Choosing a yoga teacher training (YTT) course is a big decision—it involves time, money, and a deep commitment to personal and professional growth. Here’s a practical, step-by-step guide to help you choose the right program:
1. Clarify Your Intention
Ask yourself:
- Do you want to teach yoga professionally?
- Or are you doing this primarily for personal growth and deepening your practice?
This will guide your choice toward more technical vs. more spiritual programs.
2. Check for Yoga Alliance Certification
If you’re planning to teach, choose a program that’s Yoga Alliance registered (RYS 200 or RYS 300).
- This ensures it meets global standards for content, hours, and teaching practices.
- Not legally required, but it’s a common requirement for teaching jobs and insurance.
3. Research the Course Teachers
Look into:
- Experience: How many years have they been teaching? Are they still practicing? How long have they been training teachers?
- Lineage or style: Are they rooted in a tradition you respect (e.g., Hatha, Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Iyengar)?
- Reputation: Read testimonials, watch their videos, or take a class if possible.
4. Assess the Curriculum
The best YTTs go beyond just asana:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Philosophy and yoga history
- Teaching methodology and class sequencing
- Ethics, meditation, and pranayama
- Practice teaching and feedback
Ask for a detailed syllabus and compare it with others.
5. Decide on Format
Choose based on your lifestyle and learning style:
- Intensive (3-4 weeks full-time) – immersive and can be a great experience though, it’s a lot of information to take in over a short space of time. Many teachers say they don’t feel ready to teach after a short course and end up doing further training. Intensive training courses often don’t check recruitment. You could end up on a course with students with not much yoga experience This can be frustrating if you are serious about teaching.
- Part-time (weekends over several months) – ideal for working professionals and for fitting in around your life. More time to absorb your learning and practice.
- Online or hybrid – more flexible though check for quality and accreditation. Can you really learn to teach yoga by studying online?
6. Consider the Style of Yoga
Pick a style that you love and already practice:
- Hatha: slow-paced, foundational
- Vinyasa: flowing and creative
- Ashtanga: rigorous, structured
- Iyengar: precise and alignment-focused
- Yin or Restorative: slow, meditative
7. Location and Environment
- Do you want a local school or a destination training (e.g., India, Bali, Costa Rica)?
- Consider cultural fit, climate, and distractions.
- Think about cost of travel, food, and accommodation.
8. Check Reviews and Alumni Feedback
Search on:
- Yoga Alliance directory
- Facebook groups, Google reviews
- Ask alumni directly if you can- you can do this via Yoga Alliance
Look for patterns in feedback, not just one-off complaints.
✅ 9. Evaluate the Cost and Value
Typical costs range from £2,000 to £5,000 for a 200hr- 300hr Teacher Training.
More expensive doesn’t always mean a better course
- What’s included (books, food, lodging)?
- Are there any scholarships or payment plans?
✅ 10. Trust Your Gut
If you feel aligned with the teacher and the approach, that’s often the best sign. Avoid programs that:
- Overpromise certifications
- Pressure you to sign up
- Feel cult-like or evasive about curriculum and qualifications
🔁 Make Sure to Ask These Questions when you go to the Open Day or meeting with the Course Director
- How much teaching practice will I get?
- How are students assessed?
- What support is offered after graduation (mentorship, job help)?
- What is the student-teacher ratio?
Our 250-hour Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training starts in January 2026 at our Horsforth studio. Find out more here