I think we can all agree that 2020 has been full of surprises and challenges. No one has been unaffected by events this year, and everyone has had to adapt in one way or another.

That includes yogis, yoga studios, and yoga teacher training programs. Many of these have shifted to online formats for the time being (hopefully).

While it might feel a little counterintuitive and a little scary at first, there are actually a lot of benefits from doing yoga teacher training online! Let’s take a closer look at what you might gain, and what you might miss, from doing your training online.

 

4 Pros of Online Yoga Teacher Training

First, let’s look at the cup half full.

1. Access from anywhere

Maybe there is a teacher you have always wanted to learn from but they were too far away to work with and learn from. Now is your chance to learn from yoga teachers around the world without the expense of having to buy a plane ticket and find a place to stay.

 

2. More affordable

Not only are you saving on the price of travel, online yoga teacher trainings are often offered at a lower price since there is no need to rent studio space. Plus they are often more accommodating to the current so you may be able to work at the same time.

 

3. Practice at home

There is something really comforting about being able to practice in a space that you have set up just the way you like it. Since you are going to be spending a lot of time there, it’s a good idea to invest a little extra into some nice candles or a diffuser, plus a few of the props you might find at the studio like bolsters and blocks to make it just like a studio.

 

4. Accreditation

At this point, the international accrediting body, Yoga Alliance, is allowing designation until Dec 31, 2020. Now would be a great time to start your Online Yoga Teacher Training!

 

 

2 Cons of Online Yoga Teacher Training

Of course, there are going to be some challenges that come along with online yoga teacher training, and it’s good to recognize them so you can be prepared.

 

1. Harder to learn corrections

A big part of being an effective yoga teacher is being able to correct students’ asanas. Learning in separate places means that you won’t have the hands-on contact that some people find very helpful in learning this skill.

 

2. Community building

We are all learning to build community online and we know it’s possible to make meaningful connections online, but it can be harder for some people to build and maintain connections through digital formats. Nothing can replace hugging a new friend or colleague!

 

Each person will have their own motivations for journeying down the yoga teacher training path, and for some this current time might be presenting the time and space they have always wanted.

 

For yoga teacher training based out of Vancouver, we have so much to offer and have built a strong community that thrives, even while we’re apart. Contact us if you’d like to talk about whether or not online yoga teacher training is right for you.