I posted previously on how to pick the right yoga teacher training (YTT) for you. This post is for once you’ve booked your course and paid your deposit – how to prepare for a yoga teacher training!

Do Your Homework

Your teacher will set you some homework which will form part of your 200 hours. Be sure to have enough time to do this before the course as you probably won’t want to spend evenings catching up on it while you’re doing your YTT… My homework has consisted of readings, journalling my experiences of different meditations, watching a film and writing a couple of short (1-2 page) essays. I’d say I’ve spent 10-15 hours on my homework but I’m quite a fast reader/writer.

I studied anatomy as part of the yoga course I did in London a few years ago, so I’ve been revisiting some of my notes from this and flicking through Strength Training Anatomy to remind myself which poses engage which muscles and try to distinguish my biceps from my brachialis. I would definitely recommend getting a copy of Light On Yoga by B K S Iyengar – I’ve had my copy for years and it’s such a useful, informative book for anyone who practices any form of yoga. Both the course I did in London any my current YTT have had this book as a core text.

Up Your Practice

If you’re doing an immersive YTT then expect to practice for between 4 and 6 hours each day (split between the morning and evening, not all at once)! You don’t need to have a super advanced asana practice before doing a YTT (it’s fine if you can’t do a handstand or the splits – neither means you’ll make a good yoga teacher), but you do need to have a strong practice and be really familiar with the type of yoga your training focuses on. I’ve practiced yoga for around ten years but in the last couple of months I’ve been going to a 75 minute class 4 times per week, throwing in a couple of yin and meditation classes, and practicing at home.

I’ve made a yoga section in my bullet journal and have found journalling after each class so helpful. I reflect on my energy levels, what I found difficult, any breakthroughs, things I enjoyed more/less and teaching cues I particularly liked. I’ve been picking a couple of “peak poses” to practice at home each week and using what I learn in class to try to crack these trickier asana and it’s been so rewarding to see improvement.

Work On Strength & Stamina

My main reason for being so grateful for some additional time out before my YTT is that I’ve been able to work on my strength, which has paid huge dividends in my yoga practice. As a fairly flexible yogi, strength has always been my downfall. This wasn’t really an issue as a casual yoga class attendee, but when I started attending level 2-3 classes last year I really noticed that my lack of upper body strength was holding me back in arm balances and inversions. No matter how many sun salutations I practiced, my chaturanga just wasn’t coming as I couldn’t even do a regular push-up!

I started going to the gym around six months ago, and in the last month I’ve been working with Dr Laureen and doing an online personal training program to really focus on upper body strength. I’ve seen big improvements in just a month and arm balances now seem attainable rather than worrying about my weak arms snapping beneath me. It’s definitely worth being honest about your weaknesses and, for me, time spent in the gym has really made a difference not just in achieving desired poses, but my stamina has improved and I’m no longer tired after a 75 minute fast flow class.

You don’t need to have a gym membership or a trainer, even adding a few tricep push-ups into your home practice will make a difference and help build strength. If it’s your flexibility that you need to work on then take things slow, use props like blocks and straps and know that it takes time but it will come.

Pack Wisely

Packing for a month feels pretty daunting but I’m trying to keep it simple and remind myself that I never even use all the stuff I pack for a weekend away. I’m going to share a full packing list soon but they key thing is to make sure you have enough yoga clothes for practicing six days a week. If you’re in a hot climate you might want to change in the middle of the day so I’ve been building up a yoga capsule wardrobe and adding a couple of pairs of shorts along with my leggings, making sure i have enough yoga bras and keeping to a neutral colour scheme so that everything can be mixed and matched. You don’t need to spend loads of money here, H&M and ASOS have some great affordable gym wear – everything is going to get sweaty and washed multiple times!

You’ll also need a mat that you’re happy practicing on, I picked up a Rumi mat at YogaFest in Dubai last year for 50% off and which is now nicely broken in. Your yoga school should recommend if you need anything specific, for Bali I’m taking lots of SPF, bug spray, magnesium oil and Tiger Balm for aching muscles, and loose sun dresses for when I’m not on my mat.

If you’re training in a developing country then try to be mindful about the environment – I’ve put together a little zero waste kit comprising of tote bags for shopping trips, a couple of reusable water bottles, KeepCup, metal straw, Lush shampoo bars, reusable cotton rounds and choosing bamboo rather than plastic for toothbrushes and cotton buds.

Days Off

My YTT gives us one day off a week which isn’t much to play around with. I’m conscious that I’ll need this time to relax and recharge but also want to make the most of my time in Bali. While it’s tempting to plan loads of activities for these days, I’m mindful that I’ll be up early six days a week and will have practical and written exams to prepare for during my YTT.

I’ve made a booking at Room4Dessert to try out their amazing sounding tasting menu, but otherwise I’ll take each day off as it comes and try to keep it nice and chilled. YTT is definitely going to be physically and mentally challenging and I know I can always visit Bali again and tick things off of my list.

I’ll be posting some updates during my YTT and can’t wait to share this journey!

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