5 Yoga Teacher Training Myths You Need to Forget
Yoga teacher training is a big step, but myths and misconceptions can cloud the experience. Whether you’re unsure if you’re “ready” or think it’s only for a select few, these false ideas can hold you back from something truly life-changing.
The truth is, yoga teacher training is for anyone who wants to explore yoga on a deeper level. Let’s dive into five common myths and why they simply don’t hold up.
According to a 2020 Allied Market Research report, the yoga industry generated revenue of US$ 37.46 billion globally in 2019. This is projected to increase to US$ 66.22 billion by 2027, recording an annualized growth of 9.6% from 2021 to 2027, according to the report that looks at both online and offline markets for yoga.
Myth 1: You Need to Be an Advanced Yogi to Start
Many people believe yoga teacher training is only for experts who have years of practice and can flawlessly flow through advanced poses. Reality? It’s open to everyone.
The art of learning, not proving you’re great to begin with, is what yoga teacher training is about. Programs are put in place to make sure you grow, be it mastering foundational poses or more complex asanas. A flawless handstand and decades of experience aren’t needed; curiosity and willingness are enough.
Think of it this way: you wouldn’t wait to be a gourmet chef before attending cooking school, would you? Yoga teacher training is the same—it’s there to help you build your skills, not test them.
Myth 2: You Have to Want to Teach Yoga
Here’s a surprising fact: a lot of people enroll in yoga teacher training without the idea of teaching. For a number of participants, this training serves more as an opportunity to intensify one’s own practice and expand the horizons of exploration about the philosophy, anatomy, and spirituality of yoga.
Throughout the program, you’ll learn how to teach others but in the process help yourself connect with your own practice. It is rather like learning how to cook a gourmet meal: You won’t open up a restaurant, but you still reap the benefits of knowing how it’s done.
And who knows? Many people start out wanting to learn for themselves and end up discovering a passion for teaching. The choice is yours.
Myth 3: All About Physical Poses
Yoga asanas or poses are just one of the parts of the picture. Through yoga teacher training, you are introduced to the holistic side of yoga.
You will explore the eight limbs of yoga including ethical principles, self-discipline, meditation, and breathwork. There is emphasis on yoga philosophy, anatomy, and even the cultural roots of this ancient practice.
Sure, you’ll work on physical alignment and how to safely guide students through poses, but the training is equally about understanding yoga as a lifestyle. You’ll learn tools for mindfulness, stress reduction, and living with intention—skills that benefit every part of life.
Myth 4: Yoga Teacher Training Is Only for the Young and Flexible
This is far from being the case. Yoga teacher training is open to all and is irrespective of age, size, or flexibility.
The diversity of participants really makes the training programs unique in itself. Whether in your 20s or 70s, you will find yoga adaptable for every body and ability. The practice of yoga teaching encourages you to honor your practice in both body and mind.
And let’s be real: most yoga students aren’t looking for a teacher who looks like a supermodel or bends like a gymnast. They want someone who can empathize with their journey and help them feel confident on their mats.
Myth 5: It’s Too Expensive and Time-Consuming
True, training as a yoga teacher requires an investment in time and money, but there are flexible options available.
Most programs offer part-time or weekend schedules for those really busy lives. And study from the comfort of home with online yoga teacher training, it fits your schedule rather than overwhelming your schedule.
You should think of it as a huge investment in yourself. Then there are scholarships, payment plans, and early bird discounts to ease the price tag. And if you do decide to teach, the training will most of the time pay for itself in the long run.
The real question is can you afford not to invest in your growth?

Why Yoga Teacher Training Is for Everybody
Let’s step back and look at the bigger picture. Why do people choose yoga teacher training in the first place?
For many, it’s about self-discovery. Through learning yoga’s deeper aspects, you gain tools to handle stress, build resilience, and live a more balanced life. You’ll also meet like-minded individuals who share your passion, creating a sense of community that lasts well beyond the program.
But perhaps the biggest benefit of yoga teacher training is in how it can shift how you view yourself. As a reminder, it isn’t about perfection—it is about presence, growth, and connection.
Case in Point: Yoga Changed My Life
A few months back, I weighed 65 kg, and the weight made me miserable. My life seemed to be a struggle—no clothes fitting, not being able to eat what I enjoyed, and lack of confidence. Everything changed, though, when I started working on my body, food, and lifestyle. Yoga turned into a potent weapon for change that enabled me to take charge of my well-being and medical state. It was about embracing yoga into my life, boosting confidence, and achieving balance—not only about losing weight.
Now, living a more confident and satisfied life with a greater awareness of my body and mind, I feel better than I have ever done. Yoga can transform your life as well as mine.
What Can You Expect from Yoga Teacher Training?
Improved Practice
You will learn to enhance your poses, align correctly, and modify yoga to fit different body types.
Deeper Understanding
Discover yoga philosophy, meditation, and the eight limbs of yoga.
Teaching Techniques
Learn how to plan class sequences, guide, and hold space for others.
Personal Growth
Most students report that teacher training is more about self-discovery than it is about teaching yoga.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’ve been holding back because of these myths, it’s time to let them go. Yoga teacher training isn’t just for the “elite yogis” or those aiming to teach professionally. It’s for anyone ready to explore yoga in a way that’s meaningful, personal, and transformative.
Are you looking for a program that fits into your lifestyle? YogaLife’s online yoga teacher training offers flexibility, expert instruction, and a supportive community to help you grow. Whether you’re looking to deepen your practice or start a teaching career, we’ll guide you every step of the way.
Don’t let myths hold you back—take the first step today!
