How To Choose Your YTT In A Nutshell
Okay, your time is valuable, so let's dive right in! Here is how to find the perfect YTT in a nutshell:
Start by getting clear about why you're signing up for a YTT.
Then set your budget: What's the maximum amount you're willing to invest for the ideal training?
Next, compare the pros and cons of different YTT formats (online, at your local studio, on an island, in India, etc.).
Compare different programs that pass your filters in detail.
Finally, choose your training based on how much you trust and resonate with the lead teacher.
And now let's look at each of the five steps in more detail.
Step 1 - Define Your Goal(s)
The first question you need to ask yourself is this: Why am I signing up for a yoga teacher training? What do I want to get out of my 200 hours of yoga education? Most people have a clear gut feeling about this. You'll probably fall into one of the following four groups:
I want to teach yoga professionally.
I want to deepen my personal yoga practice.
I want yoga to make (or keep) me healthy.
I want to live my life like a true yogi.
Your main goal might be more nuanced. For example, you may say "I want to recover from my shoulder injury," or "I want to earn $1,000 a month on the side doing what I love," or "I need to process the loss of my sister, and I believe yoga can help me." Also, you may have several goals. That's perfectly fine. The point is to be clear on what your goals are because it can make a difference regarding your YTT choice.
Find A Comprehensive YTT First, Then Specialize Later
At the same time, you should keep in mind that your current motivation is not set in stone. Plans change.
Example 1: You may think "I'll never ever (ever, ever) teach yoga." But then if you join a YTT that offers plenty of teaching practice in a safe and supportive environment... you may want to give it a shot after all. I've seen this happen a million times!
Example 2: Or you may start your training with the intention to finally hold those crazy arm balances that you've seen all over Instagram. And then you listen to a yoga philosophy lecture about non-attachment and... puff... suddenly you're not attached to that goal anymore.
What you want from YTT today depends on what you think yoga is and what it has to offer. But you don't know what you don't know. And most people who start a teacher training have not been exposed to the full range of yoga yet.
That's why I strongly recommend that you stay open to possibility!
In my opinion, you should find a really strong "all-rounder" YTT first and then seek out further specialization or move on to your 300-hour YTT if you're hungry for more. You can always take more trainings. But if you don't start with a comprehensive program that introduces you to the magic of all the different aspects and styles of yoga... you'll never know what you missed.
Notes On Different Goals
That said, there are a few things that you should pay special attention to depending on your current motivation. Let's go over them one by one.
1. I want to teach yoga professionally
Find a teacher with a track record and a broad range of professional experiences. You'll get more inspiration and better guidance.
At the same time, don't fall into the "big name" trap. Just because a yoga teacher is famous and/or has loads of followers on social media doesn't mean they're actually good teachers for teachers. I hope that makes sense?
The strongest foundation for professional success as a yoga teacher is a strong yoga education (not business skills). So choose your YTT based on how much you learn about yoga—not because the teacher shares their pricing strategies or the tactics du jour for getting 10K followers on Instagram.
These things matter, but:
There is so much to learn about yoga that they shouldn't take up room in your 200-hour training (especially because they are not relevant for every student).
It's much better to learn this stuff when you need it/when you're ready to put it into practice.
2. I want to deepen my yoga practice
Most people think that this means learning new poses. But it doesn't—at least not primarily.
The best way to deepen your practice is to understand your unique body and how to make each and every pose work for you.
So if that's your goal, look for a YTT that teaches you about individual bone structure, body proportions, pose modifications, use of props, etc.
At the same time, if you do want to learn at least some advanced poses, make sure to ask what exactly is on the menu, because many (if not most) 200-hour YTTs only include beginner-friendly poses (and sell this as "super inclusive").
Plus, real yoga happens on the inside. So if you want to dive deep, make sure your teacher is passionate about and has a thorough understanding of pranayama, meditation, and yoga philosophy. That's what you need to get to the next level in yoga.
3. I want yoga to make/keep me healthy
The health benefits of yoga are just UNREAL. I'm blown away every time I make a list in my head. So first of all: You're absolutely in the right place!
If you're generally healthy and without specific needs, my recommendation is to find a YTT leader who is a bit of a science nerd. For three reasons:
They will put in the work (it is a lot of work) to investigate and understand the health benefits of yoga because they "can't help it."
They won't be able to shut up about it, which means that you'll learn a lot.
They'll expose you to a broad range of yogic practices beyond standard asana, which you don't get in most teacher trainings.
At the same time, avoid a teacher who is only focused on the physical benefits of yoga. Find someone who also understands yoga philosophy. I cannot emphasize this enough, because adopting a yogic mindset and way of being will benefit your mental and physical health just as much as a strong asana practice. It's just harder to see than, say, the effect of stretching your hamstrings.
A few additional tips:
If you have a health condition or you're recovering from injury, make sure your YTT leader understands what you're talking about and is able to tell you how you need to modify your training.
If you are processing trauma, you're not alone! Many yogis start a YTT, at least in part, to process traumatic experiences. A teacher training can work miracles. But don't forget that your YTT leader is NOT a therapist. They are not qualified to offer (and don't get paid for) therapy sessions.
4. I want to live my life like a true yogi
Awesome! The world needs you and your energy!
Be sure to find a teacher who:
Deeply understands yoga philosophy and spirituality.
Is able to present these subjects in a way that you find interesting and relevant.
Yoga philosophy has so much to teach us about life in this crazy world. But most YTT leaders—even if they understand and apply it for themselves—find it hard to make the timeless wisdom of yoga tangible for their students.
In case you're considering taking your YTT in India to make sure that you get the most authentic teachings on yoga: be careful.
I got hooked on yoga philosophy during my first YTT in India, and I've taken multiple extended trips since. So yes, I 100% recommend studying yoga philosophy in India at some point. But I don't think it's the best place to take your first 200-hour YTT.
Because Indian YTT leaders are typically not up to date when it comes to the physical aspects of yoga. (I'm sure there are exceptions to this general rule; I'm just not aware of any particular training/trainer.)
Step 2 - Set Your Budget
Okay, next step: Once you have clarity about what you want from your YTT, think about how much you are willing to invest. The cheapest 200-hour YTT I've seen was an online program that cost less than $200. That's right—less than $1 per hour of training. The most expensive program I've seen cost $10,000. It was an in-person program, and the price did not include food or accommodation, let alone the flights to and from the training.
In other words, you can find a YTT no matter what your budget looks like.
People say that "you get what you pay for." But when it comes to YTTs, I don't think that price is a strong indicator of quality. There are cheap trainings with amazing teachers, and there are extremely expensive trainings that won't meet your expectations. Trust me on this one—I speak from personal experience!
Don't get me wrong. I'm not suggesting that you should just go for the cheapest option. Paying more money for a better YTT is the right choice unless all you care about is the RYT200 certification stamp. If you plan to teach yoga professionally, that's especially important. You should be willing to pay more for the right training because a really good YTT will literally pay for itself many times over.
So my recommendation is to ask yourself: What is the maximum amount I would pay for the ideal YTT? What's my upper limit for the YTT of my dreams?
And then forget about price and focus on quality.
The smaller your budget, the more you'll want to look at online YTTs. They tend to be more affordable. Plus, you'll save a bunch of additional expenses for travel or commute-related expenses like accommodation and eating out. But are online YTTs any good? Let's find out!
Step 3 - Understand YTT Formats
Okay, so now you know what you want, and you've set your price limit. Next, consider which YTT format you prefer. Here are the four typical options:
In-person
Option 1) In-person, at a local studio near you (usually over a series of intensive weekends)
Option 2) In-person, in a retreat location (usually for an intensive period of 3-5 weeks)
Option 3) Online, on a group schedule (usually more live elements)
Option 4) Online, start whenever you want (usually more prerecorded content)
All options have specific advantages and disadvantages. Some are pretty obvious (like the flexibility of a prerecorded online YTT), and others are less obvious. The first big decision is if you'd prefer to study online or in-person. I have written a really detailed comparison on this because I know that many people have strong prejudices about online YTTs because they have heard somewhere that:
Online YTTs are not legit, or
You can't actually learn yoga online, or
Studios won't hire you if you "only" have an online YTT certificate
I used to be skeptical of online yoga education myself. But I've totally changed my mind! Now I have the following rule of thumb:
In-person is best for yoga experiences, and online is best for yoga education.
Here is a short overview of the advantages of online YTTs:
Go through the course in a way that works for you
Take training classes multiple times if you like
Get a front-row seat for every lecture
Focus on content, not on taking notes
Don't waste hours of training time on small talk
Spare yourself sweaty 10-hour days in closed rooms
Make sure your teacher is at their best for every single session
Don't travel around the world/commute to class every weekend
Get personal feedback (vs. fighting for attention in a crowded room)
Put the training on hold if you need to
Go on vacation or a yoga retreat with the money you save on your YTT
Press pause when you need to go pee
Eliminate any risk for yourself with a strong money-back guarantee
Pay less money
Get your money back if the teacher overpromised
No need to take time off work or sacrifice entire weekends
No need to commute/fly around the world
No need to get ready for class (ladies)
For a more nuanced and detailed comparison of online and in-person, check out my detailed guide here.
So I recommend that you think about if (and why) you would prefer to study either online or in-person, and which format would be ideal for you. Also decide if you want to rule out certain formats entirely (e.g., I will not fly around the world for my YTT because I don't want to pollute the environment and sacrifice all my vacation days for the year). This simplifies the research process (Step 4) significantly. But you could also do more research to keep all the cards on the table. Your choice!
Step 4 - Compare Your Options
All YTTs Look The Same
Now we get to the nitty-gritty part of the process.
You know what you want, and how much you're willing to invest. Plus you've considered the pros and cons of different YTT formats. Now it's time to open a bunch of tabs in your browser and/or bring home brochures from local yoga studios and look at what everybody has to say.
You'll quickly notice that, at first glance, every YTT looks the same. That's because they all (or almost all) follow the requirements set forth by the Yoga Alliance. You can look them up here. The Yoga Alliance basically says "if you want us to allow you to use the label 'yoga-alliance certified,' then you need to structure your training like this..." The goal is to get lots of high-quality YTTs. Great!
But there are two problems.
The first problem is this: Nobody actually checks. In order to get certified, YTT leaders have to submit a complete curriculum and their yearly fee. That's it. Once you're in, you're in. There are no follow-up checks (at least I've never heard of any).
The second problem is that words on paper don't tell the whole story. Just imagine two restaurants. Both have the exact same menu and even the same prices. Does that mean your experience will be the same? Of course not. Restaurant 1 could have great atmosphere while Restaurant 2 is deserted. Restaurant 1 may only use fresh, organic ingredients while Restaurant 2 cooks with the cheapest groceries they can possibly find. Restaurant 1 could employ an amazing chef who loves cooking delicious food while Restaurant 2 just hired the owner's brother-in-law as a family favor after the guy got fired from a previous job as a car mechanic. You don't know any of this if you only look at the menu.
It's the same with YTTs:
"Yoga anatomy" can mean "Please remember these Latin names of muscles and bones." But it can also mean "Here comes cutting-edge research wrapped into easy-to-digest storytelling that makes you want to binge-watch the whole module."
"Yoga philosophy" can mean "Okay, I'll read some Wikipedia articles out loud." But it can also mean "Let's take a deep dive into timeless yogic wisdom and learn how you can make it relevant for your everyday life."
"Teaching methodology" can be interpreted as "Here's a bunch of class templates, here are some standard assists, and here are all the cues that my teacher taught after their teacher taught them after their teacher..." Or it can mean "Here is how you find your voice as a teacher; these are the principles you need to understand in order to sequence great classes; and here are some examples of excellent cues vs. outdated cues."
Long story short: All YTTs look the same at first glance. But in reality, the differences in quality are HUGE.
3 Quick Tips
So the question becomes:
Can you read between the lines of the "YTT menu"? And if not, what do you need to do to make sure you'll have an amazing experience?
I'll give you 3 tips for your research and a list of 10 learning objectives which, in my opinion, you should make non-negotiable. First, the research recommendations:
1. Look for specifics
Excellent YTT leaders usually give detailed information about what they teach because they know that what they offer goes above and beyond the standard. They can't wait to tell you that they don't teach outdated cues anymore. They are proud of their ability to make yoga philosophy relevant for our lives in the modern world. They highlight that instead of just giving you templates, they can actually help you find your own unique voice as a teacher. Mediocre teachers, on the other hand, don't know what they don't know. They don't talk about details that make their training stand out... simply because it doesn't.
2. Be careful with student reviews
It's almost impossible to find a YTT with less than 4.7 out of 5 stars these days. Are they really all such great programs? I'm not so sure. I think that it's because most people only ever take one 200-hour YTT, and so they don't have a basis for comparison. And also because it is common practice to offer discounts or gifts in exchange for customers leaving a 5-star review. That's why I recommend that you look beyond the number of reviews and also past the rating! Instead, focus on what students are saying. Can you find themes? Do the reviews sound genuinely excited? Are they specific, or do they just say that "everything was great"?
3. Ask questions
Finally, don't be shy to ask questions—or you may regret it. Very simple. In case you're considering taking a YTT with your current teacher and you want to test them without them knowing (to avoid the risk of making anyone feel uncomfortable later), you could ask these questions:
I've heard that "tension" and "compression" are super important concepts. But I don't understand these concepts very well yet. Could you explain them to me, please?
I've heard that body proportions and individual bone structure can have a huge impact on my asana practice. Can you help me understand my body better?
The longer I practice yoga, the more I'm getting interested in the philosophical side of the practice. Beyond the Yoga Sutras and the Gita, which books would you recommend for me to read and why?
You don't have to know the answers. It's enough to observe their reaction and response. Excellent teachers will be happy about these questions. But unfortunately, the majority of yoga teachers will start sweating because you caught them "off guard."
The 10 Non-Negotiable Elements Of Excellent Yoga Teacher Trainings
Okay, and now here's a list of the 10 Non-Negotiables:
1. Anatomy & Biomechanics
These two words are a fancy way of saying that it's really important to understand how the body works in yoga. That's the knowledge you need to advance your own practice and to help your students advance theirs. Unfortunately—believe it or not—most yoga teachers DON'T actually understand yoga anatomy and biomechanics. So you will stand out like crazy!
I'm not suggesting that you need to know "everything." Nobody expects you to become a brain surgeon, a dentist, or a pediatrician. You only need to study anatomy insofar as it relates to yoga. Your training should teach you how different body types and body proportions influence our yoga practice, and what you can do as a teacher to make your classes accessible and fun for every single student.
2. Practical Philosophy
Find a teacher who genuinely cares about yoga philosophy and is able to explain concepts in simple terms. Otherwise, you'll graduate as a stretching instructor rather than a yoga teacher, because it's the philosophy (and the spiritual practices) that make yoga yoga. If you come across a training that fails to cover The Yoga Sutras, The Bhagavad Gita, The Vedas, or the ancient history of yoga in-depth, continue your search elsewhere!
Even if right now you think "I'm not into this weird philosophy stuff," make sure that you find a teacher who gets excited about the non-physical side of yoga, because they might spark a fire inside you. Seriously, I can't tell you how many students I've talked to at Movement Wisdom who were surprised about how much they enjoyed the philosophy lectures and how helpful they found the teachings in their personal lives.
3. Safe & Creative Sequencing
Unless you're 110% sure that you will be happy teaching and practicing the same set sequences from your YTT manual over and over again for the rest of your life, make sure sequencing is included in your YTT. Great teachers understand what it takes to build classes that prepare the body for next-level poses through beautifully curated flows that focus on safety and creativity. Your training should teach you how to create your own original flows. This skill will make you stand out as a yoga professional.
And in case you're wondering: Yes, sure, you can ask ChatGPT to come up with a sequence for you, and they'll usually do a pretty good job. But (1) AI will also give you really awkward sequences sometimes, and you'll want to be able to spot the weirdness before class; (2) You'll get way better results if you understand the principles of good sequencing; and (3) sequencing is FUN. Don't miss out!
4. In-Depth Pose Workshops
It's not enough for yoga teachers to simply stand at the front of the room and call out, "Warrior II... Triangle Pose... Take a Vinyasa." No, it's not enough even if you can say the pose names in Sanskrit. In order to be able to help your students elevate their yoga practice (and to improve your own), you need to understand the mechanics of the poses inside and out. This means taking a YTT that provides you with an in-depth study of the actions, energetics, alignment, anatomy, and intention behind each and every pose you teach.
And I would also make sure that your training doesn't just include "basic" yoga poses but also advanced poses (e.g., arm balances). You don't have to be able to do the poses yourself. But as an excellent yoga teacher, you should be able to teach them. Yup, those are two completely different things.
5. Injury Prevention
Most yoga students bring "something" to class. It could be a nagging pain in the back, a chronic sense of tightness, or a limited range of motion in the shoulders. As the teacher, it is important that you can help your students understand what's going on, what might cause discomfort, how they can modify their practice, if they should keep practicing at all, etc. This is key for keeping your students safe and healthy. So make sure that injury prevention is on the agenda of your YTT.
6. Theming
Stand-out yoga teachers are not created with a cookie cutter. Each one has a unique way of bringing depth and meaning to their classes. Learning how to inspire your students with thoughtful themes will keep them coming back to you week after week for more learning and wisdom. A good YTT will give you the chance to understand both physical class themes (like "hugging into the midline") and spiritual class themes (like a class themed around the monkey god Hanuman). Theming gives you the ability to bring the deeper aspects of yoga onto the mat, setting the stage for transformation on the spiritual plane as well as the physical.
7. Skillful Hands-On Assists
Many of the injuries that happen in yoga class could be prevented if only the teacher hadn't pushed too far. That's right—the teacher, not the student! That said, assists can be a powerful part of the practice when done skillfully. They can bring awareness to the body, make space for more breath, and turn any standard pose into an otherworldly experience. A good yoga teacher training will teach you how and when to give your students physical assists—not to get them further into a pose, but to help cater the pose to their unique body and needs. (And in case you're wondering: Yes, you can learn to give good assists online.)
8. Use of Props
In my opinion, the use of props is the most underrated skill for yoga teachers. Props make all the difference! If someone can't sit up straight in a cross-legged position, put a blanket under their butt. If they can't bring their hands down to the floor in a forward fold without rounding their back, have them grab a couple of blocks under their hands. If a student wants to get some juicy backbend and heart-opening action, learn how to use the bolster in lots of different ways to get super deep.
Props are incredibly powerful tools for yogis. But somehow they have a bad image, as if "only losers use props." Nothing could (should) be further from the truth. If you as a teacher know how to help your students with props, they will love you forever. People who use props are happier, live longer, have more money, and have better sex than people who don't. I'm kidding, of course. But props really do make life that much better. Any outstanding yoga teacher needs to know how to use them in class and be able to show their students how to use them, too.
9. Beyond Yoga Asana
Solid YTTs integrate meditation and breathwork into their curriculum. You'll learn practical tools that help your students reduce stress and find more peace in their daily lives. Plus, pranayama and meditation are the way to go for anyone who wants to level up their practice. You can broaden your practice by including new asanas, and you can go deeper in certain poses. But the best way to deepen your yoga is to go beyond just the poses.
In my opinion, meditation and breathwork shouldn't be the cornerstones of a 200-hour YTT (simply because there's already so much to learn about yoga asana, philosophy, and teaching methodology). But any comprehensive program should for sure include a thorough introduction to the benefits of breathwork and meditation and teach you at least a handful of different techniques.
10. More Than One Style of Yoga
Most practitioners have no idea how incredibly diverse "the yoga practice" actually is. So if you put in 200 hours to go through YTT... I strongly recommend that you learn at least 2 different styles. One strong/fast-paced/energizing style like Vinyasa Flow or Hatha, and one gentle/slow/relaxing style such as Yin or Restorative yoga. This way you can adjust your practice for different energy levels and moods.
Plus, you'll be able to do the same for your students. Offering multiple styles of yoga will set you apart as a teacher and make it a no-brainer for studios to hire you. When you see a long list of yoga styles in the training description, make sure that you'll actually learn to practice and teach them. That's different from an introduction or an overview lecture that gives you a general idea about different yoga styles.
Step 5 - Choose The Right Teacher
Okay. Phew. That was a lot to take in. But now you're almost ready to make your pick. The last—and absolutely crucial—puzzle piece is your teacher.
To understand the importance of picking the right teacher, think back to your days in school. You'll know what I'm talking about immediately. A good teacher makes learning fun. A bad teacher can ruin every subject. The more you enjoy the process, the more you'll learn. The opposite is true as well. That's why I consider your teacher the most important element of your success.
If you don't resonate with a teacher, don't join up for their YTT. I don't care how skilled or experienced they are. You're signing up to spend 200 hours with them. That's a lot of hours. Even something trivial like "I don't like the sound of their voice" can be a good reason to avoid a YTT.
Plus, keep in mind that you will learn to teach yoga like your teacher—at least to some extent. So if you don't feel aligned with a YTT lead trainer, if you don't want to be "that kind of teacher"... their training is not going to work out.
The best way to figure out if you like and trust a teacher is to practice with them. So I recommend that before joining a YTT, you make sure to take at least one class with your potential YTT leader. This exercise can be eye-opening, especially if so far you've only practiced with one or two teachers.
Summary: How To Choose The Best Yoga Teacher Training Program
Choosing the right yoga teacher training doesn't have to be overwhelming if you follow this simple 5-step process for RYT 200 certification.
First, get crystal clear on why you're pursuing yoga instructor certification. Whether you want to teach yoga professionally, deepen your practice, improve your health, or live following yogic principles will influence your choice. But remember, your goals might evolve during yoga teacher training, so look for a comprehensive program first and specialize later.
Next, set your yoga teacher training budget honestly. Cost isn't a reliable indicator of quality in the yoga certification world—there are amazing affordable programs and disappointing expensive ones. Decide your upper limit for your dream training, then focus on quality over price.
Third, understand the different yoga teacher training formats. Online yoga teacher training programs are excellent for education while in-person yoga certification is better for experiences. Online programs offer flexibility, better access to content, and significant cost savings, so don't dismiss them based on outdated prejudices.
When comparing yoga certification programs, remember that all RYT 200 trainings look identical on paper because they follow Yoga Alliance requirements. The real differences lie in execution. Look for specific details in their descriptions, read reviews carefully for genuine enthusiasm, and don't hesitate to ask probing questions about yoga anatomy concepts, body proportions, and yoga philosophy.
Finally, choose based on your connection with the lead yoga instructor. You'll spend 200 hours with them and learn to teach like them, so make sure you resonate with their teaching style. Take at least one class with them before committing to their yoga teacher training program.
The bottom line? A great yoga teacher training should cover yoga anatomy and biomechanics, practical yoga philosophy, creative sequencing, in-depth pose workshops, injury prevention, class theming, hands-on assists, prop usage, meditation and breathwork, and multiple yoga styles. But most importantly, your yoga certification should be led by a qualified instructor you trust and want to learn from.