Yoga Teacher Training: Buyer Beware (and do the math!)

In the world of yoga teacher training, many aspiring instructors face a tough reality. Recent discussions, including insights from a New York Times article, point to concerns that programs, particularly those offered by CorePower Yoga, may operate more like multi-level marketing (MLM) schemes than genuine educational opportunities. If you are a student considering this path, it is essential to understand the potential pitfalls, especially regarding financial strain and underemployment that could follow.

The desire to become a certified yoga teacher is compelling, particularly for those who are passionate about yoga and its teachings. However, the practical outcomes of such programs often fall short of the rosy picture painted by their promotional materials. And, it's not just CorePower, but other "Big Yoga" players like Lifetime Fitness, not to mention a host of online yoga teacher trainings (they deserve their own post!)

The Financial Burden of Teacher Training

One of the most daunting aspects of the CorePower and similar programs is the hefty price tag. For instance, programs can cost upwards of $3,000, a significant investment for many young adults. And, that price doesn't guarantee quality of instruction. Think "Harvard" pricing for teachers who may only have a few years of experience at one yoga studio!? Many students feel pressured to take out loans, hoping the certification will yield job opportunities. However, the reality is often disheartening; many yoga teachers earn as little as $20 to $30 per class, which rarely covers basic living expenses.

Who will your students be? Where will they come from?

After graduation, many new teachers find that they need years just to recoup their investment. It’s crucial to calculate not only the initial costs of training but also the ongoing expenses related to maintaining your certification and participating in workshops. Research projected salaries in your area before you commit. In some urban locations, only 30% of newly trained teachers find stable positions within the first year. Most of those will be PART-TIME, often just teaching in exchange for "free" yoga.

The Over-Supply of Under-Paid Teachers

The issue of oversupply in the yoga teaching job market is another significant concern. Programs like CorePower's create a self-serving cycle where current instructors are incentivized to bring in new students. This model leads to a flood of graduates often lacking the experience needed to provide quality instruction. Moreover, they're not terribly versatile: graduate from CorePower and you can teach CorePower. The same is true for LifeTime,

For example, studio owners may enroll dozens of students each training cycle, resulting in an abundance of teachers competing for the same, limited jobs. In cities like Los Angeles and New York, it is reported that as many as 80% of newly certified teachers struggle to secure consistent teaching hours, leading to a devaluation of the profession.

The Ethical Implications

Training programs that focus on enrolling as many students as possible raise troubling ethical questions. Are they genuinely concerned about nurturing competent instructors, or are they prioritizing profit? Unscrupulous practices can undermine the integrity of yoga teacher training.

Before making a decision, students should consider the values of the program they intend to join.

What you may not want to hear: nothing beats "immersion" when it comes to learning a language or learning a wisdom tradition like yoga. A program that meets a few weekends/weeknights at your local studio falls far short of residential programs where you live/eat/breathe yoga 24/7. Many people don't realize that the Yoga Alliance used to REQUIRE residential training. Unfortunately, organizational growth became the priority, swinging the pendulum the other way. A Yoga Alliance certification isn't what it used to be.

Alternatives to CorePower and LifeTime Yoga Teacher Training

"First go to the mountain. Then bring what you've learned back to the marketplace." ~

If you are considering yoga teacher training, there are several excellent alternatives to "Big Yoga" like the CorePowers and Lifetime Fitness; that said, you also have to also be aware of independent yoga studios operating on the CorePower model, often founded by CorePower graduates. You'll know from the non-refundable annual memberships and pushing you to sign up for YTT to "deepen your practice--even if you don't want to teach." To deepen your practice, spend that $3000+ on a trip to Asia or visit several retreat centers in the US. In other words, RUN in the other direction!

IF you do wish to teach for real and have done yoga yourself for several years, you could enroll in a program in India, where yoga has a long tradition, or choose a respected residential program in the U.S., such as those offered by Kripalu, Integral, Sivananda--what we call "schools of lineage."

Lineage means a historical connection to India, not the local strip mall. These programs often dive deeper and are far better resourced. Beware of programs where ONE person is allegedly teaching you everything you need to know about yoga! Schools of lineage offer not only residential, immersive training, but subject matter experts in anatomy, nutrition, ethics, etc.

If you've only studied yoga in one style, at one studio, face the fact: you're not nearly ready to become a yoga teacher. Most teachers in Eastern wisdom traditions are over 40. Life experience is essential if you want to do more than teach group exercise with a yoga theme.

Graphic from the New York Times Article Says it All

By investing in a reputable program, you can gain valuable skills and be part of a community that values high standards in yoga teaching. This foundation can help set you apart in a crowded job market.

Research Yoga Teacher Training for Real

The most important thing you can do: approach a venue in which you wish to work and ask what they're looking for--ahead of time! You might want to work at this cool little community studio, but they may not be impressed by a "Big Yoga" certification. You could preface it by saying something like, "I'm thinking of investing a lot of time and money into Certification X; do you think it would be worthwhile?" They may offer you an opportunity on the spot once you graduate. They should view you as someone who can help them differentiate their offerings in what has become, thanks to "Big Yoga," a largely commoditized marketplace.

Talking with current yoga instructors can provide further insights. Their experiences can offer a clearer picture of what it’s like to teach yoga professionally, including salary expectations--make that "hourly-rate" expectations. (Note: CorePower has been sued over not paying instructors for all hours worked.)

Final Thoughts

As you think about stepping into yoga teacher training, approach this significant decision with care. The dream of becoming a yoga teacher could be enticing, but the serious financial and ethical concerns surrounding programs like CorePower’s should factor into your evaluation.

By doing diligent research, considering long-term costs, and exploring well-regarded options, you can make an informed choice that aligns with both your personal values and career goals. Teaching yoga should be rewarding, not a source of financial stress.

Ultimately, the choice is yours. By remaining informed and vigilant, you can navigate the landscape of yoga teacher training wisely. Remember, buyer beware, and always do the math!