When I First Started Teaching Yoga, Teacher Trainings Were Not Everywhere Graduates emerge from the "Certification Mill" assembly line, each holding a "200 HR Certified" sign, symbolizing a factory-like approach to education and qualification. When I first started teaching yoga, very few yoga studios actually held teacher trainings. If you wanted to become a yoga teacher, you usually trained outside of a studio, at a yoga school, through a longer form program, or in a settin

A yoga teacher guides a student through a pose in a serene, sunlit studio during a group class. Yoga Teacher Training Should Teach You How to Teach I’m going to say something plainly, and I mean it seriously. A lot of yoga teacher trainings teach people a lot about yoga, but not enough about teaching yoga. And I’m not saying that as an outsider. I’m saying it as someone who has built a life around teaching. I am a high school science teacher. I’ve taught adults in vocational

Friends gather in a sunny park, dressed casually, as they practice yoga together, embracing tranquility and mindfulness. By 2025, there were over 200 million posts tagged #yoga on Instagram, and tens of thousands of blogs published about yoga every year thousands in the last year alone. Yoga has become one of the most visible, photographed, and talked-about practices in the world. And yet, in all of that visibility, the simple heart of yoga has grown blurry. As yoga has moved

Yoga offers far more than movement and sweat. This post reflects on the difference between leading a class and truly teaching yoga, the role of intention and language, and how meaningful practice is cultivated through understanding, breath, and community.

Yoga teaching certifications come in various forms, and two common terms you might encounter are Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) and Certified Yoga Teacher (CYT) . While both indicate a level of training and qualification, they are not the same. Understanding the differences between these certifications, the role of registered yoga schools, and how to choose the right training can help aspiring yoga teachers make informed decisions. This post breaks down these distinctions, ex

Embarking on the journey of teaching yoga is a beautiful commitment to growth, both personal and professional. As we deepen our understanding of this ancient practice, it becomes clear that learning does not end with initial certification. Instead, it blossoms into a lifelong path of discovery and refinement. Continuing education for yoga teachers offers a gentle invitation to expand yoga teaching skills, enrich our classes, and nurture the communities we serve. In this post,

Yoga teachers seeking deeper learning now have real university options. Accredited colleges offer bachelor’s and master’s degrees in yoga studies, yoga therapy, and wellness, blending academic rigor with the wisdom of yoga. Some programs are GI-Bill friendly and designed for veterans and working teachers. This guide highlights the top programs for anyone ready to expand their teaching through higher education.

Maydwell Yoga Teacher School offers a welcoming, accessible path to Yoga Alliance–approved teacher training. This post explores how aspiring teachers of any age can deepen their practice, grow with confidence, and train in a supportive community that honors all yoga lineages. Learn what makes this hybrid yoga school and virtual studio a nurturing place to begin or advance your teaching journey.

Certified yoga instructor courses give teachers a strong foundation in philosophy, anatomy, sequencing, and practical teaching skills. They help you deepen your practice, build confidence, and gain a recognized certification that opens doors to teaching in studios, gyms, retreats, and online. With flexible online programs, becoming a certified yoga teacher has never been more accessible or supportive.

In the United States, when you think of a yoga class, the image that often comes to mind is that of a predominantly female group, with very few male students, let alone male yoga teachers. However, the landscape of yoga is evolving, and the presence of male yoga teachers is growing. In this blog post, we'll explore the reasons behind the underrepresentation of male yoga teachers, the importance of diversity in the yoga community, and the encouraging trends that indicate posit

Being a yoga teacher is a fulfilling and rewarding profession, but it can also be physically and emotionally demanding. The demands of teaching, managing classes, and supporting students' well-being can sometimes lead to burnout. Yoga teacher burnout is a real issue that requires attention and proactive steps for recovery. In this blog post, we'll explore the signs of burnout, the impact it can have on yoga teachers, and effective strategies to bounce back and find renewed en

Yoga has gained immense popularity over the years, and with it, the demand for certified yoga teachers has skyrocketed. As a result, numerous yoga teacher training programs have emerged, each promising to provide you with the skills and knowledge to become a competent yoga instructor. However, not all yoga teacher trainings are created equal. Too many are, simply put, certificate mills. Some schools prioritize profit over quality, leaving aspiring teachers ill-prepared and d