Yoga Teacher Talk is a series on YBC that is for new, current or prospective yoga teachers. Feel free to let us know what you'd like us to cover in future posts by commenting below! Disclaimer: This post is a sponsored post. While we were compensated for the post, all opinions - as always- are our own.
I know so many people who are signed up to head out to yoga teacher training that I thought I'd put together a list of things I brought to my teacher training and a few that I wish I had brought. There are a bunch of different types of teacher trainings. You could do longer program which generally lasts about a year and you'll meet nearly every weekend at a local studio. The other option is to do a more intensive program. These usually last around six weeks with maybe one day off per week.
I did the latter in Thailand and it was a pretty incredible experience. It was definitely one of the most challenging things I ever did, but it was also one of the best. If you're taking off for an intensive program, here are some packing tips:
- Pack your bag. Then take out half and leave it at home. Seriously. You do not need a hairdryer in the jungle. Nor a cute little dress. You're going to be too tired to get dolled up and go anywhere. Trust me, I learned the hard way. #overpacker
- Bring food. Especially if you suffer from a major case of HANGER. Protein bars, granola and trail mix are going to be the things that'll get you through the long afternoons of lectures in 100 degree heat. PS- I recently discovered these and am a huge fan!
- Bring layers. Hats, sweaters and sweats are what you're going to want to wear for 5:00am meditation. I don't care where you are in the world, 5:00am is generally chilly everywhere.
- Bring a kindle filled with silly quick reads because it's all about balance and if you're spending your whole day focusing on fascia and The Yoga Sutras, you might want a good chick flick on your computer and a good beach read on your kindle.
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Some other things I wish I had brought:
1. More sports bras. It is sweat central in Thailand and when you're practicing so often and changing just as often, it's nice to have extras. I had the pleasure of trying out this one from Shakti Activewear and I love it because it is cut high at the armpits which keeps you covered and the bra in place. Bonus - use coupon code yogabycandace for 15% off this and all other items from Shakti Activewear.
2. More notebooks. I brought one with me but between taking notes for lectures, drawing out yoga sequences, and studying, I definitely could've used more. I love this one by Plum Street Prints.
3. Magnesium supplement. I used to take a magnesium supplement years ago and I stopped when I ran out but I definitely could've used it at teacher training. Magnesium is great to help calm the body down, so if you're feeling any kind of stress or tension, it does the trick.
4. My favorite teas. I'll be the first to admit that I get homesick pretty quickly. Something as simple as my favorite cuppa tea can instantly make a strange place feel like home. Zest Tea is a new brand I recently discovered and love.
5. Immune system boost. When I was completing my teacher training, I was at the tail-end of my treatment for Lyme disease. I was on heavy antibiotics and my immune system was shot. I was sick for the majority of my training and I definitely could've used a homeopathic spray to boost the immune system. This cool travel kit by Sprayology also includes a spray for jet lag (!!!), and for sleep.
6. Yoga cards. Studying is obviously a huge part of teacher training and these awesome yoga flash cards by WorkoutLabs are a great way to learn your postures! Use coupon code YBC for 15% off.
7. More deodorant. Twelve hour yoga days in the tropics? Believe me, you're gonna want to make sure you have enough deodorant. This all natural deodorant is by Routine.