Online Yoga has gained some traction over the last few years (thanks covid!). As a result there is now a huge market for online yoga teachers.
Many online yoga teacher training programs have emerged to cater to this trend, the ‘Online Yoga School’ being one of them. This program is one of the most popular programs out there. With nearly 5,000 reviews on the Yoga Alliance website, it is clearly a dominant program.
Now the question is: Why?
I would say it is because the program offers a wide array of modules, has knowledgeable teachers, flexible pricing, learn at your own pace, all at a fraction of what you would pay for an in person training.
This article will review the Online Yoga School’s online yoga teacher training program where we will look at the course structure, curriculum, teaching methodology, and overall experience. By the end of this review, you will better understand why this program has gained such a reputation.
*Stats were updated March 2023
The Yoga & Ayurveda Center (Online Yoga School’s) Mission
The Schools aim to make authentic and accessible yoga teacher training available to everyone, regardless of location or schedule. The school is committed to providing high-quality education through a self-paced and online learning environment, allowing students to complete their training at their own pace and convenience.
The training focuses on accessibility, ensuring that individuals from all backgrounds, body types, and abilities can access and benefit from yoga practice. The curriculum is designed to be comprehensive, covering all aspects of Yoga, including philosophy, anatomy, teaching methodology, and more.
The goal of the School is to prepare students to become confident and competent instructors, able to share the transformative power of yoga with others. With Yoga Alliance Registered 200 Hour, 300 Hour, 500 Hour, Prenatal, and Children’s Yoga Teacher Training, the school offers a range of programs to meet every student’s unique needs and interests.
- 4000+ reviews on Yoga Alliance
- Optional live modules
- Self paced
- Lots of modules and extra YTTC certifications
- Lifetime membership
- Low Price
- Payment Options
About RYT-200 Hour Online Yoga Teacher Training
The Online Yoga School offers an affordable and accessible option to become a certified teacher with its RYT-200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training program. This program is Yoga Alliance registered and includes bonus certifications in Restorative Yoga Teacher Training, Chair Yoga Teacher Certification, and Ayurveda Specialist Certification. The online training allows students to learn and complete the program at their own pace.
The program covers a comprehensive curriculum, including over 100 asanas with accessibility training, chakra healing, sequencing, teaching methodology, yoga anatomy, preventing injuries, adjustments, and more. Students will also learn about the business of yoga and self-care practices for teachers, along with the history and philosophy of Yoga. The program includes the following:
- Optional live Zoom sessions.
- Ongoing mentorship and support.
- A free listing in the Yoga Teacher Directory.
- Lifetime membership to the online community.
Topics of Study
The RYT-200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training program covers various essential topics for becoming a successful teacher. The program’s curriculum includes asanas, chakra healing, class themes, safe and intelligent sequencing, mantra and meditation, pranayama, safety and adjustments, sequence principles, sequencing, the yoga teacher and teaching methodology, understanding the body and bandhas, yoga anatomy, yoga philosophy, and yoga history.
These topics provide a solid foundation for students to understand the principles and practices of yoga and help them to become confident and effective teachers.
Modules
The program teaches students over 700 lessons, making it the most comprehensive program for the money. Students will learn about various yoga asanas, their accessibility training, chakra healing, sequencing, teaching methodology, yoga anatomy, preventing injuries, adjustments, and more.
The program also covers the business of Yoga, self-care practices for yoga teachers, and the history and philosophy of Yoga. Additionally, students will have access to live Zoom sessions, mentorship and support, and a lifetime membership to the online community.
Course Benefits
Students who enroll in the program will receive 4 bonus enrollments and certifications, including ten days of meditation enrollment, Ayurveda Specialist Certification, Chair Yoga Teacher Certification, and Restorative Yoga Teacher Certification.
These certifications can be used as continuing education credits with Yoga Alliance. Students will also receive 5+ bonus continuing education tools, including sequences, playlists, video content, anatomical pose breakdowns, and inspiring quotes.
Additionally, students will receive 12 bonus teaching tools, such as a teacher resume and cover letter kit, a playlist library, cue cards for 100+ asanas, bonus sample business forms, 70+ class plans, and 200+ creative yoga class themes.
Requirements for Certification
To become a certified yoga teacher students must complete a final teaching project worksheet, final exam, 50-hour home practice log, 5 class plans, five asana forms, and 3 postural assessments.
These requirements are designed to ensure that students have a thorough understanding of the principles and practices of yoga and are capable of teaching yoga safely and effectively. Upon completing the program and meeting the certification requirements, students will be eligible to teach yoga anywhere and register with yoga Alliance.
The program offered is a comprehensive and affordable option for those who want to become certified teachers. With its comprehensive curriculum, bonus certifications, continuing education tools, and bonus teaching tools, students can access everything they need to become successful and confident yoga teachers.
About RYT-300 Hour Online Yoga Teacher Training
The next step for those already certified 200-hour yoga teachers is to enroll in a 300 Hour of Yoga Teacher Training (RYT-300).
The program is designed to deepen the knowledge and understanding of Yoga, refine teaching skills, and expand the range of teaching abilities. This program is perfect for teachers who want to take their teaching to the next level or those interested in pursuing a career in Yoga.
The program is entirely online, making it accessible for teachers worldwide. The program is structured to be affordable, authentic, and accessible, focusing on adapting yoga postures to the body rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. The program is rooted in the authentic roots and traditions of Yoga, maintaining the integrity of the practice while addressing modern-day ethical issues.
Topics of Study
The 300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training program covers a vast range of topics designed to deepen the understanding of yoga and expand the teaching abilities of teachers.
These topics include advanced yoga ethics and philosophy, advanced yoga anatomy, advanced accessible asanas, advanced pranayama, advanced mantra and mudra, advanced meditation, advanced sequencing, trauma-sensitive yoga teacher training, and advanced business of Yoga.
In addition, the program includes bonus workshops on inclusivity and accessibility with Dianne Bondy, teaching asana to special populations such as prenatal, seniors, and kids, and Dianne Bondy’s inclusivity and accessibility training. These bonus learning modules aim to enhance the teaching skills of teachers and equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills to cater to different populations.
Modules
The program is designed to deepen the knowledge and understanding of Yoga, refine teaching skills, and expand the range of teaching abilities.
The program includes the same learning content as the 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training program, along with advanced yoga ethics and philosophy, advanced yoga anatomy, advanced accessible asanas, advanced pranayama, advanced mantra and mudra, advanced meditation, advanced sequencing, trauma-sensitive yoga teacher training, and advanced business of Yoga.
Additionally, the program includes Yin Yoga Teacher Certification Learning Content, which covers 40+ Yin Yoga poses, the history of Yin Yoga, how to modify Yin Yoga poses, the physiological benefits of Yin Yoga, emotional and energetic benefits of Yin Yoga, and the difference between Yin Yoga and Restorative Yoga. The program also covers how to sequence Yin Yoga classes, equipping teachers with the necessary knowledge and skills to offer Yin Yoga classes.
Course Benefits
Upon enrolling participants receive bonus enrollments and certifications, including Yin Certification, which offers 25 hours of continuing education with Yoga Alliance. The Yin course comes with a bonus Yin playlist and class plans.
Participants also receive ongoing support as a teacher, including new video content emailed weekly, anatomical pose breakdowns, sequences emailed monthly, playlists and inspiring quotes emailed weekly, and helpful tips emailed weekly.
Looking for an alternative Online YTTC?
Requirements for Certification
To complete the course and earn a certification online, participants must complete a final teaching project worksheet, a final exam, a 50-hour home practice log, five class plans, five asana forms, and three postural assessments.
These requirements aim to assess the knowledge and skills acquired during the program, ensuring participants have the necessary knowledge and skills to teach Yoga.
Overall, the 300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training program is an excellent choice for yoga practitioners looking to take their practice to the next level and become certified yoga teachers. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers advanced topics such as anatomy, pranayama, mudra, meditation, ethics, philosophy, and more.
About RYT-500 Hour Yoga Teacher Training
For those who want to become a 500-hour yoga teacher and looking for an affordable and accessible way to achieve that goal, the Online Yoga School provides a bundle of 200 RYT and 300 RYT courses. This program is designed for dedicated practitioners who want to deepen their practice and take the next step toward becoming teachers.
The program combines the 200 Hour and the 300 Hour programs together. This bundle includes three bonus certifications that can be used as continuing education hours with Yoga Alliance, making it an excellent value for aspiring yoga teachers.
What You’ll Get Under 500 Hour YTT Package?
200hr YTTC – You get the full 200hr course + Restorative Yoga Teacher Certification, Ayurveda Specialist Certification, and Chair Yoga Teacher Certification. The Online Yoga School also offers free listing in their Yoga Teacher Directory, which means they pay for your advertising.
300hr YTTC – As mentioned above, this course builds on the first four limbs of Yoga, including Yamas, Niyamas, Pranayama, and Asana, and dives deeper into the final four limbs, including Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi. This course also includes teaching methodology modules before culminating in the Seva Project.
Seva Project – The Seva Project involves teaching a two-hour workshop on any yoga-related topic covered in this training, which includes researching, planning, and implementing the workshop. If you can teach your workshop to others and collect donations, you will choose a charity to donate the proceeds to. This project can be taught online or in person, and there are no restrictions on how you teach your workshop.
- 4000+ reviews on Yoga Alliance
- Optional live modules
- Self paced
- Lots of modules and extra YTTC certifications
- Lifetime membership
- Low Price
- Payment Options
Restorative Yoga Teacher Training & Immersion – This course provides 25 hours of Yoga Alliance Continuing Education and an authentic Restorative Yoga Teacher Certification from their local studio. This Certification makes you eligible to teach Restorative Yoga anywhere.
The course is compatible with any device and provides lifelong access to the online curriculum and course materials. It also includes a free lifetime membership to their online community that shares sequences, ideas, and support. You can also contact the lead trainer by phone, text, email, or Skype for additional support.
Chair Yoga Teacher Training Certification – This course includes chair yoga backbends, core, forward folds, hip openers, lower body, relaxation and savasana, safety considerations, standing poses, and sun salutations.
This certification course provides comprehensive training to teach chair yoga to students with mobility or balance issues.
Ayurveda Specialist Certification – This course covers the history of Ayurveda, the 3 doshas, the five elements of Ayurveda, creating Ayurvedic plans for well-being, lifestyle for each dosha, nutrition for each dosha, Yoga for each dosha, and what’s your dosha.
This course provides the knowledge to create a personalized health plan for your clients and is an excellent addition to your yoga teaching.
10 Days of Meditation – This course includes ten days of meditation focusing on different themes, including intention, freedom, stability, happiness, gratitude, forgiveness, self-worth, healing peace, present moment, and chakra meditation with singing bowls.
About The Founder
These are the profiles of the yoga instructors at the Yoga and Ayurveda Center:
Steph Ball-Mitchel
Steph Ball-Mitchell, the center’s head trainer and founder, has been practicing Yoga and other forms of movement for over 25 years. She completed the first 200 hours of training with Maty Ezraty, the second 200 hours with Nancy Candea at Yoga Impact in New Jersey, and the last 100 hours with Chris Loebsack.
Her Master’s degree is in counseling. Steph deeply understands Yoga and has trained extensively with numerous other well-known teachers.
Other Teachers
Dianne Bondy
Dianne Bondy is an author, activist, and yoga instructor who makes her practice available to anyone. She is the driving force behind the Yoga For Everyone initiative, which seeks to make Yoga available to people of all ages, sizes, races, and abilities.
Dianne is the author of the worldwide best-selling book “Yoga for Everyone,” She has been honored for her dedication to expanding Yoga’s inclusive community via her work with many organizations.
Alecia Croft -Anatomy Instructor
Alecia Croft has been practicing as a qualified massage therapist and yoga instructor for over ten years.
She is an anatomy teacher at the Yoga and Ayurveda Center’s online yoga school, where she teaches a course that focuses on alignment and tailored one-on-one sessions. Alecia is the author of two books about Yoga and the human body.
Haley Lyn- RYT-500
Haley Lyn has completed 500 hours of training with the Yoga and Ayurveda Center and is a Registered Yoga Teacher.
She has been a yoga instructor for six years, and her areas of expertise include Hatha, Vinyasa, Restorative, Children’s, and Native American Spirituality. Haley also serves as a yoga instructor for local kids.
Vanessa Jackson- RYT-200
Sister Moon, or Vanessa Jackson, is a yoga teacher who focuses on guided mindfulness practices for those who have experienced trauma.
She incorporates the knowledge she gained over seven years studying nursing, mindfulness, and the liberal arts into her yoga classes to help students decompress, gain strength, and develop an inward focus.
LaToya Cooper- E-RYT 200, RYT-500, YACEP
LaToya Cooper is a qualified meditation and mindfulness teacher, in addition to being a licensed yoga instructor.
She founded Asanas & Wellness after completing a 200-hour teacher training program at the Yoga and Ayurveda Center to assist others in achieving personal growth and happiness.
Enhanced Understanding: Delving into yoga courses amplifies your grasp of yoga. Reflecting on my experiences, the program elevates your awareness of yoga’s deep-rooted philosophies and techniques. The result? A refined, informed practice that resonates on a personal level.
Journey of Self-discovery: Beyond mastering asanas, YTT stands as a mirror to self-introspection. I found myself navigating paths of heightened self-awareness, kindling self-compassion and love during my journey. It’s transformational in the truest sense.
Career Opportunities Abound: As someone who’s transitioned into a yoga-teaching career, I can vouch for the myriad opportunities that unfold post-YTT. The certification is your key to unlocking doors to instruct classes, lead workshops, or even curate retreats.
Foster Community Ties: Amidst the online setup, YTT fosters an incredible sense of community. Interacting with others during my course, I established deep connections with fellow yogis and mentors alike, crafting a supportive network that nurtures growth.
Embracing Wholeness: YTT isn’t just about poses; it’s about embracing yoga in its entirety. The course infuses your daily life with holistic practices, balancing your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Comparative Insight: Unlike many courses I explored, such as the “Holistic Yoga Foundation”, online YTT stands out for its comprehensive approach. It doesn’t just teach; it transforms.
In essence, online YTT is more than a course; it’s a transformative expedition. It reshapes your yoga journey, seeds personal growth, catapults your professional life, knits a comforting community, and molds a holistic lifestyle.
Looking for an alternative Online YTTC?
FAQ
What is the duration of the YTT program?
The duration of the YTT program can vary depending on the program and the level of Certification offered. Generally, 200-hour programs last between four and six weeks, while 300-hour programs can take three months to complete.
Do I need a specific level of yoga experience to enroll in YTT?
No specific level of yoga experience is required to enroll in YTT. However, it is recommended that students have consistent yoga practice before starting the program.
What is the difference between a 200-hour and 300-hour YTT program?
A 200-hour YTT program is designed for students who want to become certified yoga teachers and covers the foundational principles of yoga philosophy, anatomy and physiology, teaching methodology, and ethics.
A 300-hour program builds on the foundational principles covered in the 200-hour program and goes deeper into the study of yoga philosophy, meditation, pranayama, and more advanced teaching techniques.
What is the certification process for YTT?
To become a certified yoga teacher, students must complete the YTT program and pass a certification exam.
The exam typically includes written and practical components, and students must demonstrate their ability to teach Yoga safely and effectively.
What career opportunities are available for certified yoga teachers?
Certified yoga teachers can pursue various career paths, including teaching at yoga studios, fitness centers, and wellness centers. Many also start their yoga businesses or work as private instructors.
Additionally, some certified yoga teachers pursue further training in specialized areas of Yoga, such as prenatal Yoga, yoga therapy, or Ayurveda.
Finally, Is The YTT Program by the ‘Online Yoga School’ Worth It?
The ‘Online Yoga School’ is a comprehensive and well-designed course for individuals interested in becoming certified yoga teachers. The program covers a wide range of topics related to Yoga, including anatomy, philosophy, teaching methodology, and business practices.
Furthermore, the program offers the flexibility of online learning, allowing individuals to complete the course at their own pace and from the comfort of their homes. Including live online classes and personalized feedback from experienced yoga teachers is also a valuable aspect of the program.
Overall, the course offers a solid foundation for individuals looking to become certified yoga teachers. While the program’s cost may be higher than other options, the comprehensive curriculum, flexibility, and personalized feedback make it a worthwhile investment for those serious about pursuing a career in Yoga.
- 4000+ reviews on Yoga Alliance
- Optional live modules
- Self paced
- Lots of modules and extra YTTC certifications
- Lifetime membership
- Low Price
- Payment Options
