Earning your yoga instructor certification can be an effective way to legitimize your business. However, the best yoga teacher training programs don’t just lend your business credibility – they can enhance your skills, offer unique networking opportunities, and potentially lead to your own personal growth. This article will cover some different types of yoga certifications, along with the best yoga certification programs in the United States, and tips on choosing the right one. 

Types of Yoga Certifications

A yoga instructor certification is a document that validates the completion of your yoga education. While instructor certifications are not legally required to teach yoga, many gyms and yoga studios require certifications for their teachers. Even if you’re jumping straight into starting your own yoga business, a certification can help prove your training and attract clients. 

There are two flavors of yoga certifications: Certified Yoga Teacher (CYT) and Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT). The main difference between the two is that you become a CYT after completing any yoga training program, while becoming an RYT involves completing classes specifically endorsed by the Yoga Alliance. (Some benefits of joining the Yoga Alliance include free workshops, exclusive discounts, and a listing in the yoga teachers database.)

Below we outline some of the different types of registered yoga teacher programs you can attend. 

RYT 200 & 300

The 200-Hour Registered Yoga Teacher certification covers essential topics like anatomy, physiology, philosophy, asana posing and pranayama practices, how to teach and sequence yoga, and prop use – all the basics you need to successfully teach a yoga class. RYT 200-hour programs are available as online yoga teacher training, at a studio, or at an in-person retreat. Most RYT 300-hour programs will build on the 200-hour program, introducing more advanced areas of study and topics (depending on the curriculum). 

RYT 500 

The 500-Hour Registered Yoga Teacher certification is a more comprehensive program, covering the same topics as the 200-hour training program but with more in-depth study and training in advanced areas. The program includes an additional 300 hours of instruction, and in addition to advanced courses of previous topics, all attendees must complete at least 100 hours of yoga teacher training. 

E-RYT 200 & 500

The Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher certification is another program that can further the skill and teaching ability of all yoga trainees. To earn this certification, students must train and teach for a certain number of hours. Those looking to obtain their E-RYT 200 will need to complete the 200-hour program and have at least 1,000 hours of teaching experience. Aspiring teachers looking to earn their E-RYT 500 must complete a 500-hour program, along with 2,000 hours of teaching. 

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How Much Does a Yoga Certification Cost?

Yoga certification costs can vary depending on a number of factors, such as program length and type, travel expenses, materials, and any other additional costs. However, the tuition itself will also fluctuate depending on the institution. Many programs charge between $1,000 and $3,000 for basic yoga training certification.

Some programs may offer monthly installment plans or sliding scales for a more agreeable payment schedule. Some may also offer need-based scholarships for aspiring teachers (or even some free programming), so it’s worth it to thoroughly check out your certification options and ensure the program you choose has the most compatible financing options for you. 

6 Best Yoga Certification Programs

Getting certified takes time, whether you learn on a retreat or at an online yoga school. Below, we break down some of the best yoga certification programs available in the United States, along with their costs. 

1. YogaWorks 

Some of the best yoga certifications are the RYT 200-hour and 300-hour programs from YogaWorks. Their programs focus on safe asana practices and alignment, as well as teaching students how to work with bodies of all types, implementing breathing techniques, and learning dynamic sequencing. YogaWorks students will also learn how to work with limitations such as pregnancy or injuries and get to practice their teaching skills – even learn a little Sanskrit! For those who opt for the 300-hour program, the training will include a five-month apprenticeship with a senior instructor. 

Cost: RYT 200: $3,350 for students who sign up by November 1st, 2024. ($3,500 for sign-ups by December 1st, 2024.)

URL: https://yogaworks.com/teacher-training/ 

2. Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health 

The Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health offers RYT 200-hour and 300-hour programs, which emphasize a holistic and therapeutic approach to yoga, incorporating philosophy, meditation, and Ayurveda practices. Along with anatomy, physiology, and the 21 foundational asanas of Kripalu yoga, students will learn how to structure classes, as well as how to teach and guide students in posing and self-awareness. Attendees will also learn how to lead classes both online and in-person. The 300-hour classes will also incorporate the foundations of yoga therapy, and an in-depth dive into the anatomy of asana. 

Cost: RYT 200: Starting at $2,808 (not including accommodations)

URL: https://kripalu.org/schools/yoga 

3. The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center

The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center offers a RYT 200-hour and 500-hour certification, with a Hatha yoga focus. With over 50,000 graduates since 1969, this program offers a well-rounded yoga education, including daily asanas, the 12 basic yoga postures, pranayama breathing exercises, karma yoga, nutrition, chanting, cleansing, and meditation. In the 500-hour program, students will learn advanced asana and pranayama techniques, more in-depth philosophy study, as well as Raja and Bhakti yoga. 

Cost: Between $2,400 - $5,400, depending on retreat accommodations. 

URL: https://sivanandayogafarm.org/yoga-teacher-training-course/ 

4. The Anusara School of Hatha Yoga

The Anusara School offers both a RYT 200-hour and 300-hour training program, and is known for its alignment-based approach to yoga. At the Anusara School, students will learn anatomy, kinesiology, and class sequencing, as well as posing, off-mat insights, and the therapeutic benefits of alignment. 

Cost: Not available

URL: https://www.anusarayoga.com/certified-anusara-yoga-teacher/ 

5. ISSA Yoga 

ISSA offers online yoga teacher training to help aspiring educators get their RYT 200 certifications. You’ll learn the basics of yoga, including anatomy and physiology, foundations of yoga (with 37 poses), along with the history of yoga, how to teach meditation and breathing, pose sequencing, verbal and assisted cueing, as well as the ethical and professional approach to building a thriving yoga business. 

Cost: RYT 200: Starting at $1,188

URL: https://yoga.issaonline.com/ 

6. YogaRenew

YogaRenew offers teacher training at the RYT 200, 300, and 500-hour levels. With YogaRenew’s online courses, students will learn yoga history, philosophy, anatomy, the asanas, pranayama breathing, pose sequencing, chakra therapy, as well as yoga business and marketing components. The 300-hour certification covers more advanced asanas, study of ancient texts, personal development, and yoga ethics. The 500-hour certification is a combination of the 200-hour and 300-hour courses, plus advanced teaching techniques, Ayurveda, hands-on adjustments, and more. 

Cost: RYT 200: $1,637 

RYT 300: $1,749

RYT 500: $2,900

URL: https://www.yogarenewteachertraining.com/ 

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3 Tips On How To Choose Your Yoga Certification

Choosing the best yoga certification for your teaching career or yoga business can be overwhelming. We’re here with three tips to help you navigate through the many options available to you. 

1. Consider your yoga style and teaching goals

The program you choose depends on how you plan on making yoga part of your life – those who want to teach yoga on the side or just for fun may opt for a 200-hour certification, while those looking to make a career out of teaching yoga may want to complete an E-RYT 500 program. Some yoga certifications may also cater better to specific types of yoga (such as vinyasa or asana), so it’s worth it to take the time and figure out where your passion lies so that you can choose the program that speaks more to your own yoga philosophy. 

2. Review the curriculum of different programs

Many RYT training programs will cover basics like anatomy, breathing techniques, meditation, and philosophy. However, the approaches to these topics and other subject coverage will vary by program, so thoroughly research the training curriculum to ensure you’ll learn what you need for your specific focus (i.e., not every basic program will teach mudras or yoga for injuries) – or, that the program offers multi-focus training for those looking to hit the ground running with a diverse skill set. 

3. Look for programs with experienced instructors 

While program cost can largely affect which training you choose, your focus should also be on value. Find programs with a great reputation, and look for trainers who have a strong teaching background and many years of experience. The best yoga certification programs will let you train with the best so that you’re getting the most out of your tuition. 

Scale Your Yoga Business With GlossGenius

The best yoga teacher training programs can boost your yoga business by highlighting your credentials, establishing your reputation, and developing your skills. Whether you train in-person or at an online yoga school, a certification can do a lot for your career – even open up doors to new opportunities. 

When you’re ready to scale your yoga business, GlossGenius is here to help. GlossGenius offers features like Loans and Finances, so you can fund your business while also tracking expenses and managing profitability. Seamlessly fill your calendar with Online Booking, or expand your brand with your robust Marketing tools. GlossGenius does it all, so let us do it all for you. 

Try GlossGenius today for a 14-day free trial!

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