Common Questions  about  Yoga Teacher Training  & Yoga Alliance

When you enroll with Lotus River Wellness, you are not simply signing up for a yoga course, you are stepping into a community designed with compassion, intention, and lived understanding. Our program honors the traditional foundations of yoga while extending beyond them, integrating specialized studies in Breathwork (Pranayama), Ayurveda, and Trauma-Sensitive Yoga.

What truly sets us apart is our dedication to those who have carried the weight of service. Whether through military life, caregiving, or other demanding paths. We provide exclusive resources and personalized support to help you navigate both the physical and emotional dimensions of training.

You will meet every Yoga Alliance requirement for a 200-hour certification, but you will also receive something rare: a program that prioritizes healing, resilience, and community alongside your professional development as a teacher. At Lotus River Wellness, you gain not only the skills to teach yoga confidently, but also the strength of a support system that truly understands.

Yes. Our programs are designed to welcome students at every stage of their yoga journey, including those who are brand new to the practice. You do not need years of experience or advanced skills to begin.

For beginners, we encourage moving at a steady pace, allowing time to absorb the material and gradually build confidence. You’ll be supported through:

• The Zen Den – a resource library with clear explanations and tools to deepen your understanding.

• Student and Teacher Led Live Elements – opportunities to practice in a safe, supportive environment with peers and mentors.

What matters most is your dedication and openness to learning. With patience and guidance, beginners often find that training becomes a powerful way to both strengthen their practice and discover their unique voice as a teacher.

Absolutely. Not every student begins with the intention of teaching, and that is perfectly welcome. Many choose this path simply to deepen their personal practice, expand their understanding of yoga, and nurture their own healing and growth.

At Lotus River Wellness, our programs are designed to serve both future teachers and lifelong students. Especially within the Special Operations and military community, we recognize the profound need for practices that support the body, mind, and spirit.

Whether you decide to guide others or simply enrich your own journey, the skills and insights you gain here will stay with you for a lifetime.

Our 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training is designed with flexibility to meet the needs of each student:

Accelerated Path

Complete the program in as little as 25 days with an immersive, full-time schedule.

Flexible Path

Move at a steady pace and finish in up to 12 months, allowing you to balance training with other commitments.

Scholarship Path (MyCAA)

Students using the MyCAA Scholarship must complete the program within 6 months of their start date.

During your enrollment interview, we’ll discuss your preferred timeline and help you select the pace that fits your lifestyle and goals. No matter which path you choose, our team will support you every step of the way.

Our 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training tuition is $4,800. We are proud to be a MyCAA-approved school, which means eligible military spouses may receive up to $2,000 per fiscal year toward tuition. In addition, we partner with nonprofits, benevolent donors, and community organizations to provide scholarship opportunities that make training more accessible. You can learn more by visiting our Scholarships & Funding page or by emailing info@LotusRiverWellness.org to explore available options.

Your tuition covers the LRW training manual, and journal, access to the student portal, live elements, and all required coursework. Students are responsible for providing their own yoga mat, basic props (such as blocks and straps), and required reading books. Some students may also choose to attend optional in-person workshops or retreats, which carry separate costs. We are transparent about all expenses so you can plan with confidence.

Yes. While our trainings are primarily offered online, we host an exclusive in-person immersive Yoga Teacher Training once a year in a retreat setting. These gatherings are intentionally intimate, limited to a maximum of 10 students, allowing for highly personalized attention and deep connection.

Our in-person programs are made possible through the generous support of donors and our partnerships with non-profits within the military community. Because of this, spaces are in very high demand. If you are interested in attending, we encourage you to email programs@LotusRiverWellness.org to join the waitlist.

Interested in supporting? If you would like to donate your rental or vacation home for LRW to host a future SOF Spouse 25-day Immersive Retreat, we would be honored to connect with you. Please contact us to learn how you can help make this transformative experience possible.

You can access your training on any device including: smartphones, tablets, laptops, or desktop computers.

For the best experience, we recommend using a desktop or laptop computer, as some assignments and course features are easier to view and complete on a larger screen.

While you may be prompted to download the Wix app, please note that our program does not recommend the use of the Wix app. All coursework, videos, and live elements are accessed directly through your browser for a smooth and reliable experience.

Yes. Upon successful completion of our program, you will receive a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training certificate that qualifies you to teach yoga professionally.

Because Lotus River Wellness is a Registered Yoga School (RYS) with Yoga Alliance, you will also be eligible to register as a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200). The most widely recognized credential in the yoga world. This registration opens doors for you to teach in studios, gyms, schools, wellness centers, and private settings both in the United States and internationally.

Keep in mind that some studios or organizations may have additional hiring requirements, but your certificate and Yoga Alliance eligibility ensure that you meet the global standard for yoga teaching.

Certified Yoga Teacher (CYT)

A CYT is someone who has successfully completed a yoga teacher training program and received a certificate of completion. This shows they have gained the knowledge and skills necessary to guide others in yoga practice.

Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT)

An RYT has taken the additional step of registering their certificate with Yoga Alliance, the internationally recognized organization that sets professional standards for yoga schools and teachers. Registering as an RYT provides added credibility, inclusion in Yoga Alliance’s public directory, access to continuing education, and recognition by studios and organizations worldwide.

In short: all RYTs are certified, but not all CYTs choose to register with Yoga Alliance. Both represent qualified yoga teachers, but Yoga Alliance registration adds an extra layer of recognition, visibility, and professional opportunity.

No. If you choose not to register with Yoga Alliance, you are not required to complete the live/synchronous elements that Yoga Alliance mandates. You may complete the program fully online, at your own pace, and still receive your Lotus River Wellness certificate of completion.

That said, we highly recommend participating in the live elements whenever possible. These sessions provide valuable feedback, real-time connection, and a richer learning experience that benefits you whether or not you register with Yoga Alliance.

All students receive one year of full access to every element of the LRW Member Portal. After that, you may continue your journey through continuing education, subscription, membership, and affiliate opportunities designed to keep you connected and supported.

We are here to support your goals, whether or not you choose to register with Yoga Alliance.

For LRW Certification Only

If your intention is simply to receive a certificate of completion from Lotus River Wellness, you may complete the program fully self-paced. Live elements are recommended for your growth, but not required for your certificate.

For Yoga Alliance Registration (RYT)

If you plan to register with Yoga Alliance, live elements are required. Our all-inclusive programs ensure you meet these standards by providing opportunities for at least 15% synchronous (live) learning. You’ll also receive a Live Hours Log to document and submit for your Yoga Alliance registration.

In both paths, you’ll have access to a wide variety of live elements from study groups and practice teaching to meetups and virtual classes, so you can tailor your experience to what best supports your learning journey.

We offer a wide range of live element sessions at different times throughout the week to accommodate varying time zones and schedules. You’ll always have options to join sessions that work best for you, whether you prefer mornings, evenings, or weekends.

To view the current schedule and RSVP, simply check your Student Dashboard or visit our Bookings Calendar, which is updated regularly. This ensures you can plan ahead and take part in the live elements that support your learning journey.

Logging live hours is only required if you plan to register with Yoga Alliance. While many of our students choose to pursue Yoga Alliance registration and therefore participate in live elements, live hours are not required in order to receive your Lotus River Wellness certificate of completion.

If you do plan to register with Yoga Alliance, you’ll be provided with a Live Hours Log in your Teacher Training Manual. This makes it simple to track and verify your synchronous hours as you move through the program.

We understand that every student has a unique schedule, which is why we offer a variety of live elements to help you meet Yoga Alliance requirements and enrich your training experience.

Current options include:

• Student Teacher Meetups – Offered twice a week, these sessions provide a space to ask questions, connect with peers, and log synchronous hours. Details are always available on our Booking Calendar.

• Online Study Groups – Weekly, one-hour live study groups held on Zoom, guided by your training materials and designed to support collaborative learning.

• Practice Teaching Sessions – Submit your practice sessions to our Lead Trainers, and receive feedback in real time.

• Virtual Yoga Studio Classes – Access live yoga classes across different styles and instructors, plus an on-demand library of classes and workshops. Your included membership lasts throughout training, with the option to extend if you wish, but no auto-billing.

• Book Club – Join fellow students in book discussions that bring yoga philosophy to life while also counting toward your live interaction hours.

We are continually adding new live elements. You’ll always find the most current schedule and links in your Student Portal.

To ensure you are fully prepared as a teacher, our program includes a variety of assignments:

• Written reflections and short quizzes to check your understanding of philosophy, anatomy, and teaching methods.

• Video submissions of your practice teaching for feedback and growth.

• Participation in live elements (required only for Yoga Alliance registration).

• A final exam and a practicum teaching assignment to demonstrate readiness for certification.

These assessments are designed to support your learning, not to overwhelm you, and you will receive guidance and feedback throughout the process.

Choosing to begin a Yoga Teacher Training is a profound step. Not only toward becoming a teacher, but also toward deepening your relationship with yourself and with the practice of yoga. Preparation is about more than rolling out your mat; it is about creating the space, clarity, and readiness to step fully into this journey.

Commit to the Process This training requires time, energy, and devotion. You will move through physical practice, yoga philosophy, anatomy, and teaching methodology. Approaching it with openness and commitment will help you experience the program with steadiness and purpose.

Prepare Your Body A strong foundation of regular practice is recommended, but you do not need to be an advanced practitioner to begin. Familiarity with basic postures, coupled with daily movement, will build the strength and stamina that make training feel like a natural extension of your practice.

Prepare Your Mind and Heart Yoga Teacher Training invites self-study, reflection, and growth. It can feel both inspiring and challenging. Practices like meditation, journaling, or breathwork (pranayama) can help you cultivate mental clarity and emotional resilience before you begin.

Prepare Practically This is an investment in yourself. Beyond tuition, plan for books, props, or personal materials you may need. Setting aside time in your schedule, and space in your home for study and practice, will allow you to focus fully on your training.

Choose Alignment The most important preparation is choosing a program that resonates with your values and goals. At Lotus River Wellness, we are intentional about creating a space of compassion, healing, and community, so your journey is supported every step of the way.

Remember You are not expected to arrive perfect or complete. Yoga Teacher Training is not the end point of practice — it is the beginning of a lifelong path. What matters most is your willingness to show up with dedication, curiosity, and an open heart.

At Lotus River Wellness, your journey doesn’t end when you register, it begins. From the moment you enroll, you step into a community that is designed to walk beside you both during training and long after graduation.

Ongoing Community

You’ll have access to online groups where students and alumni connect, share experiences, and support one another.

Local Gatherings

We host in-person community circles near many major military installations, offering connection wherever life may take you.

Events & Continuing Education

Our Events page highlights workshops, meetups, and opportunities to keep learning, practicing, and staying connected.

Alumni Network

Graduates remain part of our support system, with access to resources, mentorship, and opportunities to grow as teachers and leaders.

Our commitment is to ensure you always have a place to turn. A network of like-minded peers who understand, encourage, and celebrate you at every stage of your journey.

We know life can be unpredictable, especially for military families. If you need to pause your training because of deployment, relocation, or personal circumstances, we will work with you individually to find the best solution.

Standard access to the LRW Student Portal is for 12 months, but extensions and deferrals are considered on a case-by-case basis. Our goal is to support you in completing your training without losing the progress you’ve already made. If your situation changes, simply reach out and we’ll explore the options together.

Yes. You will have one full year of access to the LRW Student Portal, including all modules, live elements, and community resources. Your downloadable materials, such as manuals and worksheets, are yours to keep for life. After your initial year, you may choose to continue access through continuing education, subscription, or membership opportunities, allowing you to stay connected and keep growing alongside our community.