The Best Yoga Teacher Training Courses in the US
**Please be aware that most studios on the US are not actually running on-site yoga teacher training programs yet due to COVID-19. However, some schools are running their programs online. You can still get your 200 Hour Yoga Alliance certification**
Whether you are totally new to yoga and wish to learn yoga from A-Z or an experienced practitioner looking to advance your practice and make the transition from student to teacher, there are some amazing courses around the US. The programs that we selected range from one-month long immersions to weekend courses for full-time workers.
The Best 5 Yoga Training Courses in the US after evaluating student experiences
ISHTA, New York
ISTHA by Alan Finger hosts weekend courses that aim to enhance your understanding of Hatha Yoga, Ayurveda and Tantric Yoga. There is also the option to do a month-long immersion course (32 days). ISHTA stands for Integrated Science of Hatha, Tantra and Ayurveda. The school focuses on resonating with the individual spirit and diving deeply into the scientific part of yoga. The weekend type Yoga Teacher Training here is especially suitable for part-time or full-time emplees. There are some volunteering options as well for people who are on a budget.
- Price: $3200 Early Bird Price
- Duration: 32 Days as Immersion or Weekend Courses
- Website:ishtayoga.com
- Style: Hatha, Tantra, Ayurveda
SRALA YOGA, New York City
Strala yoga has become quite popular in recent years as their approach focuses on connecting mind, movement and breath. With the support of Harvard neurologist Dr Rudolph Tanzi, the 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training here allows the students to heal themselves completely. A great emphasis lies at releasing stress and re-connecting to one’s inner Self. The courses are always two weeks long as full immersions. If you are interested in holistic health, you should check out this course for sure!
- Price: $3,400
- Duration: 13 Days
- Website: stralayoga.com
- Style: Traditional Yoga, emphasis on yoga therapy
WHITE LOTUS FOUNDATION, Santa Barbara
Located in Santa Barbara, this 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training offers you some unique features. It is Yoga Alliance USA certified and 16 days long. It’s a compromise between a month-long immersion and shorter course, perfect to fit in a two week holiday. The yoga style here is a mix of hatha, vinyasa and restorative yoga. The White Lotus Foundation is one of the oldest schools in the US however they kept very much contemporary in their style of teaching.
- Price: $4200 with food and accommodation, $2450 tuition only
- Duration: 16 Days
- Website:www.whitelotus.org
- Style: Hatha, Vinyasa, Restorative
SHAKTI YOGA, Tennessee
This small yoga school is located in Nashville, Tennessee and focuses on the more physical aspect of yoga. Here, you will learn to re-gain the power over your body and go beyond your limitations, leading to more mental clarity as well. As a 8-week program, the yoga teacher training with Shakti Yoga is a good mix of weekend classes and self-study during the week. The on-site classes take place Friday evenings, all day Saturday and all day Sunday.
- Price: Early Bird is $2,750, after is $3,250
- Duration: 8 weeks
- Website: www.shaktiyoganashville.com
- Style: Power Vinyasa
SHOSHONI, Colorado
Shoshoni Yoga runs a full immersion yoga teacher training in the mountains of Colorado. The 21 day course is an ashram-environment approach that teaches you to live the full yogi life-sytle. Being surrounded by yoga practitioners from all around the globe will encourage you to go deeply into your spiritual journey and implement the holistic approach of yoga in your teaching style and personal practice.
- Price: $2650- $5250, depending on your accommodation choice
- Duration: 1 month (students can also choose to split the month into two modules, completing each two-week session over the course of 12 months)
- Website: www.shoshoni.org
- Style: Hatha
The Pros and Cons of a Yoga Teacher Training in the US
| PROS + | CONS – |
| Can be a local experience without high flight or traveling costs | High tuition fees especially with accommodation and meals included |
| Supporting local businesses can be very helpful especially during this time | You are not learning yoga from its original roots India and true masters of the art and science |
| The teachers will be fluent in English and specialized in Western-style teaching | There are unfortunately many Sanskrit misinterpretations due to the lack of understanding/wrong approaches |
FUN FACT:
Did you know that for the same price (or less) you can actually complete a 500 Hour Yoga Teacher Training in India including accommodation and all meals? Leanr more about how to study yoga from its source India and real Indian masters of Yoga here.
