the complex asanas, it is alright to keep going.

While some yoga enthusiasts give themselves a couple of months of self-practice and learning, other choose to wait an year or two before going for yoga teacher training courses. It all depends on when you feel prepared to take the leap of 100, 200, 300 or 500 hours yoga teacher training. So, rather than brooding on the question, ‘how long does it take to become a certified yoga master’, focus on gaining a deeper understanding of the art.

Do you think you are reading to enroll in a yoga teacher training certification course? If yes, then, the next section is a must-read.

Where to Join Teacher Training Course?

There are tens of thousands of yoga schools across length & breadth of the world but best are the ones that:

Bring university educated and highly experienced yoga teachers and facilitators

Run yoga teacher training programs at a quiet place full of positive energy & natural beauty

Offers an all-inclusive package covering meals, accommodation, airport transfer, and yoga props

Small yoga teacher training batches so that every students get personal guidance.

Yoga is spiritual practice of body as well as mind. So, it requires calm environment for a spiritual experience. Rishikesh is the birthplace of yoga where the ancient art is being practiced from hundreds of years. That’s why we decided to start our yoga school in Rishikesh.

We are an International Yoga Alliance recognized RYS200 yoga school in Rishikesh, India. We bring the advantage of advanced 200 hours YTT practice, unique experiences, and affordability. During our TT course, we provide comfortable private stay, healthy vegetarian meals, logistics (mats, props, etc.), one-time pick drop facility from airport to yoga school, and much more such as:

Hawan ceremony on Ganga banks

On the banks of sacred Ganga river, our team conducts hawan ceremony is conducted as per ancient vedic practices to thank mother nature and pray for global wellbeing. Our yoga teacher training students and retreat participants participate in this spiritual practice.

Forest walks & guided ashram tours

Various guided tours to ashrams and sacred sites of Rishikesh are conducted during the 200 hours yoga teacher training course. To familiarize the students with nature, we also conduct forest walks in the surrounding wilderness.

Participation in local festivals

To experience the diverse heritage & culture of India, we also plan participation of students in local festivals and celebrations.

At Ekattva Yogshala, students should take away a lot more than a yoga teacher training certification when they choose to visit our yoga school in Rishikesh, India.

We hope your query, ‘how long it takes to become a yoga master’ is no longer a mystery. In case you have any other related to yoga teacher training or certification, drop an email at info@spiritualpunditz.com to connect with our team of yoga teachers & program managers.

See you on the mats!

Thanks