We independently research, test, review, and recommend the bestproducts—learn more about our process . If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Are you ready to take your yoga practice to the next level? Whether you’re looking for a career change or just interested in taking a deep dive into yoga philosophy and technique, enrolling in the right teacher training program can help you achieve your goals. Yoga teacher training programs are offered in-person and online. Most have a 200-hour registered yoga teacher (RYT) curriculum, with some providing further instruction to earn a 300- or 500-hour certification. Earning a 200-hour yoga teacher training allows you to provide instruction online or in person. You can choose to be self-employed or to work for a company. From teaching internationally to teaching in a yoga studio, gym, health club, school, or even for a special population, the possibilities are endless. That said, sifting through all the options and determining which programs are legitimate can feel overwhelming, so we've done the research for you. Here, we go over the pros and cons, key specs, and some background information on the best yoga teacher training programs. Best Yoga Teacher Training Programs Best Yoga Teacher Training Programs Final Verdict Comparing Yoga Teacher Training Programs Frequently Asked Questions Key Specs Why We Chose It YogaWorks teacher training program offers both an entry-level and advanced curriculum at an affordable price. Pros & Cons Pros Offers weekday, weekend, online, and all-inclusive trainings Choice between 200- and 300-hour program Focus on philosophy, postures, breathing, and meditation Cons Requires payment in full to receive lowest price All-inclusive trainings are very expensive Online schedule requires Zoom meetings that may not fit a busy lifestyle Offering a series of 200- and 300-hour yoga teacher trainings in various locations around the world, YogaWorks is flexible with the types of education provided. The courses can be taken throughout the week as a four-week long immersive or on weekends over several months. The training place equal importance on both the philosophical teachings of yoga and the postures and hands-on adjustments. Focusing on teaching proper alignment and body anatomy is critical for every YogaWorks training, and the use of props to modify postures plays a key role. The 300-hour training is more advanced, offering one-on-one mentorship, as well as more in-depth insight into meditation and yoga philosophy. Participants also gain free access for three months to the online classes offered on YogaWorks' website. Training rates vary depending on the location and the type of instruction you choose—expect to spend anywhere from around $2,900 to $3,500 for a month-long training. YogaWorks hosts both domestic and international training locations including Bali, Greece, Northern California, New Hampshire, and more. People over 62 years old receive discounted tuition at $2,500. Check out the YogaWorks training calendar for more information on dates, locations, instructors, and pricing. To enroll, you must have had six to 12 months of consistent yoga practice before attending. Key Specs Why We Chose It The Kripalu Center offers three ways to receive a 200-hour certification, making it easier for beginners to become certified teachers. Pros & Cons Pros Well-known and respected program Online, in-person, and hybrid courses available Thorough curriculum and knowledgeable teachers Beautiful setting Cons More expensive than other trainings Hour credits from other programs do not transfer The non-profit Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health is located in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, and is an immersive experience perfect for greener yogis. The in-person model requires your attendance at the center for two 12-day sessions, usually hosted about five to six weeks apart. Kripalu also offers 300- or 1000-hour yoga certificates. The foundational program focuses on Kripalu Yoga’s 21 foundational asanas, however, you will also learn anatomy and physiology, and how to structure engaging classes, including assists, warm-ups, asanas, pranayama, relaxation, and meditation techniques. There is an emphasis on yogic tradition. It’s not mandated that you stay at the center for your training, though it’s highly recommended. The hybrid model includes four on-campus weekends (from a Thursday to Sunday). The course costs $2,700 whether you opt for in-person, hybrid, or fully online certification (hybrid and in-person also have associated fees for food and accommodation). The Kripalu dining hall and cafe serve whole, nourishing foods including poultry, fish, whole grains, seasonal vegetables, bakery items, and more. Fully vegetarians or gluten-free options are available. Key Specs Why We Chose It The Vinyasa Yoga School offers a 30-day intensive, immersive training for 200- and 300-hour yoga certifications with a focus on Vinyasa. Pros & Cons Pros 200, 300, and 500 hour yoga teacher trainings Overall cost is reasonable for what you get Intensive teacher training over 30 days Cons Need to travel to school, located in Rishikesh, India Reservation deposits are non-refundable If you're looking to immerse yourself in all things yoga during your teacher training, consider choosing a program in Rishikesh. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas beside the Ganges River, this Indian city is renowned for its numerous yoga and meditation ashrams. Vinyasa Yoga School, one of the first in Rishikesh to offer this type of flow style, has multiple 200-, 300-, and 500-hour yoga teacher trainings throughout the year. Its immersive 200- hour training lasts for 24 days and the 300-hour training is 27 days—the 500-hour training is 60 days long—with participants living onsite studying yoga six days a week. The school's primary goal is to impart to future teachers that yoga is a holistic practice going beyond just the physical postures. Vinyasa Yoga School might be a good fit if you're looking to gain insight into the other aspects of the practice. The programs all dedicate time to the spiritual, silent elements of yoga such as pranayama, meditation techniques, mantras, and more. Part of each student's teacher training tuition goes to fund some of the school's nonprofit initiatives like providing food and yoga education in the local community in Rishikesh. A 200-hour teacher training, perfect for beginners and establishing your yoga foundation, costs around $1,5o0 (not including travel expenses). The program includes all training (the length varies by course), yoga course materials, a room (you can opt for private or shared) with a hot shower and WiFi, breakfast and dinner, field trips, yoga props for classes, access to a garden, and a Yoga Alliance RYT200 certificate. Check out their calendar to find out about the upcoming Vinyasa teacher trainings. Note that there is also a location in Bali. Key Specs Why We Chose It: One Breath of Yoga focuses on the traditional Ashtanga practice and includes a deep dive into yoga philosophy and theory. Pros Ashtanga Vinyasa focused program Additional training in pranayama and meditation techniques Facility located in the middle of a Mayan jungle Cons Need to travel to training location Cost of teacher training and travel is significant Only offers a 200-hour training program Dedicated to the traditional Ashtanga practice, One Breath of Yoga is the place to go if you're looking to surround yourself with nature while learning the very physical Mysore-style practice. Set in the middle of a Mayan jungle in Puerto Morelos in Mexico, this serene ashram places specific importance on the connection between ourselves and the environment we live in. Months-long immersions and teacher trainings include pranayama and meditation techniques. In addition to the instruction, students can participate in indigenous, Mexican healing ceremonies such as cacao, medicinal plants, and rebirth ceremonies. There's even an on-site sweat lodge, traditionally known as a Temazcal participants are free to use. Days off can be spent on the white-sand beaches along Mexico's Caribbean coast, which are less than a 3-mile drive from the property. Rates vary depending on the workshop and training offered. Accommodations are also available and include Wi-Fi and access to a communal kitchen. All meals are raw and vegan, and lunch and dinner are included in the base price. Like other trainings on this list, upon completion of the program, you’ll receive a Yoga Alliance Certificate (RYT 200 hour). Key Specs Why We Chose It Y7 Studios' high-temperature classes are just one reason this teacher training program made the list. It offers a comprehensive online teacher training program appropriate for all levels. Pros & Cons Pros Engaging interactive online training program Expanded offerings include prenatal yoga, restorative yoga, and trauma-informed yoga 200-hour training program; option for 300-hour training program Option to complete the program fully online or in a hybrid model in NYCA Cons No in-person training programs Must commit to three days a week of Zoom classes Requires a non-refundable deposit Y7 Studio works to make yoga inclusive and accessible for all members of its community with the mission to break down the traditional barriers that beginner practitioners face. It's also a great option for those looking for a fully remote yoga teacher training program. The brand's candle-lit classes focus on high-energy beats and high temperatures. Each studio is heated via infrared technology between around 80 to 90 degrees to help improve blood circulation and increase flexibility. Hands-on training is key to any Y7 training, which focuses on an in-depth exploration of over 100 asanas, as well as the proper alignment techniques and modifications for each pose. The studio boosted its contact hours and has shifted its format slightly to make training more engaging, even in their online trainings on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. There is also the option to take in-person classes on Saturday at the East Village location in NYC; you can choose to attend some Saturdays in person and others online. You must show proof of vaccination to attend in person. The business of yoga, its philosophy, and meditation and breathing techniques are all part of the Y7 curriculum. Pricing for the 200-hour teacher training is approximately $2,900 with a non-refundable deposit. They also offer a payment plan option of sis, interest-free payments of $483 per month. Partial scholarships are available to yoga teachers in need, and preference is given to those working to spread the practice of yoga within their communities. Key Specs Why We Chose It The Himalayan Institute fully immerses students in trainings that dive deep into different aspects of teaching yoga including philosophy, asanas and forms, and teaching methods. Pros & Cons Pros Prepares you for all aspects of teaching Well-regarded program Immersive experience in a beautiful setting or online Scholarships available Cons May have to live near school or travel frequently Expensive Located in Honesdale, PA, The Himalayan Institute is a quiet, peaceful setting of over 400 acres in the foothills of the Pocono Mountains where you can get well-rounded, comprehensive yoga teacher training. The dates for 2023 have not yet been announced, however, 200- and 300-hour training sessions are available. Trainings in 2022 were held fully online, but with the campus open again, 2023 dates may be offered in person. In the past, yoga trainings at the Himalayan Institute consisted of several sessions on campus spread out over a period of time. For this reason, it may make sense to live within driving distance. The curriculum covers skills, techniques, and teaching methods from highly trained faculty. You’ll learn Asana, Pranayama, meditation, philosophy, ethics of yoga, scientific knowledge like anatomy and physiology, and much more. Pricing for the course starts at $2,399 but doesn't include accommodation, so if you opt for the in-person training, be sure to check the additional fees for housing. Choosing a yoga teacher training program is a very personal decision. The YogaWorks program is our pick for the best overall yoga teacher training program because it's very flexible with weekday, weekend, online, and all-inclusive trainings, which cater to many lifestyles. The program is well-regarded and the curriculum is thorough with an emphasis on the poses themselves, safety, and how to teach engaging classes. Need-based scholarships are available. Beyond cost and location, consider the type of yoga, additional offerings, and program length. The teacher training programs in this list provide potential students with a range of choices. If you're looking to be immersed in a month-long, all-inclusive experience, consider Vinyasa Yoga School or One Breath Yoga. Hatha, Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Yin, Yoga Nidra: Given the number of different styles of yoga that currently exist, picking the right yoga teacher training can be a daunting task. If you’ve been going to a particular style of yoga class and enjoy it, then your choice is easy. The next step would be determining where exactly you want to get trained. Usually, teacher trainings offered abroad in India, Mexico, and Southeast Asia are immersive programs that require you to stay for three or four weeks onsite, and pricing is often reflective of room and board, as well as meals. While these comprehensive trainings are invaluable, they may be cost-prohibitive for some. That said, if you're looking to combine a vacation with yoga training, some yoga schools offer add-on amenities depending on the location, like adventure tours or cultural immersion programs. A certified yoga teacher training program typically meets the required industry standards of what is expected from yoga training. If you’re interested in getting a certificate to teach, then your best bet is to look for teacher trainings that allow you to be a registered yoga instructor at the conclusion. That means you get an official certificate from Yoga Alliance, a recognized training body of yoga in the world. Schools that are Yoga Alliance-certified follow a strict framework that allows them to lead not just 200-hour yoga teacher trainings but 300- and 500-hour programs as well. Studios that are Yoga Alliance-certified will feature the Yoga Alliance logo on all of their courses. When in doubt, it’s best to inquire with the school directly. RYT 200 stands for a registered yoga teacher who has completed a 200-hour teacher training and grants the minimum required hours to teach. An RYT 500 training stands for a registered yoga teacher who has completed both a 200-hour training and an additional 300 hours of yoga training, which is often more specialized. This additional training is separate from the 200 hours and advances you to become a more experienced teacher. You must have a minimum of 200 hours of teaching experience to be considered a certified yoga teacher, Yoga Alliance, the yoga governing body, offers these certificates to all teachers who have completed training at a registered yoga school. For more information about the RYT 200 certification, check out the Yoga Alliance website. Well-respected yoga teacher training programs typically cost at least $1,000, with more intensive programs costing several thousand dollars. If you opt for a program that takes place over several weeks on location, there may also be extra fees for lodging and meals (although many of the immersive programs offer "all-inclusive" deals). If you're trying to stay on a budget, opt for a fully remote training program or a more basic program to receive the minimum RYT 200 certification. That way, you can be certified to teach and work up to a more comprehensive certification down the road. While yoga teacher training programs are developed with the goal of becoming a teacher, it is not necessary to start instructing once you’ve completed your training. Participants join yoga teacher training sessions not just to become a teacher, but also to learn more about yoga and its philosophies, and to deepen their own personal practice. No matter your reason, our top picks for yoga teacher training programs have something to offer everyone. We ensure that the teacher training programs we recommend for our top picks are all-encompassing, well-received by past students, have a comprehensive curriculum and structure, and offer multiple sessions throughout the year, extending beyond the United States. To do so, we checked the Yoga Alliance’s directory of recommended schools and yoga teacher training programs offered around the world and read their comprehensive reviews—both positive and negative. For some, we even sought the recommendations of former yogis who participated in past teacher training sessions and paid special attention to diversity, not in just the curriculum, but with regard to the teachers and students themselves.The 6 Best Yoga Teacher Training Programs of 2023
Best Overall : YogaWorks
Best for Beginners : Kripalu
Best for Vinyasa : Rishikesh Vinyasa Yoga School
Best for Ashtanga Yoga : One Breath of Yoga
Best for Hot Yoga : Y7 Studio
Best For In-Depth Study : Himalayan Institute
Final Verdict
Comparing Yoga Teacher Training Programs
How to Choose a Yoga Teacher Training
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a "certified" yoga teacher and a "registered" yoga teacher?
What does RYT 200 and RYT 500 mean?
How much do yoga teacher training programs cost?
Do I have to teach yoga after a teacher training?
Methodology
FAQs
What is the easiest yoga certification? ›
The RYT-200 certification is the quickest path to becoming a certified yoga teacher since it requires the minimum amount of education and training hours (200 hours total).
What is the difference between YTT and RYT? ›Q1) What is the difference between RYT and YTT? Ans: In the yogic culture, the word RYT refers to a Registered Yoga Teacher. On the other hand, the YTT refers to Yoga Teacher Training. You have to complete the YTT to become an RYT.
Is a YTT worth it? ›Is it worth it to do yoga teacher training? To think that yoga is becoming more and more popular these days, it would be safe to say that training to become its teacher is going to be worth it. Yes, the many hours of learning and practicing will be difficult but it will be meaningful every step of the way.
What is the hardest yoga to learn? ›Ashtanga is considered the most difficult yoga style because you need a lot of patience and discipline.
Where do yoga instructors make the most money? ›Total Yoga Instructor Jobs: | 127 |
---|---|
Average Annual Salary: | $51,124 |
Lowest 10 Percent Earn: | $38,000 |
Highest 10 Percent Earn: | $68,000 |
Location Quotient: | 1.43 You can read more about how BLS calculates location quotients here |
- Anusara School of Hatha Yoga — 300-Hour Hatha Yoga and Therapeutics Yoga Teacher Training. ...
- Hersha Yoga School of Teacher Training — Integral Yoga Basic Teacher Training: 200-Hour Yoga Foundations. ...
- Dianne's Training — The Path to Yoga, Justice & Equity 200 & 300 HR YTT.
Please note that legally, you do not need a 200-Hour RYT certificate to teach yoga. But many yoga studio do require their instructors to have a 200 hours certification. However, we do absolutely recommend following a 200 hour yoga certification course before starting to teach professionally!
What is a Level 1 Yoga teacher? ›Prepares you to teach Hatha, Flow, Hot and/or Yin yoga. Helps you to teach and integrate Pranaayama, Meditation, and Philosophy into your classes.
What is a certified yoga instructor called? ›A CYT, or certified yoga teacher, simply indicates that the instructor has studied with a specific yoga program and completed the yoga teacher training course.
What is the highest level of yoga? ›We now come to the final and highest level of Asanas - Padmasana (Lotus) and the practice of various postures in Padmasana. Along with Shirshasana, Padmasana is known as the supreme and “royal” Asana.
How many levels of yoga are there? ›
8 Levels of Practice: Asanas, Pranayamas, Self-Enquiry Meditation, Relaxation, Chakras, Special conditions, Yogic Diet, and Philosophy.
What is the number one reason people quit yoga? ›A perceived “lack of time”
The biggest reason people tend to stop their 90-minute practice is due to a perceived lack of time. It is not about how much time you really have in your day; it is about where you choose to spend it.
The income ranges tremendously from the top to bottom of yoga teachers. While most teachers earn less than $30k USD per year, some teachers earn $300,000 or more. The teachers who earn the most all have one thing in common… they earn most of their income OUTSIDE the studio.
Which yoga does not demand any qualifications? ›The practice of Karma Yoga involves performing an action without any expectation of any reward in return, thus renouncing the fruits of the action.
What is the calmest yoga? ›Yin Yoga
If you want to calm and balance your body and mind, this is where you'll find your zen. The opposite of a faster moving practice like Ashtanga, Yin yoga poses are held for several minutes at a time.
Where is yoga the most popular in the USA? The cities with the highest number of yoga studios in the USA are San Francisco, New York, and Los Angeles. After all, these three cities are the three largest in the country, as well as some of the most populous in the world.
What state has the most yoga? ›In these cities, readers are more interested in articles about fashion and entertainment than yoga. We also mapped out the popularity of yoga by state rather than city. The state-by-state results are less idiosyncratic, with one exception: Vermont. Vermont is the number one state by a long shot.
What is the highest level of yoga instructor? ›500 hour of training is the highest international standard for yoga teachers. After completing this program, you can register as an Advanced Yoga Teacher or RYT-500 with Yoga Alliance. You will possess an in depth knowledge of the history and origin of yoga asanas and yoga philosophy.
What is the most popular yoga class? ›- Hatha Yoga. Recommended for: Beginners, because of its slower pace. ...
- Vinyasa Yoga. Recommended for: Intense exercisers because of its quick pace. ...
- Iyengar Yoga. Recommended for: Detail-oriented yogis. ...
- Ashtanga Yoga. Recommended for: Type-A folks. ...
- Bikram Yoga (Heated Yoga) ...
- Restorative Yoga.
Recommended Yoga Fitness Level
We recommend being consistent in your practice at least 3 months before the 200 hours of teacher training.
How long does it take to complete 300 hour yoga teacher training? ›
You may begin taking the modules any time after you complete your Yoga Alliance–approved 200-hour certification. Most students complete the 300-hour training within two years; however, you can take as many modules as you wish per year.
Is 500 hour yoga teacher training worth it? ›Having the RYT-500 title is impressive. With advanced yoga teacher training, you can market yourself either as a teacher or a yoga business with a bit more confidence. You'll also have an opportunity to network and meet other students who want to go deeper into their own practice.
What is a level 7 teacher? ›Level 7 refers to a level of education equivalent to a master's degree, and is generally attained in a centre for further education. Examples of Level 7 qualifications include: Master's degree. Integrated master's degree.
What does Level 2 yoga mean? ›Level 2 classes are for the experienced, intermediate students who feel ready for a greater challenge in their yoga practice. Expect a faster pace in some classes and therefore fewer detailed instructions for more familiar poses. More advanced poses are introduced.
What is a C2 yoga class? ›You'll explore the fundamental principles of Vinyasa yoga. C2 (CorePower Yoga 2) This class is taught at 95-98 degrees and is CorePower's signature class. They say a little yoga experience is a plus for this class.
What is a female yogi called? ›A yogini (Sanskrit: योगिनी, IAST: yoginī) is a female master practitioner of tantra and yoga, as well as a formal term of respect for female Hindu or Buddhist spiritual teachers in Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia and Greater Tibet.
What is a yoga person called? ›Simply put, a yogi is someone who is committed to the practice of yoga.
What is a master of yoga called? ›< Yoga. Guru is a Sanskrit term for "teacher" or "master", especially in Indian religions. Guru-darshan.
What is the golden rule in yoga? ›Ahimsa– The practice of non-violence to our world, others, and importantly, ourselves. This is one of yoga's most fundamental practices. If we are endeavouring to prove a point or become something 'better', chances are we have lost our connection to ahimsa. Ahimsa asks first: how can I ensure no harm is done here?
What are the 4 pillars of yoga? ›Together, we talked about the 4 pillars of yoga: Asana, Pranayama, Meditation, and Diet.
What is the king of all yoga poses? ›
Shirshasana (Sanskrit: शीर्षासन, IAST: śīrṣāsana) Salamba Shirshasana, or Yoga Headstand is an inverted asana in modern yoga as exercise; it was described as both an asana and a mudra in classical hatha yoga, under different names. It has been called the king of all asanas.
What age group is yoga most popular? ›Yogis account for 19 percent of young adults aged 18 to 29, and 23 percent of yogis are aged 30 to 39. Twenty percent of all practitioners are between the ages of 40 and 49. Young people aren't as interested in Yoga as older people.
What are the 7 paths of yoga? ›- J. Krishnamurti. – top – Bhakti Yoga. ...
- Krishna and Radha. – top – Karma Yoga. The Bhagavad Gita is the main source of Karma Yoga. ...
- Mahatma Gandhi. – top – Mantra Yoga. ...
- Gayatri Mantra. – top – Raja Yoga. ...
- Sri Ramana Maharshi. – top – Tantra Yoga. ...
- Dumavati Yantra. – top – Hatha Yoga.
In Yoga Class, The Meaning Of 'Namaste' Is Being Exaggerated : Code Switch : NPR. In Yoga Class, The Meaning Of 'Namaste' Is Being Exaggerated : Code Switch "Namaste" has a meaning among Hindi speakers. But in the U.S., the word has been wrangled out of its context and tossed around to mean whatever people want it to.
What yoga teachers should not do? ›- Not introducing yourself at the beginning of class. ...
- Forgetting to look at your students: ...
- Not covering the entire room. ...
- Talking too much: ...
- Imposing alignment cues on your students: ...
- Preaching Your Own Practice: ...
- Practicing while teaching.
- Authenticity. A good yoga teacher shows authenticity in their personality; they have energy and a true passion for their teachings, wanting to educate and inspire others. ...
- Self Practice & Self Study. ...
- Generosity. ...
- Preparation. ...
- Empowerment. ...
- Adaptability. ...
- Trust. ...
- Humility.
No matter what your level of practice is, there are three aspects that we need to keep an eye on and care for at all times. These are alignment, focus and breathing.
What are the cons of being a yoga instructor? ›Full-time yoga instructors may be so busy that they can't make time for their own practice. This can be frustrating and may lead to career burnout. Look at the work schedule you have and make sure it is sustainable. And don't forget to schedule in time for you and your own practice!
What state do yoga instructors make the most money in? ›...
1. Nevada.
Total Yoga Instructor Jobs: | 127 |
---|---|
Lowest 10 Percent Earn: | $38,000 |
Highest 10 Percent Earn: | $68,000 |
It is customary to leave a gratuity or tip for your therapists and instructors however it is a personal decision and left to your own discretion and level of satisfaction. Therapists and instructors are servicing and honoring your wellness for the entire duration of each of your services.
What is the difference between yoga teacher and yoga instructor? ›
A Yoga Teacher teaches what is needed for the student in front of him. A Yoga instructor teaches each individual class. Therefore, if you have missed a class today, no worries as you can attend another class tomorrow. Each of his classes is different from one another.
What is the difference between 200 300 and 500-hour yoga teacher training? ›A 500-hour RYT is a person who has completed both their 200 and 300-hour trainings, along with over 100 hours of hands-on experience teaching yoga classes.
What are the different levels of yoga teacher? ›There are two primary designations awarded by Yoga Alliance: RYT-200 and RYT-500. The differences have to do with the number of hours of training. There are two ways to earn a 500-hour certification. The first is to attend a RYS-500 school and complete all of the training there.
What is the difference between BSC yoga and BA yoga? ›B.Sc. in Yoga is a science stream degree whereas B.A. in Yoga is an Art stream degree. The main difference can come in some of the course structure of both the courses otherwise both are similar. Kindly go through the course structure of both the streams and choose for yourself.
Is 500-hour yoga teacher training worth it? ›Having the RYT-500 title is impressive. With advanced yoga teacher training, you can market yourself either as a teacher or a yoga business with a bit more confidence. You'll also have an opportunity to network and meet other students who want to go deeper into their own practice.
What is the highest level of yoga certification? ›500 hour of training is the highest international standard for yoga teachers. After completing this program, you can register as an Advanced Yoga Teacher or RYT-500 with Yoga Alliance. You will possess an in depth knowledge of the history and origin of yoga asanas and yoga philosophy.