Explore the difference between 200hr and 300hr Yoga Teaching Trainings
Becoming a yoga teacher
This blog will explore the difference between a 200-hour and a 300-hour training. It will assist you in choosing wisely for your next stage of personal growth or if you wish to become a yoga teacher.
After taking yoga classes for a while, you feel that you want to learn more about this beautiful ancient practices. When you start your research, you discover that there are a plethora of choices and possibilities, and you get a little confused about what to choose…
What is a 200hr Yoga Teacher Training?
With a 200hr YTT, you will learn all the basics to lay your foundation in yoga. It is also your first step if you want to become a yoga teacher. The 200hr refers to the total number of hours you participate in the course. It includes contact and non-contact hours with your teachers. Residential courses are usually 3 weeks. You can also do the course over a series of weekends.
What can you expect from a 200-hour YTT?
During your training, you will learn the basics of yoga asanas, their alignment and anatomy. It gives you the tools to build your own yoga sequence. With your fellow students, you will practise your lessons to experience what it is like to be in front of a class.
With yoga philosophy, you become more aware of the history of yoga. It helps you understand more about the connection between mind, body and soul. Most courses will discuss when it means to be a yoga practitioner in the 21st century. You will learn some basics of Ayurveda.
At the end of the course, you teach your first full class. This is where you put all the knowledge you have learnt into practice. Most schools will also give you some information about the yoga business and the first steps you can take as a yoga teacher.
Can I teach with a 200hr certification?
A 200hr certificate gives you the foundation to be a confident yoga teacher. You will then be able to understand sequencing, alignment of postures, pranayama, and philosophy.
Are all the 200hr courses the same?
Depending on the school you choose, you will learn different things. The basics of asanas, pranayama and philosophy will be more along the same lines. The difference is in the different styles of yoga offered, the way of sequencing, and if you learn things about meditation, mudras etc.
What is a 300hr Yoga Teaching Training?
Where a 200hr YTT teaches you the basics of yoga, a 300hr YTT takes you to the next level. It deepens your practice, expands your yoga knowledge, and helps you develop your own unique style of teaching.
Are all the 300hr courses the same?
Most schools that offer 300hr teacher training have a particular focus in this advanced training. This could be in adjustments, sequencing, advanced postures, Ayurveda or other philosophies, and with that, there are many more options that a 300hr training can offer you. Clarify for yourself what you want to grow into and what style of yoga you want to develop.
What are the differences between a 200hr and 300hr YTT?
A 200-hour yoga course is a kind of general introductory course. You will learn what yoga is, how asanas are structured and how to set up a simple class. But often you want more information on specific topics. This is where a 300-hour course comes in, and where you can develop yourself further. Here you will learn how to structure your classes more creatively and use more advanced postures. The study of philosophical yoga texts goes deeper, allowing you to understand more about your mind and emotions. Meditation and pranayama become more meaningful. And you learn much more around anatomy.
Can I join a 300hr course without a 200hr certificate?
There is no set rule that you need to have a 200hr certificate before starting 300hr training. Still, most schools prefer you to have done a 200hr training first. Since it is a more advanced training, you should have a basic knowledge of yoga asanas, anatomy, and teaching.
What about a 500hr Yoga Teaching Training?
The 500hr TTC is simply a 200hr TTC + a 300hr TTC. Most people start with a 200hr course first, get some teaching experience, and then follow their 300hr course from there. Yet some schools offer the option of doing this all at once. It is then an intense two months where you can fully immerse yourself in yoga. It is also a life-changing experience where you embark on a beautiful inner journey.
To register yourself for 500hr, you don’t have to take the 200hr and 300hr courses at the same school or in a similar style. Just be aware that the school where you take your course is affiliated to the yoga alliance.
Ok, but I don’t want to teach yoga…
If you’ve thought about taking a yoga teacher training course but don’t want to teach, it’s still an excellent way to deepen your practice. Teaching is only one part of what you learn. The training will help you discover many more things that will help you progress as a yogi.
Which questions to ask yourself before you sign up?
- What style of yoga do I want to teach or learn?
- Who are the teachers, and do they suit me?
- Do I want to learn in small or large groups? Keep in mind that some yoga schools offer trainings with 25+ students.
- Do I want to do the training in my home country, or does India (or another country) call me?
- What kind of teacher do I want to become? Do I want to bring in more philosophy, give adjustments, or share things about anatomy?
What now?
Maybe you are excited to start your first yoga training, or you’re even ready for the next step, joining a 300hr teacher training course. Now is the time to find the right school for you. Do your research carefully and when you feel that big ‘yes’, enrol and step into the world of yoga. It is sure to be a beautiful journey.
Read here more about our 200-hour and 300-hour yoga training courses we offer at Palm Trees Yoga Resort. We hope to see you soon!