Frequently asked questions about the Yoga Loka Teacher Training Program

What if I don't want to be a teacher, I just want to take the program? Do I have to teach after the course is over?

-No, you don't have to want to teach yoga to take the course. Many of the people taking teacher training in fact do not have an interest in teaching yoga. Their interest lies in deepening their own understanding of yoga and therefore deepening their practice.

What if I am planning on teaching. What kind of certificate or proof of training do I get? Will I be teaching classes at Yoga Loka?

-At the end of the training, if you have completed the required hours and assignments, you get a certificate from Yoga Loka. You can also apply to the Yoga Alliance for a RYT-200 certificate.  Yoga Loka will assist in the application procedure. During the training we will talk about opportunities for yoga teachers, required insurance, and other business skills you will be able to use in your career. A class at Yoga Loka may become available after a time of substitute teaching, but nothing is guaranteed.

What if I can't make all of the classes of the training?

- If you are not planning on teaching, it is fine. You can have a fellow student tape the class, then meet with them or someone else to review the work. Your classmates are usually happy to do this as it reinforces their understanding of the subject as well. If you are planning on getting your certification for the 200 hour training you do have to complete the hours allotted in different categories. As there is more subject matter and hours covered then required for the certification you probably can make up the hours from another class, or see Bonnie for private assistance.

How much yoga experience do I need before signing up for the training?

-You will need to take a minimum amount of classes at Yoga Loka  before signing up for this training so we know you are committed to a practice and also that you are comfortable with our teaching method. We would like to see that you have a desire to learn more about yoga. There is no set amount of  years or months that you need to have been practicing before entering the training program. Time does not matter as much as your willingness to commit.

How strong does my yoga practice need to be? What if I have an injury, or just can't do a headstand or put my foot behind my head?

-This training is for teaching "basic" yoga.  We will focus on Structural Yoga and adapting to the individual. Like the students we serve at Yoga Loka, any and all physical abilities are perfect. We will learn in the training how to adapt poses for all types of students and bodies.  You do not need to be able to achieve any fancy poses.  If you can't, you probably won't teach them either, and that is fine. This training is more about finding out where you are, in the moment, and how to practice within that parameter compassionately and enthusiastically. In following that for yourself, if you are going on to teach, you will know better how to encourage your students to do the same.  If you have an injury we will all learn how to work with that injury and use it for deeper self investigation. The injury, or limitation, is part of your practice, it does not detract from your practice.

What if  I don't have enough time for the assignments? I work full time and have a family!

-You can speak with a recent graduate of the training. They will give you a good idea of how they were able to manage their family and work obligations along with the training. They will give you an honest assessment of how the training transformed them. Email Bonnie (link is below) and she will put you in  touch with one or two of the graduates so you can speak with them. Questions and concerns can also be directed to Bonnie.

Who else will be on the Teacher Training staff?
-Select graduates will teach small portions of the training. Also some colleagues from Bonnie's work in Structural Yoga Therapy come in for special classes. You will be exposed to a few different teachers, but most of the classes are taught by Bonnie.

Don't see your question here? Email Bonnie at Bonnie@yoga-loka.com  or call 908-268-7430 to set up a time for a private meeting to discuss your interest and/or concerns.

Namaste!