15 Best Online Yoga Teacher Training Certifications & Schools (Based On Real Yoga Alliance Reviews) 2024
15 Best Online Yoga Teacher Training Certifications & Schools (Based On Real Yoga Alliance Reviews) 2024
Last updated: February 11, 2024
By Lori Lowell, Drishti Beats mentor, co-founder, and fitness visionary, is the 2015 Julie Main Woman Leader Award recipient. She often interviews for Ask An Expert in Club Solutions Magazine, regularly appears on Club Industry, and is an accomplished E-RYT 500.
The 15 Best Online Yoga Teacher Training Certifications & Schools February 2024:
| School Name | Overall Rating | NPS Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Drishti Beats | Rating 4.97 | NPS 9.9 |
| 2. Akasha Yoga Academy | Rating 4.92 | NPS 9.6 |
| 3. Yoga Farm | Rating 4.90 | NPS 9.4 |
| 4. Zazyoga | Rating 4.90 | Hidden |
| 5. Yoga International | Mazé Method | Rating 4.86 | NPS 9.1 |
| 6. Online Yoga School | Rating 4.82 | NPS 8.9 |
| 7. Brett Larkin Uplifted Yoga | Rating 4.81 | NPS 8.8 |
| 8. Siddhi Yoga | Rating 4.80 | NPS 8.9 |
| 9. YogaRenew | Rating 4.79 | NPS 8.8 |
| 10. My Vinyasa Practice | Rating 4.79 | NPS 8.7 |
| 11. Sampoorna Yoga | Rating 4.68 | NPS 7.9 |
| 12. East+West | Rating 4.61 | Hidden |
| 13. The Kaivalya Yoga Method | Rating 4.61 | Hidden |
| 14. Samadhi Yoga Ashram | Rating 4.61 | Hidden |
| 15. Santosha Yoga | Rating 4.34 | Hidden |
So this is probably the 45th article you’ve read about The 11 Best Online Yoga Teacher Trainings and The 17 Top Yoga Teacher Training Certifications. I have a feeling if you’re reading this you’re pretty sick and tired of trying to figure out which blog post/article/opinion to trust with your yoga education, and why different websites rate them the way they do. Trust me, I get it.
A lot of “advice” out there tries to deconstruct online yoga teacher trainings into these nice little lists, as if you can just find the right yoga school (!) by clicking on an affiliate link (more on this later on) like you’re going grocery shopping in the today’s special aisle. And sure, you probably should google “the top…” and “the best…” and all that, as we will see, but to me, all of these affiliate lists seem like slapping a couple of sun salutations in the middle of a savasana. Technically, they don’t really hurt to read, but by themselves, they don’t actually answer the question. Which are the best online yoga teacher training certifications and schools out there right now? Luckily, the many students (over 100,000 to date!) who came before you and registered with Yoga Alliance hold the answer to that question.
My goal in this completely impartial, unbiased, and with no under-the-table endorsements article is to give you a well-rounded understanding on how to do your own research into the best online yoga teacher trainings that are currently available to you. It is essential to weigh your best options when deciding which school to trust with your money. But even more importantly, with your yoga education. So, let’s help you find the online yoga teacher training certification that is right for you.
Table of Contents
What is Yoga Alliance?
Composed of over 7,000 Registered Yoga Schools (RYS) and more than 100,000 Registered Yoga Teachers (RYT) as of April of 2020, Yoga Alliance is the largest nonprofit association representing the yoga community. Their mission is to “foster and support the high quality, safe, accessible, and equitable teaching of yoga.”
Advocacy is a key component of the Yoga Alliance, but they have taken it to the next level to ensure quality and safety in yoga teaching and practice by:
- Creating quantitative standards for yoga instruction
- Establishing a member-wide Ethical Commitment that includes a Code of Conduct, Scope of Practice, and dedication to equity.
- Fostering accountability through fair and full feedback regarding RYSs.
Why Does The Yoga Alliance Certification Matter?
Founded in 1999 to protect diversity and set quality standards for yoga training and teaching, Yoga Alliance has worked diligently to improve the yoga education experience and continue to help positively shape its progression. Thus, the Yoga Alliance-approved certification has become the benchmark by which most practitioners measure trainings and teachers.
So, why does the Yoga Alliance Certification matter? Because it is the most highly respected authority on yoga training. The immense work and collaboration that went into their 18-month Standards Review Project has ensured that quality yoga teachers are available and accessible.
This is the reason why many fitness facilities, gyms, and studios require yoga teachers to become certified with a Yoga Alliance-approved program.
To become a certified yoga teacher, you need to complete a 200 hour program. Although different schools offer shorter certificate programs, in terms of the number of hours, Yoga Alliance requires that you to receive 200 hours of educational training, at a minimum, before becoming a recognized yoga teacher.
As part of the Yoga Alliance Social Credentialing system, trainees that complete a teacher training with a Registered Yoga School (RYS) are required to review and give feedback on the school and their yoga teacher training journey before they are able to continue registering as a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT). In other words, Yoga Alliance isn’t telling you one training is better than another, the students are. They become the eyes and ears for Yoga Alliance in teacher trainings around the world, and the yoga community becomes more accountable as a whole.
How Yoga Schools Get Reviewed?
During the RYT application process, all trainees are required to review the school, staff, and the yoga program they completed. The survey asks trainees to provide feedback on:
- Whether the syllabus reflects what was taught during the training
- Whether the training met the outlined learning objectives
- Whether the number of Lead Teacher Contact hours matched the course description
- Whether or not they would recommend the teacher training
Trainees also have an option to leave general comments and this is when things get interesting.
Overall School Rating
Yoga Alliance Social Credentialing System is intended to provide future yoga teachers (so you) with useful information when choosing the right yoga teacher training certification. Each Registered Yoga School must have a public profile that includes a rating, between one and five stars. This is the unit of measurement of the quality of the teacher training program based on the schools’s past alumni experiences.
Each yoga school can choose to publish on its own public profile the reviews former trainees left upon graduation. If a yoga school wishes to publish any of the comments provided, then all comments will be made public and attributable to the reviewer. Now, think about it for a second. Yoga helps us cultivate a deep sense of surrender (Pranidhana) to life. It is about self-awareness (Svādhyāya), trust (Shraddha), and community (Kula). If a yoga school chooses NOT to make its hard earned reviews public on Yoga Alliance directory to people like you, this should be your first red flag.
We as teachers, mentors, and schools should have a clear understanding of the value of teaching yoga as a service and being of service to others through our own teachings.
What Is Net Promoter Score (NPS)?
The Net Promoter Score (NPS) is a standard business measure of loyalty and enthusiasm. It is important to note that unlike the Overall School Rating, the NPS is not a measurement of the quality of the teacher training program, or any other business, (not directly anyway), but rather a reflection on how likely trainees who already completed the training are actively recommending the training to the yoga community at large.
NPS ratings are calculated by taking each trainee’s response, to the same question as the Overall School Rating (i.e. “How likely are you to recommend this teacher training to a friend?”), and putting them into one of three groups:
- Ratings of 9 – 10 are considered “promoters.” These trainees are likely to be enthusiastic about urging their friends to take this teacher training certification.
- Ratings of 7 – 8 are considered “passives.” These trainees are satisfied with the teacher training, but are not likely to be recommending the training to others.
- Ratings of 6 or less are considered “detractors.” These trainees are unhappy with their experience and unlikely to recommend the school to others.
The NPS is calculated by taking the percentage of promoters minus the percentage of detractors. The resulting number is a measure of how likely the trainees, who have completed the training, are to actively recommend the training to others.
Like with the reviews, a yoga school can choose whether to display the Net Promoter Score (NPS) on the school’s public profile. If it’s not there, well there is your second red flag. Just ask yourself this question: “Why would a school choose to hide such an important factor from the yoga community?”
What Is Public and What Is Not?
Overall School Rating will always be publicly visible on the school’s profile within Yoga Alliance. Trainees rate from 0-10 how likely they are to recommend a yoga teacher training program, and this is converted to a five-star rating. Beyond the public Overall School Rating, schools can decide what other information is shown on their public profile related to:
- Training content ratings and comments
- Knowledge/teaching skills ratings and comments
- Net Promoter Score
- General comments
Here is a sample School Evaluation Survey to give you an idea how the rating system works:
Your Best Interest Or Theirs
We are increasingly researching the internet for the advice and experience of others. All too often yoga studios, schools, and teacher training certifications get “reviewed” and rated on different websites that are saturated with affiliation links. An affiliate link is a great way for a blog to recommend a service or product while asking the school to give the blogger “a cut” $ each time a visitor makes a purchase. The problem with this kind of a “relationship” is the bloggers will always put their bottom line before the best interests of yoga or those earning a living by teaching it.
By contrast, Yoga Alliance Social Credentialing System’s sole motivation is to serve the interests of the yoga community while maintaining the integrity of both the practice and the profession of yoga. Social Credentialing provides a meaningful alternative to the unverified, arbitrary, and sometimes inflammatory ratings and comments that consumer sites and blogs deliver. It protects the community while providing the public with a reliable and fair source of information and advice.
By combining feedback with established educational and training standards, Social Credentialing expands the Yoga Alliance credentialing process from a closed, centralized system to a transparent, dynamic dialogue between all members of the yoga community.
How It Helps Our Community
Yoga Alliance Social Credentialing System adds both credibility and transparency to the whole yoga community. By capturing feedback from trainees, schools are able to grow and improve their yoga teacher training programs, but more importantly, it helps potential trainees make an informed decision when selecting a yoga teacher training program.
It also:
- provides transparency about what schools teach in their trainings.
- asks the community to self-regulate and ensure compliance with Yoga Alliance Standards.
Choosing the Right Yoga School and Yoga Certification
Pursuing a training that is internationally recognized is key for a successful yoga teacher career. More importantly, investing in the right Yoga Alliance approved training can dramatically increase your chances for fantastic results in the long run, and actually make you a more knowledgeable and more effective yoga teacher.
I highly recommend that the school you pick to trust with your yoga education should always have these five factors:
- The school is registered with Yoga Alliance AND you can easily find it listed on the Yoga Alliance directory. Too many “online schools” and different blog articles will tell you that they are registered with Yoga Alliance but will NOT provide you with an easy access link to their public profile. This is a major red flag!
- The school should have published authentic reviews on it’s public profile within Yoga Alliance
- The school should have a healthy Net Promoter Score (ratings of 9 – 10)
- The school should have over a 100 student reviews. This is a tough one, I know. But as of 2024, some of the new “online schools” out there are just in it for a quick profit so pay attention to this. If the school has been registered 2-3 years ago and has 10-20 reviews, something is wrong
- The school you pick should have its own Yoga Alliance recognized certificates*
*If the school name is different from the name printed on the certificate, then there is something wrong. Pay attention to this. Here are two great articles for your continuing research: 10 Reasons to Choose Online Yoga Teacher Training Certification and What To Look For In Online Yoga Teacher Training In 2024.
Always visit the Yoga Alliance website to look at these important factors before making your decision!
15 Best Online Yoga Teacher Training Certifications & Schools (With Real Yoga Alliance Reviews) 2024
Below is a list of Yoga Alliance-approved schools that offer 200 hour and 300 hour online yoga teacher trainings and are available to you right now. Every review includes Overall School Rating and Net Promoter Score (OSR | NPS). Blue badge 
indicates full transparency by the school to help you make the most informed decision when deciding which yoga teacher training is right for you.
Yoga Alliance Rating 4.97 | NPS 9.9
School has been approved since April 2015
Built on a Vinyasa flow style of yoga, the Drishti Beats yoga teacher training covers a blend of Yin, Restorative, Yoga Nidra, Sound Healing, Dharma, and encompasses a wide range of techniques including: a detailed breakdown of yoga postures, breathing, meditation, mudras, and much more. You will learn how to apply principles of alignment to create a balanced and blissful yoga space, and explore the business of yoga both in the studio space and online.
Filmed around the world and nearly a year in the making, this training is one of the most in-depth, fun, energy-lifting, and globally connected yoga teacher training certification ever made. With over 25 years of hands-on experience in fitness and wellness education, the Drishti Beats team developed a unique truly unique immersive yoga teacher training experience.
The curriculum is well organized and carefully designed so each chapter builds on top of the previous one using the power of storytelling. Everything comes together in a very logical structure to allow you to set your own schedule around the training.
With the exception of the live weekly call, all masterclasses, lectures, talks, and practical practice are available to you on demand 24/7, so you can journey through the curriculum in your own space and at the comfort of your own pace. And come back to it whenever you need.
Communication with students is on-going with the weekly community zoom calls (beautifully named ‘Gather round’). Calls are extremely interactive and they fluctuate in content — from discussion points to guided meditation, flows and students teaching. The calls are your connection to the teachers and mentors, to other students, and to ensure you are on the right path to unlocking your true teaching potential. In addition, the team offers plenty of One on One calls with the mentors along the way.
The Drishti Beats yoga school has been set up to respect your own specific learning style and will allow you to create the schedule that works for you. No matter where you are in the world, upon completion you will receive the internationally recognized and Yoga Alliance accredited Drishti Beats certificate in your graduation package.
Yoga Alliance Rating 4.92 | NPS 9.6
School has been approved since March 2012
About the school:
We provide a variety of highly professional online courses, so you can immerse yourself into genuine yogic wisdom from the convenience of your home.
The cornerstones of our teachings are:
• breath-based classical Hatha Yoga,
• energy-based Kundalini Yoga,
• Spiritual Heart Meditation, and the
• non-dual teachings of Advaita Vedanta.
We aspire to synchronize mind & heart, to combine rational understanding with deep-going practice, and to develop present moment awareness.
Our offerings range from Teacher Training Courses and yoga intensives to meditation retreats and workshops which we hold in tropical Bali and other destinations around the globe.
Authenticity & inspiration, passion & enthusiasm are our hallmarks.
Yoga Alliance Review by: Deb Moore April 01, 2023:
Very knowledgeable, and the program itself was very thorough and complete. The level of professionalism balanced by a nurturing, inclusive environment made this the best possible experience for me–highly, highly recommend the Akasha Yoga Academy!
Source: School Profile | Yoga Alliance
Yoga Alliance Rating 4.89 | NPS 9.4
School has been approved since April 2017
About the school:
Yoga Farm Ithaca is a nonprofit center for education, yoga and retreat on 65 beautiful acres of woods, waterfalls, and meadows just outside of Ithaca, NY.
We offer incredible online yoga teacher trainings to an amazing community of students and teachers all over the world.
We’ve been called “The Most In-Person Online Yoga Teacher Training in the world”, by our graduates.
Our original 200 hour YTT is called the ‘Radiant Warrior Online Yoga Teacher Training’. It teaches Hatha yoga, vinyasa yoga, mindfulness, meditation and inquiry. More than 1000 have graduated from this program.
We’ve since added the ‘200 hour Kundalini Warrior Online Yoga Teacher Training’, which is a modern, feminine form of Kundalini yoga. Our educators have been inspired by ancient teachings of Kundalini and have modernized the technology for the modern householder.
Our 300 hour YTT is called the ‘Spiritual Warrior Advanced Yoga Teacher Training’. In it, we teach kundalini yoga (a modern, trauma informed method drawn from ancient traditions), the science of Ayurveda, Lunar Wisdom and the Enneagram.
Yoga Alliance Review by: Kacie Fisher April 15, 2023:
Yoga Farm Ithaca offered a unique opportunity to complete my yoga teacher training program online. I felt very supported during the process and learned a lot of useful information for both my yoga practice and personal life. Thank you so much!
Source: School Profile | Yoga Alliance
Yoga Alliance Rating 4.90 | Hidden NPS
School has been approved since November 2018
About the school:
Why chose Zazyoga for your 200-hour YTTC?
Gain an in-dept understanding of the practice of yoga
With the recent rise of yoga injuries, we make it our mission to teach you how to practice and teach safely. Whether it is during practices, asana labs, or anatomy classes, proper alignment is our underlying theme! Beyond the physical practice, each of our classes give you tangible and applicable tools to integrate in your own life and in your career as a yoga teacher, from pranayama and kriyas to how you can transform your thoughts with yoga philosophy.
Build your teacher skills to become a confident and inspiring teacher
Our course offers extensive teaching practice experience, so that when you graduate, you can immediately start your career as a confident yoga teacher.
Embrace the yoga tradition in your modern life
Respecting the yoga tradition does not have to deny our modern lives! Our course is practical and adapted to your reality, so that you can apply tangible tools to your life.
Receive personal support in an intimate environment
We create a safe environment to learn, growth, and discover more about yourself. You will receive dedicated personalized one-on-one support from your teachers for your own unique specific needs.
Yoga Alliance Review by: Charity Coleman February 21, 2023:
The community was really supportive and the both Ella and Marylene were really helpful and you could see how knowledgeable they were of yoga anatomy, philosophy, etc. when answering question and giving advice.
Source: School Profile | Yoga Alliance
Yoga Alliance Rating 4.86 | NPS 9.1
School has been approved since November 2018
*Yoga International is not a registered school with Yoga Alliance. Instead, upon completion graduates receive a certificate of completion from The Mazé Method School.
About the school:
Upon completion of this training, graduates will receive a certificate of completion for 200 hours of study with The Mazé Method School. The Mazé Method teacher trainings consist of a step-by-step approach to becoming a skillful, confident teacher. The curriculum combines detailed alignment knowledge and intelligent sequencing with vinyasa theory to provide you with sound skills for teaching safe and effective yoga classes. Lead teachers have spent over 75 years collectively investigating nearly every style of yoga, its practices, and associated philosophies. Their knowledge, combined with their approach to experiential education, creates a learning environment that is rich and multi-faceted. We study and deconstruct asana (yoga poses), pranayama (breathwork), meditation, adjustments, yoga theory, yoga practice, yoga history and philosophy, basic Sanskrit, and ethics. Each day in training is treasure trove of learning about anatomy, kinesiology, applied biomechanics, and how to use this knowledge to optimize your yoga and movement practice and teaching. Students learn to apply healthy critical thinking through an inquisitive approach to yoga studies. They practice innovative teaching drills, gain clarity about how scientific principles substantiate training techniques, explore the deeper dimensions of yoga practice, and leave with a cutting-edge understanding of human movement and physiology. In all, students can expect to complete this school’s training with new perspectives on yoga study, a greater understanding of biomechanical alignment principles, and expanded general knowledge.
Yoga Alliance Review by: Kamal Irani February 11, 2023:
I was impressed with the quality of the information that I learned. Nichol was very helpful in helping me navigate through the program. I enjoyed learning about the yoga philosophy. The in-depth training videos about anatomy were very beneficial.
Source: School Profile | Yoga Alliance
Yoga Alliance Rating 4.82 | NPS 8.9
School has been approved since March 2012
About the school:
Yoga & Ayurveda Center / Online Yoga School is a Registered Yoga School (RYS) with Yoga Alliance, which designates this teacher training program as one which follows Yoga Alliance’s standards. Students who complete a verified training with this school may be eligible to register with Yoga Alliance as Registered Yoga Teachers (RYTs).
Yoga Alliance Review by: Key Chancey April 17, 2023
The anatomy section felt overly done/ forced and did not connect to the overall yoga alignment well.
Source: School Profile | Yoga Alliance
Yoga Alliance Rating 4.81 | NPS 8.8
School has been approved since July 2016
About the school:
Alignment-based vinyasa with a focus on igniting your through the science of yoga. Strong emphasis on myofascial release, mindset, and translating yoga’s wisdom into our modern lives.
Source: School Profile | Yoga Alliance
Yoga Alliance Review by: Heidi Potton March 08, 2023:
Incredible program, so much knowledge and passion. I would recommend to everyone!
Source: School Profile | Yoga Alliance
Yoga Alliance Rating 4.80 | NPS 8.9
School has been approved since May 2015
About the school:
Siddhi Yoga is a premier institute offering yoga teaching in a holistic environment, under the guidance of great yogis. RYT 200 residential courses are taught at Siddhi Yoga. Students come from all across the globe to learn this vedic science, in its true and original form.
Teachers at Siddhi Yoga have deep knowledge of yoga, Ayurveda, sadhna (meditation) and other vedic scriptures. Conversant with many yoga styles including hatha, ashtanga, kundalini and vinyasa yoga they bring to their students not just vedic scripture knowledge but also initiate them into the process of achieving divinity or oneness of mind and body through yoga.
Source: School Profile | Yoga Alliance
Yoga Alliance Review by: Sky Aulita March 14, 2023:
Siddhi Yoga was great at teaching the philosophy and history of yoga, and I really enjoyed all of my teachers. However, it was not the best place to learn how to teach. I didn’t get much instruction on how to come up with the poses for a complete class or how to address students. We didn’t practice teaching outside of the teaching exam at the end of the intensive, and I felt like this was not enough to feel confident in leading a class.
Source: School Profile | Yoga Alliance
Yoga Alliance Rating 4.79 | NPS 8.8
School has been approved since June 2015
About the school:
The YogaRenew Yoga Teacher Training Program was designed to enable yogis from all different backgrounds worldwide to be able to follow their dream and passion of getting their yoga teacher certification.
Our program was designed to make yoga teacher training accessible and affordable for all looking to deepen their practice and share their love of yoga to the world.
Our trainings offer you the opportunity to deeply enrich your practice and understanding of yoga. This comprehensive YTT will give you a strong foundation for yoga philosophy and practice.
As a student, you’ll learn all the aspects of yoga teacher training and learn all the skills needed to become a knowledgeable yoga teacher.
Yoga Alliance Review by: Gabriela Stiles April 18, 2023:
YogaRenew is a very organized virtual program where I learned wonderful content! I love that I can access my work anytime for review, that is a major plus. It would have beeb nice to have one short real time connection with someone when completing the course, for feedback. Overall, great course! Thank you : )
Source: School Profile | Yoga Alliance
Yoga Alliance Rating 4.79 | NPS 8.7
School has been approved since October 2016
About the school:
My Vinyasa Practice is a yoga school training yoga teachers in vinyasa, hatha, and the application of yogic philosophy to daily life. My Vinyasa Practice l is founded on the principles of accessible and affordable yoga teacher training designed to meet teachers where they are at while facilitating interpersonal growth. All of our trainers have had extensive training with truly amazing teachers. It is our mission to make yoga, spiritual self studies and education affordable and scalable.
We offer multiple training formats that span several different industries. My Vinyasa Practice offers yoga teacher trainings, health and wellness certifications, and continuing education programs for yoga teachers and professionals. We are currently offering trainings in Austin, TX and international intensives.
Yoga Alliance Review by Dan Pichette March 20, 2023:
Great course delivery and curriculum. There is a huge benefit to in group training and sessions which is difficult to replicate online but there were many great opportunities to engage with others. Sound quality on certain elements of delivery could have been improved.
Source: School Profile | Yoga Alliance
Yoga Alliance Rating 4.68 | NPS 7.9
School has been approved since May 2011
About the school:
If you are in search of a great Yoga TTC, Sampoorna Yoga may be the best place for you!
We are a Yoga Teacher Training Center rooted in Indian yogic tradition. Our name, ‘Sampoorna’, is a Sanskrit word meaning ‘full’, ‘total’, or ‘absolute’. And it truly reflects what we aim to bring to our students through our yoga courses and retreats.
This concept of totality and completeness is reflected in our teachings, in the respect we have for yoga traditions, and the acceptance of students from all traditions and lineages, all over the world. We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional and comprehensive yoga instruction to support your personal practice and your teaching journey.
Yoga Alliance Review by: Haylee Barsky March 23, 2023:
This is the type of school where it’s really what you make of it. Overall my personal growing experience was great.
Source: School Profile | Yoga Alliance
Yoga Alliance Rating 4.61 | Hidden NPS
School has been approved since August 2019
About the school:
East+West is a school dedicated to sharing authentic yogic practices from India with a western audience. We bring Indian master teachers all over the world to luxurious resorts. We are committed to bringing our students the best of all worlds.
School has chosen not to share its community reviews as of this time.
Source: School Profile | Yoga Alliance
Yoga Alliance Rating 4.61 | Hidden NPS
School has been approved since April 2012
About the school:
The Kaivalya Yoga Method has been formulated after over a decade of dedicated study and research and teaching experience. It is a comprehensive compilation of the fundamentals of yoga directed at creating teachers who can translate this ancient practice for a modern-day audience while staying true to yoga’s highest aim.
School has chosen not to share its community reviews as of this time.
Source: School Profile | Yoga Alliance
Yoga Alliance Review by: Ali Sherwood March 20, 2023:
The content of this course was good; however, the feedback was very slow and did not follow the 72-hour window. I believe with more instructors they could provide better support to all students. Some of my assignments were even graded with the incorrect name and I received a second certificate weeks after completing my program with a different completion date.
Source: School Profile | Yoga Alliance
Yoga Alliance Rating 4.61 | Hidden NPS
School has been approved since September 2017
About the school:
Samadhi Yoga ashram is a Registered Yoga School (RYS) with Yoga Alliance, which designates this teacher training program as one which follows Yoga Alliance’s standards. Students who complete a verified training with this school may be eligible to register with Yoga Alliance as Registered Yoga Teachers (RYTs).
Yoga Alliance Review by: Maria Roig February 28, 2023:
I thanks Samadhi Yoga Ashram not only to teach me Yoga, but also the kindness and very friendly teachers , thanks for the good time and schow me a new lifestyle that makes me feel more peace and at the same time powerfull. Everytime again.
Source: School Profile | Yoga Alliance
Yoga Alliance Rating 4.34 | Hidden NPS
School has been approved since February 2009
About the school:
Santosha has been running trainings and retreats since 2008 – meaning we can celebrate 10 amazing years of helping our students transform their lives and step into their strength!
Santosha means contentment and gratitude for all that was, all that is, and all that will be. Our goal is that all those we encounter can gain an experience of Santosha – and then share and spread this experience back into communities through teaching; creating a ripple effect that will change the world and the hearts of all beings in it.
We are happy when our students and graduates are happy – leading joyful and fulfilled lives, sharing their passion and living in integrity and peace. Our greatest pride is being part of the journey, walking alongside our our students to follow their true path and embrace the happiness and beauty inside them.
School has chosen not to share its community reviews as of this time.
Source: School Profile | Yoga Alliance
Community-Based Yoga Schools
While flexible and accessible, learning online can be isolating. Community encouragement will play a role in inspiring you to complete your online yoga instructor training. Always ask if your yoga school and their yoga teacher program provides opportunities to communicate with others, includes social support via Facebook groups, forums, etc.
Trust Your Intuition
Your thorough research into the best yoga online teacher training certification will leave your intuition telling you, “that’s the one.” Listen to your instinct; it rarely misleads you.
If you are considering a yoga teacher career path, becoming a yoga teacher is not as difficult as you might think. Once you’ve done your research, there are various ways to train and teach yoga. Some of these focus on a more modern style while others focus on traditional techniques. Some have a beautiful blend. Once you become an accredited yoga teacher, you will be free to develop your own signature style.
Lori Lowell, Drishti Beats mentor, co-founder and fitness visionary, is the 2015 Julie Main Woman Leader Award recipient. She often interviews for Ask An Expert in Club Solutions Magazine, regularly appears on Club Industry, and is an accomplished E-RYT 500.
Better Yoga Teacher or Better Yoga Participant or Just a Better Human Being
YOGA TEACHER TRAINING
Published: December 27, 2023
As part of the Drishti Beats 300 Hour Advanced Yoga Training final, we ask our students to take the journalist seat and write a spread in a magazine about their 300h training experience. We want them to reflect on what they learned, what they loved, what was challenging, etc. Below is the first article we publish in a new series called Beyond the Mat: Exploring the Depths of Advanced Yoga Training.
By Melissa Van Portfleet, RYT 500, Drishti Beats Alumni
My journey to become a 500-hour Yoga Teacher has been long and life changing. It has been everything I wanted and more. Sure, it had plenty of ups and downs and there were a few short moments of imposter syndrome. But in the end, I can honestly say that I have pursued the right goals for myself and what I want out of life. Taking an online course has allowed me the time to really learn and master the material I was given. I was able to practice and perfect my teaching voice and style. The depths of the chapter materials filled me with the knowledge to take my students on deep yogic journeys every single class. The weekly calls have given me a community I can lean into whenever I need them. I have learned more about myself and my own personal journey than I expected to. Because of this I am now confident that I am living the yogic lifestyle I am teaching to my students. This journey began when I made the decision to earn my 300 hours in one year. But why a year, you ask?
300 Hours in 365 Days
I chose 365 days because I knew it would be a challenge but also attainable. To reach this goal I would have to work on my course at least a couple hours a week. I left no room to fall out of my routine. While completing my 200-hour yoga teacher training with Drishti Beats I got complacent. I allowed myself to procrastinate. Because of that it took me longer than I wanted to finish. This time around I already had a routine in place. I knew how to study and prep, and I was comfortable with my filming skills. Knowing this, I challenged myself to finish the 300hr training in the same amount of time it took me to complete my 200hr, 365 days. I know what you’re thinking, a whole year? Why not get it done in a month or two like so many others. Well, this decision was how I landed on Drishti Beats Yoga Teacher Training in the first place. An online, work at your own pace, course.
Truly Immersing Myself
I have young children and am mostly a stay-at-home mom. I am not in a place where I can drop everything and travel to an exotic location for a month to learn yoga. I have responsibilities. I have no doubt that my husband, John, would have supported me in that decision but I personally couldn’t bring myself to leave him in that type of situation. I also could have found a local teacher willing to provide a live course with faster outcomes. But for me it wasn’t about finishing as fast as possible. This training has been about truly immersing myself in the material and applying it in real time to my own personal life as well as to the yoga classes I teach weekly. Taking an online course has allowed me to go at my own pace. To take breaks and absorbed the knowledge I learned. At times I would sit down to study and in just the first video I would find myself diving down rabbit holes on Google because I wanted to learn more about that topic. A live class wouldn’t give me that opportunity.
Music is What Feelings Sound Like
It wasn’t just the online delivery, the perfect price, or the work at your own pace that drew me to Drishti Beats. It was the music! I love music. I have music playing just about every moment of my day. I have a group fitness background where music is everything in a fitness class. It drives you, entertains you, and brings everyone together. I want my yoga to have this same atmosphere. Music can make all the difference in taking a yoga class from just OK to Great! Lori said once, “music is what feelings sound like.” I couldn’t agree with this more! I know, I know, seems too good to be true. You’re probably thinking that I felt lonely through this online journey. That I probably missed the comradery of a large in person group with memorable moments shared along the way. On the contrary.
Gather ‘round (Online)
With the weekly calls and through social media, it is easy to feel like my “classmates” were all right there with me. How cool that I get to chat with other individuals from all over the world who have the same passions, goals, and interests as me. The weekly Gather ‘round calls are a great way to share information, trade ideas, and hear other’s thoughts on topics we are all learning together. It is fascinating to hear the same sequence taught one after another by different students and learn something new from each one. One person can say something just a little differently and it can resonate so strongly with you. What I love about Drishti Beats is that even though you have graduated they still invite you to the weekly calls. It makes me feel like it isn’t just a learning environment but a space for friendships and community. They open the space, so we never stop learning! Lori and Jeremy felt like such good friends after only a few calls. And with the one-on-one check-in calls, you get an opportunity to be truly open and feel heard. Never have I left a call with doubt or hard feelings. Only encouragement and motivation.
Healthier Mind, Calmer Emotions
It wasn’t all fun and games though. My biggest challenge throughout this training is also the main reason I pursued my 300-hour training in the first place. Not for the title on my resume, but for the knowledge and practice of storytelling. I had the physical practice down. I know how to teach. But I was lacking in my delivery. I want my students to walk out of my yoga classes stronger, more flexible, and healthier. But I also want them to walk away with a healthier mind, calmer emotions, and with tools to live a more fulfilling lifestyle, inside and out. This has taken me out of my comfort zone. I have learned how to research class themes, mudras, dharmas, and mantras. I have a small library of ideas that I can now pull from if I am lacking ideas for my next class. I also feel more confident in how I cue these themes. I have a better understanding of how I can teach these big ideas and have them resonate with my students. I now teach the full package. Mind, body, and spirit.
Meditation
Storytelling was the hurdle I was expecting. What I didn’t see coming was my own personal struggles with meditation. Starting every day with 30 minutes of meditation was easier said than done! Over the months in this training, I’ve come to accept that I am not a sit still meditator. I need movement and I prefer my eyes open. I try to start every day walking my dogs. It allows me the time to reflect on my previous day, my emotions, or whatever else I may be working through. It has been a game changer in how I manage my feelings. This struggle turned success is just one of the areas I have managed to overcome.
The Freedom to Move
Teaching off the mat was something I used to do only when it was mandatory. One year later, I feel confident in not only stepping off my mat for a small portion of the class but for entire sequences. I’ve built the confidence and ability to cue and coach without my body and it has given me so much freedom to dive deeper into my storytelling. I had to push my fear aside and just do it. It almost feels natural now to gracefully step off and, on my mat, to move into poses, then out again seamlessly. It leaves my hands free to help my students with hands-on assistance. It has leveled up my teaching. These new tactics aren’t just limited to Vinyasa Yoga anymore either.
Yoga Workshops
Some things I didn’t expect to learn but am thankful I did are the Yin Yoga and Restorative Yoga workshops. Yin Yoga is the routine I was missing from my life that I didn’t know I needed. It is such a popular class around here (Phoenix, Arizona), but I’ve always thought of it as too slow, too easy. But I was wrong. It took just one class for me to get hooked. Now I practice it at least once a week and hope to teach it very soon. And hello storytelling! There is so much room to teach and expand on topics while you get an amazing stretch. Speaking of a practice being slow, I can’t use sick, sore, or tired as an excuse to not get practice in anymore. Restorative yoga is here to save the day. With the help of props, anything is attainable. These slow moving, almost meditative, poses were a great way for me to continue my “almost” still meditation practices without getting discouraged.
Different Yoga Styles
While we’re on the topic of different yoga styles, have you ever heard of Terpsichore yoga? It was the hardest hour of yoga I have ever taught but also the most fun. Boy did this take me out of my comfort zone and test my endurance. I do not think I would have ever volunteered to learn this style of rhythmic yoga without Drishti Beats.
Sanskrit
Among all these different styles of yoga, my Sanskrit knowledge was developing without really trying. Sanskrit a second language? Yup! Just about. I feel like when it comes to yoga now, I think more in the Sanskrit names than the English translations. I never thought that would be the case, but here we are. I feel it brings in a sense of unity within the yoga community. Regardless of what your native language is or what one person calls a pose versus another, Sanskrit is consistent. It is easy to follow once you understand it. I really enjoyed that this training dove deeper into the history of the language and its pronunciation. Even the occasional written word as well.
Now I know you’re going to ask, “if I could go back and start the training over, would I choose or do anything different?” Absolutely not! Knowing what I know now, I think that every part of this training happened the way that it was supposed to. It all fit into my life so perfectly. I am a better mother, wife, teacher, and overall person than when I started. This journey has been life changing on so many levels, far more than I anticipated, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
So, if you’re on the hunt to become a better yoga teacher or maybe just a better yoga participant, heck, just a better human being then please do yourself a favor and enroll in Drishti Beats 300h Advanced Yoga Training.
Perfectionism Is The Enemy of Progress | Lori Lowell | Drishti Beats Yoga
YOGA TEACHER TRAINING
Last updated: December 17, 2023
By Lori Lowell, Drishti Beats mentor, co-founder and fitness visionary, is the 2015 Julie Main Woman Leader Award recipient. She often interviews for Ask An Expert in Club Solutions Magazine, regularly appears on Club Industry, and is an accomplished E-RYT 500.
So let’s get right to it. I am going to invite you to drop the thought of being perfect, in any aspect of your life. Mainly because I want you to complete your yoga teacher training and if you are wrapped up in being perfect it will take you longer than you would like.
Being in yoga is not about being perfect. We, Drishti Beats, truly believe that you are absolutely perfectly imperfect and everything you do is about your authenticity and your organic self. What makes a masterful yoga teacher and even more importantly, you, as a masterful person, is not being perfect and never making a mistake. If you live life in the space of seeking perfectionism it will interrupt your progress.
So let’s look at this dirty 13 letter word – Perfectionism.
Lori Lowell, Drishti Beats mentor, co-founder and fitness visionary, is the 2015 Julie Main Woman Leader Award recipient. She often interviews for Ask An Expert in Club Solutions Magazine, regularly appears on Club Industry, and is an accomplished E-RYT 500.
Taking An In-depth Look Into a 300 Hour Advanced Online Yoga Training In 2024
Taking An In-depth Look Into a 300 Hour Advanced Online Yoga Training In 2024
Last updated: November 24, 2023
By Lori Lowell, Drishti Beats mentor, co-founder, and fitness visionary, is the 2015 Julie Main Woman Leader Award recipient. She often interviews for Ask An Expert in Club Solutions Magazine, regularly appears on Club Industry, and is an accomplished E-RYT 500.
In the vibrant world of yoga, the journey never truly ends. A 300-hour advanced yoga training isn’t just about accumulating more knowledge; it’s an immersive journey that expands far beyond the physical practice of yoga. It’s a comprehensive exploration of the philosophy, anatomy, teaching methodologies, personal growth, and professional development that enriches a teacher’s skillset and transforms their approach to yoga teachings. It’s a voyage that not only refines teaching abilities but also nurtures a deeper understanding and embodiment of yoga as a holistic lifestyle.
Watch The In-Depth Look Into a 300 Hour Advanced Yoga Training Program
The goal of this article is to give you an in-depth look into a 300h advanced yoga training and how to do your own research into the different advanced trainings that are currently available to you. It is essential to weigh your best options when deciding which school to trust with your money. But even more importantly, with your yoga education. So, let’s help you find the online advanced yoga training certification that is right for you!
200h Yoga Teacher Training and 300h Advanced Yoga Training
Table of Contents
Together, the 200-hour and 300-hour yoga teacher training programs represent stages in a teacher’s evolution, offering diverse perspectives, in-depth knowledge, and practical skills. They are not just certifications but transformative experiences that shape not only one’s teaching abilities but also their personal growth within the vast landscape of yoga. Each training, with its unique focus, contributes to the holistic development of a teacher, empowering them to guide students with wisdom, compassion, and skill.
What is Yoga Alliance?
Composed of over 7,000 Registered Yoga Schools (RYS) and more than 100,000 Registered Yoga Teachers (RYT) as of April of 2020, Yoga Alliance is the largest nonprofit association representing the yoga community. Their mission is to “foster and support the high quality, safe, accessible, and equitable teaching of yoga.”
Advocacy is a key component of the Yoga Alliance, but they have taken it to the next level to ensure quality and safety in yoga teaching and practice by:
- Creating quantitative standards for yoga instruction
- Establishing a member-wide Ethical Commitment that includes a Code of Conduct, Scope of Practice, and dedication to equity.
- Fostering accountability through fair and full feedback regarding RYSs.
How Important is Yoga Alliance Certification?
Founded in 1999 to protect diversity and set quality standards for yoga training and teaching, Yoga Alliance has worked diligently to improve the yoga education experience and continue to help positively shape its progression. Thus, the Yoga Alliance-approved certification has become the benchmark by which most practitioners measure trainings and teachers.
So, why does the Yoga Alliance Certification matter? Because it is the most highly respected authority on yoga training. The immense work and collaboration that went into their 18-month Standards Review Project has ensured that quality yoga teachers are available and accessible.
This is the reason why many fitness facilities, gyms, and studios require yoga teachers to become certified with a Yoga Alliance-approved program.
To become a certified 500-hour yoga teacher, you need to complete a 300-hour advanced yoga program. Although different schools offer shorter certificate programs, in terms of the number of hours, Yoga Alliance requires that you to receive 300 hours of educational training, at a minimum, before becoming a recognized 500 Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-500).
As part of the Yoga Alliance Social Credentialing system, trainees that complete an advanced yoga teacher training with a Registered Yoga School (RYS) are required to review and give feedback on the school and their advanced training journey before they are able to continue registering as a RYT-500. In other words, Yoga Alliance isn’t telling you one advanced training is better than another, the students are. They become the eyes and ears for Yoga Alliance in advanced trainings around the world, and the yoga community becomes more accountable as a whole.
How It Helps The Yoga Community?
Yoga Alliance Social Credentialing System adds both credibility and transparency to the whole yoga community. By capturing feedback from trainees, schools are able to grow and improve their advanced yoga training programs, but more importantly, it helps RYT-200 teachers to make an informed decision when considering an advanced yoga training program.
It also:
- provides transparency about what schools teach in their trainings
- asks the community to self-regulate and ensure compliance with Yoga Alliance Standards
The Pinnacle of Yoga Education: RYT-500 Certificate
Envision the pinnacle of yoga education: The Yoga Alliance 500h RYT Certificate. The one you get after successfully completing a Yoga Alliance approved 300h advanced yoga training. It is a beacon of excellence that offers profound benefits for yoga teachers seeking to elevate their expertise and impact.
Up until a few years ago getting your Yoga Alliance accreditation with an online training course wasn’t possible as Yoga Alliance did not approve online trainings. And then COVID-19 happened and has turned the world upside down. Everything has been impacted. How we live and interact with each other, how we work and communicate, how we move around and travel. Every aspect of our lives has been affected. The resulting stay-at-home orders have led to a significant change (one might say a revolution even) in the world of yoga, making online yoga trainings not only accessible to anyone with an internet connection but also opened up the possibility to receive Yoga Alliance accreditation provided you embarked on a recognized teacher training course. Fast forward to today and learning yoga online offers a plethora of benefits and amongst them is bringing the power of the 300h advanced yoga teacher training to the comfort of your own space.
To learn how approved yoga Schools get reviewed and what you need to know before deciding which online yoga training is right for you read my 15 Best Online Yoga Teacher Training Certifications & Schools (With Real Yoga Alliance Reviews) 2024 article.
Advantages of a 300h Advanced Online Yoga Training
Let’s explore the myriad advantages of diving into a 300h advanced online yoga training:
- Advanced Poses. Delve into complex asanas, learning proper alignment, modifications, and advanced variations to expand your practice and teach confidently.
- Sequencing. Understand the art of crafting sequences that are not only creative but also safe and effective, catering to diverse student needs.
- Subtle Body Anatomy. Explore the energetic aspects of the body, including chakras, nadis (energy channels), and the concept of prana (life force).
- Injury Prevention. Deepen knowledge of anatomy to prevent injuries and guide students safely through their practice, understanding individual limitations.
- Philosophical Studies. Dive into ancient texts like the Bhagavad Gita, Yoga Sutras, and Upanishads, exploring their philosophical depths and relevance to modern life.
- Ethics and Lifestyle. Discuss ethical guidelines for yoga teachers and learn how to integrate yoga philosophy into daily life and teaching.
- Advanced Teaching Techniques. Refine your verbal cues, adjustments, and use of props to offer a more profound and transformative experience to your students.
- Lean Teaching teaching techniques Dharma, Yoga Nidra, Yin, Restorative, Tripsichore, and Rhythm Flow
- Meditation Practices. Deepen your understanding of various meditation techniques, guiding students through practices that enhance focus and inner peace.
- Pranayama. Explore advanced breathing techniques and their effects on the mind-body connection, incorporating pranayama into your classes.
Can You Really Learn Yoga Online?
Yes! Learning yoga online isn’t just about convenience; it’s a gateway to a world of accessibility, customization, and expertise. It breaks down barriers, offering a space where individuals can embark on their yoga journey comfortably, at their own pace, and with a vast array of resources at their disposal. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or a beginner, the digital realm of yoga beckons, inviting you to roll out your mat and embrace the practice in a way that suits your life.
A Yoga Alliance approved 300h advanced yoga training isn’t merely a certification; it’s a voyage that amplifies a teacher’s skills, knowledge, and personal growth. It’s a commitment to mastering the art and science of yoga, enhancing teaching proficiency, and embracing the deeper dimensions of this ancient practice. Ultimately, it’s a profound investment that not only elevates a teacher’s career but also enriches their life, guiding them toward becoming leaders in our wonderful yoga community.
By Lori Lowell, Drishti Beats mentor, co-founder, and fitness visionary, is the 2015 Julie Main Woman Leader Award recipient. She often interviews for Ask An Expert in Club Solutions Magazine, regularly appears on Club Industry, and is an accomplished E-RYT 500.
Yoga Sequencing Journals
Hello, hello! Alysia here or aka ace yogi! I don’t know about you but I have always been one who writes down every yoga class I’ve ever taught in a notebook. From the beginning of time, I’ve called it my Yoga Archive and if I ever don’t have time to plan a new class well to the Yoga Archive I go! I’ve created these journals that I hope you’ll love as much as I do! They are not only a collection of your hard work but they offer sequence outlines to help prep and brainstorm your class! There is a unique journal for Yin, Restorative, and Vinyasa Yoga. These sequencing journals are designed to help you organize and save every class you teach in an easy to find spot. I love being able to go back to the beginning of my teaching journey and see how far I’ve come and how my teaching has evolved, and I know you will too! These tools are for every Yoga teacher, from those that are just starting to seasoned teachers. You will find them helpful to lesson plan your classes and keep each class unique.
So let’s talk about each journal. Each journal is 7×10” dimensions and the perfect size to fit in your bag but large enough to have space to write. Each journal starts with my definition of each style of Yoga with who this journal belongs.
The Vinyasa Journal
- 106 pages:
- 5 detailed descriptions of unique vinyasa flow structures to follow
- 4 different sequence outlines to follow
- 50 templates with a small class prep
- Section and the rest open lined paper for your class magic!
- Date and sequence number
- Class prep such as props, theme, and peak
- Sequence type
- Pose list categories with suggested hold times
- Lines notebook style are writing space. Front and back.
The Yin Journal
- 75 fill in the blank outlines
- Date and sequence number
- Class prep such as props and theme
- A chart to add time per pose
- Pose list with suggested hold times
- Extra space for additional notes
The Restorative Journal
- 75 fill in the blank outlines
- Date and sequence number
- Class prep such as props, theme, mudras, mantras
- A chart to add time per pose
- Pose list categories with suggested hold times
- Extra space for additional notes
Grab yours today on Amazon and start recording your own magic!
With love and light, Alysia ❤️