Considerations
Q&A with Alison Gurevich, Founder of Breath to Motion
There are many different YTT programs available, and finding the right match for you can be challenging, as the information presented about each one isn’t always presented in a way that is easy to understand or compare. It took me a few years to commit to a training, and that gave me a lot of time to review a lot of programs. Since that time, I’ve been a part of four yoga teacher trainings and seen how different they can be.
Below are the questions I always try to answer and suggest students ask to ensure they are getting clarity.
What standards does this program adhere to?
The most standard answer will be “Yoga Alliance”, but Yoga Alliance upgraded its standards in 2020 to a much more rigorous curriculum and programs that were in place before that date did not have to upgrade. Look out for older programs that have not been re-credentialed. The Breath to Motion program was designed to exceed the current standards.
How many of the 200 hours are taught by the primary Lead Teacher?
If you are looking at a Yoga Alliance program, a yoga teacher training can have up to five lead teachers and they must be registered in that role with Yoga Alliance. “Lead Teachers” are required to teach at least 150 of the 200 program hours, while the other 50 hours may be taught by “Guest Teachers”. Ask how many designated lead teachers the program has, and how many in person hours you will spend with each lead teacher.
The Breath to Motion program includes 6 other highly qualified teachers (cumulatively, we’ve been practicing yoga for 146 years), but as the only lead teacher, I (Alison Gurevich) actively teach or co-teach well over 150 hours of the program and choose to be in the room for nearly all of the hours to ensure the overall program and community stays cohesive over the 7 months, and that each topic is well covered.
What are the qualifications of the lead teacher?
You’ll often see something like “ERYT-500” listed in program materials. This means the instructor has completed 500 hours of yoga education and logged at least 2,000 hours of teaching.
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In addition to that qualification, I’m a full-time yoga teacher and have been for many years. This is my passion and my career. I currently teach weekly in four studios and through my own online community. I lead 15–20 classes each week, offer continuing education workshops for yoga teachers, guest teach in other YTT programs, present at corporate events and yoga festivals, and work one-on-one with students who need specialized support.
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I’ve hosted 20 yoga retreats over the past five years and continue my education regularly through intensive trainings. I’ve completed over 800 hours of in-depth study across various yoga disciplines. My primary teaching focus includes vinyasa, yin, restorative yoga, and yoga nidra. I also hold advanced training in anatomy, aerial yoga, grief movement, and alignment-based practices.
Is it really 200 hours?
I wish this weren’t a concern—but unfortunately, many programs fall short of offering the full 200 hours of actual training time. According to Yoga Alliance, the 200 hours must be direct, active teaching hours. Time spent on homework, breaks, meals, or self-guided practice outside the classroom doesn’t count.
The Breath to Motion program comprises over 168 hours of in-person teaching at the studio. It also offers more than 40 hours of additional video support that delves deeper into topics like anatomy and physiology, subjects that benefit from the ability to pause and revisit material. Trainees also receive access to a library of hundreds of recorded classes and educational resources to supplement the in-person hours.
What will I be qualified to teach at the end of the program?
Some programs cover a broad range of topics; others go deep into just one style. Ask what you’ll be qualified to teach after graduation, and make sure it aligns with your personal goals.
Remember, 200 hours is a relatively small amount of time when considering the breadth and depth of yoga. Ask how many styles are covered and how much time is dedicated to each.
The Breath to Motion training ensures that each graduate is ready to teach vinyasa yoga—a flowing style that links breath to movement. Within this context, we also focus on accessibility and modifying pace and intensity to meet diverse student needs. Trainees will also learn how to sequence yin and restorative practices and will be prepared to substitute teach those classes.
All 200 hours of the training support understanding and teaching these three styles—traced from their historical roots through modern interpretations.
How long of a yoga sequence will I be required to teach to graduate?
Many programs graduate students who have only taught a 15–30 minute class. However, the standard class length in most studios and gyms is 60 minutes.
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In the Breath to Motion program, each student is required to teach two different 60-minute practices before graduating. While not everyone who completes a 200-hour program plans to teach professionally, teaching can be a powerful tool for integration and learning. Research supports that preparing to teach helps deepen mastery of the material. That’s why our program emphasizes both short and long-form teaching practice throughout.
How big is the group of students you are looking for in this group, and how long do you require them to have practiced yoga?
If you’ve been practicing yoga for years, you may not enjoy being in a training group with people who’ve only taken a few classes. Ask about the maximum group size and the general experience level of your cohort.
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The Breath to Motion program caps at 12 students and requires a significant foundation in yoga. I consider both the length of time someone has practiced and the consistency of their practice (classes per week or month), as well as how yoga has impacted their life.
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Generally, I look for students with at least one year of regular yoga practice. This training is a great match for those who have discovered yoga as a supportive tool for something deeper than just physical movement.
Where is the training held, and why?
Every studio has its own energy and community, so understanding the location can offer insight into the program’s values.
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I partner with gruvnYOGA, and all in-person training hours (aside from one field trip) are held there. Studio owner and teacher Heather Peace has built a welcoming and inclusive community offering everything from chair yoga to warm power flow. Her commitment to making yoga accessible for everyone aligns with my own.
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At gruvnYOGA, trainees are exposed to at least ten distinct styles of yoga each week, taught by a diverse team of 14 teachers. Often, the style we love to practice differs from what we’re passionate about teaching. That’s why this setting is ideal—it supports both your personal practice and your journey as a future teacher.
