Amidst the challenges of the Covid-19 era, one silver lining is the emergence of a new era of remote work and e-learning. This shift has also transformed the world of yoga teacher training, making it more accessible and flexible than ever before. With Yoga Alliance's decision to recognize online teacher trainings as compliant with their certification standards, a multitude of yoga schools have transitioned to fully online platforms. While this development has largely been positive for the yoga community, it has its downsides as well.
The growing accessibility of online platforms has given rise to multiple 'pop-up' courses, offering hastily designed curriculums at incredibly low prices. Unfortunately, many students end up frustrated with the lack of proper guidance upon enrolling. To help you navigate this evolving landscape, this article aims to provide insights on how to differentiate quality courses from subpar ones, ensuring you find the best online yoga teacher training suited for your personal journey.
10 Best Online Yoga Teacher Trainings
- YogaRenew
- My Vinyasa Practice
- Akasha Yoga Academy
- Brett Larkin Uplifted Yoga
- Zaz Yoga
- Yoga Farm Ithaca
- Online Yoga School - Yoga and Ayurveda Center
- Santosha Yoga Institute
- Siddhi Yoga
- Vinyasa YogaShala
Online Yoga School Reviews
1. YogaRenew
Yoga Renew offers a well-rounded and affordable YTT course, suitable for both beginners and advanced students. With a current price of $357, this comprehensive course is accessible for a wide range of yoga enthusiasts.
Included in the course are:
- Format: Self-paced
- Duration: 200 Hours (300-hour courses also available)
- Price: $357 or payment plan (6 monthly payments of $80)
- Yoga style: Vinyasa
- Instruction Materials: Teaching videos, 24-hour online support channels, regular live Zoom calls, bonus 50 class sequence plans, weekly newsletters, meditation videos, 3 e-books, and access to ongoing updates and teaching tips.
- Live Contact Hours: Weekly 1-hour Zoom calls
- Certification: Yoga Alliance approved
- Reviews: 4.9 stars on Trustpilot (out of 1238 reviews)
The course is designed to provide a strong foundation in yoga philosophy and practice, using a variety of materials like videos, readings, workbooks, and lectures. Students can work at their own pace and attend live Zoom sessions that fit their schedules. One student review highlights the beautiful videos and supportive community that keep students engaged and inspired throughout their yoga teacher training journey.
The main modules of the course cover a wide range of disciplines, including:
- History and Philosophy
- Yoga Anatomy
- Asanas
- Pranayama
- Meditation
- Yoga Business & Marketing
- Mudras
- Teaching Tips
- Sequencing & Structure
- Beyond the Mat
- Chakra Therapy
Different Styles of Yoga According to Kate Lombardo, a certified teacher from Yoga Renew, the course's interactive elements and feedback from instructors sets it apart from other online courses.
- Yoga Renew also offers the following benefits:
- Active and supportive online Facebook group with students and graduates worldwide
- Lifetime access to course materials
- Weekly live Zoom calls
- 30-day risk-free guarantee
- A helpful community for interacting with students and teachers on various platforms
Yoga Renew is beginner-friendly, and students can study at their own pace without deadlines. They also offer a Teacher Collective for new teachers to receive coaching and mentorship, helping them start their yoga business after completing their yoga teacher training.
2. My Vinyasa Practice
My Vinyasa Practice is a renowned yoga school focused on teaching vinyasa, hatha, and the practical application of yogic philosophy in daily life. This school offers affordable and accessible courses for budding yogis around the globe. The self-paced 200-hour online course is available for $425 when paid in full, or $850 when paid over six months. The course content includes instructional videos, e-copies of course materials, podcasts, and live streaming. Students can complete the course in as little as eight weeks or as long as they need.
Upon completion, graduates will be certified yoga teachers and eligible to teach in various settings such as studios, gyms, retreats, and clinical settings. My Vinyasa Practice has been offering Yoga Alliance-accredited teacher training courses since 2016 and successfully transitioned to an online format in March 2020. They continue to provide quality teacher training via self-paced modules and live Zoom sessions, ensuring trainees receive a comprehensive and personalized learning experience.
The course curriculum includes modules covering topics such as:
- History & Foundations of Vinyasa Yoga
- Yoga Sutras & Human Psychology
- Cultivating and Nurturing Your Practice
- Identifying Your Values & Self Reflection
- Practice Living Your Karma Through Your Dharma
Students participating in the program have praised its affordability, flexibility, and comprehensive course content. One student shared their experience, mentioning the value in accessible peer support, constructive feedback, and a user-friendly platform.
The course, led by teacher Michelle Young, offers a unique experience. With nearly 20 years of yoga practice and a M.Ed in Education and Curriculum Development, Michelle brings invaluable experience to course development. Additional features of the course include:
- Pre-recorded content accessible anytime
- Lifetime access to course materials
- Weekly live Zoom sessions
- Multiple online yoga teacher training options, such as 200-, 300-, and 500-hour courses
This well-rounded yoga training emphasizes philosophy and self-exploration, with modules like Cultivating and Nurturing Your Practice, Accessing Our Story & Integrating The Subtle Bodies, and Application of Yoga Philosophy Off The Mat. On top of these benefits, the program offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and features multiple expert guest teachers.
While the course has received rave reviews, one suggestion for improvement is more ways to connect with fellow students and instructors. Overall, My Vinyasa Practice ranks highly, scoring 8.7/10 on the Net Promoter Score, 4.8/5 from 2865 Yoga Alliance reviews, and 4.9/5 from 930 MindBodyOnline reviews.
Learn more at My Vinyasa Practice
3. Akasha Yoga Academy
Akasha Yoga Academy, registered with Yoga Alliance since March 2012, provides a deeply engaging and authentic yoga and meditation experience to students. They offer a range of Yoga Alliance-approved courses that can be taken from the comfort of their homes. The self-paced 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training offers various pacing options such as 4-week full-time, 12-week part-time, or a slower pace tailored to individual needs. Priced at $850, the course covers Hatha and Kundalini Hatha Yoga in the Vinyasa Krama style of Krishnamacharya. Students receive access to daily live sessions, interactive and recorded video content, e-books, and other digital materials.
Throughout the course, they'll explore the following main modules:
- Breath-based classical Hatha Yoga
- Energy-based Kundalini Yoga
- Spiritual Heart Meditation
- Non-dual teachings of Advaita Vedanta
The modules are divided into four parts:
- Alignment training, breathwork, heart meditation, practical philosophy, art of living, and chakras
- Advanced asanas, pranayama, bandha, applied Yoga anatomy, teaching skills, adjustment training, and posture study
- Bhagavad Gita, Yoga Sutras, purification, Yogic diet, sequencing, and learning to teach
- History of Yoga, self-practice, teaching, marketing, and networking
Students also gain access to 16 bonus sections, including Journey through the 7 Chakras, How to Teach Yoga Online, and an Ayurveda Foundation Course.
Led by three experienced teachers—Berhard, Kirsten, and Devdas—each with their own unique understanding and specialties in Hatha Yoga, Bhakti, Pranayama, and Meditation, the course goes beyond just teaching yoga. It focuses on creating a holistic learning experience that many students describe as transformative.
An attractive feature of Akasha Yoga Academy is the daily Zoom calls and the interactive group setting, which encourages students to ask questions and listen to others' insights. Participants can also benefit from lifetime access to instructional resources, over 200 state-of-the-art videos, continuing mentoring, and a sense of community.
For anyone unsure about the course, Akasha Yoga Academy offers a free one-week trial to experience six hours of classes and access to the course curriculum. The flexibility of the program allows students to complete the course at their own pace, with no time constraints. To sum up, Akasha Yoga Academy's online Yoga Teacher Training offers an immersive, engaging, and comprehensive experience, helping students deepen their personal practice and share their passion for yoga with others.
Learn more at Akasha Yoga Academy
4. Brett Larkin Uplifted Yoga
Brett Larkin's Uplifted Yoga school stands out as one of the top choices for online yoga teacher training. As a pioneer in the field, Brett has been delivering online yoga teacher training courses since 2015. Participants can expect a comprehensive and personalized experience, learning from expert instructors in a supportive environment.
Included in the course:
- Format: Self-paced
- Duration: 200 hours (options for 300-hour, 500-hour, and a special 200-hour bridge course for qualified trainees seeking to enhance their skills)
- Price: $2850 or 6 monthly installments of $475 (bridge program costs $1450 or 4 monthly installments of $287)
- Yoga Style: Hatha/Vinyasa (a 200-hour Kundalini Course is also available)
- Medium and Instructional Materials: Award-winning videos, mobile app, e-copies of 600-page course material, live trainings, and over 4 hours of live video calls with one-to-one interactions
- Live Contact Hours: 3 hours per week (3 live classes each 1 hour) with a requirement of attending 1 live class per week to graduate
- Certification: Yoga Alliance approved
- Student Reviews: Extremely positive
While the course may not be the cheapest option, Brett emphasizes the value of quality over low-cost alternatives. Uplifted Yoga offers exceptional content, individualized support, and access to skilled instructors, including Brett herself. They even provide over 10 hours of business training to support graduates in becoming successful online yoga instructors. Joining the Uplifted Yoga teacher training opens up a world of community and connection with fellow trainees and graduates, helping to kickstart a rewarding teaching journey.
Key elements of the course:
- Brett Larkin's 15 years of online yoga teaching experience
- 4 hours of live video calls and one-on-one interaction
- 10 hours of yoga business training
- Group-based experience, with students beginning and ending the course together
- High graduation rate of 96%
- Flexible interest-free payment plans
- Direct access to Brett Larkin for personalized guidance
- Lifetime access to course content
- Real-time feedback on poses through live practice teaching sessions
What participants enjoy:
- Strong support system
- Live communication
- Community involvement
- Comprehensive course content
Areas for improvement:
- The next training session is not available until January 2023
With a Net Promoter Score of 8.9/10 and a Yoga Alliance school rating of 4.83/5 (out of 420 reviews), Brett Larkin's Uplifted Yoga stands as an excellent choice for those seeking a quality online yoga teacher training experience. This program is particularly well-suited for those who appreciate support, live communication, and a communal atmosphere.
Learn more at Brett Larkin Uplifted Yoga
5. Zaz Yoga
ZazYoga is an online yoga teacher training program led by Bali-based instructors, Marylene Henry and Ella Trotter. The 200-hour Yoga Alliance certified course provides comprehensive training and support for individuals looking to become yoga teachers. The flexibility of the program allows students to complete the full course in 30 days or spread it out over 12 months.
What's Included:
- Format: Self-paced course taking anywhere between 1-12 months with one-on-one support
- Duration: 200 hours, completed full-time in 30 days or part-time according to personal schedules
- Price: US$ 1,397 (reduced from US$ 2,800), with 3, 6, or 9-month payment plan options
- Yoga styles: Focus on Vinyasa, Restorative, and Yoga Nidra
- Learning materials: 160 hours of video content, manuals, worksheets, three personal calls with instructors, two practice Zoom calls, weekly live group calls, and online teacher practice sessions
- Live contact hours: A total of 10 hours, with three hours of one-on-one calls with instructors, two hours of personal practice Zoom calls, weekly live group calls, and an online teacher practice session
- Certification: Yoga Alliance certified
- Student reviews: Positive reviews on the Yoga Alliance site and online
The course places a strong emphasis on functional anatomy, alignment, and the mind-body connection. Although no prior yoga experience is required, at least one year of practice is recommended due to the demanding nature of the practical sessions. Instructors are highly accessible to students, and a one-week refund policy is available for those who are not satisfied with the course. One enthusiastic student, Mayra Leal, shared her appreciation for the course, saying,
I felt very supported throughout this process. Their feedback was always very thorough and detailed, which was super helpful. Can't wait to start sharing the practice with others.
The main course modules cover a wide range of topics, including:
- Original morning practices
- Asana labs
- In-depth yoga philosophy and history
- Functional yoga anatomy and physiology
- Restorative yoga classes
- Guided yoga nidra sessions
- Detailed teaching skills
- Yoga sequencing skills
- Subtle anatomy and chakra sequences
Marylene Henry, one of the course instructors, states that the training "will help you break through limiting beliefs, uncover new levels of mindfulness, so you can feel more connected, graduate changed for the better and ready to start your career immediately."
- Some unique features of the ZazYoga course:
- The ability to contact instructors before signing up
- Submission of module videos for collective feedback from course participants
- Continued support as a teacher after completing the program
Pros:
- 3-day free trial
- Free discovery call allows transparency
- Easy access to instructors through email, WhatsApp, and Zoom
- Interaction with others in a private Facebook group
- No commitment with a 7-day full refund policy
- Marylene's expertise in anatomy and alignment as a PhD candidate in Osteopathy
Cons:
- Hidden Net Promoter Score (NPS)
The Yoga Alliance overall rating for ZazYoga is 4.9 stars out of 5, based on 45 reviews. Additionally, the program has a perfect 5 stars on their Facebook page from 14 reviews. With its flexible, comprehensive, and supportive approach, ZazYoga could be the right online yoga teacher training course for many aspiring instructors.
6. Yoga Farm Ithaca
Yoga Farm Ithaca offers a well-structured Radiant Warrior teacher training program for individuals looking for comprehensive online yoga teacher courses. The course is a 200-hour program that focuses on Vinyasa and Hatha yoga styles. The self-paced course has a fixed start and end date, allowing students to complete the program in three months. However, course access lasts for one year, offering flexibility for those who wish to move at a slower pace. The program's main instructors, Jeannie O'Neill, Christopher Grant, and Daniela Hess Grant, are experienced yoga teachers who have been in the industry for several decades
Course Features
- Price: The course is priced at USD 899, with payment plans available over 5 and 9 months
- Yoga styles: Vinyasa and Hatha yoga
- Medium and instruction materials: The course includes live Zoom classes, pre-recorded sessions, and small group interactions
- Live contact hours: Daily live sessions are followed by Q&A or office hour sessions several times a week.
- Certification: Upon completion, students are granted YA certification. Student reviews show a highly positive experience, praising the course for its personal attention and support from instructors.
Modules Covered
- Overview of Yoga: An introduction to the Eight Limbs, basic poses, and Radiant Warrior Yoga flows, as well as mindfulness and meditation practices.
- Cultivating Awareness: Introduction to Western and subtle anatomy, sequencing yoga classes, beginning teaching, and understanding yoga ethics.
- When the Teacher is Ready: Exploring strength and flexibility in yoga, breathwork, meditation, the role of the teacher, brain anatomy, and teaching online.
- Be the Change: Improving sequencing skills, mindfulness, self-care, core muscles in yoga, using props and modifications, trauma-informed methods, and exploring meditation.
- Teach Your Path: Off-the-mat teaching, adjustments, assists, hip and pelvis anatomy, obtaining consent for adjustments, abundance and neuroscience basics, teaching technology, and teaching in schools.
One unique aspect of this course is its team of 10 instructors, which provides students with varying perspectives and expertise. The curriculum was developed by former public school educators, providing a comprehensive and thorough learning experience.
The group format, with a cohort completing the course together over three months, helps to build community and keep students engaged. Additionally, instructors provide plenty of feedback and are accessible through various communication channels. It is important to note that Yoga Farm Ithaca does not offer refunds.
However, their Net Promoter Score (NPS) is an impressive 9.4/10, with an overall Yoga Alliance rating of 4.9/5 (based on 726 reviews) and a Facebook review rating of 4.9/5 (based on 42 reviews). These ratings showcase their dedication to providing quality education to aspiring yoga teachers.
Learn more at Yoga Farm Ithaca
7. Online Yoga School - Yoga and Ayurveda Center
The Online Yoga School, originally known as the Yoga and Ayurveda Center, has gained significant attention for being a completely digital studio with over 4000 reviews on Yoga Alliance's website. The primary instructor, Steph Ball-Mitchell, offers a comprehensive program that encourages a self-paced learning experience and a lifetime membership.
What's included:
- Format: Online, self-paced learning with rolling enrollment
- Duration: 200 hours plus 50 bonus hours of training
- Price: $395 USD, payment plans available
- Yoga styles: Hatha and Vinyasa yoga, with bonus chair and restorative yoga lessons
- Instruction Materials: Primarily pre-recorded videos, with various communication options for additional support
- Live Contact Hours: Optional Q&A session and weekly Zoom feedback sessions
- Certification: Yoga Alliance certified
Students have praised the hands-on teaching approach and accessibility of Steph, who is available for questions via text messages. The diverse topics covered in the modules include Sanskrit, Ayurveda, and the business aspects of running a yoga practice. Satisfied students have shared positive experiences, like Sheri Rowe, who stated the continually updated content and live discussions provided a valuable learning experience.
The main modules involve yoga philosophy, history, teaching methodology, and understanding the body, among other topics. In addition to the core 200-hour program, the Online Yoga School offers bonus certifications in restorative yoga, chair yoga, Ayurveda specialization, and meditation, along with various teaching tools.
Steph Ball-Mitchell emphasizes her availability and commitment to supporting students throughout their journey, making the online program stand out with over 4000+ positive reviews on the Yoga Alliance website and strong connections between teachers and students. The Online Yoga School also offers different bundled courses, including 500-hour YTT, Yin yoga YTT, Meditation YTT, and Prenatal YTT, on top of its main program. Despite the confusing website layout, the school offers a flexible approach to learning and affordable pricing, making it a popular choice amongst aspiring yoga instructors.
Learn more at Online Yoga School - Yoga and Ayurveda Center
8. Santosha Yoga Institute
Santosha Yoga Institute is a highly regarded online and in-person yoga school. It's led by founder Sunny Richards and a team of six teachers, with over 22 years of experience in teaching yoga. Although originally offering in-person trainings in Bali and Australia, the institute shifted to online courses due to the pandemic and gradually resumed in-person offerings.
Course Details
Students can enroll in self-paced courses, which are structured as 30-day intensives.
However, they can be completed at any time within a year or longer. The institute offers unlimited lifetime access to its course materials, with classes available across three time zones, catering to students' individual schedules.
The total duration of the course is 200 hours, and it's priced at AUD 1,490 (reduced from AUD 2,990), with a 5-month payment plan available.
The focus of this program is on Vinyasa and Hatha Yoga, but it also includes yoga therapy and four optional add-on teacher training certificates. The course uses live classes and pre-recorded videos to provide an interactive learning experience.
The curriculum features live contacts hours with 30 classes per month, and upon completion, students receive a Yoga Alliance certification.
Standout Features
One of the unique aspects of Santosha Yoga Institute's courses is the live training offered. The teachers proactively collaborate with students to schedule classes at convenient times, with instructors available in various parts of the world, ensuring accessibility across three different time zones.
This comprehensive online yoga teacher training covers all aspects of yoga, providing students with an in-depth understanding and ample contact with instructors.
Reviews and Testimonials Students speak highly of the course, with one student from the UK, Stephanie, stating that the self-paced nature of the training taught her to be kinder to herself and allowed her to maintain balance in her busy life.
The main modules of the course include:
- Yoga Anatomy
- Yoga Postures
- Developing Self Practice
- Teaching and Sequencing
- Meditation
- Pranayama
- Therapeutic Application of Yoga
- Yoga and Mental Health
- Yoga Business
- Trauma-Informed Yoga Teaching
- Yogic Philosophy and Sutras
- Philosophy for Daily Living
- Yoga Nidra
- Mantra and Kirtan
- Pre and Post Natal Yoga
Sunny Richards, the institute's founder, emphasizes that practicing yoga has quieted her mind, enhanced her patience, and improved her overall well-being.
Unique Advantages
- The Santosha Yoga Institute stands out for several reasons:
- Operating as a yoga school for 14 years
- Readily accessible main teacher through WhatsApp
- A diverse learning approach with multiple modules and platforms
- Ongoing support for teacher development post-training
- Teachers in 3 different time zones
- Option to upgrade to in-person training in Bali or Byron Bay for an additional fee
- Additional optional training modules for specialized certificates
This course is an excellent choice for those seeking a live, fully immersive training experience, with daily online classes and exceptional accessibility to teachers. The Santosha Yoga Institute has earned outstanding ratings both on Yoga Alliance (4.32 out of 5 stars from 401 reviews) and Google Reviews (4.8 out of 5 stars from 112 reviews)
Learn more at Santosha Yoga Institute
9. Siddhi Yoga
Siddhi Yoga Online offers a comprehensive yoga teacher training program that originates from India, the birthplace of yoga. With a focus on Indian yogic tradition, the course covers various yoga styles, including Hatha, Ashtanga, Kundalini, and Vinyasa.
Key Features
- Format: Self-paced with one-on-one interactions
- Duration: 200 hours
- Price: $397 (full) or 3 monthly installments of $165
- Medium: Pre-recorded lectures, 300-page written manual, daily live sessions, mentor interactions, access to a private group, and guided meditations
- Certification: Yoga Alliance approved
- Live Contact Hours: Daily live sessions (30 sessions total, 30+ hours)
The course is led by three experienced Indian yoga teachers — Dr. Sumit Sharma, Dr. Shobhit Ghanshyala, and Yogacharya Sandeep Pandey. Their expertise ensures comprehensive training in both yoga philosophy and practice. When you enroll in the course, you will receive access to:
- A 300-page manual
- Over 250 video lessons
- Weekly live Zoom classes
Upon graduation, students will have lifetime access to the course material and become part of the growing Siddhi Yoga community.
Course Modules
- Yoga Anatomy
- Asanas
- Yoga Philosophy
- Bhakti Yoga (devotional practices)
- Pranayama
- Teaching methodology
- Yoga Mudras
- Bonus: Ayurveda Certification
- Bonus: Restorative Teacher Training Certification
Siddhi Yoga Online stands out due to its daily live sessions, lifetime access to course materials, and connection to a private online student community. The course emphasizes the spiritual aspect of yoga and has deep roots in Indian tradition. Please note that Siddhi Yoga has chosen not to publicly disclose their Net Promoter Score (NPS). They have an overall Yoga Alliance rating of 4.82/5 (based on 244 reviews) and a 4.9/5 rating on their Facebook page (based on 233 reviews).
10. Vinyasa YogaShala
Vinyasa YogaShala, based in Rishikesh, India, has over 10 years of expertise, providing students with exposure to numerous yoga styles and yogic philosophies. With more than 100 hours of video recording, students can communicate with teachers anytime they have questions or concerns.
What's included:
- Format: Live Zoom classes on weekends, and you complete the course at your own pace
- Duration: Lifetime access.
- Price: $390 (50% discount until September), regular price $780
- Yoga Styles: Hatha Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Yin Yoga, Kundalini Yoga
- Medium and Instruction Materials: All content, instructions, and videos are provided online, divided into 15 modules and 125 classes. In addition, online yogic texts and live Zoom classes are available on weekends
- Live Contact Hours: Weekly live sessions (on weekends), and you can attend as many as you need (4hrs a month)
- Certification: Yoga Alliance certified
- Student Reviews: Read here. They have plenty of reviews on other platforms like FB, Google, and Trustpilot but not on the Yoga Alliance website.
Vinyasa YogaShala's training is particularly suitable for students who want to connect with Indian yogic traditions. Moreover, language and cultural differences are not an issue, thanks to their clear instructions and easily understood accents. For reassurance, potential students can try a few free trial modules before committing to the course.
Main modules include:
- Kundalini Tantra Physiology
- Yogic Diet
- Special 10-day Yoga Nidra Teacher Training Course (extra)
- Exposure to different modalities of Hatha Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Yin Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, and Mantra Yoga.
What sets the course apart?
- Emphasis on traditional yogic science and Indian cultural yogic tradition
- Mentoring and advice for students even after course completion
- Lifetime access to training materials
- Access to teachers via WhatsApp
- Online group discussions with other students
- Offers six different yoga modalities
Vinyasa YogaShala Reviews:
Pros:
- Unique Indian yogic tradition influence
- Training in various forms of yoga asana
- Free trial of 8 lessons before purchasing
- Access to teachers via WhatsApp
- Offers six different yoga modalities
Areas For Improvement:
- Hidden Net Promoter Score (NPS)
- Some discrepancies on their website regarding course details, like lifetime access mentions or pricing.
Their Net Promoter Score (NPS) is 8.8/10, while their Yoga Alliance rating is 4.87/5 based on 26 reviews, and their online platform Trust Pilot rating is 4.8/5 from 101 reviews.
Learn more at Vinyasa YogaShala
How We Selected Yoga Schools
In this section, we will discuss the criteria we used for choosing the best yoga schools. We have considered a variety of factors such as feedback from Yoga Alliance, overall school rating, Net Promoter Score (NPS), and other quality indicators.
Feedback from Yoga Alliance Reviews
Yoga Alliance gathers valuable feedback from trainees who have attended the courses. This information serves as a primary measure in evaluating the quality of the yoga schools.
Overall School Ratings
Each Registered Yoga School displays an overall rating out of 5 stars on their Yoga Alliance profile. This rating represents the quality of the teacher training courses based on the opinions of past trainees. Yoga Alliance ensures that schools are reviewed regularly by making it compulsory for trainees to submit ratings and feedback.
Net Promoter Score (NPS)
NPS is a common business metric measuring customer loyalty and satisfaction. It indicates how likely trainees are to recommend the course to others. Yoga schools calculate NPS by asking trainees to rate the likelihood of recommending the program on a scale from 0 to 10. Then, the overall NPS score is determined by subtracting the percentage of detractors from promoters and converting it into a score out of 10.
Additional Quality Indicators
To create a more comprehensive list of top YTT courses, we also considered factors such as:
- Number of reviews on different platforms
- The school's online and physical presence
- The ability to try a course before purchasing
- The comprehensiveness and structure of the course material
- Access to teachers for questions and guidance
We have also included the price, format, style, medium of instruction, and teachers' reputation as factors in determining the quality of a yoga teacher training.
Is An Online Yoga Teacher Training Really as Good as In-Person?
The Key Advantages
- No location barriers: With online yoga certifications, individuals can learn from their own homes and access the best schools and teachers worldwide without travel restrictions.
- Flexible learning: Online yoga courses often allow students to work at their own pace and choose the most convenient times to study.
- Boosts self-discipline: Completing an online course independently helps develop self-discipline and personal responsibility, valuable qualities in any field.
- Develop practice at home: For those with demanding jobs or busy schedules, online yoga teacher training allows them to immerse themselves in their practice at home.
Potential Drawbacks
- Limited personal interaction: Some may prefer physical interactions, especially in areas like adjustments & alignment and practicing teaching, where virtual formats fall short.
- Challenge of staying disciplined: Self-paced online yoga teacher trainings may pose difficulties for those who struggle with self-discipline.
- Lack of community: An online format does not provide the same opportunity to meet fellow aspiring yogis and build camaraderie within a group.
- Credibility concerns: Previously, online yoga teacher trainings could not be Yoga Alliance certified. Although this has changed, some schools may still view in-person qualifications as more reputable.
Ultimately, the decision to pursue online or in-person yoga teacher training depends on personal preferences, individual circumstances, and specific objectives. Both approaches offer their own unique benefits.
How to Become a Yoga Instructor Online?
Is Online Yoga Certification Genuine? Due to recent advancements in technology, high-quality online yoga teacher training has become available, with renowned teachers such as Brett Larkin offering online instruction. Such courses have now received accreditation from Yoga Alliance, making online yoga certifications just as legitimate as traditional in-person training.
Is Certification Necessary for Teaching Yoga?
Although the yoga industry is largely unregulated and certification is not mandatory for becoming a yoga instructor, it is highly recommended to complete a yoga teacher training from a certified school. Many top yoga studios require instructors to have at least a 200-hour YTT certification, and having one adds credibility to your name.
Understanding the Certification Process
Yoga Alliance is a well-known and respected accreditation entity for certified trainings, comprising over 7,000 registered yoga schools (RYSs) and more than 100,000 registered yoga teachers (RYTs) worldwide. It provides a quantitative framework for evaluating training courses and teachers, making sure they meet quality standards. Their certifications have become a benchmark for quality, and many top studios prefer hiring teachers who are certified through a Yoga Alliance-approved course.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Yoga Alliance now allows Registered Yoga Schools (RYSs) to offer virtual contact hours as a replacement for their in-person contact hour requirements until December 31, 2023.
Different Levels of Yoga Certification
There are three main types of yoga certification:
- 200-hour yoga teacher training: Basic yoga training course, often completed in immersion formats of 4 weeks or 6 months during weekends.
- 300-hour yoga teacher training: Advanced yoga teaching course, usually lasting six weeks full-time or longer if done online.
- 500-hour yoga teacher training: A combination of both 200-hour and 300-hour courses. Other 50-hour and 100-hour courses focus on specialized forms of yoga, such as yoga nidra or yin yoga.
Common Queries from Yoga Students Seeking Teacher Training
- How long should one practice yoga before taking a teacher training course? There is no specific requirement for the duration of practice before joining a program. However, it is helpful to have gained some experience to get the most out of the course.
How to Select the Top Online Yoga Teacher Training?
Factors to Evaluate and Inquiries to Make
A comprehensive yoga training goes beyond learning a few poses; it entails understanding anatomy, alignment, adjustment, ethics, and becoming a successful yoga teacher. Proper training is essential, and selecting the right online yoga course for you depends on your interests and needs. Here are some essential factors to consider when choosing an online yoga teacher training:
Yoga Styles You Want to Teach The first question should be the type of yoga style you're interested in teaching. Online yoga courses usually focus on specific yoga styles, such as Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Yin, Iyengar, Restorative, and others. Many courses offer a blend of styles or at least a few modules on various styles, but they will still have a primary focus. Choose a program that aligns with your preferred style.
Instruction Medium
Online yoga courses utilize diverse formats, including live videos, recorded videos, group meetings, chat rooms, one-on-one coaching, feedback sessions, written handbooks, textbooks, mobile apps, WhatsApp, and email. Tailor your selection to a course that fits your learning style.
The Instructors
As a key component of any yoga teacher training course, the instructors are responsible for guiding you through the curriculum. To ensure a high level of expertise and knowledge, conduct preliminary research on the teachers. Review introductory videos, personal bios, and sample classes.
Physical Presence of a Yoga School
While it might seem odd to consider a physical location for an online course, an established physical yoga school can reinforce trust and accountability. Researching the school's reputation, reading reviews, and, if possible, visiting the school in-person can be beneficial.
Reviews and Testimonials
By considering the opinions of past students, you can gain an accurate understanding of a yoga school's training quality. Browse testimonials on their website and look for unbiased reviews on third-party sites.
Yoga Alliance Certification
Ensure that the program is Yoga Alliance approved to guarantee trustworthiness and the option to become Yoga Alliance certified once the course is complete.
Time Investment
Courses can vary from one month to a year or more, depending on the structure of the program. Evaluate whether a self-paced course or a fixed-duration course aligns with your time commitments and constraints.
Cost of the Training
The price range for a 200-hour yoga teacher training can vary extensively, from $300 to $3000. The cost is influenced by the medium of instruction, teachers' quality, course structure, and provided materials and support. Keep in mind that excessively affordable courses may lack quality. By evaluating these factors and asking relevant questions, you can choose the best online yoga teacher training program that suits your needs and preferences.
What to Do After Completing Your Yoga Teacher Training?
Exploring Your Options
After finishing your yoga teacher training, you have various directions to take as a certified teacher. Your preferences and goals will determine the path that suits you best. Some questions to consider:
- Do you want to establish a yoga teaching business?
- Would you prefer teaching private clients?
- Are you interested in working at a yoga studio?
- Or do you see yourself teaching online?
Teach at a Yoga Studio
One of the most straightforward choices is to join an existing yoga studio as a recently certified instructor. This is an excellent opportunity for new teachers to gain experience, build a reputation, and foster connections in the yoga community.
Conduct Private Lessons
Private teaching often comes after gaining studio experience. As you teach at studios, gyms, and resorts, you'll build relationships and contacts with students who may request private sessions. Although structuring private classes can be profitable and allows you to set your own hours and teaching style, attracting clients might be challenging.
Offer Yoga Classes to Companies
With the rising popularity of yoga, many companies offer yoga classes to their employees to promote well-being. Exploring this option involves connecting with local businesses and proposing your services as a regular yoga instructor.
Teach at Yoga Retreats
Both well-established and famous yoga instructors often hold their own retreats. These instructors frequently seek assistant teachers, especially for large groups, providing an opportunity to gain retreat teaching experience. Typically, retreat involvement occurs through personal connections. With enough experience, you might even consider organizing your own retreats. Gaining a dedicated following of students will help in marketing and filling spots in these events.
Provide Online Classes
Online yoga instruction has grown exponentially, creating numerous opportunities. Having completed your yoga teacher training online, you understand the requirements for teaching in this format. Many online yoga teacher training courses even include specific units on conducting online classes. For guidance on starting a yoga business, consider resources from Brett Larkin and Yoga Renew (YogaRenew Teacher Collective). Starting by teaching through an established online platform will provide you with experience before transitioning to offering your own private online classes. Some teachers have found immense success in creating a YouTube channel and attracting subscribers through free instructional videos. Although this process requires patience and effort, the long-term rewards can be substantial.
Establish a Yoga Teacher Training Business
As your career as a senior yoga instructor progresses, you might reach a point where you can train other teachers. While this may be a long-term goal, it's a possibility to consider when mapping out your journey. Best of luck on your path ahead. Namaste.
