BEST YOGA TEACHER TRAINING IN THE UNITED STATES OF 2025

FAQs

How is Soma's therapeutic approach different from other yoga teacher trainings?

Unlike conventional trainings that focus primarily on poses and pose obtainment, our therapeutic approach emphasizes biomechanically sound alignment, trauma-sensitive practices, and nervous system regulation. We teach you to identify and heal pain patterns, prevent repetitive strain injuries, and adapt practices for diverse bodies and abilities. This approach earned us recognition as the Best Yoga Teacher Training because it prepares you to teach yoga as a healing modality, not just exercise.

FAQs

What makes your Costa Rica, Greece, and California locations special for yoga teacher training?

Our training locations were carefully selected for their natural beauty and peaceful environments that enhance the learning experience. The tropical paradise of Salvatierra in Costa Rica, the tranquil landscapes of Greece, and the serene coastlines of California provide ideal settings for deep personal transformation. These immersive environments become co-teachers in your journey, supporting integration of the material on multiple levels.

FAQs

Do I have to be able to do a handstand to take this program?

Absolutely not. All students, regardless of their physical ability or proficiency in the poses are encouraged to attend. Yoga is a journey and not a destination. Therefore all students are encouraged to begin where they are and take the modifications that they need to create health and safety in their body and mind. In fact, a diversity of abilities and body types in the group provides a rich, fertile ground for the teaching-learning environment. Please note: if you have medical considerations please check with your health care professional about the practicality and safety of attending an active yoga intensive.

FAQs

What ongoing support do you offer graduates of your award-winning program?

Our commitment to your success extends beyond graduation. Alumni receive access to our continuing education programs, mentorship opportunities, online training, advanced CE training discounts, and career development resources. Many graduates return for our 300-hour advanced training to deepen their therapeutic skills. This ongoing support system helps our graduates thrive as yoga professionals and contributed to our recognition as the Best Yoga Teacher Training in the United States.

FAQs

Are you registered with Yoga Alliance and can I register as an RYT 200?

Yes, Soma Yoga Institute is a Registered Yoga School (RYS) with Yoga Alliance, the largest nonprofit association representing the yoga community. Upon successful completion of our award-winning 200-hour program, you'll be eligible to register as an RYT 200 (Registered Yoga Teacher) with Yoga Alliance. This internationally recognized credential demonstrates your training meets established standards and enhances your credibility as a yoga professional. Our curriculum exceeds Yoga Alliance requirements, particularly in areas of anatomy, therapeutic applications, and teaching methodology—key factors that contributed to our recognition as the Best Yoga Teacher Training in the United States. For those continuing their education, our 300-hour advanced program allows for registration at the RYT 500 level.

FAQs

What is the age range and group size, and can you tell me more about your inclusive approach?

Our award-winning trainings welcome students of diverse ages, typically ranging from 18 to 70+. We intentionally keep our groups intimate (15-24 students) to ensure personalized attention and create a supportive community. Our inclusive approach goes beyond physical accessibility to create truly welcoming spaces. This includes body-positive language that avoids diet culture references, gender-inclusive communication, cultural sensitivity in teaching yoga philosophy, economic accessibility through payment plans, and physical spaces that accommodate mobility aids when possible. Our teaching methodology emphasizes the principle that yoga should adapt to the person, not the person to yoga. This radical inclusivity means we don't just tolerate differences—we celebrate them as opportunities for growth and learning. This commitment to making yoga accessible to all bodies, backgrounds, and abilities was a significant factor in our recognition as the Best Yoga Teacher Training in the United States.

FAQs

How intense is this training? Is it life changing? 

Speaking personally, yoga has changed my life in tremendous and wonderful ways. What I have found is the more we are able to open into the present moment, reflect with loving kindness on our challenges and shortcomings, and awaken to our innate and unique gifts, the more life-changing this experience becomes. I think that if you attend the program with the desire to learn with an open heart, the wisdom you will gain will stay with you for the rest of your life. We have many student testimonials posted on the website which answers this question from a students perspective. 

FAQs

I'm worried I'm not flexible, strong, or experienced enough, and I might not want to teach—can I still join?

Our award-winning yoga teacher training welcomes you exactly as you are. Physical abilities, advanced poses, and years of practice are not prerequisites for success in our program. In fact, many of our most insightful teachers began with limited flexibility, strength, or experience. Our therapeutic, body-inclusive approach is designed to meet each person where they are, teaching you how to adapt practices for yourself and others.

About 50% of our students join with no intention to teach, seeking only to deepen their personal practice and understanding of yoga. This inner journey is equally valuable and respected in our community. The therapeutic tools, somatic awareness, and self-study practices you'll learn transform not just how you practice yoga, but how you live in your body every day.

We believe that the most effective teachers understand what it means to work with limitations and find their own path to practice. Your unique body and experience become valuable teaching tools that help you connect authentically with future students who may share similar concerns. Remember, yoga is not about performing perfect poses—it's about developing awareness, compassion, and skillful means to support wellbeing in yourself and others.

FAQs

HOW MUCH DOES THE PROGRAM COST? Are there payment plans or scholarships?

Our program fees are all inclusive.  Food, housing, yoga teacher training tuition.  We also provide access to our our Online Yoga Teacher Training Content and zoom mentoring after the program ends to support you in your journey as you begin to teach. 

Each location has different price options based on room choice. Please visit the specific program page for price details. Scroll down toward the bottom you will see the prices.

Costa Rica Salvatierra (Aug 1-18, Dec 1-18, Jan 5-22)
California Blue Lake Yoga Shala (May 18-June 4, 2025)
Greece  (June 25-July 12, 2025)


We do offer payment plans through Afterpay, email us for the details. For our partial support/work trade scholarship programs click here.