Starman or Salesman? The Truth About Online Yoga Teacher Trainings. A Training Conversation with Katlyn Greiner.
Have you ever wondered what those $300 online teacher trainings were like?
Well, I asked someone who both teaches online and also has looked through more than one of these.
What really makes a yoga teacher training “good”? In this episode, we explore the realities of online vs. in-person YTTs, why pacing and feedback matter, and how affordability impacts accessibility in the yoga profession.
Katlyn Greiner and I delve into the myth that higher costs equal higher quality, the role mentorship can play in shaping new teachers, and the financial realities of studios running training sessions. Plus, we unpack the tension between brand cohesion and creativity in the yoga business.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
1. Online vs. in-person training
Asynchronous, low-cost YTTs aren’t inherently “less than.” We need to rethink perceptions of online vs. in-person education.
2. Pacing matters
Dumping all the content at once isn’t effective. Pacing supports integration and embodiment of teachings.
3. Feedback is essential
Integrated feedback—live or asynchronous—is key to learning, relationship-building, and quality in online trainings.
4. Financial accessibility
Low-cost trainings expand access. Eliminating them would reduce opportunities for many aspiring teachers.
5. Mentorship as the missing link
Imagine affordable online YTTs paired with paid local mentorship—a model that supports both new teachers and experienced guides.
6. Rethinking “quality”
High price ≠ high quality. Metrics for strong training should include teaching skill, student engagement, and practical business acumen.
7. Teacher trainings ≠ cash cow
For many studios, YTTs aren’t highly profitable—they’re a labor of love or a way to train new teachers.
8. Creativity vs. brand cohesion
Studios must balance cohesive branding with honoring yoga as a creative practice. Navigating that tension is key to sustainable growth.
RESOURCES