Hey yogi, did you come upon this article because you feel called to share your love for yoga by becoming a certified 200-hour yoga teacher? Now is your time. Are you ready to find the perfect yoga teacher training that aligns with you – your body, soul, and budget?! If so, I wrote this guide about the difference between online and in-person yoga teacher training for you.
This article has everything you need to know about online and in-person 200 hr yoga teacher training. If you want to discover more about what your 200-hour yoga teacher training might look like online vs in-person, keep reading. I’m sharing what a YTT 200 journey is all about.
So what exactly does a YTT 200 involve and include? How long does it take to complete the course, and what are the requirements? In this article, I answer those questions and more, so without further ado, let's get to it.
Article content:
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What is a YTT 200?
200-hr online vs 200-hr in-person yoga teacher training
4 types of online yoga teacher training formats
2 types of in-person yoga teacher training formats
Requirements for online & in-person training
Cost of online yoga teacher training vs in-person
Qualifications to apply for YTT
Takeaway
FAQ about YTT 200
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What is a YTT 200?
YTT 200 literally means Yoga Teacher Training 200 hours. 200-hour yoga teacher training is the foundational training course for avid yogis who want to share their passion by teaching the practice to others or yogis or for yogis who want to take their knowledge to the next level.
A YTT 200 is the most basic yoga teaching certificate recognized by Yoga Alliance (US), the International Yoga Federation, and other organizations that register yoga teachers. Although yoga teachers do not need a teaching certificate, most have completed at least 200-hours of training.
200-hour yoga instructor certification courses include a complete, well-rounded curriculum. You'll learn about the different limbs of yoga, including:
That being said, every YTT 200 course differs, depending on the school and the course teachers. For example, some may focus more on certain aspects of yoga more than others. Thus, it's essential to do your research before choosing which yoga teacher training program to join.
But even though the trainings will differ, all Yoga Alliance-registered 200-hour yoga courses (online and in-person) conducted by RYSs (Registered Yoga Schools) must meet certain standards for the curriculum to be approved by Yoga Alliance.
200-hr online vs 200-hr in-person yoga teacher training course comparison
| Aspect | Online Yoga Teacher Training | In-Person Yoga Teacher Training |
|---|---|---|
| Flexibility | High: self-paced or scheduled online sessions | Low: fixed schedule and location |
| Cost | Lower: $400 – $3,000 | Higher: up to $10,000 including travel and accommodation |
| Interaction | Limited: primarily virtual | High: face-to-face interaction with instructors and peers |
| Immersion | Moderate: depends on program structure | High: full immersion in yoga practice and community |
| Learning Methods | Online modules, video lectures, digital manuals | In-person classes, physical practice, printed manuals |
| Duration | Variable: can be completed in a few weeks to months | Intensive: 4-6 weeks; Part-time: 7-12 months |
| Accessibility | Accessible from anywhere | Requires travel to a specific location |
4 types of online yoga teacher training formats & who they're best for
Online yoga teacher training (YTT) has become an increasingly popular and flexible option for aspiring yoga instructors. Each format offers unique advantages tailored to various learning styles and schedules. A 200-hour online yoga certificate course is offered in a few different formats, which are:
- Totally self-paced
- Hybrid (live sessions + self-paced coursework)
- Drip format
- Completely live online training
1. Totally self-paced
For this type of online yoga teacher training, you complete the learning modules and course at your own pace. This is the cheapest online yoga course option.
- Who it's ideal for: A student who wants the ultimate flexibility and the least amount of structure.
- Price: $
- Learning methods: Online modules with lectures and demonstrations, a digital yoga teacher training manual, and live sessions and workshops on occasion.
2. Hybrid (live sessions + self-paced coursework)
For this type of yoga course, you will convene with your instructors and classmates multiple times each week over Zoom (or similar) for live lectures, yoga practice, and learning sessions. Because of the online group sessions with the teacher trainers, these courses are typically quite pricey.
- Who it's ideal for: A student who wants a more personalized learning experience.
- Price: $$$
- Learning methods: Live lectures, online modules, and a digital yoga teacher training manual.
3. Drip format
This style of yoga training is interesting in that the learning modules are released to students on a set schedule. I like this option because it gives students some structure but also some flexibility. These courses are neither the most expensive nor the cheapest option.
- Who it's ideal for: A student who wants a bit of personal interaction with their instructor and classmates.
- Price: $$
- Learning methods: Yoga teacher training manual and online modules.
4. Completely live online training
Live online yoga teacher training is being offered less and less. The class scheduling for this format can be quite restrictive, which defeats the purpose of online yoga teacher training. This format simply doesn't offer the flexibility that other formats do. These courses are typically the most expensive because of the live sessions with the teachers.
- Who it's ideal for: A student with a wide open schedule who can be available anytime.
- Price: $$$$
- Learning methods: Digital yoga teacher training manual, live online sessions, and online modules.
2 types of in-person yoga teacher training formats & who they're best for
In-person yoga teacher training (YTT) can offer an immersive, hands-on learning experience. There are two primary types of in-person YTT formats:
- Intensive
- Part-time
1. Intensive
In intensive yoga instructor trainings, you fully immerse yourself in your practice. You literally “live yoga” for those four weeks, so you experience the practice in a way you've never done before. As the name implies, this is intense!
Aside from being intense, an in-person YTT 200 is the most expensive option for yoga teacher training and, of course, requires students to take a few weeks off of work and travel to a far-off destination!
A typical training day in a 200-hour intensive yoga certificate course could be 12-hour days (from 7am to 7pm) 6 days a week for 4 weeks. Considering all of the costs incurred, this is the most expensive type of yoga teacher training.
- Who it's ideal for: A student who wants to get their qualification quickly and start teaching ASAP.
- Price: $$$$
- Learning methods: Printed yoga teacher training manual and in-person live training sessions.
2. Part-time in-person 200-hour yoga teacher training
A part-time in-person yoga trainer course may be a better fit if you can’t spend several weeks away from home or work. This will not be as expensive as an intensive course because you won't need to pay for a flight or for accomodation.
- Who it's ideal for: A student who has other commitments like family and work but wants to become a yoga teacher.
- Price: $$$
- Learning methods: Printed yoga teacher training manual and live in-person training sessions.
Requirements for online & in-person courses
The requirements are the same for online and in-person courses. Training will include yoga theory, practice teaching, and maintaining your own personal asana practice.
| Techniques Training & Practice: (75 hours) | Anatomy & Physiology: (30 hours) | Yoga Humanities: (30 hours) | Professional Essentials: (50 hours) | Elective Hours: (15 hours) |
| Asana | Anatomy | History | Teaching methodology | Elective hours |
| Pranayama & Subtle body | Physiology | Philosophy | Professional development | |
| Meditation | Biomechanics | Ethics | Practicum |
Every yoga teacher training certification course also includes exams, which you must pass to earn your certificate and register with Yoga Alliance. You can't omit taking the exams if you have no plans to teach yoga.
A YTT 200 hour is the most common type of yoga teaching certification you will find because it is a foundational yoga teacher training. It's where you learn the fundamentals of anatomy, poses, cueing, and more.
There are more advanced yoga certification options beyond 200-hr. The requirements for 300-hour and 500-hour teacher training certificates require more study and practical hours.
Cost of online yoga teacher training vs in-person
When deciding between online and in-person yoga teacher training, cost is a significant factor. This is what you can expect to pay for 200-hr in-person or online yoga teacher training:
- Online programs range start at about $400
- Local in-person options start at about $3,000
- Destination in-person courses start at about $5,000 when considering all expenses
Each format presents unique financial considerations that prospective students should evaluate based on their personal circumstances.
Online course cost
The cost of online yoga teacher training starts at around $400 and goes up to nearly $3,000, depending on the yoga school's credentials, experience, and reputation. There is also nearly every price point in between.
If you are keen to attend a more “prestigious” and expensive online training, you can opt for a payment plan. All schools offer multiple payment options.
In-person course cost
The price of an in-person intensive destination yoga teacher training could easily be a $5,000 expense when considering all expenses such as flights, the yoga teacher training itself, food & accommodation, and time away from work.
A local part-time in-person training will start at $3,000.
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Qualifications to apply for YTT
Some schools require that you have been practicing yoga for a specific duration, which could be anything from 6 months to 3 years. They will ask about your yoga experience on the application form.
Having a background in yoga demonstrates that you have a strong passion for yoga and a basic understanding of the practice. The most important part is the passion part!
Many yoga enthusiasts have the misconception that they need to be able to perform specific advanced asanas like handstands or inversions or have a strong Vinyasa practice to be accepted onto a RYT 200 program. However, you'll be pleased to hear this is not the case. You do not need to be an advanced Hatha yoga practitioner to enroll in training.
There are no specific asana requirements to enroll in yoga training, so whether you can do a headstand or not does not matter. However, it is very beneficial if you have attended enough yoga classes in your life to become very familiar with the poses.
Teaching and practicing yoga require two different skill sets. You don't need to be able to do every pose or be super flexible to teach an effective yoga class.
Likewise, there are no age requirements. In my 200-hour, my classmates ranged from 20 to 60 years old.
Takeaway
Now you know the difference between online training and in-person training, you can decide which is best for you.
Whichever you choose, a 200-hour yoga teacher training will bring you many benefits and you will be prepared to start applying for jobs as a yoga teacher should you choose to take that next step!
FAQ about YTT 200
What is the difference between YTT 200 and RYT 200?
YTT 200 is a 200 hour yoga teacher training. RYT 200 is a Registered Yoga Teacher 200 hours. A RYT 200 has successfully completed a YTT 200, and has registered with Yoga Alliance, and they are certified to teach.
What is the difference between a registered yoga teacher and a certified yoga teacher?
A Registered Yoga Teacher has registered as a member of Yoga Alliance. A Certified Yoga Teacher has successfully completed 200 hour yoga teacher training, but they may have chosen not to register with Yoga Alliance, or they may not have registered yet but plan to. Both Registered Yoga Teachers and Certified Yoga Teachers are qualified to teach yoga.
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