What is the difference between a Yoga Retreat and a Yoga Teacher Training?

In short, a yoga retreat is a vacation with yoga classes available. While a Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) has a defined program built around yoga and you’re expected to become a yoga teacher.

What is a yoga retreat?

A yoga retreat is a gathering of people who are joining together to practice yoga in a group setting. These retreats can be daylong retreats, or multiple day trips where multiple activities are compiled together. A yoga retreat is an amazing opportunity to meet with others who are passionate about yoga. The program of a yoga retreat is way more flexible.

The expectations of a yoga retreat

Yoga retreats are often centered around personal development and spirituality. The specific intentions and goals of each guest may be different; however, everyone is there for a common purpose—greater well-being. Yoga retreats can provide helpful guidance from experienced mentors and master educators that you might not get otherwise. You can explore your yoga practice free from the distractions of daily life, while being surrounded by a group of like-minded people with similar goals. You also have the ability to go deepen in your practice and explore beyond the daily yoga practices in a new and guided environment.

What is a Yoga Teacher Training?

A Yoga Teacher Training Course (YTTC) is to become a certified yoga instructor with this dynamic training program. It is a one-month intensive of training with one day off per week. For the first level of certification requires 200 hours for basic teacher training registration. Doing a yoga certification increases your status, brings you international recognition as a yoga teacher and optimizes your opportunities for employment as a yoga teacher worldwide. Yoga Alliance is an international governing board for yoga teachers and training programs in the world (based in the United States). 

The different levels of YTTC

Yoga Alliance offers 200-, 300- and 500-hour levels. All yoga programs should include basic aspects of anatomy & physiology, yoga ethics, breathwork, meditation, adjustments, philosophy, and seva. The second level is a 300-hour training dive deeper into the classes and choose an area of specialization such as Yin, Restorative, Hatha. Once you’ve completed both a 200-hour and 300-hour yoga training you can register as a 500-hour. 

Also read : Green Tara mantra | Om Tare Tuttare Ture Svaha | Why Chant This Mantra?