Yoga Teacher Training Archives - Fever

Posts about yoga teacher training programs, what to expect, how to prepare, and how the journey shapes your practice.

What It Takes to Become a Yoga Teacher

December 22, 2025/0 Comments/in Featured, Yoga Teacher Training /by Shannon Austin

Most people assume becoming a yoga teacher begins with learning postures — and in many ways, it does. The body is where we first notice patterns: how we move, what we avoid, what we force, and what we soften. But the deeper work of teaching happens in the same place — within our own experience. Becoming a yoga teacher isn’t about perfecting poses; it’s about gaining the clarity, steadiness, and integrity to guide others through theirs.

The physical practice matters. The postures matter. Alignment matters. Breath matters. Anatomy matters. What happens in the body is not separate from what happens in the mind — it’s the gateway. And to teach yoga well, you have to be willing to step into a transformative process that begins on your mat and radiates outward into every part of your life.

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1. Integrity in the Body Creates Integrity in the Self

One of the most surprising parts of yoga teacher training is realizing how deeply asana reveals the truth. Physical integrity — alignment, attention, presence — reflects inner integrity. The way we move is the way we think, and the way we think is the way we live. In training, postures are never just shapes; they’re mirrors.

To teach yoga is to understand how the body communicates: where there is effort, where there is avoidance, where there is collapse, where there is strength. You learn how to see bodies clearly and how to work with them skillfully — beginning with your own.

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2. Inner Work Is Not Optional — It’s Central

Yoga teacher training is not simply an education in technique. It’s an unraveling. A looking inward. A widening of awareness.

The teachings ask us to see our samskaras — the habitual patterns and internal narratives that shape our experience. They ask us to examine where we’re stuck in our lives, because we can’t guide others through what we have not faced ourselves.

This work doesn’t require perfection. It requires honesty.

Teaching yoga isn’t about delivering a script. It’s about holding space with presence and humility — and that can only come from lived practice.

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3. The Yamas and Niyamas Are Not Philosophy on the Side — They’re the Foundation

Ethics are not theoretical in yoga. They are embodied.

Ahimsa, satya, tapas, svadhyaya — these principles become deeply personal when you’re practicing, studying, and teaching.

They influence how we speak to students, how we speak to ourselves, how we set boundaries, how we show up, and how we care for the work.

Yoga without yamas and niyamas is simply exercise.

Yoga with them becomes a path.

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4. Asana, Breath, and Sequencing Are Skills — and They Matter

Teacher training is not just reflection and philosophy.

There is craft to this work:

• intelligent sequencing

• understanding functional anatomy

• why postures progress the way they do

• how to breathe with purpose

• how to see misalignment

• how to build strength and expand capacity

Students may come to yoga seeking calm or mobility, but the structure beneath the experience matters.

A strong class looks effortless, but it is not accidental.

To teach yoga well, you learn to design experiences intentionally.

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5. Teaching Begins With Listening

The best yoga teachers are not the ones with the most complicated poses — they are the ones who see their students clearly. To teach yoga is to cultivate presence. You learn to listen with your eyes, your hands, your voice, and your intuition.

You learn how to offer options without judgment.

You learn how to meet a room full of different bodies, different stories, and different nervous systems — all in the same hour.

This is work that requires empathy, awareness, and practice.

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6. A Yoga Teacher Is Always a Student

Training does not deliver a final answer — it opens a doorway.

You leave with more curiosity than certainty.

More softness than rigidity.

More perspective than performance.

Becoming a yoga teacher is not the end of something, but the beginning of everything — a lifelong practice of learning, recommitting, and growing.

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7. Who Yoga Teacher Training Is For

Yoga teacher training is for people who feel called to do meaningful work.

It’s for people who want to understand themselves more deeply.

It’s for people who know the physical practice is only one part of what yoga offers, and who want to learn how to share that in a way that is grounded and real.

It’s not about being perfect.

It’s about being awake.

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If you’re feeling drawn to this work

Our Yoga Teacher Training program at Fever Yoga Cycle Strength is built to honor the whole spectrum of practice — asana, pranayama, philosophy, sequencing, anatomy, meditation, and the deep inner inquiry that makes the teaching authentic.

If you’re ready to step into the process, learn more here:

👉 Learn to Teach Yoga

Think You Can Teach Yoga? Get Certified.

January 19, 2019/in Yoga Teacher Training /by Shannon Austin

5 Questions to Ask When Considering a Yoga Teacher Training Program

Whether you’ve decided you want to teach yoga or simply dig deeper into your own practice, it’s often daunting to sift between yoga styles and teaching methods to decide where to complete your teacher training. That’s why we’ve pulled together five questions to consider when selecting the best teacher training program for you.

1. Is the yoga teacher program Yoga Alliance Certified?

As the international governing body for yoga, the Yoga Alliance sets the standard for teacher training programs. If you hope to teach yoga at some point in your future, make sure you look for this certification – otherwise you won’t qualify for insurance. We know, insurance doesn’t feel very yogic, but this certification basically says you’ve got a stamp of approval to teach yoga.

2. What is the yoga teacher training schedule like?

All teacher training programs start out with 200 hours. Some are immersion classes – meaning you’re cramming the entire program into two weeks. These make it quite difficult to retain the information or get enough practice before teaching. At Fever, our program is extended over 3.5 months to help ensure you have the depth of knowledge and experience needed before beginning to teach. As a bonus, this type of program is perfect for people leading busy lives with work or family commitments.

3. How does the yoga program teach anatomy?

At first, this may not seem like the biggest deal when you’re trying to memorize all the Sanskrit names for postures or figuring out how to properly sequence. But anatomy is huge!! You must understand alignment and muscular engagement before you become a yoga guide. A solid understanding of human anatomy will enable you to bring a high level of consciousness to your teaching as well as prevent injury. Make sure the program you select has a strong focus on anatomy. Fever offers 11 modules in anatomy training in relation to yoga.

4. How does the yoga teacher training program balance the subjects it teaches?

Each training course devotes a minimum number of hours to subjects like posture, anatomy and philosophy, but each course also emphasizes different areas and brings its own style. What matters most to you? Spiritual training, a focus on alignment, or ample time to practice teach? Pick a program that speaks your language. If you’re looking for emphasis on ALL of these things, you should definitely consider our program. We hit all the bases necessary to take your practice and your skills to the next level.

5. What are the instructors like?

Your studio instructors will be a large part of your training, from their knowledge to their personality to their years of experience teaching. Take some time to research the teachers at various studios, read reviews, and take public classes from them. Make sure you feel that the teachers are incredibly knowledgeable in the field of yoga and can guide beginners and seasoned practitioners through a safe and thorough experience.

Fever | Yoga Cycle Strength offers a 200 hr Yoga Teaching Training Program

You’ll learn about human anatomy, including posture, integrated movement and the prevention of common injuries. You’ll study philosophy, including the eight limbs, and the Sanskrit language. You’ll practice sequencing, incorporating meditation, classical yoga, vinyasa breath & movement, and the use of props. Additionally, you’ll receive unlimited support for the duration of the program.

Make sure to register early for a special early-bird discount. For more information about our course visit our Teacher Training Page. If you have questions, please call: (616) 805-3603 or email: a dmin@feverycs.com

Introducing Kundalini Yoga

October 17, 2018/in Kundalini Yoga, Yoga Grand Rapids, Yoga Teacher Training /by Shannon Austin

What is Kundalini Yoga?

“The primary objective of Kundalini is to awaken the full potential of human awareness in each individual; that is, recognize our awareness, refine that awareness, and expand that awareness to our unlimited Self. Clear any inner duality, create the power to deeply listen, cultivate inner stillness, and prosper and deliver excellence in all that we do.” – Kundalini Research Institute

Yoga itself has dozens of variations in philosophy and style. Some are structured as a physical workout while others put a strong emphasis on meditation. Kundalini is a little of both – an uplifting blend of spiritual and physical practices that incorporates movement, dynamic breath, meditation, and chanting of mantras. Its aim is to awaken higher consciousness in its practitioner by activating energy centers throughout the body.

In Sanskrit, the word “Kundalini” means “coiled snake.” Early Eastern religions believed that everyone possesses a divine energy at the base of the spine. It’s something we’re born with, but we each must strive to uncoil it. Through Kundalini, we turn potential energy into kinetic energy, awakening our Higher Self.

3 Practical Reasons to Try Kundalini Yoga:

Often referred to as the “yoga of awareness,” Kundalini focuses on the expansion of your sensory awareness. It is one of the most powerful and complete yoga practices you’ll encounter, as it creates an aligned relationship between the body, mind, and soul.

Building Awareness Will Expand Your Life: Kundalini yoga is designed to strengthen your intuition and willpower. As you unravel the energy within you, you’ll gain awareness and an improved presence in the world, resulting in new opportunities and experiences.

Discover the Magic Outside of Your Comfort Zone: Kundalini combines so many elements, from stretching to breath work to sound meditations. The spontaneous nature of each class will keep you light on your feet and ready for anything.

Find Your Voice and Share with the World: Kundalini yoga helps us find our voice and discover the courage to use it kindly and effectively.

Don’t worry if you’ve never heard of, or practiced, this form of yoga before. As always, Kundalini asks that you honor yourself, move at your own pace, and listen to your body’s needs – asking for adjustments and modifications when necessary.

3 Reasons to Become a Yoga Teacher in Grand Rapids

December 30, 2017/in Featured, Yoga Teacher Training /by Shannon Austin

If you’re feeling drawn to yoga teacher training, you’re not alone. Across Grand Rapids, more and more students are stepping beyond weekly practice and into the deeper study of yoga — not just to learn the postures, but to understand themselves, build community, and share what yoga has given them.

Becoming a yoga teacher isn’t about mastering poses or performing flexibility. It’s about stepping into a practice that strengthens the body, sharpens the mind, supports nervous system health, and opens the door to personal transformation. And when you do that work in a city like Grand Rapids — a city full of movement, art, growth, and connection — the experience becomes even more meaningful.

If you’re wondering why now, and why here, below are three reasons to pursue yoga teacher training in Grand Rapids.

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Reason #1: Yoga Teacher Training Deepens Your Practice From the Inside Out

Most students enter teacher training expecting to learn posture names, anatomy, and sequencing — and yes, you will. But what surprises people most is how the training changes their relationship with their own practice.

Asana becomes more than movement.

Breath becomes more than breath.

Awareness becomes the center of everything.

Training teaches you to feel the difference between effort and strain, strength and force, balance and collapse. You learn how your body organizes itself, where you hold tension, and how patterns in movement mirror patterns in thought and emotion.

That internal clarity is one of the most valuable reasons to become a yoga teacher. You don’t just become more confident in poses — you become more connected to yourself.

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Reason #2: Yoga Teaching Builds Real Community in Grand Rapids

Yoga isn’t practiced in isolation. Grand Rapids has a uniquely strong yoga community — small enough to feel personal, big enough to create momentum. New teachers quickly find themselves surrounded by students, mentors, peers, and opportunities to teach.

Teaching yoga is collaborative.

Teachers support each other.

Students are loyal, curious, and engaged.

Becoming a yoga teacher in Grand Rapids isn’t just about stepping into a profession — it’s about joining a community. You meet people who share your values, your passion, your curiosity, and your desire to make a difference.

And if you choose to teach, you have the chance to support others in their practice — physically, mentally, and emotionally. Teaching becomes a way of giving back to the city you live in.

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Reason #3: Teaching Yoga Is a Path of Growth — Personally and Professionally

Yoga teaching is not limited to studios or full-time careers. Many teachers integrate the practice into their existing professions:

• healthcare

• fitness

• bodywork

• education

• corporate wellness

• counseling

• athletics

• leadership

• personal development

Some teach weekly classes.

Some teach at multiple studios.

Some lead workshops.

Some build their own businesses.

Yoga teaching creates possibilities — both internal and external. You gain confidence, presence, clarity, communication skills, and the ability to guide others through meaningful change.

And whether you teach publicly or not, the training itself transforms the way you move through the world.

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A Final Note: You Don’t Have to Know Whether You’ll Teach

One of the most common questions people ask is:

“Do I need to want to teach to take yoga teacher training?”

The answer is simple:

No.

Many people enter training for personal growth — and discover the desire to teach later.

Many enter planning to teach — and feel drawn inward instead.

Both paths are welcome.

What matters is that you feel called to go deeper.

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If You’re Ready to Explore Teaching in Grand Rapids

Our Yoga Teacher Training at Fever Yoga Cycle Strength is designed to honor the whole practice:

asana, breath, anatomy, sequencing, philosophy, meditation, and the inner work that makes yoga teaching real.

If you’re curious about the next step, learn more here:

👉 www.feverycs.com/teacher-training/

Grand Rapids needs more teachers who are grounded, present, and connected.

If that’s you — we’d love to support you.

5 Tips for Teaching Yoga to Your Kids

April 26, 2017/in Yoga, Yoga Teacher Training /by Shannon Austin

Today we’re thinking about all our parents, educators and anyone who works with children. Have your kids ever tried to climb on your mat with you, or watched with eager eyes as you practice yoga? If you’re a teacher, do you ever find yourself in need of a way to help your little ones release some stress in a controlled fashion? If you’ve never tried teaching your kids a yoga pose, now’s the time.

Children live in the fast-paced world of busy parents, school pressures, after-school hobbies, competitive sports and more. Encouraging them to develop a yoga practice can help counter these stressors. Starting yoga early is a wonderful habit for children. Yoga encourages self-esteem and body awareness with a non-competitive physical activity. It helps them feel more focused, calm and confident. From antsy five-year-olds to exhausted fourteen-year-olds, yoga offers a handful of benefits that help kids re-energize, release stress and increase their self-awareness.

5 tips for teaching your children yoga:

Focus on the basics– Start with simple yoga poses, such as Downward Dog, Tree Pose or Warrior II. Show them the proper form, but expect quite a bit of wiggling and mistakes as they learn. If you have a group of children you’re teaching, try a form of duck-duck-goose to quiz them on the names of a few poses.
Get them their own yoga gear – Let them pick out a fun pair of leggings or a yoga mat. This way, they can begin making their practice their own – they’ll be excited to roll out their own mat and get jiggy with their down dog.
Play with animal poses– At young ages, children are naturally quite flexible. Ask them to go further in their poses (when they’re ready). To get started try Butterfly, Cobra, Happy Baby and Tree as these will likely resonate with children. They have the chance to be more playful and silly as they try to maintain balance, roll around, giggle, and try again.
Share mindfulness techniques– Allow them to find the present moment and engage with the surroundings around them with their eyes closed. Notice sounds, scents, tastes, energy points etc. they see if they can find deeper breathing without straining or trying to hard.
Keep it lighthearted– For young children, you can’t expect their attention spans to last as long as yours. (We’re sure you already know this) Aim for five-ten minute intervals, mixed in with some fun breathing and mindfulness training.

Once you teach your children the basics of yoga and mindfulness, they can begin to incorporate the beloved practice into their own daily lives. Help your little ones realize that movement and mindfulness is a great release from frustrations at school or in their relationships. Show your older children the value of yoga as a stress reliever from the competitive nature of school, sports and clubs.