With rapid technological development, many educational and professional courses transitioned to online learning. Yoga teacher training (YTT) providers followed suit, making use of live video conferencing, digital resource sharing, and online assignments.
There was a surge of YTT courses online, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many yoga schools had to adapt their business model while keeping up with demand.
For many people looking to get certified as yoga teachers, this provided an opportunity to train for a new, exciting career from the comfort of their own home. As a result, online YTTs have quickly become just as prevalent as in-person programs.
If you are thinking of becoming a yoga teacher or continuing your education, this article will help you consider your options and make the best decision for your career.
- What to Expect From an Online YTT
- 8 Benefits of Online Yoga Teacher Training
- Online Yoga Teacher Training Criteria
- 5 Best Online Yoga Teacher Training Programs
What to Expect From an Online YTT
It is no secret that online yoga teacher training is significantly different from traditional in-person YTT courses.
Although the information you will study will be the same (or very similar at least), the format of the course will be quite different.
A major part of online yoga teacher training is independent study. The trainees are typically expected to familiarize themselves with a chunk of the course materials provided by the yoga school in their own time.
The self-study sessions can be completed at the students’ convenience, although there is usually a time frame attached. The content is then addressed in group or individual sessions with a training facilitator.
A typical YTT will include an assessment to examine a trainee’s knowledge of the curriculum, as well as their ability to construct and deliver lessons.
In an in-person scenario, these are usually combined into a single teaching session performed by the trainee. An online course is more likely to involve a written assignment (or a few) to test the potential new teacher’s ability to sequence, adjust, or explain fundamental yogic concepts.Of course, the structure and content of each individual YTT will depend on many factors, including the training provider, the length and nature of the course (i.e. online yoga teacher training 200 hours or 300-hour), the specific type of yoga you select, and more.
8 Benefits of Online Yoga Teacher Training
There are many reasons why someone might choose to complete their yoga teacher training online, whether it’s a foundational 200-hour program, an advanced 300-hour training, or a continuing education course aimed to expand one’s yogic knowledge.
Here are some of the benefits of online yoga teacher training:
1. Accessibility
Perhaps the most apparent advantage to online training is its accessibility. Online YTTs allow people who might otherwise be unable to commit to a new career path to complete the course.
What’s more, it truly broadens every prospective trainee’s options. With online training, you have a wider range of options to choose from, including various styles of yoga, specialized training (such as prenatal yoga or trauma-informed yoga), regardless of location.
2. Flexible Schedule
Online programs usually offer flexibility in terms of when and where you complete your training. This is a game changer for people with busy schedules, full-time jobs, or family commitments.
3. Cost
Online programs often have lower tuition fees compared to in-person trainings. This is due to the savings on the venue, accommodation, meals, and physical resources issued throughout the program.
Similarly, trainees save money on travel, accommodation, and even childcare expenses that would be incurred with an on-site program.
4. Customized Learning Pace
Most online yoga teacher training allows the participants to progress through the material at their own pace. As a result, you can spend more time on topics you find challenging or move more quickly through materials you’re familiar with.
5. Interactive Learning Resources
Online YTT programs offer a variety of multimedia resources, including video lectures, written materials, live webinars, and interactive assignments. This enhances the learning experience and caters to different learning styles.
6. Long-Term Community Connections
It is common to make profound connections with your peers during yoga teacher training. Unfortunately, friendships struck during in-person training can fizzle out just as easily when newly qualified teachers go back home.
On the other hand, online programs often include discussion forums, virtual group sessions, and networking opportunities. This creates a sense of community and allows for peer interaction and support even after the training is complete.
7. Recorded Content
In addition to digital reading materials, online training sessions are typically recorded, allowing you to revisit and review the lectures and workshops as needed. This can be particularly helpful for reinforcing concepts and practicing sequences.
8. Inclusive Learning Environment
In-person yoga teacher training may not be the most comfortable option for someone shy in a group setting. As such, online training provides a more private and conducive learning environment.
Additionally, it is easier for online YTT programs to accommodate certain disabilities, providing opportunities for practitioners whose options would otherwise be severely limited.
Online Yoga Teacher Training Criteria
Of course, not all yoga teacher programs are created equal. When choosing the best online program for yourself, it’s important to review the following criteria:
- Accreditation. Check if the program is accredited by a major yoga organization. Look for renowned trainers or endorsement from a reputable yoga school.
- Experienced instructors. Research the background and credentials of the instructors. Choose a course with trainers who have extensive experience in teaching yoga and delivering YTTs.
- Curriculum and content. The syllabus is usually available online for prospective trainees to review. A YTT course should cover a wide range of topics including yogic philosophy, anatomy, asana, sequencing, pranayama, meditation, and teaching methodology.
- Live interaction and feedback. Ensure the program offers opportunities for direct interaction with instructors and peers,as well as feedback on your progress.
- Modifications and adjustments. While online programs can’t replicate in-person adjustments, they should provide guidance on how to offer verbal cues and modifications effectively.
- Student testimonials. Look for a yoga school with reviews and testimonials from past students. Their experiences can offer valuable insights into the quality of the program.
- Value. Evaluate the cost of the program in relation to the content and the level of expertise offered. Consider any additional resources or materials included in the cost.
- Post-graduation support. Inquire about any resources or support provided after completion of the program, such as job placement assistance or continued education opportunities.
5 Best Online Yoga Teacher Training Programs
1. The Peaceful Warriors Online YTT
Yoga includes a lot of powerful imagery associated with strength, courage, and focus, particularly reflected in the warrior asana series.
The Peaceful Warriors yoga school honors these qualities by instilling every new instructor with true values of yoga.
This yoga school offers a wide variety of online training courses, from traditional 200-hour YTT, to continuing education programs ranging between 10 and 80 hours.
The glowing reviews from several of the Peaceful Warriors alumni note it as a transformative experience and “the best decision of their lives”.
2. Path of Yoga Teacher Training
Path of Yoga is a dedicated yoga school with a singular focus on nurturing aspiring yoga teachers, aiding them in discovering their unique voice and enriching their personal practice.
While prior experience is valued at Path of Yoga, it warmly welcomes practitioners of all experience levels. In an effort to be as inclusive as possible, they try to consider the individual circumstances of each person who wants to join their program.
As such, Path of Yoga offer 200-hour online yoga teacher training that includes personalized tuition and 1:1 support in order to help you succeed.
A unique feature of this yoga school is that they offer hybrid YTT courses, allowing trainees to combine online and in-person training.
3. Full Circle Yoga School
Full Circle stands as one of the best Yoga Alliance-accredited yoga schools, offering a diverse range of yoga teacher training programs, both online and in person.
The teachers at Full Circle understand that yoga teacher training is a profound experience that transcends the act of becoming a teacher. Instead, their training courses are treated is a gateway to unveiling each trainee’s true purpose, fundamentally reshaping their life from every angle.
Full Circle Yoga School offers a comprehensive selection of courses, particularly specializing in Kundalini, Vinyasa, and Hatha Yoga.
Additionally, they offer online courses centered around meditation, quantum healing, and breathwork, enhancing the participants’ value as yoga teachers and workshop facilitators.
4. Frik-Shuhn Yoga School
When researching online yoga training programs, I wanted to bring individual YTT facilitators into the spotlight, as well as schools with a whole team of yoga professionals.
Founded by Colynn Vosburgh, Frik-Shuhn falls into the former category. The name of this yoga school highlights the incredible impact it has on anyone who shares their yoga journey with Colynn.
She is a passionate yoga teacher and a yoga business coach, sharing her extensive education and experiences in personal life, the medical field, and yoga.
Furthermore, Frik-Shuhn YTT courses are queer-friendly, age-friendly, size- and ability-friendly and generally inclusive to anyone who wants to transform themselves for the better.
5. 12 Sparrows Yoga and Life Skills Teacher Training
An online YTT option that is both profound and budget-friendly, consider a 200-hour yoga and life skills teacher training with 12 Sparrows.
This eleven-week training establishes a strong foundation for future yoga teachers with an emphasis on the 8 limbs of yoga and trauma-informed instruction.
Although this online YTT course is valued at $2,800, it is open to donations as low as five hundred bucks, as well as providing option for installment payments.
In Conclusion
Online yoga teacher programs have their own pros and cons compared to in-person courses. Naturally, the only person who truly knows whether online YTT is suitable for you is… you.
Unfortunately, I lack personal experience in this regard, having completed my teaching course in-person. However, Liv of Livinleggings has shared a detailed account of her experience with online teacher training that may help you decide your next steps:
