Entering yoga teacher training was one of the most transformative experiences of my life, but there are definitely a few things I wish I’d known before I started.

So, as someone who’s been there, I want to share some advice to help you make the most out of your journey and avoid some of the mistakes I’ve seen—both from my own experience and from others.

First and foremost, I can’t stress enough how important it is to connect with your lead teacher. If you can, speak with them beforehand, try out their classes, and get a feel for their energy. You’re going to be spending 200 hours with this person, so it’s crucial that you resonate with their style and the wisdom they share. I’ve seen too many people dive into a training without really knowing their teacher, only to realize halfway through that it wasn’t a good fit. Trust me, it makes all the difference when you vibe with the person leading you through this process.

Another big thing to consider is the flexibility of the course. I know the excitement of finding an amazing teacher, but then you realize the training is a month-long intensive and your schedule just can’t accommodate it. Or maybe there are deadlines that don’t align with your life. It’s so important to do your homework here. Check the pace of the course, look at the in-person or live elements, and make sure the assessments fit into your timeline. At Alba Yoga Academy, we really prioritize flexibility—we offer study guides that break down how to complete the course over 3, 6, or 12 months, depending on what works for you. This kind of flexibility can be a total game-changer and really boosts your chances of successfully completing the training on your terms.

Something else I’m passionate about is ensuring the course content is up-to-date and evidence-based. It’s honestly sad to see that some schools are still teaching things they’ve been teaching for 20 years or more without updating the material. Worse, there are so many outdated myths being passed around, like the idea that you should relax your glutes in a backbend to avoid compressing your spine—that’s just not true! At Alba Yoga Academy, we make it a point to regularly update our content so that it reflects the latest research and knowledge. We owe it to our students to provide information that’s accurate and relevant.

Community is another aspect that can make or break your experience. Personally, I’ve met friends for life in my past teacher trainings, and that sense of community was incredibly important to me. When you’re looking at different programs, think about how they promote community. Are there buddy groups? Opportunities to practice with each other? Regular Q&As? Connecting with others on the same path can be so enriching, and it’s something we take very seriously at Alba Yoga Academy. We work hard to create a strong, supportive community where everyone feels safe to share, ask questions, and grow together.

Finally, if you’re considering an online training, make sure you know how long you’ll have access to the course content. Ideally, you want lifetime access so you can revisit the material whenever you need to refresh your knowledge. At Alba Yoga Academy, we offer lifetime access to all our courses, including any updates we make in the future. It’s our way of ensuring that you stay connected to the latest practices and can continue to grow long after your training is complete.

I hope these tips help you as you embark on your yoga teacher training journey. By taking the time to choose a program that aligns with your needs, you’ll set yourself up for an experience that’s not just educational, but truly life-changing.