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Is a 200 Hour YTTC Worth It? Let’s Be Honest

Writer's picture: madhura bhagwatmadhura bhagwat

No Sugar-Coating: Who Should and Shouldn’t Do Teacher Training


If you’ve been practicing yoga for a while, chances are you’ve thought about taking the next step: a 200 hour yoga teacher training course (YTTC). Maybe you want to deepen your practice, maybe you dream of guiding others, or maybe you’re just curious. But let’s address the big question head-on:


Is a 200 Hour YTTC Worth It?

The short answer? Absolutely, yes. But only if you choose the right one. Because let’s be honest, not all 200 hour trainings are created equal. Some are packed with depth, wisdom, and transformative learning, while others are more of a business model, giving you a certificate but not much real knowledge.

So before you jump in, let’s explore why a 200 hour YTTC is totally worth it, what makes a training authentic, and how to ensure you choose the right one.



Is 200 hour YTTC really worth it? Madhura Bhagwat, director of The Yoga Nerds demonstrates headstand (Sirsasana)
Madhura Bhagwat in Sirsasana (Headstand)


Why a 200 Hour YTTC is Worth It

1. Self-Growth and Self-Inquiry

A solid 200 hour training isn’t just about asanas and Sanskrit terms. It’s an invitation to deep self-exploration. You’ll question old patterns, face your own mental and emotional barriers, and gain clarity on your purpose, whether that means teaching or simply growing as a practitioner.


2. Spiritual and Philosophical Depth

Yoga isn’t just physical. A great 200 hour YTTC should immerse you in the philosophy and spirituality of yoga, drawing from the Bhagavad Gītā, Yoga Sūtra, and traditional texts that often get sidelined in commercialised yoga spaces. If your training doesn’t do this, you’re missing out on the essence of yoga.


3. Learning from Authentic Teachers

One of the biggest factors in making your training worthwhile is who you learn from. A great YTTC is taught by teachers with deep knowledge, years of experience, and a strong lineage, not just those who completed their own 200 hour course last year and jumped straight into teaching.


4. A Supportive Learning Community

YTTCs bring together like-minded individuals from all walks of life. This experience creates a space where you can be vulnerable, learn, and grow alongside others, forming friendships that often last a lifetime.


5. More Than Just Teaching Yoga

Even if you don’t plan to become a teacher, a good 200 hour training will give you tools for life: better self-awareness, emotional intelligence, breath control (prāṇāyāma), and a deeper connection with yourself and the world around you.


What Makes an Authentic 200 Hour YTTC?

Not all trainings are equal. So how do you choose one that is truly worth your time, effort, and money? Here are the key markers of an authentic, high-quality YTTC:

1. Traditional and Comprehensive Syllabus

true yoga teacher training won’t just teach you poses and their cues; it will cover:

  • Yoga philosophy and history (not just a rushed 1-hour lecture)

  • Prāṇāyāma and meditation

  • Anatomy and biomechanics (beyond memorising muscle names)

  • Ethics of teaching and yogic lifestyle (Yama & Niyama, not just marketing yourself on Instagram)

2. In-Depth, Not Just Surface-Level Learning

Ask yourself: Is this training treating yoga as a lifelong discipline, or as a quick certification? A quality course dives deep into yoga, guiding you towards a personal transformation rather than just ticking off modules.


3. Experienced and Knowledgeable Teachers

A training is only as good as the people leading it. If your teachers have only done a 200 hour course themselves, that’s a red flag. Authentic teachers:

  • Have studied deeply (often in India or with highly regarded mentors)

  • Have been teaching for years (not just months)

  • Continue their own education (because yoga is a lifelong study)


4. A Training That Challenges You (In a Good Way)

If a training promises to be “easy” or a “yoga retreat-like experience,” be wary. The best trainings push you beyond your comfort zone, not physically, but mentally and emotionally, making you reflect and grow.


5. Less About Business, More About Learning

Many yoga schools are profit-driven, designed to enroll as many students as possible rather than ensuring quality education. Look for schools that:

  • Keep their class sizes small for individual attention

  • Focus on authentic teaching over branding

  • Are led by passionate educators rather than sales-driven owners


A Personal Take: My Own Yoga Teacher Training Journey

When I first studied yoga through a diploma course affiliated with Mumbai University (Government of Maharashtra), I had zero intention of becoming a yoga teacher. It was a 1.5-year programme, and because it was structured and comprehensive, it stayed with me even when I wasn’t planning to teach.

Fast forward, I’ve now been teaching for over two decades, and I’ve loved every moment. I’ve taken multiple trainings in India and abroad, and the more I learn, the more I realise how little I knew before.

That’s the beauty of yoga - it keeps humbling you, keeps expanding you.


So, Is a 200 Hour YTTC Worth It?

Yes, but only if you choose wisely. A well-structured YTTC will transform your practice, your mindset, and your approach to life. It is absolutely worth it for self-growth, deep inquiry, spirituality, and a true understanding of yoga.



If you choose an authentic, immersive, and well-rounded training, it will not only make you a better teacher (if that’s your path) but also a better human being.

So, ask yourself: Are you ready to do the deep work? Are you willing to go beyond the surface and truly immerse yourself in yoga? If the answer is yes, then a 200 hour YTTC might just be the best decision you’ll ever make.


Did this blog help you gain clarity?

If you’re considering a 200 hour YTTC, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Drop a comment or reach out with any questions!

Stay curious, stay humble, and keep learning.


Namaste!

Madhura x


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