⚠️ DISCLAIMER: This post is not an advertisement or sponsored content. It’s a genuine account of my personal experience. My insights and reflections are entirely honest and based on my own journey through the Yoga Teacher Training at Vinyasa Yogashala.
Last June 2024, from the 1st to the 24th, I embarked on a transformative journey at Vinyasa Yogashala in Rishikesh, India, completing their 200-hour Multi Style Yoga Teacher Training Course (YTT).
Choosing the right course can be overwhelming due to the abundance of options available. If you’re in the same boat, check my article How to choose the best Yoga School in India where you will find the ultimate quiz to help you selecting the perfect yoga course.
After doing extensive research, weighing my options, and considering the quality of the content offered, something about Vinyasa Yogashala called to me. I trusted my instinct, and I’ve never been happier with that decision. So much so that I plan to return to Vinyasa Yogashala to pursue their 300-hour course.
In this post, I gather all the crucial information and answer the frequently asked questions you might have about the course. I will share everything you need to know before you go, including the daily schedule, curriculum, accommodations, and food, and some insights into my personal experience, the challenges I faced, and the invaluable lessons I learned.
Before diving into the details, you should be FULLY AWARE 💆🏻♀️ of something:
- It is an incredible experience on a personal, physical, and soul-enriching level. You will find yourself evolving in ways you never imagined.
- You will be fully immersed in the rich culture of India, adding another layer of depth to your yoga journey.
- You don’t need to be an expert to join the course. You can be a complete beginner, as the program is adapted to all levels and knowledge bases.
The Training Program
» SYLLABUS
The syllabus is comprehensive, covering Traditional Hatha, Ashtanga, Vinyasa flow and Ying Yoga, along with extensive Anatomy and Physiology, Yogic Philosophy and Mantras.
More in depth, we learned about the following topics, ensuring a well-rounded yoga education:
- Asanas and sequences
- Pranayama and cleansing
- Meditation techniques
- Mudras and bandhas
- Adjustment and alignment
- Yoga therapy and Ayurveda
In addition to the core curriculum, activities such as Ayurvedic massage, Sound Healing sessions, Trauma and Emotional Healing Workshops, and Body Movement sessions are included.
These elements, combined with the structured curriculum, ensure that you explore and discover all aspects and techniques in the world of yoga, making the experience truly holistic and enriching.
Teachers: knowledge, Expertise and Ensuring Learning
The instructors at Vinyasa Yogashala ARE EXCEPTIONALLY KNOWLEDGEABLE AND EXPERIENCED. With effective teaching methods, their expertise in both traditional yoga and modern anatomy ensured we received a thorough and balanced education.
Another highlight, is the personalized guidance and support from the teachers that were instrumental in my progress. They were always available to answer questions and provide feedback, ensuring each student’s growth.
The wisdom of the teachers and the quality of learning they imparted, was more than assured, and I had the opportunity to further appreciate it through various drop-in classes I attended during my travels after the course. These experiences allowed me to confirm and value even more the high level of learning and technique the teachers had provided 🙏🏼
Accommodation and Facilities
There are several different buildings in Rishikesh, all of them offering accommodation, dinning halls, a dedicated yoga hall, a chill out area and a garden. You can choose between a shared or private room, with a fan and or air conditioning, and all rooms have an en-suite bathroom. Depending on your pick of choice the final price will vary.
The yoga hall provide all your might need: yoga mats, bolsters, belts, blocks, blanket, A/C, fan, lots of natural light.
» MY SELECTION: PRIVATE ROOM WITH FAN
I stayed in a private room equipped with a fan, which, was comfortable and clean. The attached bathroom had both hot and cold water, and the facility provided FREE WI-FI. We also had the freedom to do our own laundry FREE OF CHARGE, and the staff made every effort to ensure everything was to our liking.
To give you an idea of how far they are willing to go to improve the student experience, they installed x3 additional air conditioning units into 3 rooms in order to help with the heat that a number of students were struggling with! All at the schools expense!
Food and Nutrition
Tapovan, like the rest of the India follows a vegetarian ayurvedic diet and we all know that the level of spices we consume in the western area is not the same 🔥 And the school is completely aware of it, adjusting every meal to all the needs or difficulties we might have.
They offer VEGAN, VEGETARIAN and GLUTEN FREE options and always providing optimal nutrition 🤩
This was particularly important for me since I usually experience stomach issues, bloating, and have sensitivities to gluten and I HAD NEVER FELT SO GOOD BEFORE!
Two of my colleagues were also gluten intolerant, and the staff took care of us. And the best part… the food is incredible and so YUMMY! The attention to detail in catering to dietary restrictions was impressive.
Thanks to the school and specially to the chef and the kitchen staff! 🙏🏼
Community and Environment
The atmosphere at Vinyasa Yogashala is warm and supportive, creating a close-knit community among trainees.
The school’s location in Tapovan, with its deep connection to yoga and spirituality, enhanced the overall experience. The area is vivid and there are a lot of cafes and shops to visit. The school is just 10 minutes walking from the Ganga River.
We participated in various activities, including meditation sessions, kirtan nights, and excursions, which enriched our understanding of the yogic lifestyle.
Vinyasa Yogashala also offers incredible courses in Bali, maintaining the deep roots of Indian yoga to provide the most authentic and real experience possible.
Highlights and Challenges
» BEST ASPECTS
The most rewarding part of the course was not only the comprehensive and authentic yoga education, but the experience itself.
- The supportive community and the dedicated instructors made this experience truly enriching.
By the end of the course, you feel like you have created a family with like-minded people.
- Another highlight is the practical exam, where we designed and led a yoga class for our peers. This not only reinforced our self-esteem, but also provided detailed feedback from both students and teachers, which was incredibly valuable.
» CHALLENGES
This Junes the entire country was experiencing a heatwave that was challenging, but it taught me perseverance and the importance of staying hydrated and mindful of my body’s needs.
CONCLUSIONS
My time at Vinyasa Yogashala was transformative. The comprehensive training, supportive community, and serene environment provided the perfect setting for deepening my yoga practice and teaching skills.
Whether you are a beginner or have some experience, the course adapts to all levels and knowledge.
The journey was intense, but respecting personal limits and listening to one’s body was emphasized throughout. Most participants experience significant changes not only in location but also in habits, routine, and diet. And most important, a life-changing and self-discoverement experience.
If you are considering a Yoga Teacher Training, you should check all the styles and courses available in their website Vinyasa Yogashala and best news are that they are offering also a course in the breathtaking island paradise of Bali! 🌊🌴
