Our Soma Yoga Institute students come from all over the world, ages 18 - 72 and beyond, with different abilities, strengths, and challenges. Some arrive with a love for inversions, others with injuries they are working with. All share a deep desire to benefit from the healing practices of yoga and a connection to their own innate human-ess. In our yoga teacher training programs, we celebrate diversity and create a conscious community of support that values difference. Check out below what some of our students have to say!
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. I joined this 200 Hour Online YTT space being very nervous that I wouldn't fit the picture perfect label as a yoga teacher. But man did I thrive! I absolutely adored the live virtual space of our Saturday calls. This YTT has affected my life tremendously already. Its brought me to a better understanding of healing and helped to truthfully rectify my relationship with body and mind. The meditation journey was not easy, nor were the journaling exercises, the inner work I did in the YTT was real and true. I'm becoming more confident in myself everyday and that WOULD NOT be without the help of you all. My own yoga practice has developed quickly. I can truly see the connection I have with my yoga practice and being a yoga teacher is linked divinely. Thank you for this wonderful experience. It's helped me find inner peace again. - 200 Hour Online Yoga Teacher Training Graduate
- Taeisha Barrett
Simply put, this experience has been life changing. I came to this yoga teacher training in Costa Rica with the assumption that I was going to learn how to teach an asana practice, but what I am leaving with cannot possibly be put into words. What I can say is it was pure bliss. I now have a much deeper spiritual interest and understanding of yoga, a deeper love for myself, and an endless gratitude for my own practice. Our instructors, Peggy and Allison, were nothing short of spectacular; they are inspiring, knowledgeable, humble, kind, loving, and their grace knows no bounds. The 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training was such a blessing and I cannot thank Soma Yoga Institute enough for the experience. It was pure light. I am, and forever will be, grateful and honored to have been a part of it. - Costa Rica Yoga Teacher Training Graduate
- Hannah Harstad
For years I have been trying to understand my body and the different pains and injuries I have, and honestly, I have never understood so much about it in so little time! I loved how anatomy gave me a better understanding of my body, habitual behaviors, and how to work with injuries. I made so much progress during this training. Thanks to this yoga teacher training I have completely switched my way of seeing yoga and would definitely return and recommend this program to others. Namaste! - Greece Yoga Teacher Training Graduate
- Jalil Bouab
This was a huge and transformational journey; spiritually, physically and mentally. My perception of the world around me, as well as the people that occupy it, has grown much more humble. My personal practice has embodied a level of ease and love that is starting to bleed out into my life off of the mat. The knowledge that I obtained these past weeks really boosted my professional confidence. The pose studies were awesome and I loved the history and philosophy too. Our instructors Liz and Molly really strike a nice balance as neither one felt overpowering of the other and each was unique, I have nothing but praise and respect for them. The prep and intention that went into each day of this retreat was immense. High fives! I am inspired to share what I know and to proliferate Yoga. - 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Hawaii Graduate
- Justin Gumb
This 300 Hour Advanced YTT training affected me deeply throughout all aspects of my life. Specific to my yoga teaching it gave me a much more in-depth knowledge of the body and anatomy and a more precise vocabulary and dialogue. My confidence as a teacher has grown exponentially as well, as the quality of my teaching has drastically improved. My personal yoga practice has also improved due to my rededication and education from the teachers. My personal relationships of change because I’ve learned to love myself more and except less toxicity from others. I loved the teachers' breath and depth of knowledge each in their own area of expertise based on their different backgrounds and lineages. Anatomy portion was my favorite component because this knowledge was lacking in my 200 hour training. I enjoyed Courtney‘s presentations on sequencing, Yoga Nidra, bandhas, and sankalpa. Allison‘s presentation on the chakras and proper Sanskrit was wonderful as was learning proper alignment with Megan and Liz. I was impressed and inspired by Liz’s knowledge and wisdom. I loved learning about the history of Yoga and different philosophies like Kashmir Shavism as well as hearing her dharma talks through the stories of Yoga. I loved Liz‘s lessons and or journaling session about where we fit in the world and how our unique gifts can change the world for the better. I loved seeing my fellow trainees teach in April, May, and June. I cannot say enough things about the profound influence this training has had on my life. I am so grateful for the way in which this training manifested and for the energy of the teachers and my fellow trainees. I highly recommend! -Advanced Yoga Teacher Training California
- Kristina Hoover
I enjoyed the diversity, focus on safety and the appreciation for every body type which this program fostered. We always approached the practice first by seeing the beauty of a student’s pose before we seek to modify it. I have a deeper understanding of how I practice yoga and how it feels in my body. While I mostly came to this program for personal reasons, I feel it has given me the courage to start a new path integrating yoga into my work as a holistic nutritional consultant. I look forward to joining Soma Yoga Institute again in the future to continue my education and would not hesitate to recommend Soma Yoga to anyone who asks! I feel blessed to have had Liz and Alison leading and guiding me on my way and preparing me for a deeper journey into yoga. - Costa Rica Yoga Teacher Training Graduate
- Amanda Divinecz
The alchemy of this 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training and its combination of the teachers, students, and the Big Island made it an unforgettable, life-changing, and amazingly lovely experience. I came for knowledge and what I got was so much more. I learned that without a doubt I am where I am supposed to be, doing what this world needs me to do. I feel so blessed to have met all the beautiful, magical people and I know I will hold a special place in my heart for all of them. I loved the sutras, going deeper, hearing everyone's perceptions and how the philosophy manifests in their life. The meditation practice became something I cannot do without and I greatly cherish that opportunity to find my way with that. It has been an honor and a blessing to spend time with two amazing teachers, Liz and Molly. Thank you, this has been such a magical journey. - 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Hawaii Graduate
- Nicole Yarbrough
A perfect place to get certified..... As far as teaching yoga, this yoga teacher training course left me really excited to dive into teaching, it also helped my yoga practice immensely. I really appreciate the alignment and medical knowledge presented in this training as well as yoga sequence writing. They really gave us the tools to plan, design and lead yoga classes. I really enjoyed the teachers, Liz and Molly, their styles were very different but complemented each other well. We learned from people who love it and love what they do. I appreciated getting to understand and developing a meditation practice. The friends I have made here I will never forget. I loved the facilities at Salvatierra Costa Rica, way better than expected.- 200 hour Costa Rica Yoga Teacher Training
- Dustin Galofaro
This 200 hour therapeutic yoga teacher training in Greece exceeded my hopes and expectations. The teachers are extraordinary, and I had no idea how much their presence would form this experience. The pedagogy, especially for teaching sequencing works, and time again I found myself thinking that’s a smart way to teach that concept. I am filled with gratitude for this experience. It was an embodiment of strength, courage, joy, delight, and love. I will carry my time with me the rest of my life. - Greece Yoga Teacher Training
- Sarah Fisher
I loved EVERYTHING about this 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training program! I looked far and wide and searched hard and long for the perfect training, and this was without a doubt The One. The daily schedule and flow of content was nothing short of flawless. It was so well thought-out and there was a perfect balance and weaving of concepts between theory, philosophy and practice throughout the entire program. The space was also STUNNING and so welcoming with modern accommodation, 2 gorgeous pools, delicious food (not to mention super generous portions), and we pretty much had the whole stretch of beach to ourselves. The best thing about this YTT however, was the people and my instructors. We all found a little piece of home in each other, and I could not be more grateful for having Liz and Peggy lead us through this transformational journey. They are such inspirational beings with so much knowledge, wisdom and experience to share on all topics. They had an amazing synergy and complementarity as a teaching team that I could have never dreamed of - teaching us how to see ourselves and the rest of the world with compassion and eyes of love before anything else. This training allowed for such broad and deep learning that went way beyond how to teach yoga. It empowered me, and has provided me with foundational tools that I can use for the rest of my life—not only as a yogi, but also as a productive human on Earth. Perspective is everything and learning to first see myself with loving kindness has allowed me to develop a more balanced and peaceful inner world where I can listen to my deepest intuition and let it guide me. Whether or not you come here to teach yoga, you will find empowerment and the ability within yourself to do anything and everything you hope to do. - Costa Rica Yoga Teacher Training Graduate
- Sierra Martin
This yoga teacher training program has brought me so much joy and deepened my love of Yoga. There was an amazing balance with instruction, practice, self-study and practice teaching. The classes were well balanced and interesting. The Costa Rica location is beautiful and peaceful and I love the many opportunities to enjoy the beach, the pool, and the afternoon smoothies. I came here only to deepen my practice and I’m leaving with a confidence to consider teaching in some capacity. I feel grateful. 100% absolutely recommend.-Colleen Costa Rica Yoga Teacher Training Graduate
- Colleen Monaco
This 200 hour training exceeded my expectations in so many ways. Words can’t even explain. Peggy and Liz, our instructors complemented each other so beautifully in their teaching styles and personality. They created a positive community environment and set the stage for a loving place to learn. My understanding greatly increased in the yoga poses, therapeutic side of yoga, and how to keep the body safe for a lifetime of practice. I loved the Yoga Sutra presentations, walking meditations, and inversion day was amazing. I am now feeling more confident that I can teach my students good alignment. I’m so grateful for the teachers, they have impacted me in ways I didn’t know I could be impacted. They showed me what the love of Yoga does, and the transformation it has on lives. It shines through everything they do. Thank you so much for giving us a skill that will change lives. I want to share with others what you gave me - confidence and joy.! -Costa Rica Yoga Teacher Training
- Jennifer Lancaster