In a groundbreaking recognition that is reshaping the landscape of yoga education in America, Soma Yoga Institute has been awarded the prestigious title of Best Yoga Teacher Training in USA for 2025 by Best of Best Review [1]. This remarkable achievement represents more than just an accolade. In short, it signifies a paradigm shift toward therapeutic, body-inclusive, and transformative yoga teacher training. It is setting new standards across the industry.

Soma Yoga Institute’s recognition as Best Yoga Teacher Training in USA for 2025 represents a new standard in yoga education excellence.
The announcement, which has garnered significant media attention from major outlets including Women’s Insider [2] and Associated Press [3], highlights Soma Yoga Institute’s revolutionary approach to yoga education. It seamlessly blends ancient wisdom with modern scientific understanding. Founded by Liz Heffernan, a Certified Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT) with over two decades of experience, Soma Yoga Institute has distinguished itself in the competitive landscape of yoga teacher training. The school has done so through its unwavering commitment to therapeutic practices and radical inclusivity.
The Award That Changes Everything: Recognition for Excellence in Yoga Education
The Best of Best Review committee’s decision to honor Soma Yoga Institute as the best yoga teacher training in USA for 2025 came after an extensive evaluation of programs nationwide. This recognition underscores the institute’s unique fusion of modern science with ancient yoga wisdom. By doing so they provide transformative programs that equip yoga teachers with the necessary skills to create safe, inclusive, and empowering practices for students of all abilities.
As stated by the Best of Best Review committee, “Soma Yoga Institute represents the gold standard in yoga teacher education. Their therapeutic approach, body-inclusive philosophy, and comprehensive curriculum create yoga teachers who are truly prepared to meet the diverse needs of today’s practitioners” [1]. This endorsement reflects not just the quality of Soma’s programs, but their profound impact on the broader yoga community.
The award comes at a time when the yoga industry is experiencing unprecedented growth. Millions of Americans are seeking authentic, healing-centered practices. Simultaneously, traditional yoga teacher training programs often fall short of addressing the diverse needs of modern practitioners. This may particularly include those dealing with trauma, physical limitations, or seeking therapeutic benefits from their practice. Soma Yoga Institute’s recognition as the best yoga teacher training in USA signals a crucial shift toward more inclusive and therapeutically-informed yoga education.
A Therapeutic Revolution: Redefining Yoga Teacher Training
What truly sets Soma Yoga Institute apart as the best yoga teacher training in USA is its groundbreaking therapeutic approach. The yoga school’s approach integrates modern biomechanics, anatomy, and evidence-based research with time-tested yoga philosophy. This innovative methodology ensures that graduates are prepared to teach yoga as a holistic healing tool for both body and mind,. Student learn to promote practices that are not only effective but also deeply transformative.
The institute’s curriculum incorporates modern biomechanics and anatomy-informed alignment, creating a foundation for teaching yoga that prioritizes safety and healing. Moreover, students learn to understand the deeper connection between body and mind, focusing on injury prevention, trauma-sensitive practices, and emotional wellness. This comprehensive approach enables instructors to effectively guide students through yoga sessions that address their unique physical and emotional needs.
Soma Yoga Institute’s therapeutic approach integrates modern biomechanics with ancient yoga wisdom, creating safe and healing-centered practices.
Liz Heffernan’s philosophy for Soma Yoga Institute is crystal clear:. She states, “Yoga is not about perfect poses, the biggest shapes or extreme achievements—it’s a pathway to healing, strength, and transformation for all bodies, hearts and minds” [1]. This foundational belief permeates every aspect of the training. This ensures that graduates understand yoga as a healing modality rather than merely a physical workout.
The therapeutic focus extends beyond physical alignment to encompass nervous system regulation, trauma-sensitive approaches, and evidence-based practices. Students study biomechanics, anatomy, and trauma-sensitive practices. This ensures they can guide students through safe, mindful practices that support long-term, injury-free yoga journeys while fostering mental and emotional wellness.
Body Inclusivity: More Than a Buzzword, A Core Philosophy
In an industry often criticized for promoting exclusionary beauty standards and unrealistic physical expectations, Soma Yoga Institute has made body inclusivity a cornerstone of its philosophy. This has contributed significantly to its recognition as the best yoga teacher training in USA. The institute actively celebrates diversity in all its forms. The yoga school offers a training program that focuses on adapting yoga to support people of all body types, ages, and abilities.
This commitment to inclusivity is not merely a marketing strategy. It’s a deeply embedded principle within Soma’s teaching framework that influences every aspect of their curriculum. As Heffernan explains, “We’re committed to creating a yoga space where all bodies are celebrated. We train our students to not only teach poses but to create an environment where every person feels seen, heard, and supported” [2].
Overall, the body-inclusive approach is integral to Soma Yoga Institute’s mission to provide an accessible practice for everyone. Students are taught how to modify poses to suit different abilities and how to guide classes with sensitivity and awareness. This creates an environment where every individual can thrive. This training ensures that graduates can work effectively with students who have physical limitations, injuries, or specific health concerns. In doing so, Soma Yoga Institute’s graduates are making yoga truly accessible to all.
Soma Yoga Institute’s body-inclusive approach creates supportive learning environments where students of all backgrounds and abilities can thrive.
Additionally the curriculum includes extensive training on modifications and adaptations for yoga poses. This ensures that every student—regardless of their physical condition—feels supported and capable. This focus on accessibility makes Soma’s programs ideal for those looking to lead classes that honor every body and every ability. This is a crucial skill in today’s diverse yoga landscape.
Expert Faculty and Personalized Mentorship: The Foundation of Excellence
The recognition of Soma Yoga Institute as the best yoga teacher training in USA is largely attributed to its exceptional faculty. The yoga school’s teaching staff is composed of highly experienced teachers who bring decades of expertise to their instruction. Many faculty members hold advanced certifications including Certified Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT) and E-RYT 500 credentials. This ensures that students receive comprehensive and well-rounded education from true experts in the field.
The institute’s commitment to personalized education is evident in its smaller class sizes. Group sizes typically range from 12 to 24 students. This ensures that each participant receives individualized attention, mentorship, and guidance throughout their training journey. This intimate learning environment allows for deeper connections between students and instructors, fostering authentic growth and development.
Heffernan’s teaching philosophy emphasizes authentic expression and personal growth. She states, “I’ve always believed the most powerful teaching happens when we create space for authentic expression. At Soma, we encourage our students to find their unique voice and lead with authenticity and heart” [2]. This approach ensures that graduates don’t simply receive certification. They also undergo genuine personal transformation that enhances their ability to guide others.
The faculty’s extensive experience, combined with their therapeutic training and commitment to inclusivity, creates a learning environment where students can explore both the technical aspects of yoga instruction and the deeper philosophical and healing dimensions of the practice. This comprehensive approach to education is a key factor in Soma’s recognition as the best yoga teacher training in USA.
Comprehensive Curriculum: Beyond Asana to Holistic Transformation
The curriculum that has earned Soma Yoga Institute recognition as the best yoga teacher training in USA extends far beyond the physical postures (asana) of yoga. It encompasses a holistic approach to yoga education that addresses all aspects of human experience. Students engage in comprehensive study of pranayama (breathing techniques), meditation, chakra exploration, yoga philosophy, and restorative practices. This fosters a deeper understanding of yoga’s transformative power for both body and spirit.
This multifaceted approach ensures that graduates understand yoga as a complete system for healing and transformation. The curriculum integrates the seven key elements of therapeutic yoga practice, including Shraddha (trust in direct experience and self-empowerment), Swadhyaya (self-study and expanding ways of seeing), and finding moment-to-moment balance. Students learn to work through the lens of the Yamas (ethical guidelines including non-harming and truthfulness), develop discernment (Viveka), shift limiting thought patterns, and respect and honor differences.
The training emphasizes mindful alignment through all five koshas (physical, energetic, mental/emotional, wisdom, and bliss bodies). In doing so, the curriculum teaches students to adapt practices based on individual needs and conditions. This comprehensive understanding enables graduates to create truly therapeutic experiences for their future students. These therapeutic experiences address not just physical alignment but emotional and spiritual well-being as well.
Students also receive extensive training in anatomy and biomechanics. They learn to understand the body’s structure and function in relation to yoga practice. This scientific foundation, combined with traditional yoga wisdom, creates a unique educational experience. Overall, it prepares teachers to work safely and effectively with diverse populations.
Immersive Global Locations: Learning in Paradise
One of the distinctive features that contributes to Soma Yoga Institute’s status as the best yoga teacher training in USA is its offering of immersive training programs in stunning locations around the world. The institute conducts its transformative teacher training programs in Costa Rica, Greece, and California. Additionally, one can study with the yoga school through comprehensive online platforms. By offering diverse study locations and options, the school creates environments that promote both personal and professional growth.
These carefully selected locations were chosen for their ability to inspire deep transformation and connection. The serene beauty of Costa Rica, the peaceful landscapes of Greece, and the tranquil coastlines of California provide ideal settings for personal reflection and growth during the immersive training experience. As Heffernan explains, “Our Costa Rica location, Salvatierra, is the perfect environment for deep transformation. The natural beauty of the land becomes a co-teacher, supporting students as they explore their inner worlds” [2].
Soma Yoga Institute’s Costa Rica location at Salvatierra provides an inspiring natural environment that supports deep transformation and learning.
The Costa Rica training, in particular, has become exceptionally popular among students. Many citing the retreat’s peaceful surroundings and stunning vistas as key elements in their transformative experiences. The natural environment serves as more than just a backdrop. It becomes an integral part of the learning process, helping students connect more deeply with themselves and their practice.
These immersive locations enhance the overall training experience by removing students from their daily distractions. They place students in environments that naturally support introspection, growth, and connection. The combination of expert instruction, comprehensive curriculum, and inspiring natural settings creates a unique educational experience. It sets Soma apart from traditional studio-based training programs.
Student Testimonials: Voices of Transformation
Overall, the impact of Soma Yoga Institute’s approach to yoga teacher training extends far beyond academic instruction. It creates genuine transformation in the lives of its students. The testimonials from graduates consistently highlight the program’s depth, inclusivity, and supportive community. These statements provide compelling evidence for why Soma has been recognized as the best yoga teacher training in USA.
Marshall McKinley
Marshall McKinley, a graduate from the Costa Rica program, shared his transformative experience. He stated, “The location of Salvatierra in Costa Rica was mind-blowing, and the energy created by the teachers and students was magical. I left this training more confident and affirmed that I’m on the right path as a yoga teacher” [3]. His testimony reflects the profound impact that Soma’s immersive approach has on students’ confidence and clarity about their teaching path.
Taeisha Barett
Taeisha Barrett, who completed Soma’s online program, reflected on the quality of instruction and inclusive environment. She states, “Soma has some of the best teachers I’ve ever had. The virtual learning space we all shared was nothing short of inclusive, heartfelt, and definitely empowered me to feel comfortable in learning this material” [3]. Her experience demonstrates that Soma’s commitment to inclusivity and excellence extends across all program formats, whether in-person or virtual.
Colleen Monaco
Colleen Monaco, a recent graduate, emphasized the supportive nature of the program. She stated “I felt seen, heard, and supported every single day. The teachers met me where I was and helped me grow far beyond what I thought was possible” [3]. This testimony highlights the personalized attention and individualized support that characterizes Soma’s approach to education.
These testimonials consistently emphasize themes of transformation, support, inclusivity, and empowerment. These qualities distinguish Soma Yoga Institute from other training programs and contribute to its recognition as the best yoga teacher training in USA. Students don’t simply leave with certification. They graduate with a deep understanding of yoga as a tool for personal healing and empowerment. Additionally they are equipt with the skills needed to guide others on their own transformative journeys.
A Reputation Built on Excellence: The Numbers Speak
The recognition of Soma Yoga Institute as the best yoga teacher training in USA is supported by impressive metrics. These number demonstrate the institute’s commitment to excellence and student satisfaction. With over 500 positive reviews and an outstanding 9.5/10 Net Promoter Score (NPS), Soma has consistently demonstrated the quality of its programs and the lasting impact they have on graduates’ personal and professional lives [3].
Furthermore, these exceptional ratings span across multiple platforms. One finds hundreds of five-star reviews on Yoga Alliance, TrustPilot, and Google. This reflects the consistent quality of education and support that students receive throughout their training experience [2]. The high Net Promoter Score is particularly significant. It measures not just satisfaction but the likelihood that graduates would recommend the program to others. It is a true indicator of transformative impact.
The institute’s reputation extends beyond student satisfaction to recognition within the broader yoga community. As a registered Yoga Alliance school, Soma Yoga Institute offers both 200-hour and 300-hour Yoga Teacher Training programs. They also offer with retreats and continuing education opportunities. This comprehensive approach to yoga education ensures that students can continue their growth and development long after their initial certification.
The combination of exceptional student outcomes, industry recognition, and measurable satisfaction metrics creates a compelling case for Soma’s designation as the best yoga teacher training in USA. These numbers reflect not just marketing success but genuine impact on the lives and careers of yoga teachers who have been trained in Soma’s therapeutic and inclusive approach.
The Media Recognition: National Attention for Excellence
The announcement of Soma Yoga Institute’s recognition as the best yoga teacher training in USA has garnered significant attention from major media outlets. This further validates the institute’s exceptional approach to yoga education. Women’s Insider featured an in-depth article highlighting Soma’s therapeutic and inclusive approach. The article emphasizes how the institute is “redefining yoga teacher training” in the modern world [2].
Additionally, The Associated Press coverage brought national attention to Soma’s achievement. It reported that the recognition “comes after an extensive evaluation of programs nationwide” [3]. This widespread media coverage reflects not just the significance of the award but the broader impact that Soma’s approach is having on the yoga industry as a whole.
The media attention has focused particularly on Soma’s innovative integration of modern science with ancient wisdom, its commitment to body inclusivity, and its therapeutic approach to yoga education. These features represent a significant departure from traditional yoga teacher training programs and signal a new direction for the industry.
The coverage has also highlighted the personal story of founder Liz Heffernan and her vision for creating yoga teachers who are “truly prepared to meet the diverse needs of today’s practitioners” [3]. This human element adds depth to the story and helps readers understand the passion and commitment behind Soma’s innovative approach.
The Future of Yoga Teacher Training: Setting New Standards
Soma Yoga Institute’s recognition as the best yoga teacher training in USA represents more than just an individual achievement. Overall, it signals a broader transformation in how yoga teacher training is conceived and delivered. The institute’s success demonstrates a growing demand for programs that prioritize therapeutic applications, body inclusivity, and comprehensive education over traditional approaches that may lack depth or accessibility.
The award highlights the importance of integrating modern scientific understanding with traditional yoga wisdom. Doing so creates educational programs that are both grounded in authentic tradition and relevant to contemporary needs. This approach ensures that yoga teachers are prepared to work effectively with diverse populations and address the complex needs of modern practitioners.
Soma’s emphasis on trauma-sensitive practices and nervous system regulation reflects a growing awareness within the yoga community of the need for more sophisticated understanding of how yoga affects the body and mind. Moreover, this knowledge is becoming increasingly important as yoga is recognized for its therapeutic benefits and integrated into healthcare and wellness settings.
The institute’s commitment to body inclusivity also represents a crucial evolution in yoga culture, moving away from exclusionary practices toward truly accessible and welcoming approaches. This shift is essential for yoga’s continued growth and relevance in an increasingly diverse society.
As other institutions observe Soma’s success and recognition, it’s likely that we’ll see broader adoption of therapeutic and inclusive approaches to yoga teacher training. That is to say, Soma Yoga Institute’s designation as the best yoga teacher training in USA may well mark the beginning of a new era in yoga education, one that prioritizes healing, inclusivity, and authentic transformation over superficial achievement.
Why This Award Matters: Impact Beyond Recognition
The designation of Soma Yoga Institute as the best yoga teacher training in USA carries implications that extend far beyond the institute itself. This recognition validates a new paradigm in yoga education. One that prioritizes healing, inclusivity, and authentic transformation over traditional approaches that may lack depth or accessibility.
For prospective yoga teachers, this award provides clear guidance about the type of training that will prepare them for success in today’s evolving yoga landscape. Students seeking the best yoga teacher training in USA can now point to objective recognition of Soma’s excellence. Studying with Soma Yoga Institute means knowing that their investment in education will provide them with cutting-edge skills and knowledge.
For the broader yoga community, Soma’s recognition signals a shift toward more therapeutic and inclusive approaches to yoga instruction. This evolution is crucial as yoga continues to gain recognition for its health benefits and becomes increasingly integrated into healthcare, wellness, and therapeutic settings.
The award also highlights the importance of evidence-based approaches to yoga education. It demonstrates that the most effective training programs are those that successfully integrate traditional wisdom with modern scientific understanding. This integration ensures that yoga teachers are prepared to work safely and effectively with diverse populations while honoring the authentic roots of the practice.
Taking Action: How to Join the Best Yoga Teacher Training in USA
For individuals inspired by Soma Yoga Institute’s recognition as the best yoga teacher training in USA and interested in pursuing their own transformative journey, the institute offers multiple pathways to certification. Prospective students can choose from immersive programs in Costa Rica, Greece, and California. Alternatively, they may participate in comprehensive online training that maintains the same high standards of education and support.
The institute offers both 200-hour and 300-hour Yoga Teacher Training programs. This allows students to begin their journey with foundational training and continue their development with advanced study. Additionally, Soma provides retreats and continuing education opportunities for ongoing growth and learning.
Those interested in learning more about Soma Yoga Institute’s award-winning programs can visit their official website. Alternately, interested students may contact them directly at info@somayogainstitute.com. The institute maintains active social media presence on Instagram and Facebook. One can check out these pages for ongoing inspiration and information about their programs and philosophy.
Prospective students are encouraged to read the extensive reviews available on platforms including Yoga Alliance, TrustPilot, and Google to gain deeper insight into the transformative experiences that await them in the best yoga teacher training in USA.
Conclusion: A New Era in Yoga Education
Soma Yoga Institute’s recognition as the best yoga teacher training in USA for 2025 represents a watershed moment in yoga education. It validates an approach that prioritizes therapeutic applications, radical inclusivity, and authentic transformation. This achievement reflects not just the excellence of one institution but the evolution of an entire industry toward more meaningful and effective approaches to yoga teacher training.
The institute’s success demonstrates that there is significant demand for yoga teacher training programs that go beyond surface-level instruction to address the deeper needs of both teachers and students. By integrating modern scientific understanding with ancient wisdom, emphasizing body inclusivity, and maintaining unwavering commitment to therapeutic applications, Soma has created a model that other institutions will undoubtedly seek to emulate.
For founder Liz Heffernan and the entire Soma Yoga Institute community, this recognition validates years of dedicated work to create a new paradigm in yoga education. Their vision of yoga as “a pathway to healing, strength, and transformation for all bodies, hearts and minds” has not just been realized. It has been recognized as the gold standard for yoga teacher training in the United States.
As the yoga industry continues to evolve and grow, Soma Yoga Institute’s designation as the best yoga teacher training in USA serves as both celebration of achievement and inspiration for continued innovation. The institute’s success proves that when yoga education prioritizes healing, inclusivity, and authentic transformation. The results speak for themselves—in student satisfaction, industry recognition, and positive impact on the broader yoga community.
This award marks not an endpoint but a beginning, as Soma Yoga Institute continues to lead the way in creating yoga teachers who are truly prepared to meet the diverse needs of today’s practitioners. For anyone seeking the highest quality yoga teacher training available in the United States, the choice has never been clearer: Soma Yoga Institute stands alone as the recognized leader in therapeutic, inclusive, and transformative yoga education.
References
[1] Soma Yoga Institute. (2025). Best Yoga Teacher Training Award Winner 2025. Retrieved from https://somayogainstitute.com/best-yoga-teacher-training-awards
[2] Women’s Insider. (2025, April 11). Soma Yoga Institute Redefines Yoga Teacher Training With Therapeutic and Inclusive Approach, Wins Best in the U.S. for 2025. Retrieved from https://womensinsider.com/soma-yoga-institute-redefines-yoga-teacher-training-with-therapeutic-and-inclusive-approach-wins-best-in-the-u-s-for-2025/
[3] Associated Press. (2025, April 11). Soma Yoga Institute Awarded Best Yoga Teacher Training in the United States of 2025. Retrieved from https://apnews.com/press-release/marketersmedia/yoga-liz-heffernan-united-states-4ce273571f314cd83d521f3ed163f29e
For more information about Soma Yoga Institute’s award-winning programs, visit www.somayogainstitute.com or follow them on social media @somayogainstitute.