Finished YTT? Here’s What Comes Next

You’ve completed your yoga teacher training 200 hours of breath, sweat, reflection, and transformation. You’ve chanted mantras, memorized anatomy terms, taught your first class, and probably cried at least once (or five times). And now, you’re certified.So… what’s next?

It’s a question nearly every new yoga teacher faces. You’ve got the certificate, but deep down, you know this is just the beginning. The truth is: teaching yoga is a lifelong journey, and growth doesn’t stop at graduation.

If you’re feeling a little unsure of how to keep evolving, you’re not alone. Here are some honest, real-world ways to continue expanding,both as a teacher and a student.

1. Stay a Student First, Always

Just because you’re teaching doesn’t mean you stop learning. In fact, the best teachers are always students first.

Go take classes with other teachers. Explore different styles Yin, Kundalini, Iyengar, even styles outside your comfort zone. Observe how others cue, sequence, and hold space. Let yourself be inspired.

Personal practice is just as important. Teaching can easily overtake your own mat time, so carve out time to move, breathe, and just be on the mat for you.

2. Invest in Ongoing Education (Yes, More Yoga School)

You don’t need to jump right into a 300-hour training, but do keep your learning fresh. There are so many paths you can explore: trauma-informed yoga, Ayurveda, prenatal, adaptive yoga, somatic movement… the list goes on.

Not sure what to dive into next? Ask yourself:

“What am I curious about that I didn’t learn in my first training?”

Curiosity is your compass.

3. Reflect Often (and Honestly)

Growth doesn’t only come from new certifications it also comes from within. After your classes, pause and ask:

• What felt aligned?

• What felt off?

• Where did I feel connected or disconnected?

You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be paying attention.

4. Ask for Feedback (Even If It’s Scary)

It can be intimidating, but feedback is gold. Ask trusted students or teacher friends for their honest thoughts. Invite observations about your cues, tone, pacing, or the energy you bring into the room.

You can also record your classes (with permission) and listen back yes, it's cringey at first, but it's eye-opening in the best way.

5. Find Your People

Teaching yoga can feel isolating if you’re not connected. Seek out community online or IRL. Join local meet-ups, attend workshops, connect with other teachers. Share your struggles and wins. Laugh about awkward cues. Celebrate growth.

If you can, find a mentor. Someone who’s walked the path and can reflect back to you what you might not yet see in yourself.

6. Expand What “Teaching Yoga” Means to You

Teaching doesn’t have to mean 60-minute studio classes. Maybe it looks like hosting workshops, writing a blog (hi 👋), sharing breathwork on Instagram, leading yoga hikes, or creating playlists that feel like spiritual therapy.

Get creative. Let your passion lead.

7. Reconnect With the “Why”

Amid the schedules, self-doubt, and hustle, remember: you didn’t become a yoga teacher to “do it right.” You did it because something in this practice changed you.

Keep returning to that place. Re-read your favorite philosophy book. Sit quietly in meditation. Teach even one person who needs what you have to offer.

Your growth won’t always be loud or visible. Sometimes it’s subtle, slow, and sacred.

Final Thoughts 🌿

You don’t need to be a perfect teacher. You just need to keep showing up with curiosity, humility, and heart. Your yoga journey didn’t end with a certificate. It’s only just begun.

Keep evolving. Keep unfolding. And above all, keep breathing.