Is online yoga teacher training worth it?

While online yoga teacher training existed long before the pandemic, the Covid-19 crisis and subsequent lockdowns undoubtedly catalysed its surging popularity. 

Unable to teach face to face, many training providers shifted their course content online to adapt to remote living. Yet despite the relaxing of Coronavirus restrictions, remote learning has become a common feature of yoga teacher training.

Online Yoga Teacher Training 

It’s not hard to see why this change has come about. Training online offers much greater flexibility for the trainees (and trainer) involved, enabling you to “catch up” on missed sessions and go over the material numerous times before the final exam. For students juggling multiple responsibilities, you can see why it may be a good option. 

There is also the added benefit of not having to travel to the training venue, opening up the possibility of studying with yoga trainers in distant locations, while saving both your pocket and the planet. 

In-Person Yoga Teacher Training 

As you can see, there are a number of logistical advantages of training online. But as for whether online training compromises the quality of the course content, the jury is out. Just look at our discussions with trainers in favour and trainers against online training. 

If you are thinking of becoming a yoga teacher it’s important to weigh up whether training online will put you in the best position to teach in-person yoga classes (assuming you want to teach in person). Yoga is after all a physical activity that requires working with bodies (surprise!), an element that is difficult to replicate online. Whether you can effectively learn to adjust online, both verbally and physically, is hard to say. For this reason, it's possible that some employers may ask whether your yoga training was carried out online in order to assess your suitability for the venue. 

And, while you can of course e-meet your fellow trainees, it’s arguable that meeting in person may foster a greater connection between peers, a vital (and often one of the most valued) aspects of yoga training. Attending in-person events, particularly those spanning a few days, fully immerses you in the yogic experience, creating an opportunity to observe and imbue the skills of the lead trainer. 

Speaking to past graduates of both online and in-person courses will give you a better idea of what to expect. You can do this by clicking on any of the accredited training providers listed on our website. 

Conclusions

So, is online yoga teacher training worth it? It is up to you to weigh up the above and decide which elements are most important to you. For Yoga Alliance Professionals, we recommend any training course running online have at least one module conducted in person. This ensures trainees have at least some experience of face to face teaching, including adjustments and modifications. 

If you are interested in undertaking a teacher training course, online or in-studio, why not take a look at our free guide to choosing the right course for you.