Yoga is more than just a physical practice. It’s a path to inner peace, wellness, and enlightenment. If you’ve ever felt the impact of yoga on your life and are eager to share that with others, you’re in the right place to become a certified yoga teacher. With countless training programs scattered across the globe, how do you choose the one that’s right for you? In this article, we’ll explore some of the best in-person yoga teacher training in the world, making your path to teaching yoga a little more straightforward and exciting.
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The 5 Best In-Person Yoga Teacher Trainings
Imagine waking up each day with a greater sense of purpose, knowing that you can enrich lives by teaching others the excellent practice of yoga. That’s precisely what the best yoga schools offer – a chance to transform your passion into a fulfilling career with professional training.
These programs are more than just yoga classes; they are immersive experiences that nurture your growth as a practitioner and future instructor. They provide the knowledge, tools, and support to begin this fulfilling adventure. But what sets the best in-person yoga teacher training apart from the rest? Let’s unravel the key attributes that make these programs shine brightly in the vast yoga education industry.
So, let us explore these exceptional institutions, each special for its yogic wisdom, acting as sanctuaries for those on a quest for physical and spiritual well-being.
1. Soma Yoga Institute
Soma Yoga Institute offers excellent 200-hour online YTT and 300-hour online YTT programs. Still, they also provide four incredible in-person training programs in Costa Rica, Hawaii, Greece, and their home base in California. If you are passionate about teaching yoga and want to strengthen your knowledge base to lead more authentically, you should consider any of these. The curriculum is based on a liberated approach towards yoga sequencing, alignment concepts, an individual yin yoga training segment with a separate certificate, level 2 poses, yoga philosophy, meditation and mind-body techniques, pranayama, Ayurveda, and more.
Soma Yoga Institute does not believe in keeping its students bound to one location and studio for too long. For that reason, the program offers particular physical activity and deep relaxation. For these reasons, Soma Yoga is known as one of the best yoga institutes in the world.
Program highlights
- School: Soma Yoga Institute
- Price: $2,497 (full) payment plans available; early bird discounts available
- Format: self paced + one on one
- Locations: Costa Rica, Hawaii, Greece and California
- Duration: 21 days
- Yoga Style: Hatha – including vinyasa flow and restorative yoga
- Instagram: @somayogainstitute
Reviews
“I loved everything about this program, especially the therapeutic approach, variety of topics studied, and the teachers! I am much more aware of my body and how to focus on proper alignment and organize sequences. This whole program is one big life changing experience. I am so much grateful for all the knowledge and goodness I received.” -Magdalena Luczak (Google review)
“I highly recommend Soma Yoga as they provide excellent instruction and support during the training. In a nutshell it was an incredible journey through body, mind and spirit! If you are looking for the best its right here!” – Lisa Rose Sanderson (Yoga Alliance review)
2. Loka Yoga School
This 200-hour yoga teacher training from Loka Yoga School offers the opportunity to get certified to teach yoga in a tropical paradise. Not only will you explore the depths of yoga and advanced teachings from yoga experts, you will also be taught:
- Fundamentals of Meditation
- Fundamentals of Pranayama Training
- Fundamentals of Yoga Philosophy
- Fundamentals of Yoga Anatomy
Along with comprehensive workshops on The Art of Sequencing, Adjustments, corrections, and the Business of Yoga, this yoga school will set you up for success as a yoga teacher.
With no more than 16 students in a program, Loka Yoga School ensures that your requirements are met, and that you receive dedicated focus, care, and attention.
When you have completed the training with Loka Yoga School, you will be ready to share your passion and teach various styles of yoga with a deep understanding of yoga anatomy fundamentals, philosophy, and history. Loka Yoga School also offers their RYT 200 graduates exclusive discounts and access to internationally certified CEUs (including Yin Yoga, Breathwork Certifications, Meditation, Children and teens, and Yoga Philosophy).
The beautiful and unique atmosphere also sets this program apart and establishes Loka Yoga School as one of the top yoga schools in the world. Loka Yoga School is in Bali, nestled amongst the stunning rice fields and near the most famous surf beaches. You will embrace the earth and water elements and feel at one with nature while learning about your passion for yoga. What better way to experience a yoga teacher training than on a relaxing vacation in the most incredible place? They have packages that include shared or private accommodation, or you may book course-only and choose your place to stay if you prefer. It is all the things you love about vacation and yoga combined!
Program highlights
- School: Loka Yoga School
- Price: $3,999 with accommodation and $3,099 without accommodation
- Locations: Bali
- Duration: 27 days
- Yoga Style: Hatha, vinyasa, and yin yoga
- Instagram: @loka_yoga
Reviews
“It’s difficult to put into words how incredible my experience was with Loka Yoga School completing my 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training. I signed up for the course to learn more about yoga and to deepen my own personal practice but I left with more than I could ever have imagined. All expectations were well and truly exceeded!” -Rianna Farrow (Google review)
“Taryn and Yann are incredibly knowledgeable of yoga and anatomy. Not only did they expand my practice and knowledge of yoga anatomy but also provided a safe place to grow spiritually. I’m forever grateful to them as instructors. I highly recommend this school to everyone.” -Christopher Buckner (Yoga Alliance review)
3. Santosha Yoga Institute
Situated in Byron Bay, Santosha Yoga Institute’s teacher training facilitates personal transformation and spiritual teachings through online and in-person guidance. It is broadly known as one of the world’s best yoga institutes. With access to 100 hours of online training and an incredible 14-day yoga experience in Byron Bay, you will have an unrivaled learning experience.
With teachers worldwide, you will gain a deeper understanding of yoga, its different elements, and its applications in daily life.
Smaller class sizes ensure you receive personalized attention from instructors. In addition to this formal training, you will join a supportive yoga community, learn to share your yoga knowledge, and view the world differently.
2024 Bali Level 1 Course Dates
- May 15 – June 5, 2024
- June 7 – 28, 2024
- Aug 8 – 29, 2024
- Oct 2 – 23, 2024
- Nov 29 – Dec 20, 2024
2024 Byron Bay Level 1 Course Dates
- May 2024
- August 2024
- November 2024
Program highlights
- School: Santosha Yoga Institute
- Price: AUD 2,490; save AUD 300 by paying in full
- Locations: Byron Bay and Bali
- Duration: 14 days
- Yoga Style: Authentic ‘vini’ flow
- Instagram: @santoshayogainstitute
Reviews
- “I completed the 200 YTT at Santosha Institute over a year ago now and it was one of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had. This isn’t just a teacher training, it’s a journey of self-discovery, connection and empowerment, in which I was guided by extremely supportive and inspiring teachers. Santosha is for anyone who wants more than just a teacher training, it’s for those who want a life changing experience.” -Yuki Devine (Google review)
- “Santosha and all the team have been an amazing support though all this journey to become a 200 certified Yoga Teacher. I would say the consistent and very specific feedback the teachers (specially Andrea) give you during the course is something that stands out in this course.” -Adriana Calvo (Google review)
4. Yoga Bliss
Elevate your understanding and practice of yoga with this 200-hour yoga teacher training course by Yoga Bliss. Discover this immersive journey of self-discovery and skill development as you explore various dimensions of yoga, deepening your knowledge of asanas, philosophy, and teaching methodologies. This program is one of the best yoga courses in the world and will equip you with the tools and insights to confidently guide others on their path to developing a yoga practice.
Why we love it
- Comprehensive curriculum covering yoga philosophy, anatomy, and teaching techniques
- Immersive training in a tranquil and inspiring environment on Lembongan Island
- Emphasis on personal growth, self-awareness, and cultivating a holistic yoga practice
What you will get
- Attain a Yoga Alliance-certified 200-hour qualification, globally recognized for teaching
- Deepen your yoga practice and understanding of its spiritual and physical aspects
- Learn effective teaching methodologies and gain practical experience through guided practice
- Immerse yourself in a supportive community of like-minded individuals passionate about yoga
Program highlights
- School: Yoga Bliss
- Price: $1,929
- Locations: Bali
- Duration: 21 days
- Yoga Style: Yin and Yang Yoga
- Instagram: @yogablisslembongan
2024 Programs
Reviews
- “I did my 200 hours Yoga Teacher Training there and can highly recommend it! The teachers are true experts and I loved all of them. Plus: the food was amazing there too!” –
Eva Pfisterer (Google review) - “The location was beautiful to have my YTT but it was combined with people doing a retreat which was hard as you’d watch them go out and enjoy the day. The information was thoughtfully well put together and all there but sometimes the structure was a bit confusing. I wish we had more teachers for specific categories of the training as we only had 2 for the YTT. For myself I also wish there wasn’t so much reading and writing but being more actively learning. Overall still had an amazing experience.” -Morgan Ryce (Yoga Alliance review)
5. EAST + WEST
East + West is on a mission to blend the best of Eastern and Western philosophies, offering a haven for genuine yoga practice. Founded by a yogi from India and a seeker from America, the program in Bali provides a unique 200-hour yoga teacher training. Emphasizing inner balance over competition and physical strain, it’s a retreat to rediscover the authentic spirit of yoga.
Why choose this course:
- True yoga experience: East+West focuses their Hatha/Vinyasa training on inner transformation and returning to the heart of yoga, creating a space to live authentically and radiate inner peace.
- Location: Immerse yourself in the sun-soaked rice fields and jungle of Bali at a stunning resort featuring newly renovated traditional Balinese-style rooms.
- Expert Instructors: The program features a carefully chosen team of expert teachers from around the globe, guiding profound life changes with a compassionate and nuanced approach.
- Training Options: Choose between a 22-day entire in-person course or a 14-day hybrid option, combining two weeks in person and the remainder online for flexibility. Online classes run every Saturday continuously from 8 AM-10 AM PST.
- Certification: Earn the East+West 200-Hour Certification and Yoga Alliance Registration upon completion.
Pricing:
- East + West offers training at $2950, with a $500 deposit to secure your spot. Flexible payment plans are also available to accommodate various budgets.
East + West is unique for creating an authentic, diverse, and inclusive space for yoga enthusiasts. Blending Eastern and Western philosophies, the program offers a distinctive training format, prioritizing inner harmony and access to experienced teachers. Whether deepening your practice or aspiring to teach yoga, East+West’s Bali training promises a transformative journey, fostering peace, confidence, and genuine optimism for the future.
Reviews
“What a seriously incredible & unforgettable journey these past few weeks have been, from tears to laughter and everything in between, the lessons learnt and beautiful souls I have met along the way will forever be close to my heart.” -Alex Phillips (Facebook review)
Concluding Thoughts on the Best in-Person Yoga Teacher Trainings
The most exceptional in-person yoga teacher training experiences can be found in some of the most beautiful locations in the world, such as Bali, Byron Bay, Greece, and California. These programs offer a profound and transformative journey for those aspiring to become yoga instructors. These incredible programs allow participants to immerse themselves in the yogic tradition fully. Surrounded by the natural beauty and serene atmosphere of these stunning locations, like-minded individuals and seasoned instructors enthusiastic about sharing their wisdom and expertise, these trainings create a unique and unforgettable learning environment.
Photo: Soma Yoga
In the heart of Bali, Santosha Yoga Institute and Loka Yoga School offer immersive in-person yoga teacher training that explores yoga philosophy, anatomy, and alignment. With rigorous asana practice, meditation, and breathwork, participants can establish a profound connection with their bodies and minds while exploring the ancient principles of yoga.
Santosha Yoga Institute also offers a fantastic retreat in the coastal paradise of Byron Bay. Santosha presents an in-depth training that allows students to deepen their practice and understanding. The picturesque surroundings of Byron Bay serve as a backdrop for trainees to develop yoga teaching skills, seek guidance, and receive individualized feedback, all within a supportive and nurturing environment.
These unique in-person trainings set the stage for a profound transformation, enabling graduates to deepen their practice and share their knowledge and passion with others, creating a ripple effect of yoga wisdom and wellness worldwide.
