How to Find the Best Yoga Teacher Training for You

Rebecca Chalmers

By Rebecca Chalmers

Finding the best yoga teacher training for you can be a tricky and exciting step for any yoga student. Whether you’re looking to deepen your practice or begin teaching students, finding the right course is essential. With so many options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Most students start with a foundational 200-hour training then will often specialise by taking shorter 50/100-hour courses – or a more in-depth 300-hour. This guide will help you make an informed decision and find the best Yoga Teacher Training program for your goals.

How to Find the Best Yoga Teacher Training

1. Define Your Goals

Before diving into the search, ask yourself:

  • Why do I want to do a yoga teacher training?
  • Do I want to teach, deepen my practice, or gain personal growth?
  • What style of yoga am I passionate about?

If you’re looking to deepen your practice, an intensive program focused on Asana might be ideal. However, if you want to teach, a longer course (e.g., a six-month program) allows more time for practice teaching and integration. Both formats have pros and cons, so consider what suits your learning style best.

2. Check for Accreditation

Accreditation ensures that a program meets professional standards. Many YTT programs are certified by governing bodies such as:

  • Yoga Alliance (globally recognised)
  • British Wheel of Yoga (UK-based)

However, some highly reputable studios choose not to follow traditional accreditation systems. If a program isn’t accredited, research the lead teachers’ qualifications and experience to ensure credibility. Practicing with them beforehand can help determine if their teaching aligns with your values.

3. Choose the Right Yoga Style

Different YTT programs focus on specific yoga styles. Some popular ones include:

  • Hatha Yoga: Great for beginners seeking a well-rounded foundation.
  • Vinyasa Yoga: Perfect for those who love creative flows and dynamic sequences.
  • Ashtanga Yoga: Ideal for disciplined practitioners seeking structure.
  • Yin or Restorative Yoga: Best for those interested in slow, meditative practices.

If you’re unsure, look for a program offering a mix of styles to provide a well-rounded experience. Some styles of yoga will require a specific amount of hours practicing that style before enrolling for a YTT (Iyengar for example).

4. Decide on the Format

There are two main formats to choose from:

  • In-Person Yoga Teacher Training: These trainings allow for more group discussion, community building, and a deeper connection with teachers and peers. In-person teaching experience and hands on assists.
  • Online Yoga Teacher Training: Flexible and more affordable, these programs are great if traveling isn’t an option and you learn better independently.

You’ll also need to decide between:

  • Intensive Programs: Typically a month full-time, great for those who want an immersive experience. This is an intense option you will be studying 5/6 days a week and around 7/8am until 5/6pm.
  • Part-Time Programs: Spread over several months, perfect for those with busy schedules. Staggered weekends usually spread over 6 months. Great for parents or those with a 9-5 but don’t underestimate the amount of work involved. This is 200 hours plus homework and assessments.

5. Review the Curriculum

A high-quality yoga teacher training program should cover:

  • Yoga Philosophy: Understanding the roots of yoga through ancient texts like the Yoga Sutras or Bhagavad Gita.
  • Asana Practice: Learning proper alignment, variations, and sequencing.
  • Anatomy and Physiology: Insights into how yoga affects the body and mind.
  • Teaching Methodology: Building confidence in cueing, adjustments, and class sequencing.
  • Practical Teaching Opportunities: Hands-on teaching practice with observation and feedback.
  • Yoga Ethics: Does the course offer equity and diversity training and does the course respect and honour the roots of yoga?

Make sure the course aligns with what you want to learn and your own morals.

6. Consider the Location

Your choice of location for yoga teacher training can significantly influence your experience. Here are some key factors to weigh:

  • Local Programs: Opting for a local training program allows you to integrate your learning into daily life, making it easier to balance personal or professional commitments. It also means lower travel costs and the ability to stay in familiar surroundings.
  • Destination Retreats: A destination program offers a fully immersive experience, often set in peaceful, scenic environments that inspire reflection and focus. These retreats allow you to step away from daily responsibilities and commit entirely to your training, creating a transformative experience. Note the cost will be higher than just the advertised training fees, your accommodation, food and travel is an additional expense.
  • Studio-Based Training: Studio-based programs often require commuting and can involve a mix of your yoga space and home life. This setup lets you apply what you learn to real-world settings as you go, which can be a helpful way to transition into teaching.
  • Retreat Centres: Choosing a retreat centre means everything—accommodation, meals, and training—happens in one place. This simplifies logistics and allows you to focus entirely on your practice, fostering deeper connection and learning.

There isn’t the perfect option or answer it depends on your goals, lifestyle, and what you want to gain from the experience..

7. Read Reviews and Testimonials

Take the time to research reviews and testimonials from past students to get a clearer picture of what a yoga teacher training program offers. Here’s what to focus on:

  • Quality of Teaching: Do students praise the instructors for their knowledge, approachability, and teaching methods?
  • Support from Instructors: Are the teachers attentive and available for guidance both during and after the course?
  • Course Effectiveness: Does the program deliver on its promises? Are alumni satisfied with their experience and how it prepared them to teach or deepen their practice?

Hearing firsthand experiences from previous graduates can give you valuable insight into what to expect and whether the program aligns with your goals.

8. Understand the Costs

Yoga teacher training is an investment, so make sure you know what’s included:

  • Tuition fees: The current average cost of an in-person London studio training costs around £3000 for a quality 200 hour training at established studios. You can get some online trainings for around £300 but the cost is comparable in how much you will get out of it. In-person lectures and discussions are priceless especially when diving into Yoga history and Philosophy.
  • Daily considerations: Extra costs like travel, accommodation, and meals (if not included).
  • Course requirements: Books and materials, and certification fees (e.g. Yoga Alliance registration).

Some yoga teacher training programs offer scholarship opportunities or sliding-scale pricing to make their courses more accessible. These may include spots specifically reserved for individuals from underrepresented communities, such as BIPOC practitioners, or those facing financial hardship

9. Get to Know the Teachers

The quality of your teachers are crucial. Research their:

  • Background and teaching experience.
  • Approachability and teaching style.

Practice with the lead lecturers on the training either at a studio class or online. If you can’t make a session with them we would recommend organising a one to one session with them prior to signing up to a YTT. Sadly there is a lot of Yoga teachers and YTT’s that are sub par due to the inflated market so it is important to be selective and to make sure your learning style aligns with what the key teacher offers.

10. Post-Training Support

Some YTT programs offer ongoing support, including:

  • Mentorship: Guidance after graduation.
  • Job Assistance: Help with finding teaching opportunities.
  • Continuing Education: Workshops to further your skills.
  • Post-Graduate Teaching: Some studios offer post-graduate classes to help new teachers gain experience.

11. Trust Your Intuition

After narrowing down your options, trust your gut. If a program feels right and aligns with your values, it’s likely the best choice for you.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right yoga teacher training program can transform your yoga journey. By clarifying your goals, researching programs thoroughly, and trusting your instincts, you’ll find a training that sets you on the path to success—whether that’s teaching yoga or deepening your personal practice.

Are you considering enrolling in a Yoga Teacher Training? You can use our teacher training comparison table to find the best Yoga Teacher Training course for you.