There are yoga teacher training programs for every need.
Some are quick, but limited, weekend programs. Others focus narrowly on a particular style of yoga. Most take from six months to a year to complete, and include a mix of night classes and weekend seminars.
If you’re looking for a thorough and comprehensive yoga teacher education, here are some of the best options available.
The Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA) is located in Tempe, Arizona and offers a comprehensive 200-hour yoga teacher training school program recognized by the Yoga Alliance. The program draws its elements from a variety of yoga traditions. Facilitators hold advanced certifications in the Iyengar, Kripalu and Anusara traditions. SWIHA also regularly hosts guest yoga teacher trainers of national and international renown.
Yoga teacher training at SWIHA includes a thorough education in the history and philosophy of yoga, asanas (postures), pranayama (breathing exercises), meditation, Sanskrit, yogic diet, principles of alignment, anatomy of movement, methods of teaching and more. You will learn how to design and structure a yoga class to incorporate all aspects of yoga. You will also be encouraged to take the principles of yoga into your daily life and to help your future students to do the same. SWIHA yoga teacher training is conducted in three sequential modules.
Based in San Diego, California, this flexible 200-hour yoga teacher training program provides a well-rounded foundation in yoga, preparing students to specialize in any type of yoga instructor career that inspires them. A 500-hour program is also available if you wish to take your skills to the next level. Classes are ongoing, so you can begin at any time and continue at your own pace.
YogaWell unites the best of ancient wisdom with the latest in progressiveyoga practice. You will receive an overview of the most popular yoga styles and Himalayan yoga traditions. You will learn about yoga history, yoga philosophy, ethics, sutras, key Sanskrit terminology, meditation techniques, pranayama breathing techniques, anatomy, physiology and yogic energy concepts— including chakras and bandhas. You will also learn how to design yoga lesson plans and modify yoga asanas with props and hands-on adjustments. If you continue on to the 500-hour program, you will expand in many of these areas and assist with teaching and mentoring junior students.
Langara is the first college in Canada to offer a 250-hour experiential yoga teacher training certificate program. This six-month, part-time educational program offers multidisciplinary training in various aspects of classic and contemporary yoga, including asanas, pranayama, meditation, yogic history, philosophy, psychology and theory. You will learn to become a highly skilled, competent and professional yoga teacher with thorough knowledge of both theory and practice. Many students also find that Langara’s safe and nurturing learning environment leads them to deeper benefits, including personal growth, healing and self-transformation.
Located in Lexington, Kentucky, the Lexington Healing Arts Academy (LHAA) values small classes, consistent policies, respect, appreciation and acceptance of each individual. A diverse student body encompasses a wide range of ages and experiences. The LHAA yoga teacher training program is a 200-hour course comprised of 180 classroom hours and 20 internship/externship hours. LHAA students are thoroughly prepared to confidently instruct yoga classes in a variety of settings.
How to help others find correct alignment in each yoga pose.
The program consists of 12 weekend classes held once a month for a year. Financial aid and tuition installment plans are available.
Located in central Pennsylvania, the Mt. Nittany Institute of Natural Health offers a 250-hour yoga teacher training program that offers a gentle and compassionate approach to alignment and awareness in the yoga postures. The Mt. Nittany program is approved by the Yoga Alliance in the 200-hour category and welcomes students of all yoga traditions. At Mt. Nittany you will learn how to teach basic level yoga classes of all types, with thorough instruction on yoga postures, breathing practices, relaxation techniques and meditation. Financing assistance is available.