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If you’re looking to take your practice further and become a yoga instructor, you may think the only option is an expensive trip to a yoga school abroad.
Well, think again! Choosing one of the best online yoga teacher training programs can drastically lower the cost and time of preparing for yoga teacher training abroad and becoming a certified yoga teacher.
Choosing the best online yoga teacher training certification and completing your yoga training online might seem like a daunting task.
In this article, I’ll break down exactly what to look for when trying to find the best online yoga training and yoga certification programs, based on my own experience as an international yoga instructor.
Then I’ll review my top picks for doing your yoga teacher training online.
Your Online YTT Essentials:
- The Ultimate Guide to the Best Non-Toxic Yoga Mat for You
- 11 Best Organic Yoga Clothes for Travel or the Studio
- 10 Best Travel Yoga Pants: Versatile, Comfy, & Stylish
- The Ultimate Guide to the Best Yoga Bolster for You
- Top 10 Best Yoga Blocks for Beginners
My Pick for the Best Online Yoga Teacher Training Program
The 200-hour yoga teacher training from Uplifted Yoga is hands down my top choice for doing your teacher training online.
This course by Brett Larkin covers absolutely everything you need to become a high-quality yoga instructor, including Hatha yoga, Vinyasa yoga, Mindfulness, and business training.
There are also additional modules on topics such as the Uplifted Body Reading approach, Yin, and Prenatal yoga.
Click here for more info and price.
Online Yoga Teacher Training Comparison Chart
Here’s a quick comparison of all the online yoga teacher training programs I personally reviewed in this article.
School | Image | Hours | Style | Self-Paced | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Uplifted Yoga | 200 | Vinyasa, Hatha, Yin, Mindfulness, Prenatal | Partially | Check price on BrettLarkin.com | |
Vinyasa Yogashala | 200 | Vinyasa, Hatha, Yin, Alignment | Yes | Check price on Vinyasa Yogashala | |
Spirit Sadhana | 200 | Hatha or Ashtanga | Yes | Check price on BookYogaRetreats | |
Living Yoga School | 200 | Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Hatha | Yes | Check price on BookYogaRetreats | |
Samadhi Yoga Ashram | 200 | Tantra, Kundalini | Yes | Check price on BookYogaRetreats | |
Yoga Bliss | 20 | Restorative | Yes | Check price on BookYogaRetreats | |
Arohan Yoga | 200 | Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, Kriya, Nidra, Ashtanga, Chakra | Yes | Check price on BookYogaRetreats | |
Yoga and More | 200 | Hatha, Vinyasa, Restorative | Yes | Check price on BookYogaRetreats | |
Sacred Paths Yoga | 200 | Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, Kriya, Restorative, Nidra, Chakra | Partially | Check price on BookYogaRetreats | |
House of Om | 200 | Hatha, Vinyasa, Restorative, Nidra, Ashtanga | Yes | Check price on BookYogaRetreats |
How to Become a Yoga Instructor Online
So, is online yoga teaching training even worth it? Well, I think so!
Becoming a yoga instructor online may sound a little odd but with the technology available today, it is a very real possibility for many people.
While doing your yoga teacher training in a popular yoga destination, like India, Bali, Thailand, Mexico, Costa Rica, or Portugal can be the experience of a lifetime, how many of us can actually spare the time to go to a yoga retreat for a month or more to learn how to teach yoga?
Most of us have jobs, families, and commitments that need our daily attention. In these cases, learning yoga online is perfect.
The Yoga Alliance sets the standards for yoga teacher training. According to these standards, you must complete a minimum of 200 hours of training to become a certified yoga teacher.
Getting your yoga instructor certification online means you can fit these hours around your daily life and study at your own pace.
Requirements for Yoga Teacher Training
What do you need before you even start to look at online yoga courses?
Well, it really depends on what you’re looking to get out of the course. Are you just interested in the training for your own personal development or do you want to start a business and career?
Obviously, you’ll need some prior experience with yoga practice, but not necessarily of teaching yoga. There is a wide range of course levels, from beginner to more advanced.
Make sure you’re honest with yourself about your skill level and pick a course that’s right for you.
Like any online learning, you need to be disciplined if you’re going to become a certified yoga instructor online.
Some courses offer live tutorials and sessions, others are pre-recorded sessions so you can learn at your own pace.
You’ll need to be able to keep yourself motivated and on track, even when life gets crazy around you.
Getting your yoga instructor certification online also means you’ll need the right equipment handy at home.
Computer equipment and a non-toxic yoga mat are no-brainers, but think about any other equipment you’d normally use in a yoga class.
Straps, blocks, a yoga bolster, and a yoga blanket are just some of the things you need to make sure you have.
Benefits of Yoga Teacher Training Online
If you’ve always asked yourself, ‘Should I do yoga teacher training?’, then dive in, there’s never been a better time to take the plunge.
More schools than ever are offering their Yoga Alliance teacher training online, meaning you can take your pick from some of the best schools in the world, all without having to travel.
We’ve already discussed one of the biggest benefits of getting your yoga certification online. You can study at your own pace, and around your daily life! This is especially useful if you have a full-time job or kids.
There are plenty of other benefits of yoga teacher training online:
- Cost – not only are most online yoga teacher courses significantly cheaper than face-to-face courses, but you can also carry on working while you train, meaning you don’t have to take a financial hit while you change your career.
- Choice – you can take your pick of schools from around the world. Is there a teacher you’ve always wanted to learn from who lives in Bali? Well, now you can become their student. You don’t have to settle for the closest school to you. Find the best fit for your yoga style from across the world.
- Eco-friendly – completing your training in your own house could be considered a much more eco-friendly choice. No more driving or flying to schools miles away from you will significantly reduce your carbon footprint.
- Online community – the range of tools for keeping in touch with people online now is huge. You don’t have to attend a class to feel close to your fellow students. You can build a community online, and encourage and support each other. You don’t have to sacrifice the relationships you’d build in a face-to-face class. Online tools also make it much easier to have one-on-one meetings with your teacher, which isn’t always easy in normal life.
- Course materials – I don’t know about you, but I much prefer having an electronic copy of something. Papers get lost or torn, but electronic course materials are yours for a lifetime, meaning you can always refer back to them whenever you need a refresher.
Choosing the Best Online Yoga Certification for You
We’ve looked at the requirements and benefits, but how do you find the best yoga certification online?
There are a number of things to think about when making your choice.
School
Looking at an online yoga school is very different from looking for one in person.
It is harder to get a feel for the teachers, and the course, but undertaking thorough research will help you make the right decision.
Make sure you read about the school, not just on their own website, but reviews as well.
Although picking a school is a very personal choice, it can help to hear what other students think about it.
Contact them! Talk to the teachers at the school and ask about their programs. They are best placed to help you decide if a particular program will work for you.
Remember though, it is a very personal choice, and the best yoga online for one person may not be the best for you. Ultimately you have to go with your heart.
Style
There are many different styles of yoga, and there are many different teaching programs for specific styles.
Think about your preferred yoga style carefully before making your choice. Is it Vinyasa, or Hatha, or Restorative or something else?
Do you want to work with a particular group of people (pregnant women, for example), or offer sessions for the general public?
No matter what your goal is, make sure you pick a course that reflects it.
Some people aren’t sure which style of yoga they prefer, or who they want to teach.
If this is you, then look for a program that teaches a range of styles. You may find you really enjoy one, or you might love them all.
Level
Make sure you pick the right level of study for your skill level.
Be honest with yourself about where you are at in your journey, to ensure you don’t waste your money on a course that is too hard, or too easy.
You do not need to be the best yoga practitioner in the world to begin your teacher training though.
Beginner yoga teacher training starts from 200 hours, which is the minimum standard set and recognized by the Yoga Alliance.
A 200 hr yoga teacher training will give you all the tools and the confidence to teach yoga anywhere in the world, as well as a RYT 200 certificate.
More intensive yoga teacher training means more hours.
A 300 hour yoga teacher training is an advanced program that delves deeper into more specialized training. As a prerequisite, you must have completed a 200 hour course before enrolling in an advanced course.
If you are looking to work with a specialized group of people, i.e. pregnant women or the chronically ill, you will likely need a higher-level course.
After completing both a 200-hour and a 300-hour course, you can then register as a RYT 500 with the Yoga Alliance.
Alternatively, you can take a 500 hour yoga teacher training, which is a very comprehensive and advanced yoga teacher training. These courses teach you everything you need to know, no matter what direction you choose to take your practice in the future.
Certification
Yoga Alliance is really important in the world of yoga teaching. The standards they set standardize training across the world.
You should always choose a training program that makes you eligible to register with the Yoga Alliance on completion of the course.
This is a really important step in becoming a fully certified yoga instructor.
If you’re wondering ‘Are these online yoga teacher training Yoga Alliance certified?’, don’t worry, all of the programs I reviewed here allow you to register with the YA on completion.
Price
The average cost of yoga teacher training varies wildly depending on the above factors.
If you’re looking for the best 500-hour training program in the world, you should be prepared to pay a premium.
Don’t panic though, there are affordable yoga teacher training schools out there, and they can be just as good as the more expensive schools.
Think about what you need from the school and your training, and then decide how much you’re willing to pay.
Yoga teacher training costs will vary because of a lot of different reasons. Some may be quick, intensive courses, some may be slower-paced.
200-hour courses will always be cheaper than 500-hour courses, so do you need the extra hours? If you’re not looking to specialize right away, I’d argue you don’t.
Best Online Yoga Teacher Training Programs
Take a look at our online yoga teacher training program reviews to help you choose which one is the best for your personal situation.
Uplifted Yoga
Brett Larkin, the founder of Uplifted Yoga, was the first to put a 200-hour program fully online back in 2015. Her experience in online credentialing shows it: everything is efficient and streamlined, making this program perfect for the busy professional or busy mom.
The moment you enroll, you can start watching 100 hours of professionally pre-recorded content. You can even download everything to your phone for easy offline viewing. Brett’s not only fun to watch (she has a social media following of close to 1 million people), but she has also amazing guest experts, all her content is entertaining, educational, and about 20 minutes or less.
The second 100 hours are delivered over Zoom, where you connect with Brett and the same teachers and students each week. This is a really unique aspect of her online yoga teacher training. People rave about the sense of community in her training, while in other programs, you may never see the same student twice.
This program is designed for you to graduate in 4 months. And since you’re moving in unison with the same peers, you’ll actually cross the finish line (uplifted boasts a 96 percent graduation rate).
Brett’s specialty is showing you how to adapt yoga poses for each individual’s unique body. Videos show her freeze-framing alignment in over 30 students’ bodies, in all of yoga’s key poses. This is fascinating, and her approach is so inclusive and welcoming!
Uplifted yoga teacher training also has incredible modules on the fascia, the Yoga Sutras, and how to run a profitable online or in-person yoga business.
If you’re looking for a high-end program run by truly passionate professionals, where you’ll walk away with real friendships, Uplifted is hands down the number one choice.
Brett also offers a Kundalini yoga teacher training with Guru Singh, a 300-Hour Training, and a Prenatal YACEP course.
- Yoga styles: Vinyasa, Hatha, and Mindfulness
- Hours: 200 overall
- Classes via: Pre-Recorded Online (Uplifted YTT Mobile App) and Live on Zoom
- Extras include: Inclusive Uplifted Body Reading approach, Yin, Prenatal, Business Training
Click here for more info and booking.
Vinyasa Yogashala
Vinyasa Yogashala is a leading yoga school based in Rishikesh, India. Their 200-hour online yoga course is a great option for those looking to begin their journey to teaching yoga.
This online yoga teacher training program combines both live sessions, which are held over Zoom every weekend, and pre-recorded videos available through their platform. Books and course manuals are also included.
You can complete the program at your own pace within 6 months for maximum flexibility.
Led by experienced yoga teachers and gurus, this course covers absolutely everything you need to learn to become a high-quality yoga instructor, including Hatha yoga, Vinyasa yoga, Yin yoga, and alignment.
There are also additional modules on topics such as meditation, pranayama, mantra, Kundalini Tantra, philosophy, teaching methodology, and more.
At the end of the course, you graduate with a certificate of completion, and the eligibility to register with the Yoga Alliance.
What’s more, you’ll get lifelong mentoring by experts so you’ll never feel alone on your yoga journey.
- Yoga styles: Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin & Alignment
- Hours: 200 overall
- Classes via: Online (Zoom and pre-recorded videos)
- Extras include: Meditation, pranayama, philosophy, and lifelong mentoring
Click here for more info and booking.
Spirit Sadhana
The best online yoga teacher training allows you to complete the course at your own pace, and this option lets you do just that.
The Spirit Sadhana school is located in Spain and of its 200-hour requirement, 180 are pre-recorded sessions that can be undertaken at a time of your choice.
After choosing to specialize in either Hatha Vinyasa or Ashtanga Vinyasa, you make your way through the pre-recorded modules in either 1, 2, or 3 months. This can be done with the aid of live contact hours if needed.
One of the great things about this online yoga teacher training course is that all the material is immediately available on Google docs upon payment, so you can start straight away.
- Yoga styles: Hatha or Ashtanga yoga teacher training
- Hours: 200 overall (180 non-contact and 20 contact)
- Classes via: Pre-recorded videos (exam is live via WhatsApp)
- Can be taken in English or Spanish
Click here for more info and booking.
Living Yoga School
Cheap yoga teacher training does not have to mean a lower standard of teaching or being taught less than other schools, and this course is proof of that.
This accredited yoga teacher training takes you through multiple styles of yoga, explaining each pose thoroughly and the meaning behind it. As well as the yoga poses, you are taught anatomy, chanting, meditation, therapy, and philosophy.
The sessions are held live, but because we all know life sometimes gets in the way, they are all recorded for access later. This means you can complete the course in your own time, and at your own pace (you have up to one year).
If you’re a complete beginner to yoga and want to learn more, or if you’ve been practicing for a while and want to immerse yourself deeper, this could be the perfect option for you.
There’s even a free six-day meditation workshop thrown in.
- Yoga styles: Vinyasa, Ashtanga, and Hatha yoga teacher training
- Hours: 200 overall (30 contact and 1570 non-contact)
- Classes via: Online (Zoom)
- Extras include: Free meditation workshop
Click here for more info and booking.
Samadhi Yoga Ashram
If you’re interested in teaching Tantra, Kundalini, and meditation, and have six months of yoga experience, this program could be the one for you. It’s aimed towards beginners or intermediates.
The sessions are all pre-recorded, allowing you to gain your online yoga teacher certification at your own pace. Don’t worry though, there is plenty of time set aside for calls and support sessions if you need them.
You can pick your pace, exams can be scheduled after one, three, or six months.
For a 200 hour yoga teacher training online program, there is a lot to learn here.
From the Seven Chakras to the postures, to meditation, to anatomy, there is plenty to incorporate into your own teaching program.
- Yoga styles: Tantra and Kundalini yoga teacher training
- Hours: 200 overall (150 non-contact and 50 contact)
- Classes via: Online (Zoom)
- Extras include: Classical and fusion dance sessions
Click here for more info and booking.
Yoga Bliss
If you’re not looking for a change in career, but want to learn more about yoga, or if you want to top up your 200 hours without committing to 300 or 500, then this 20-hour restorative yoga teacher training program could be a perfect choice.
This course can be completed in your own time, meaning that that 2-week yoga teacher training you’ve been looking for is here.
You could take time off work and finish it in one go, or spread it out across a few weeks.
Most of the content is pre-recorded, with one live one-on-one session with a tutor. You’ll learn about restorative yoga, focusing on using props to teach techniques to help relax the body and mind.
For Yoga Alliance certified instructors, you’ll also learn how to set up a class for restorative yoga, as well as how to integrate the postures into other classes.
- Yoga style: Restorative yoga teacher training
- Hours: 20 overall (mostly non-contact with one live contact session)
- Classes via: Pre-recorded videos
Click here for more info and booking.
Arohan Yoga
This 200-hour online teacher training course is offered by the Arohan Yoga School in Rishikesh, one of the top yoga destinations in the world. However, you can complete all of the coursework and certification requirements from the comfort of your own living room.
With the self-paced or blended formats, you can complete the modules when it is convenient for you to do so and will have up to 1 year to finish everything.
When learning about Hatha, Ashtanga, and Vinyasa yoga styles, you will be able to choose to learn from two different teachers. This will help you find the teaching style that best matches your needs.
Some of the topics covered in the course include studying ayurvedic and detoxing concepts, learning about yoga anatomy and philosophy, studying various breathing, meditation, and cleansing techniques, and more.
Arohan Yoga School will provide you with all of the necessary materials you’ll need to complete the course. Upon completion, you will be able to register with Yoga Alliance. You’ll also enjoy lifetime access to the content if you ever want to look back at anything for a refresher.
- Yoga Styles: Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, Kriya, Nidra, Ashtanga, and Chakra
- Hours: 200
- Classes via: Online portal and WhatsApp chat
- Extras include: Lifetime access to course content and 1 year of WhatsApp Chat Support
Click here for more info and booking.
Yoga and More
Learn more about yoga styles, techniques, history, and philosophy with this online 200-hour teacher training course. The instructors take a Vinayasa-based approach during the program but also integrate some Hatha and Restorative yoga techniques and skills.
All of the materials you’ll need for the course are provided for you, and all video content is pre-recorded. This allows you to access everything on your own schedule. Once you’ve completed the course, you’ll still be able to access the course materials to refer to as you pursue your goals as a yoga teacher.
However, even though the content is pre-recorded, you won’t be left completely on your own. If you need support or guidance, you can connect with one of the instructors through WhatsApp or by sending them an email.
This course includes 10 modules, some of which are: Techniques, Meditation, Anatomy and Physiology, Teaching Methodology, Yoga Philosophy, Yoga Psychology and Ethics, Marketing
- Yoga Styles: Hatha, Vinyasa, and Restorative
- Hours: 200
- Classes via: WhatsApp or Zoom
- Extras include: Lifetime access to an online training library with 10 modules of material and 15 live-stream sessions
Click here for more info and booking.
Sacred Paths Yoga
You’ll find that you are able to forge a deeper connection with yourself and let go of some of the stressors that have been weighing you down as you complete this 200-hour course led by Sacred Paths Yoga.
The course is broken down into two main components: 160 self-paced hours during which you can access numerous videos and online exercises and 40 contact hours where you will participate in live lectures, attend question-and-answer sessions, or connect with one of the teachers for the course.
You’ll have between 4 weeks and 12 months to complete the various course requirements to be eligible to register with Yoga Alliance (all coursework must be completed by December 30, 2023).
- Yoga Styles: Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, Kriya, Restorative, Nidra, Chakra
- Hours: 200
- Classes via: Zoom (plus YouTube and Facebook private groups for additional support)
- Extras include: One-on-one support, access to 160 hours of recorded videos and exercises, and 40 contact hours
Click here for more info and booking.
House of Om
Led by the House of OM, this online yoga teacher training is another top choice to consider. The course is designed to be completed in 4 to 8 weeks. However, the schedule is flexible, and you can extend it as needed based on your time and availability.
Even though you’ll be attending everything virtually, you’ll still be able to connect with your teachers and peers for support through the social community and course platform.
The course offers clear step-by-step videos for different techniques and practices like mudras, asanas, pranayamas, and more. A few of the topics you’ll cover include the history of yoga, yoga anatomy and philosophy, yoga poses, teaching methodology, yoga alignment, and more.
- Yoga Styles: Hatha, Vinyasa, Restorative, Nidra, Ashtanga
- Hours: 200
- Classes via: Zoom
- Extras include: 250 lessons led by expert teachers, 120 video lessons, 20 PDF files with material, support for yoga endeavors
Click here for more info and booking.
Tips for Yoga Teacher Training
So you’ve looked at yoga programs online and decided to go for it, but now there are all sorts of questions floating around your head.
What is it like? Can you fail? How do I pick one? Let’s answer some questions and go through some tips for yoga teacher training.
What is Yoga Teacher Training Like?
It depends on the school and the program.
One thing you can expect is that it will be a lot of work. Even a minimum 200-hour yoga certificate course includes a lot of information to absorb.
But don’t worry, it’s also a lot of fun!
Contact different schools, look at different styles of yoga and read reviews. Get to know the course and what it consists of before starting anything, and find the one that fits your needs.
Ensuring you have picked the right program for you takes away half the work.
Can You Fail Yoga Teacher Training?
Teaching yoga is like teaching anything else, you have to be able to do it properly and safely.
Before you pass the training, your instructor has to be absolutely sure that you are capable of teaching yoga without hurting anyone.
So yes, it is possible to fail, but if you study everything the yoga certification courses tell you to study, pay attention to classes and workshops, and are confident, then you should be fine.
Most programs offer a mentoring scheme, so if it becomes something you’re really worried about, then talk it through with them.
So there you have it. The top yoga teaching courses online, plus everything you need to know when choosing and preparing for yoga teacher training.
Check out my pick for the top online yoga teacher training and book your yoga teacher training now!
Read More:
- The Best 300-Hour Online Yoga Teacher Training Courses
- Top 15 Best Yoga Teacher Training in India
- Top 11 Best Yoga Teacher Training in Bali
- Top 10 Best Yoga Teacher Training in Thailand
- Top 10 Best Yoga Teacher Training in Mexico
- Top 10 Best Yoga Teacher Training in Costa Rica
- Top 9 Best Yoga Teacher Training in Portugal
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