In A Nutshell
I always have been, still am and always will be the biggest fan of in-person yoga experiences. But when it comes to yoga teacher trainings, I am 100% convinced that online is the way to go. For most people and in most situations.
Introduction
Should you take your 200-hour yoga teacher certification online or in-person? Maybe you're drawn to studying in a beautiful retreat setting but concerned about cost and time commitment, or perhaps you're intrigued by online flexibility but worried about missing essential hands-on learning and community connection.
Here's what might surprise you: After leading both in-person and online certification programs for over a decade, I'm now 100% convinced that online is the superior choice for most people in most situations. I know that sounds controversial. I wrote this comprehensive guide to explain my thought process. We'll examine online versus in-person yoga teacher training across 10 crucial factors - from content quality and cost to community and learning retention - so you can make the best decision for your unique goals and situation. But before we dive into the comparison of online and in-person trainings, we need to make 3 very important notes:
1. Your Teacher Is The Key To Success
At first glance, it might look like all YTTs are created equal. That’s because they (almost) all follow the standards of the Yoga Alliance. But in reality, there are huge differences in quality between different programs. The vast majority of YTTs are mediocre because most YTT leaders aren’t very good. And then therea are a few exceptional YTTs lead by exceptional teachers. Your main goal should be to find a great teacher and then join there YTT. Whether it’s online or in person doesn’t matter.
On top of your teachers qualification, you need to make sure that you resonate with them on a personal level. Don’t get me wrong: You’re not looking fro a new BFF. But you should find a teacher who you actually want to spend 200 hours with. The calibre and the style of your teacher will make or break your YTT experience. In other words, who you learn from is more important than how you learn.
2. Great Education Does Not Equal Great Vacation
By definition, a 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training is a professional certification program. Aka. the main goal of a YTT student is to learn how to teach bombastic yoga classes. Everything else (location, community, price etc.) is secondary.
If you’re starting a YTT for personal reasons (you want to level up your practice and learn more about yoga) then you’ll place less emphasis on teaching methodology in your YTT. But the quality of your education remains the number one factor for choosing your training.
Now comes the kicker: You might be more interested in having “a good time” than in getting the best education possible. That’s totally fine! You just have to be honest with yourself because everything changes. You can stop reading this comparison of YTT formats because it’s fairly obvious that an in-person yoga experience in a beautiful locaiton, together with other people who also love yoga just as much as you do will be much more fun than an online YTT.
In this scenario, what you should really think about is if you want to take a 200 hour YTT at all. In my opinion, a yoga retreat is clearly the better option because it’s cheaper and you don’t have to spend 8 to 10 hours per day studying stuff you don’t really care about.
3. There is a lot of nuance in both “online” and “in-person” formats
Some online trainings are entirely prerecorded with no live interaction. Some online trainings happen live on Zoom. In some Zoom sessions the whole group will be on Zoom. In others the Zoom participants will watch the live session as a “fly on the wall”. Some online YTTs include both prerecorded and live elements. Some online YTTs have prerecorded videos. Others also offer podcast versions of their prerecorded lectures for additional flexibility. Well, actually I think that Movement Wisdom is the only program that does this. But you get the idea: The devil is in the detail!
And the same is true for in-person programs. Some YTT leaders cram their entire 200 hour training into 21 days - which means that you’ll study for 10 hours per day for 3 weeks straight. Some trainings are spread out over a 5 week period, which means less study hours per day but more vacation days to sacrifice. Other trainings are multiple modules. Students come together for intensive periods of study with breaks in between. And then some trainings happen on 10 weekends in a row. Some in-person YTTs take place in the yoga studio around the corner. Others require you to fly halfway around the world. In other words, a comparison of “online” and “in-person” YTTs is limited because there is so much nuance.
Showdown
Okay, now it’s finally time to dive in! We’ll go over 10 different YTT factors and compare the potential of online and in-person teacher trainings. To be clear: My goal is NOT to come to a definitive conclusion. Rather, I want to help you think through which YTT format is right for you in your current situation.
To make this a fair comparison, we’ll just assume that you’re choosing between 2 trainings led by the same teacher. One online, one in-person. We’ll further assume that this teacher is very experienced, knowledgeable and skilfull. So both the online and the in-person training are the “ideal” version.
Content Quality
✅ Point goes to: Online (1:0)
The first and most important factor for choosing your YTT is content quality. Now this might sound counter intuitive, but I firmly believe that the best online training easily beats the best in-person YTT. The reason is simple: **Teachers are humans. And humans get tired**. When I was leading an in-person trainings I had to teach very long days. More than that, I had to teach long days for multiple weeks in a row. I cannot tell you how exhausted I was on the afternoon of the last day of a YTT!
In an online YTT, on the other hand, your teacher can take as much time as they want to prepare each prerecorded class. And they probably won’t record more than 1 or maximum 2 classes in one day. Which means that they are fresh for every single lecture, class or workshop. When I recorded the Movement Wisdom 200 Hour YTT I made sure that every class was as good as I could possibly make it. For the sake of my students. But also because I did not want to have to refilm all these classes later.
Additional thoughts
Obviously, the freshness factor only applies to *prerecorded* content. If your online YTTs happens live on Zoom, then an in-person program by the same teacher will probably give you better content quality because we fatigue faster when staring at a screen.
In-person YTTs do have the advantage that teachers can answer student questions ad hoc. This is nice, but you know what’s even better? Lectures that are so good that everything is clear. And you know what’s not so nice? When the same student asks 10 questions in a row and 8 of them aren’t really relevant.
In my experience, it’s fair to assume that in in-person trainings 5 minutes of every hour are “wasted” on small talk or lost because of late starts. This adds up to more than 16 training hours. The only way to get this time back is by adding 5 minutes at the end of class - which makes breaks shorter and drains batteries faster.
Learning & Retention
✅ **Point goes to: Online (2:0)**
If Content Quality was about *Which setting is best for my teacher?* then Learning & Retention is about *Which environment is best for me as a student?* Once again the online YTT wins because - you guessed it - **students are humans too**. And humans get tired. I can guarantee that no matter how much cofee you drink, you’ll be exhausted at the end of a long training day. And even more so after 3 or 4 training weeks.
Online YTT are a completely different ball game. You can
create the training scheudle that works for you
take breaks when your brain needs them
expect a front row seat for every single class
press pause to take notes (instead of scribbling like a maniac and try to listen at the same time)
reflect for as long as you want (rather than stick to the group schedule)
rewatch lectures whenever you want (think 3 years into the future and you know how valuable this is)
Additional thoughts
Once again, the advantage evaporates if your online YTT happens mostly on live on Zoom.
We should not overlook that good in-person YTTs create a group dynamic that you can’t quite recreate online (more on this in a little bit). This is an important aspect and for some students it’s a game changer. But I think it’s fair to say that the advantages listed above outweigh this aspect.
Personal Feedback
✅ Point goes to: Undecided (3:1)
Let’s talk about feedback. Most people assume that since yoga is a physical practice you’ll get better feedback when you’re in the a room with your teacher. I was a big believer myself - until I created an online YTT. Let me explain:
Yes, it’s much easier for teachers to give detailed, personal feedback to individual students in real life. Plus, it’s easier for students to receive the feedback when your teacher can touch you, demonstrate something in front of you, and answer follow up questions right away.
There is only one problem: You’re not the only student in the room. The best yoga teacher trainers lead sold out YTTs with 30 to 50+ participating. As a result, they can’t afford to take much time for individual feedback. When I led in person trainings I tried to give as many helpful comments as possible during classes and pose workshops. I also tried to be available after class for individual questions. But it was completely impossible for me to give personal feedback to every student for every pose we practiced.
The situation is very different in online YTTs because feedback can happen asynchronously. In the Movement Wisdom 200 Hour YTT for example students get to hand in 30 *asana selfies* (it’s exactly what it sounds like) over the course of their training journey. And my Teaching Assistant Hanna and I take the time to give detailed personal feedback on every single picture we receive.
So I think that this one’s a tie. Giving feedback in person is still the best way to do it. But in the context of a YTT you can’t expect much individual attention. Online you can get really helpful feedback, and lots of it. But you don’t have the advantage of physical touch and live demonstration.
Price
✅ Point goes to: Online (4:1)
When it comes to price, we don’t need to beat around the bush: In-person trainings are usually more expensive than online programs. That’s especially true when you need to pay for flights, food and accommodation in a retreat center on a beautiful island. But even when you discount all of these additional expenses, the training fee for an in person training will usually be higher than the fee for an online program because your teacher has to make it worth their while.
Additional thoughts
Some teachers charge the same for online and in person trainings (travel, accommodation etc. not included)
I want to highlight that I’m not suggesting that you should go for the cheapest option. On the contrary, a really good YTT is worth every penny because you get 200 (!!!) hours of education. A really good YTT can change your life even if you don’t want to teach yoga. And if you do want to teach, then a standout YTT - no matter how expensive - pays for itself because it sets you up for success as a yoga teacher.
On the other hand, price is not necessarily a strong signal for quality. Some bad YTTs are tremendously overpriced (I speak from personal experience). And some really good YTTs are extremely affordable because there are yoga teachers who care more about impact than money in their bank account.
Convenience
✅ Point goes to: Online (5:1)
When it comes to convenience once again, the point goes to online trainings. Typically, you can start your online YTT whenever you're ready, go through the course on your own timeline, study wherever you are in the world and whenever you want. Whether that's at night in your bathtub in the early morning before work or while you're cooking dinner for the kids. When life gets in the way you can take a break and come back to your program when it works for you. With in-person programs you have to go wherever and whenever your teacher of choice decides to host the next round of their YTT. And you’re bound by a set schedule, whether you like it or not. If something happens - let's just say you twist your ankle on the way to the buffet (this actually happened to one of my studetns), the group will move on.
Additional thoughts
Flexibility goes out the window if your training happens mostly live on Zoom.
Setting
✅ **Point goes to: In-person (5:2)** I think we all agree that taking an in-person YTT in a cool location (think mountains, beach, desert or jungle) sounds a lot more exciting than looking at your screen. So this point clearly goes to the real world teacher trainings.
#### Additional thoughts
* An exciting setting is a double-edged sword. It’s both an inspiration and a distraction at the same time. Yes, it’s wonderful to get out of a lecture for a quieck break overlooking the ocean. But it also s*cks to be stuck inside studying all day when you really want to go for a swim. Especially if you’ve sacrificed all your vacation days for the whole year to take this training.
* What’s more, taking a 200 Hour YTT is a golden opportunity for *inner* transformation. An inspiring setting can support such a journey, but it’s not required.
* Since online YTTs are insanely flexible, you can get creative: Why not book a vacation with a yoga friend and do part of your online YTT together?!
* Finally, we all know that looks can be deceiving. The photos you see online are meant to be mouthwatering. But they only reveal what you’re supposed to see.
Community & Connection
✅ Point goes to: In-person (5:3)
When you take your YTT in person, there’s so much opportunity to connect with with fellow students that it’s almost unavoidable. After all, you literally spend 200 hours together. It doesn’t mean that you’ll leave your YTT with lasting friendships. But unless you try very hard to ignore everybody else, you’ll definitely get to know other students and feel like you’re part of a group. That’s why this point goes to the in-person YTTs.
Additional thoughts
It’s worth highlighting that you can create meaningful connections with other students in an online YTT. The difference is that both you and your teachers have to want it. Your teachers have to create the opportunities for you to get in touch with other students. And you have to engage and be willing to break the ice. I know that it’s possible because I’ve heard from so many of our students at Movement Wisdom that they were really surprised about how many interesting people from around the world they’ve met during teaching practice and Q&A sessions.
Environmental Impact
✅ Point goes to: Online (6:3)
Yes, besides all the other factors on this list we should also consider the environmental impact of our YTT choice. I say this as somebody who has travelled around the world multiple times in order to join and also to lead yoga teacher trainings. (Mostly before you could get access to excelent yoga education on the internet. But still.) So I’m certainly not preaching from a high horse here. But lets’ face it: In person trainings - especially if you take a plane to get there - have a much much much bigger ecologigal footprint than online YTTs. So this point clearly goes to virtual programs.
Additional thoughts
* But what if you walk to your local studio? If you walk or bike to a nearby studio, you dramatically reduce the amount of energy that’s needed for you to become a yoga teacher. It’s hard to make an exact calculation and compare whether streaming your YTT is still the “greener” option. Based on everything I could find, there’s not a big difference.
Commitment / Lock-in
✅ Point goes to: In-person (6:4)
In-person training come with much more built-in commitment than online courses. That’s valuable because we’re quite volatile, right?! 😁 One day we’re extremely excited to get started with our YTT, but the next day something else already seems a lot more important. If your motivation fades away in an online training - it’s super easy to drop out (or never start). Just close your computer. You don’t have to tell anyone that you’re quitting. You just stop showing up for yourself. If you change your mind early enough you can even get your money back.
In-person programs, on the other hand, are completely different. First of all, you probably can’t get your money back. Secondly, you have to go somewhere to take your training. And once you’re there … even if it’s the studio 5 minutes from your home … you’re likely to stay for the day. And on top of that, there’s peer pressure. If you want to quit you actually have to walk up to your teacher and tell them. Other students will notice that you’re not there anymore. So whether you feel motivated or not - you’re probably going to stick with what you’ve started. This point goes to the in-person programs.
Additional thoughts
Having commitment built-in is a good thing. On the other hand, should you really spend 200 hours of your life on a YTT you’re not excited about (anymore)? Probably not.
Because online YTTs have less lock-in, they tend to focus more heavily on *positive* incentives to keep you motivated.
Risk
✅ Point goes to: Online (7:4)
The flipside of commitment and lock-in is risk. So it’s no surprise that this last point goes to online trainings. With a good money back guarantee, there’s literally no risk for you. You can sign up, see if it works for you, and get your money back if it doesn’t. With in-person trainings the risk is substantial. What if the training isn’t as good as you were hoping? What if the accommodation is bad? Or the food? Or you don’t like your room mate? Or you get sick 2 days before the training starts?
I’ve had my fair share of bad experiences as a YTT student. And from talking to hundreds of fellow teachers over the years I know that I’m not alone. Choosing the right YTT is not easy. And so especially if you’re about to join your first course, eliminating risk as much as you can is HUGE!
The Final Score
We’ve compared the potential of online and in-person yoga teacher trainings using 10 important factors that you should consider as you’re looking for the perfect YTT. All things considered, online YTTs win with a final score of 7:4.
The result is even more clear when you consider *which points* online YTTs got and which they didn’t get:
Online YTTs scored in the 3 factors that should be at the top of the list for anybody who actually cares about their yoga education. Namely **Content Quality**, **Learning & Retention**, and **Personal Feedback**.
Online YTTs also won the two factors that everybody who doesn’t have the luxury of an overflowing bank account really cares about. Namely **Price** and **Risk**.
Online YTTs didn’t win on the points that are very relevant for some and not really relevant for other students. Namely **Setting** (highly relevant if you really want to combine YTT and vacation), **Commitment** (highly relevant if you are not really motivated and/or easily distracted), and **Community** (highly relevant if you value a shared experience).
What I Recommend
If you had asked me before the COVID Pandemic if I would recommend for you to join an online or an in-person YTT, I would have for sure said that in-person is the way to go. Today I honestly think that online YTTs are the better choice for most people in most situations.
Teacher trumps everything else
As highlighted at the top, I do think that the most important element of your success is finding a teacher you trust and resonate with. Once you found a teacher who you want to learn from and spend 200 hours with - join their training! Whether it’s online or IRL is secondary.
If you have multiple teachers you like and you can choose between online and in-person - That’s awesome. Now you have options. Here’s what I recommend.
When You Should Choose An Online 200 Hour YTT
If your primary motivation to take a 200 hour YTT is (a) to teach yoga professionally or (b) to level up your personal practice significantly and learn more about yoga than you ever thought was possible - choose an online YTT. Chances are that:
You get better content.
You learn more.
You can keep your training for life.
You’ll be less stressed.
You pay less money.
You can elminiate risk.
You can meet yoga nerds from around the world.
Pro Tip #1 - How To Make Your Online YTT Even Better
But what if I want to take my YTT in a beautiful location? What if I’m scared that I won’t follow through? What if I don’t want to feel like I’m doing this all alone? There is an incredibly elegant solution for all of your concerns! Just take the training together with a friend! Sign up together, book a room somewhere you always wanted to go, and hold each other accountable. This way you get all the benefits of online YTTs and in-person trainings.
When You Should Choose An In-Person YTT
There are two situations when I would recommend that you go for an in-person program:
1. Your teacher of choice only offers in-person trainings.
2. The in-person training happens around the corner from where you live, on a schedule that suits you perfectly, and comes with a money back guarantee.
Pro Tip #2 - When You Should NOT Sign Up For A YTT
Close your eyes for a moment and be honest with yourself: Why do you want to join a YTT? If “learning about yoga” is not one of your Top 3 reasons, then I recommend that you look into yoga retreats instead of yoga teacher trainings. It’s probably the better option! You still get a wonderful experience, lots of yoga, and you’ll meet new people. But you don’t have to study.
Okay, I hope this helps you decide!