Hey Marie! So, you've just graduated from the Go Yoga Teacher Training program. Congrats!! How do you feel about it?
Hi. Yes, I feel great thanks! I was actually supposed to do the Intensive Teacher Training in June last year. But then Covid hit and I was one of the first groups of students to do the training online with Go Yoga.
I had no idea how it was going to turn out but decided to give it a go! I think we only managed to get into the studio twice with the rest being on Zoom.
And, how did you find doing the training online?
For me, I actually think that being on Zoom was a good thing. Doing the course was already way out of my comfort zone, so doing it in my home felt so safe.
I was doing the learning in my living room, so I felt at ease and less intimidated - this was a really good thing. I felt that I could throw myself in a lot quicker.
It also certainly gave me something to focus on during the lockdown!
What made you decide to do the course originally?
I have practiced yoga for a long time. My daughter is 15 and I have been practicing on and off since she was born. It’s the one thing that I’ve always stuck to and always come back to. I really love it and so I thought, why not do the teacher training?
Did you do the course alongside another job?
Yes, I work as a solicitor part-time and continued to do so as I was training. I am also getting involved with my husband’s business more and more, so have lots of things to juggle!
Quite a few of the people who did the training were in similar situations, so we found it helpful to chat with each other about our different situations and how the lockdown was affecting us. Is your plan now to teach full-time or integrate with your current job? Yoga teaching is not something that I plan to do full-time, but something that I plan to fit in around my family and my other work.
It’s such a great, flexible job that can fit around another profession! For me, it’s like sharing my hobby with other people.
What was the most enjoyable part of the course for you personally?
The Kundalini yoga really stood out for me. I’ve always been more into the fast flows and fitness side of yoga, but through the training, I’ve now developed a deeper love for the meditation side of things and the slower side of yoga.
I now get just as much enjoyment out of a restorative session as I do out of a fast flow. I have also developed a much deeper appreciation of breathing and meditation – which helps it all fit into place.
And, what was the most challenging part of the course? I think for me it was learning all the words! Learning all the names of the asanas as well as all the muscles and bones in the body - it’s all very detailed! It was like going back to school to learn another language. And some of the Sanskrit words are so long!
However, despite the long words, Sophie made it very fun. We were having a weekly spelling test of the names on Zoom and managing a giggle at the same time!
Do you plan to start teaching straight away?
I’ve already started! I’m teaching at Hornbeam Park every Sunday morning 9.30-10.30am. It’s a mixed ability flow, with lots of options.
The classes are smaller now because of the restrictions, but it’s actually a really nice intro to teaching and less intimidating.
It’s so nice to meet people - totally out of my comfort zone - but amazing!
What would your words of wisdom be for anyone else thinking of doing the training?
I would say "What’s the worst that could happen?".
Even if you don’t go on to teach yoga, it’ll give you a much better understanding of your own practice. If you go through the training, you will get so much out of it. It’s for anybody who loves yoga!
Our next Go Yoga Intensive Teacher Training Course starts in Harrogate this September.
You can find out all about it and register your interest HERE.
PLUS! This Saturday 3rd July, you can attend a free class hosted by our brand-new GO Yoga teachers.