If you’re planning to get Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh, then here are the 10 things you should know before you pack your bags.
Rishikesh, nestled at the foothills of the Himalayas and blessed by the sacred Ganga, is more than just a destination—it’s an experience. Known as the Yoga Capital of the World, it attracts seekers from every corner of the globe who wish to deepen their practice or embark on a career in teaching.
Every year, thousands of people from across the globe come here to begin their Yoga Teacher Training journey. If you’re considering joining one, you’re about to step into a life-changing experience. But before you pack your bags and come for Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh, here are 10 essential things you should know.
10 Things to Know Before Joining a Yoga Teacher Training In Rishikesh
From planning your daily routine to preparing yourself mentally and physically, here’s a complete guide to getting started on your journey for Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh.
Choose the Right Yoga School in Rishikesh
Rishikesh boasts numerous yoga schools, ranging from small, family-run ashrams to internationally recognized institutions. However, not all maintain the same standards. Hence, you must look for one that is:
- Certified by Yoga Alliance, so that your certificate should be globally valid.
- Taught by an authentic and experienced teaching staff.
- Transparent about its curriculum, teaching styles, and reviews.
Pro Tip: Read testimonials and reviews or reach out to past students for their experience, to make an informed choice.
Prepare for Discipline & Commitment
The Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh isn’t just a yoga retreat but an intensive and disciplined adventure. Early mornings, long practice hours, and structured schedules come along with this program and hence require profound commitment.
A typical day may start before sunrise or at 6 AM with meditation. Asanas, lectures, anatomy classes, and/or evening chanting follow. Such a discipline is designed to help you:
- Reset your body clock
- Strengthen your focus
- Experience yoga as more than just exercise
Understand the Curriculum
This need not be said, but you must also comprehend the curriculum of the Yoga Teacher Training program before enrolling. Whether you want to pursue a 200-hour or 300-hour program, beginner, intermediate, or advanced-level, it requires a holistic understanding of the course.
Here, it is useful to know that the 200 hour yoga teacher training in Rishikesh at institutes like Nirvana Yoga School is a mix of the following subjects:
- Traditional Hatha Yoga
- Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga
- Alignment & Adjustment
- Pranayama / Breathing Practices
- Mudras & Bandhas
- Shatkarma (Cleansing techniques)
- Meditation
- Mantra Chanting
- Yoga Anatomy, Physiology & Biomechanics
- Yoga History, Yoga Philosophy & Ethics
- Ayurveda
- Professional Teaching Methodology and Practice
While the 300 hour yoga teacher training in Rishikesh at the Nirvana Yoga School comprises:
- Teaching techniques of Asana practice
- Hatha Yoga
- Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga
- Pranayama (Breathing Practices)
- Mudra (Hand Gestures)
- Bandha (Energy Lock)
- Shatkarma (Cleansing techniques)
- Meditation
- Anatomy & Physiology (Yoga Therapy)
- Yoga History, Philosophy & Ethics
- Ayurveda
- Professional Teaching Methodology
- Teaching Practice and Development
Emphasize Packing Essentials And Not Over-Packing
We all know that Rishikesh is a spiritual city with an (evidently) simple lifestyle. Hence, when travelling to Rishikesh for the teacher training program, focus mostly on packing essentials, such as:
- Comfortable yoga clothing
- A city map
- Eco-friendly toiletries.
- Shawls or light jumpers for morning/evening cool winds
- Basic medications
Prepare to Relish Satvik Food
Satvik food comprises simple, vegetarian, but wholesome meals. During your Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh, the school serves Satvik food to students, which is designed to nourish their body and mind. Hence, be prepared to relish them for your entire yoga journey and avoid caffeine, alcohol, or any processed food. It is crucial to have improved digestion, mental clarity, and higher energy levels during this program, and Satvik food helps achieve all of them at the right time.
Prepare Mentally & Emotionally
A Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh is not only physically demanding but emotionally intense, too. Long hours of practice, meditation, and philosophical discussions may pour out your hidden emotions. Hence, try to approach this journey with an open heart and a beginner’s mind. Do not let comparisons or judgments overdo your mind, and stop you from learning the best.
Embrace the Cultural Transition
In Rishikesh, you’ll typically and frequently hear chants on the ghats, see sadhus meditating by the river, and witness people getting soaked in the Ganga Aarti. Respect this culture by being modest and mindful, and embrace the spiritual energy of the city. Who says this is not a part of the training?
Be Ready to Detox
Detoxification or Disconnection from Distractions is one of the greatest gifts of Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh.
Nirvana Yoga School and many others in Rishikesh believe in encouraging Digital DETOX, so that you can focus fully on your practice, sleep better, feel more present, and get a chance to connect deeply with yourself and fellow students.
An Opportunity For Community
As your fellow trainees will come from different parts of the world, you will be exposed to diverse cultures, languages, and stories. Sharing meals, practicing together, and supporting each other through challenges will be your new lifestyle. Appreciate! So that you can find a new family away from home, lifelong friendships, and opportunities for professional collaborations.
Witness A Life-Changing Experience
Remember, that a Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh is not just a certification course—it’s a journey of transformation. Countless students say that by the end of this journey, they have discovered:
- A stronger and healthier body
- A calmer and clearer mind
- A new perspective on life and spirituality
Final Thoughts
Joining a Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh is more than a career choice—it’s a calling. If you come with an open mind, discipline, and willingness to grow, you’ll leave not only as a yoga teacher but as a transformed individual.
At Nirvana Yoga School in Rishikesh, we continuously strive to create an authentic and life-changing experience for students by combining ancient traditions with modern teaching methods. Whether your goal is to teach yoga or simply deepen your practice, we encourage you to embark on this beautiful journey and explore the undiscovered.
Ready? Reach out to us today.