She Strengthens

My Journey to Becoming a Yoga Teacher: A Financial Breakdown

As a certified yoga teacher, I’ve often been asked about the financial side of completing a teacher training program. While I’m not currently teaching yoga, I’m grateful for the experience and the skills I gained. Here’s a breakdown of the expenses I incurred during my 200-hour teacher training program.

The Initial Investment: $3,000

The registration fee for the training course was nearly $3,000, which is relatively affordable compared to other programs. This fee covered the cost of instruction, materials, and facilities.

Yoga Essentials: $30

I invested in a few essential yoga props, including a mat, block, strap, and blanket. While these items were available at the studio, I preferred to have my own. I scored a great deal on two yoga mats at Marshall’s for under $15 each.

Comfortable Clothing: Less than $100

As a college student on a tight budget, I didn’t splurge on expensive yoga gear. Instead, I opted for affordable camis from Forever 21, leggings from Kohl’s, and sports bras from Fabletics.

Getting Around: $20-ish

The studio was about 25 minutes from my home, and I drove there three days a week. I didn’t keep track of gas expenses, but I did pay around $20 for parking over the course of the program.

Socializing on a Budget: $50

To bond with my fellow students, we would occasionally grab lunch or coffee together. I tried to keep these expenses low by packing my own lunch or opting for cheaper cafes.

Was it Worth it?

While I’m not currently teaching yoga, I don’t regret completing the training program. It provided me with a solid foundation in yoga, including anatomy, history, and proper alignment. I can now practice yoga comfortably on my own, without relying on a studio.

Would I Recommend it?

If you’re interested in building a strong foundation in yoga for personal practice or teaching, I would recommend a teacher training course. However, if you already have a solid understanding of yoga and its principles, you might not need a formal program. Legally, you don’t need a certification to teach yoga, but many studios require it.

The Bottom Line

Financially speaking, completing a yoga teacher training program wasn’t a lucrative investment for me. However, it was definitely worthwhile for my personal growth and well-being. Yoga remains an integral part of my daily life, and I’m grateful for the experience.