We sat down with Abbie Kemp, yoga teacher at Hotpod Yoga Redditch and recent graduate of our 200hr Yoga Alliance accredited Yoga Teacher Training course in London to talk about her experience on the course. Our Yoga Teacher Training courses get you to start teaching on day one of the course, designed to help you build confidence and become a best-in-class yoga teacher. Find out more about our yoga teacher training courses by visiting our webpage here.
What was your overall experience of the training?
I’m aware that this might sound dramatic to someone who hasn’t done the training or is only just beginning the training, but it was genuinely life changing. I felt like I really unlocked a new level in my yoga practice by knowing how to better adjust myself into postures, but it also gave me a new perspective on ensuring that I’m looking after myself and not forcing myself into postures, ideals, theories if it doesn’t feel good for me or resonate with me. I feel like everything I learnt during training is somehow intertwined into my everyday life, and it’s so nice to be able to consciously think about it so often.
What surprised you the most during the course?
Initially, how overwhelming everything can feel. I remember around the second month feeling as though nothing was sinking in and I really couldn’t envision myself ever being able to teach. Taking the time to allow everything to just land, really investing time in revising and practicing helps massively.
What has changed for you since completing the training?
In terms of the way I teach, so much, I feel like I’ve really found my voice and my confidence continues to grow, especially when you start to play around with your own sequencing. In terms of my every day life, I am so fascinated by some of the concepts we learnt. I find it really fun to try and incorporate things into my daily routines and also educate others about yoga as much as I can. There is so much to shout about and share about this sacred practice, and it feels like the training really helped me shift from viewing yoga as a daily workout/practice to more so of an actual lifestyle.
Would you recommend it and why?
I would absolutely recommend Hotpod Yoga Teacher Training to anyone, whether you’re wanting to teach, learn more about yoga, or develop your practice further. The course encompasses everything you need to know and you leave feeling incredibly confident to go out and immediately start teaching. The teachers are incredibly supportive and always on hand to give feedback.
One word to describe your experience?
Transformative.
Favourite part of the training?
I loved everything, but my favourite part that I’ve continued to explore more is Ayurveda. I find the concept so interesting and try my best to incorporate daily rituals into my life and further explore topics of discussion around it!
What would you say to someone who’s thinking about it but isn’t sure they’re “ready”?
Just do it, I don’t think there is ever a time that you’re ‘ready’ for the course. Whether you end up teaching or sticking with enhancing your practice, you learn so much about yoga and yourself that it’s worth it no matter what.
Something you wish you knew before starting?
To just be patient with yourself, it can feel overwhelming and it can feel like nothing will ever sink in, but the more time you invest into revising and practicing, one day it will just click!
Interested in joining one of our yoga teacher training courses? Find more information here about our course structure, dates, and bursary programme.