6 Best Yoga Teacher Training Courses in the USA (2024)
Have you decided to take your practice to the next level and become a yoga teacher but prefer not to travel far for training? You’re in luck!
Aspiring yoga teachers don’t need to travel all the way to India, Bali or Costa Rica. There are plenty of exceptional USA yoga teacher training programs available, taught by renowned instructors at world class yoga studios in beautiful locations.
When you do yoga training in the US you can learn to teach yoga from beachfront settings, national parks, or even a peaceful Hawaiian island to pursue your dream of teaching yoga.
Keep reading to explore the best yoga teacher training retreats in the USA and learn how to select the perfect one for you.
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200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Retreats
There are several yoga certifications available but a 200 hour yoga teacher training course is the basic yoga certification to start teaching.
By choosing a program approved by Yoga Alliance USA you can apply as a registered yoga teacher and teach anywhere around the world. Once you have completed a 200-hour YTT you could further your knowledge with the 300-hour advanced yoga training course.
YTT programs include not only twice daily pranayama, meditation and yoga classes but also cover the theoretical aspects of yoga like philosophy, anatomy and physiology. You’ll also learn about teaching methodology, sequencing, adjustments and get practice teaching.
Be aware that doing a YTT is much more intensive than a relaxing yoga retreat. Your days will be packed with learning and while the process can be quite physically, emotionally and mentally challenging, its also incredibly rewarding and can even be life changing!
How to Choose A Yoga Teacher Training Retreat in the USA
When choosing between numerous yoga teacher training options, it’s essential to weigh your choices carefully. Here are some essential factors to consider to ensure you choose the best yoga teacher training course.
- The styles of yoga – As there are so many yoga styles, it is crucial to ensure your chosen course focuses on your favorite one. Most yoga teacher training in USA teaches Hatha yoga or vinyasa flow, but many are also multi-style, including more restorative styles like yin yoga. You can also find more specialized ones, such as yoga therapy or Ayurveda.
- Your experience and yoga level – Another thing you should clarify before choosing a USA yoga teacher training is the prerequisites and the certification you’ll receive. Some schools require you to practice for a certain period of time before starting the course.
- The course length and price – While all yoga courses on this list are 200-hour training, the course length can range from 14 to 30 days. Shorter programs are more convenient for those who cannot stay away for long but require additional online learning to gain your yoga certification.
- The instructors and yoga school reputation – Unless you already know your YTT yoga instructor, it is essential to research both the yoga teachers facilitating the course and the yoga institute itself. We recommend readings reviews from past students on unbiased websites like bookyogateachertraining.com.
- The location and facilities – Lastly, as the USA is a highly diverse country, your YTT experience will differ between regions. So think about the setting you would prefer for your YTT. Is it a beachfront resort in Florida, a cabin by a lake, or a luxurious house in Hawaii?
The Best Yoga Teacher Training Programs in the USA
The following six best yoga teacher training programs in the USA are all highly rated and Yoga Alliance certified.
- Best Hatha/Vinyasa YTT – Maui Yoga Shala, Hawaii
- Best Ashtanga YTT – Ashtanga Shala Santosha, Hawaii
- Best Yin YTT – 11Exhale, California
- Best Holistic YTT – InnerSea Yoga Academy, Florida
- Best Spiritual YTT – Kootenay Yoga School, California
- Best Budget YTT – Yogi Hari’s Ashram, Florida
I’ll summarise each one below;
Best Hatha/Vinyasa YTT – Maui Yoga Shala, Hawaii
Maui Yoga Shala is one of the best yoga schools in US, running their 20-day YTTs for over 20 years on the beautiful island of Maui.
Highlights:
- A well-balanced program covering all aspects of yoga teaching, including teaching methodology, anatomy, and physiology.
- Plenty of opportunities to practice teaching yoga
- Half days on Saturdays and free days on Sundays
- Small group sizes for a more intimate experience
The training center is in the picturesque town of Paia, just a 12-minute walk from the north shore beaches. Choose between a shared or private room here.
Available all year from $4,750
Best Ashtanga YTT – Ashtanga Shala Santosha, Hawaii
This 14-day teacher training course in Maui specializes in Ashtanga yoga with elements of Ayurveda and Yoga Nidra.
Highlights:
- Study and practice the Ashtanga half and full primary series
- In-depth modules on yoga philosophy and history
- Join a juicing detox on one weekend
Once you complete the 14-day in-person training, you’ll be required to join virtual training for 30 days to become a registered yoga teacher with Yoga Alliance.
Available all year from $3,195
Best Yin Yoga Teacher Training – 11Exhale, California
Over 15 days this 200 hour Yin yoga teacher training course in California takes you deep into the soulful practice of this gentle, modern yoga style. The 11Exhale yoga school balances Yin yoga with the dynamic, ancient practice of Vinyasa to provide you with well-rounded instruction.
Highlights
- Stay at Harmony Grove Spiritual Association
- Workshops on arm balances, inversions and mala making
- Includes 90 days of on-demand yoga streams
Hosted by the historical Harmony Grove Spiritual Association near Escondido, you’ll join a small group of yogis and yoginis sharing accommodation and facilities as you are guided through yogic philosophy and the essential techniques of asana, meditation and pranayama practice.
Available all year from $2,200
Best Holistic YTT – InnerSea Yoga Academy, Florida
InnerSea’s Jacksonville 18-day yoga teacher training program is well-rounded, self-reflective, and transformative.
Highlights:
- Daily asana, meditation practice, and practice teaching
- Connect with nature by studying medicinal plants, local ecology, permaculture, and conservation.
- Various local nature trips included
During the retreat, you’ll stay in a peaceful retreat house within walking distance of the beach. Note that food is not included in the package price, but a meal plan is available for an additional cost.
Available in July and December from $3,399
Best Spiritual YTT – Kootenay Yoga School, California
If you adore being in nature and connecting to mother earth, this 15-day YTT at Joshua Tree is one of the best yoga teacher training courses in the USA.
Highlights:
- Daily yoga, pranayama, and meditation techniques
- Asana breakdown of 45 yoga poses
- Practice teaching in small groups
Thanks to the iconic desert location, you’ll wake up to breathtaking vistas and spend your days practicing and studying between the boulders, desert flora, and rugged mountains of Joshua Tree National Park.
Available all year from $3,685
Best Budget YTT – Yogi Hari’s Ashram, Florida
Thanks to Yogi Hari’s 15-day, 200-hour YTT, you don’t need to travel all the way to India for authentic, affordable, ashram-style yoga trainings. It’s now possible to study with a Sivananda master in the sunshine state of Florida for a price that won’t break the bank.
Highlights:
- Dive deep into the Sampoorna style of yoga (Hatha, Raja, Karma, Bhakti, Gyan, and Nada Yoga)
- Twice daily meditation and yoga class
- Study yoga philosophy, including the Bhagavad Gita and the yoga sutras
- Sunrise beach yoga excursion
Budget-conscious yogis can choose low-cost dorm accommodation, while those wanting some privacy can upgrade to a private room.
Available all year from $2,500
I hope this article has helped you find your perfect USA yoga teacher training to further your practice and gain the skills needed to share your passion for yoga with others!
We have written about Yoga Teacher Training courses all around the world. Check out the related articles below for some yoga travel inspiration!
Namaste x
Related articles:
- The Best Destinations to do Yoga Teacher Training abroad
- Reasons to do Yoga Teacher Training – even if you don’t plan to teach
- How to Choose a Yoga Teacher Training program
- The Complete Guide to Yoga in Bali
- The Complete Guide to Yoga in Thailand
- The Best Yoga Teacher Training courses in India
- The Best Yoga Teacher Training courses in Europe
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