We signed up for teacher training because we loved yoga and wanted more of it. What we didn’t expect was how much this experience would shake things up in the best possible way.

Over six months, we sat through anatomy lessons that made our brains hurt (in a good way), got unexpectedly emotional over ancient texts, laughed, cried, and spent a whole lot of time figuring out what a “draw your naval to your spine” actually means. This is our take on the journey. From the first weekend to our first classes as teachers, here’s how YTT cracked us open, stitched us back together, and gave us something way deeper than just a certificate.

Why we chose Hola’s YTT Program + how we arrived

Taylor- My experience in Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) has left such a lasting impact on my life, one that is difficult to fully articulate to those who haven’t walked this path themselves. For about ten years, I knew deep down that I wanted to pursue my teaching certification, yet I struggled to find a studio and program that truly resonated with me. For me, it was really important to find a training program that helped me to find my voice as a teacher, but also got into all of the other aspects of yoga outside of the physical postures. I wanted to learn more about the philosophy, anatomy, yogic texts- and this training was exactly that. I continued to wait, trusting that the right opportunity would eventually present itself. I randomly found Hola one day and started taking classes and very quickly falling in love with the teachers and the studio. Then about two months later, they announced their first ever YTT program. The moment I received the email with that announcement, I knew in my heart that this was it. I applied immediately, and with that, began on a journey that would forever change my life.

Jaime- My path to yoga teacher training was long and winding. For 10 years I had known that doing a teacher training would be one of the steps along my yoga journey. Not necessarily because I wanted to teach, I just knew it was an experience I wanted to have at some point. I also knew that there were some non-negotiable things that were important to me in a YTT program, mainly that it honored and taught the traditions of yoga from its origins in India, and that it included the study of yoga texts and philosophy. Turns out that was not as easy to find as I had imagined! I looked at several trainings over the years, but none of them were the right fit. Fast forward about eight years to when I started practicing at Hola Yoga. I quickly felt a connection with the studio, the teachers and the community. I had finally found what I had been searching for in my practice for so many years: asana practice that recognized the importance of breath, alongside teachings that were interwoven with the more spiritual/philosophical aspects of the practice. Needless to say, I was so excited when Hola announced their first teacher training class. I knew it would include an incredibly diverse group of knowledgeable teachers, and would definitely incorporate the aspects of the practice I most wanted to study. It didn’t work out with my schedule the first year, which was a big disappointment, but I knew that the next year I would figure out a way to make it work no matter what it took. Even then, when the time came to register a good friend had to remind me that there was never going to be a “perfect” time in my life to do a 6-month training. There would always be life obligations to contend with. She encouraged me to take the plunge and sign up with faith that the details would work themselves out, and she was right. I signed up early, and by fall 2024 I was officially a student in a 200-hour yoga teacher training program…finally!

Our shared experiences in YTT

Taylor- The first night of training, we all went around in a circle and introduced ourselves and said why we were there. While not everyone joins YTT for the purpose of one day teaching, that wasn’t the case for me. I knew without a shadow of a doubt that I would teach. I shared that I have always envisioned owning a studio on the beach, with the ability to have windows open and early sun rise practices, and I really believe this training program was the first huge step to making my goals a reality. Just as I had hoped, this training offered a beautifully comprehensive experience. From in-depth asana practice to the study of yogic philosophy and meaningful conversations around diversity and inclusion, the curriculum laid a strong foundation for both personal and professional growth. What I appreciated most about this program was the space it held for authentic connection and rich, thought-provoking dialogue. The conversations we were having each night were the kinds of conversations I had been craving. I had imagined I’d leave each session late at night feeling drained—but instead, I left energized and inspired by the conversations and insights we shared.

Jaime- I really had no idea what to expect from the program, but as soon as I saw the syllabus I knew I had made the right decision. All of my favorite Hola teachers came together to share their expertise on an incredibly diverse range of topics. The program introduced me to so many exciting aspects of this practice, many of which I never would have found on my own. It opened doors in my personal practice that I didn’t even know existed, while deepening and enriching what was already there. Every YTT weekend left me feeling inspired and excited to learn more.

What we carried out of YTT into our lives

Taylor- This training did such a wonderful job at showing that yoga is so much more than just our physical practice. I finished this training with the confidence and knowledge I needed to step into the seat of teacher, supported by a thoughtful curriculum and a library of resources I continue to return to. Each time I return to one of the many books we used for our training, I find myself picking up new tid bits of information. Shortly after completing the program, I was honored to be invited to teach a community class at Hola. Today, I’m grateful to teach regularly as part of Hola’s weekly schedule. To be part of this teaching community—and to have cultivated my teaching voice through this unique and intentional program—is something I carry with immense pride and gratitude.

Jaime- At the end of the program, when the time came to choose whether or not I would be auditioning for an opportunity to teach at Hola, I still wasn’t sure if teaching was in my future. But, I figured I had come that far, and I might as well take the leap and see where I landed. Well, it turned out that I had come far enough along in my practice and studies that I was given the opportunity to teach a weekly class at the studio. It has been a beautiful, challenging, exciting (and sometimes scary) journey that has not only enriched my practice, but has enriched my life. I am so grateful that I took the first step down this new path, even if it did take me ten years to do it! Because of what our teachers so generously shared with us during our yoga teacher training, I now have he knowledge and tools I need to be able to share this incredible life-changing practice with others. What a beautiful honor that is.

Where we are now

We came into YTT looking for clarity, depth, and maybe just more yoga and we left with all of that and then some. We learned how to teach, yes, but more than that, we learned how to show up: for our students, for each other, and for ourselves. Teaching still feels a little wild sometimes (hello nerves), but it also feels right. We’re both holding space every week now, still learning, still growing, still pinching ourselves that we’ve come this far.

If you’re thinking about doing a teacher training, our advice: do it! It might not be the perfect time, and you might not feel “ready,” but neither did we. Sometimes, the path unfolds one breath at a time.

Thanks for reading our story. We’ll see you on the mat <3

Upcoming Yoga Teacher Training

If our stories sparked a curiosity in you, we invite you to explore our upcoming Yoga Teacher Training beginning this fall,

Whether you're seeking personal growth, a deeper understanding of yoga, or the skills to share this practice with others, our training offers a supportive, transformative space to begin.

We’d be honored to walk this path with you.

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Turns Out Yoga Teacher Training Changes You