Offline vs Online Yoga Teacher Training-Inneryogatraining

Offline vs Online Yoga Teacher Training

When you’ve been practicing yoga for many years, you may be pondering the next step to take as a yoga enthusiast.  Ultimately, most practitioners take on the challenge of a yoga teacher training with confidence, but then another question approaches… which path should you take; online or offline?

Traditionally, 200-hour yoga teacher training was conducted in person, but with the boom of technology, online yoga teacher training has gained popularity, mainly due to COVID days when isolation and lockdown were the ‘norm’, and teachers learned to take things online. But, let’s explore the pros and cons of online and offline yoga teacher training, helping you make an informed decision based on what currently aligns with you!

In-Person Yoga Teacher Training Benefits:

An in-person training, especially a 200-hour yoga teacher training in Bali which is an amazing destination, allows for face-to-face interaction with yoga mentors and fellow students. This enables immediate feedback, getting all your questions answered in real-time as you are learning, receiving personalized guidance, getting hands-on adjustments, and the opportunity to build strong relationships within a safe and supportive community.   You will also learn how to adjust and teach other live human beings who are on the yoga journey with you.  Inner Yoga Training also includes things like Sound Healing, voice activation, and cacao ceremony which can only be experienced in person!  Not to mention, the opportunity to travel to another country and take part in an immersive yoga journey.  You also can’t forget the people who share the same passion that you’ll meet on the way to your Yoga Alliance Certification.

In-person trainings often take place in dedicated yoga retreat centers, such as Azadi Retreat in Ubud creating a focused and immersive environment built on the principles of yoga. This separation from daily distractions allows you to fully immerse yourself in your practice and study with a set daily schedule provided by the school.

In-person training however does require a greater investment as you will have travel expenses and need to take 3 weeks away from your job and daily life. These costs can significantly impact the overall investment required for the training.  Due to the high demand for travel post-covid, flights can add to the cost of the trip.  So in-person training can be more challenging for those with busy schedules or geographical and financial constraints. The fixed location and time commitment may not be suitable for everyone.

But if you really want to make the trip to experience a new destination like Bali, make sure to find a YTT course that caters to all your needs. Inner Yoga Training’s 200-hour YTT in Bali, not only offers a curriculum that certifies you to teach both Yin and Vinyasa yoga, but their pricing option is all-inclusive.  You can choose from different room types to suit your budget and the price includes accommodation, training, and all your meals.  They also offer a free airport transfer to the retreat center and complimentary accommodation before your start, giving you more options to find a cheaper flight.  While you’re there, you will have one day off each week where you get to explore the many wonders of Bali with your new yogi friends. 

Online Yoga Teacher Training Benefits:

Online yoga teacher training provides the flexibility to learn at your own pace and from the comfort of your home. This accessibility allows individuals with busy work schedules or travel and financial limitations to participate in yoga teacher training that they might not otherwise have access to.  For example, with financial limitations, online yoga training is generally more cost-effective compared to their offline counterparts. With no travel expenses, participants can save money while still receiving quality instruction.  The online space offers a vast array of yoga teacher training programs as they are usually pre-recorded. From different styles and traditions, you could access a Vinyasa program all the way from India let’s say! This variety allows trainees to find a program that aligns with their specific interests, yogic experience, and goals.

But…

An online YTT requires self-motivation and discipline to stay consistent with the coursework.  Without the structured environment and schedule of in-person training or motivation from classmates, some people struggle to maintain regular practice and complete the required assignments in a timely manner.  Online training also lacks the in-person connection and immediate feedback that in-person training offers. This absence of physical presence can sometimes make it challenging to clarify doubts about how you’re performing an asana or to receive personalized guidance. Imagine the struggle when you message your teacher for feedback and they take hours to respond!

Physical adjustments, hands-on practice, and working with a partner are integral to becoming a skilled yoga teacher. While online training can provide theoretical knowledge, it may fall short in offering direct physical guidance and the opportunity to practice adjustments.  In-person training can also be a very transformational experience as you are devoting three weeks to yourself and your practice away from the distractions of your daily life.  This transformational part is often missing from an online experience as you are still involved in the day-to-day and don’t have the time or space to delve deeper into yourself.

Both online and offline yoga teacher training have their advantages and drawbacks, but ultimately the choice is yours! What will you choose?

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