California is renowned for its thriving wellness culture, and yoga training in California plays a significant part in this lifestyle. Whether you are an aspiring yoga teacher or a dedicated practitioner looking to deepen your practice, California offers some of the best yoga teacher training programs in the world. This article explores 20 outstanding yoga schools in California, each providing unique approaches, philosophies, and comprehensive training programs.
List Of Yoga Training in California
1. YogaWorks (Multiple Locations)
Overview: YogaWorks is one of the most respected names in yoga, with several locations across California, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Orange County. Known for its rigorous and comprehensive teacher training programs, YogaWorks has been a leader in yoga education for decades.
Programs:
- 200-Hour Teacher Training: Focuses on foundational skills, alignment, and sequencing.
- 300-Hour Advanced Teacher Training: Delves deeper into philosophy, anatomy, and advanced teaching techniques.
Specialties:
- Integrates various styles such as Ashtanga, Iyengar, and Vinyasa.
- Emphasis on alignment, anatomy, and practical teaching skills.
Why Choose YogaWorks: YogaWorks offers a structured and supportive environment with experienced instructors and a strong community network. The school’s reputation ensures high-quality training recognized globally.
Website: YogaWorks
2. Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health (Stockbridge, Massachusetts – Partnership Programs in California)
Overview: Although Kripalu is based in Massachusetts, it partners with various California yoga studios to offer its renowned training programs. Kripalu Yoga is known for its compassionate approach and emphasis on mindfulness.
Programs:
- 200-Hour Teacher Training: Focuses on the fundamentals of Kripalu Yoga, including meditation, breathwork, and self-inquiry.
- 500-Hour Professional Certification: Advanced training for seasoned practitioners.
Specialties:
- Holistic approach integrating physical, mental, and spiritual practices.
- Emphasis on self-discovery and personal growth.
Why Choose Kripalu: Kripalu’s programs are ideal for those seeking a deeper, more introspective approach to yoga. The emphasis on mindfulness and self-care makes it a unique and enriching experience.
Website: Kripalu
3. Esalen Institute (Big Sur)
Overview: Esalen Institute is not just a yoga school but a retreat center offering workshops on personal growth, meditation, and bodywork. Its location in Big Sur provides a breathtaking backdrop for yoga practice.
Programs:
- Yoga Teacher Training Programs: Various trainings offered throughout the year by visiting master teachers.
- Workshops: Short-term immersive experiences focusing on different aspects of yoga and wellness.
Specialties:
- Integration of yoga with holistic healing practices.
- Stunning natural environment promoting relaxation and introspection.
Why Choose Esalen: Esalen offers a unique combination of yoga and holistic wellness, set in one of the most beautiful locations in the world. It’s perfect for those looking to combine yoga training with a rejuvenating retreat.
Website: Esalen
4. Mount Madonna Institute (Watsonville)
Overview: Mount Madonna Institute offers comprehensive yoga teacher training programs rooted in the classical Ashtanga Yoga tradition. The institute is part of a larger retreat center promoting holistic wellness and spiritual growth.
Programs:
- 200-Hour Teacher Training: Foundation in classical Ashtanga Yoga, including philosophy, anatomy, and teaching methodology.
- 300-Hour Advanced Training: In-depth study of yoga philosophy, advanced asanas, and teaching skills.
Specialties:
- Emphasis on traditional Ashtanga Yoga.
- Integration of yoga with Ayurveda and other holistic health practices.
Why Choose Mount Madonna: Mount Madonna provides a traditional, immersive yoga training experience. Its holistic approach, combining yoga with Ayurveda, offers a well-rounded education in wellness.
Website: Mount Madonna Institute
5. CorePower Yoga (Multiple Locations)
Overview: CorePower Yoga is a well-known chain of yoga studios with multiple locations across California. It offers structured and fitness-oriented teacher training programs.
Programs:
- 200-Hour Teacher Training: Comprehensive training focusing on Vinyasa Flow, anatomy, and teaching techniques.
- Yoga Sculpt Teacher Training: Specialized program combining yoga with strength training and cardio.
Specialties:
- Fitness-oriented approach to yoga.
- Emphasis on practical teaching skills and professional development.
Why Choose CorePower Yoga: CorePower Yoga is perfect for those who want a structured, fitness-oriented approach to yoga teacher training. Its widespread locations offer convenience and accessibility.
Website: CorePower Yoga
6. Sivananda Ashram Yoga Farm (Grass Valley)
Overview: Sivananda Ashram Yoga Farm offers traditional yoga teacher training programs based on the teachings of Swami Sivananda. The ashram provides an immersive experience in a serene, rural setting.
Programs:
- 200-Hour Teacher Training: Focuses on classical Hatha Yoga, including asanas, pranayama, meditation, and philosophy.
- Advanced Training Programs: Specialized courses for deepening practice and knowledge.
Specialties:
- Traditional Hatha Yoga with a strong emphasis on philosophy and spirituality.
- Immersive ashram experience promoting a yogic lifestyle.
Why Choose Sivananda Ashram Yoga Farm: The Sivananda Ashram offers a traditional, spiritually enriching yoga training experience. It’s ideal for those seeking a deep immersion in classical yoga teachings and ashram life.
Website: Sivananda Ashram Yoga Farm
7. The Yoga Center of Los Gatos (Los Gatos)
Overview: The Yoga Center of Los Gatos offers a welcoming community and a variety of yoga classes and teacher training programs. The center is known for its supportive environment and experienced instructors.
Programs:
- 200-Hour Teacher Training: Covers the basics of asana, anatomy, philosophy, and teaching methodology.
- Advanced Workshops: Focus on specific styles, therapeutic yoga, and advanced techniques.
Specialties:
- Supportive and welcoming community.
- Emphasis on holistic health and personal growth.
Why Choose The Yoga Center of Los Gatos: The Yoga Center of Los Gatos is ideal for those seeking a supportive, community-oriented training environment. Its holistic approach ensures a well-rounded yoga education.
Website: The Yoga Center of Los Gatos
8. Yoga Soup (Santa Barbara)
Overview: Yoga Soup is a vibrant yoga studio in Santa Barbara offering a variety of classes and teacher training programs. The studio emphasizes community, creativity, and personal transformation.
Programs:
- 200-Hour Teacher Training: Comprehensive training with a focus on Vinyasa Flow, anatomy, and teaching techniques.
- Specialized Workshops: Cover topics such as restorative yoga, meditation, and advanced asana practice.
Specialties:
- Creative and community-oriented approach.
- Emphasis on personal transformation and holistic health.
Why Choose Yoga Soup: Yoga Soup offers a dynamic and inspiring environment for yoga training. Its emphasis on creativity and community makes it a unique and enriching experience.
Website: Yoga Soup
9. Iyengar Yoga Institute of San Francisco (San Francisco)
Overview: The Iyengar Yoga Institute of San Francisco is one of the premier centers for Iyengar Yoga in the United States. It offers in-depth teacher training programs focusing on the precise and therapeutic approach of Iyengar Yoga.
Programs:
- 200-Hour Teacher Training: Focuses on the fundamentals of Iyengar Yoga, including alignment, anatomy, and sequencing.
- Advanced Teacher Training: In-depth study of advanced poses, therapeutic applications, and philosophy.
Specialties:
- Precise and therapeutic approach to yoga.
- Emphasis on alignment and anatomy.
Why Choose Iyengar Yoga Institute of San Francisco: This institute is perfect for those who appreciate a precise and therapeutic approach to yoga. Its comprehensive training programs are ideal for serious practitioners and those interested in therapeutic yoga.
Website: Iyengar Yoga Institute of San Francisco
10. Bhakti Yoga Shala (Santa Monica)
Overview: Bhakti Yoga Shala is a community-focused yoga studio in Santa Monica offering a variety of classes and teacher training programs. The studio emphasizes the devotional aspect of yoga, integrating music and chanting into the practice.
Programs:
- 200-Hour Teacher Training: Covers asana, philosophy, anatomy, and the Bhakti Yoga tradition.
- Specialized Workshops: Focus on devotional practices, music, and advanced yoga techniques.
Specialties:
- Emphasis on Bhakti Yoga and devotional practices.
- Integration of music and chanting into yoga practice.
Why Choose Bhakti Yoga Shala: Bhakti Yoga Shala is ideal for those who are drawn to the devotional and spiritual aspects of yoga. Its vibrant community and unique approach make it a special place for yoga training.
Website: Bhakti Yoga Shala
11. Om Sweet Om Yoga (Los Angeles)
Overview: Om Sweet Om Yoga is a welcoming yoga studio in Los Angeles offering a variety of classes and teacher training programs. The studio is known for its friendly atmosphere and experienced instructors.
Programs:
- 200-Hour Teacher Training: Comprehensive training covering asana, anatomy, philosophy, and teaching methodology.
- Advanced Workshops: Focus on specific styles, therapeutic yoga, and advanced techniques.
Specialties:
- Friendly and welcoming community.
- Emphasis on personal growth and holistic health.
Why Choose Om Sweet Om Yoga: Om Sweet Om Yoga offers a supportive and friendly environment for yoga training. Its emphasis on holistic health and personal growth ensures a well-rounded education.
Website: Om Sweet Om Yoga
11. Light on Lotus (Los Angeles)
Overview: Light on Lotus is a popular yoga studio in Los Angeles offering a variety of classes and teacher training programs. The studio emphasizes creativity, community, and personal transformation.
Programs:
- 200-Hour Teacher Training: Comprehensive training with a focus on Vinyasa Flow, anatomy, and teaching techniques.
- Specialized Workshops: Cover topics such as restorative yoga, meditation, and advanced asana practice.
Specialties:
- Creative and community-oriented approach.
- Emphasis on personal transformation and holistic health.
Why Choose Light on Lotus: Light on Lotus offers a dynamic and inspiring environment for yoga training. Its emphasis on creativity and community makes it a unique and enriching experience.
Website: Light on Lotus
12. Yoga Kula (Berkeley)
Overview: Yoga Kula is a vibrant yoga studio in Berkeley offering a variety of classes and teacher training programs. The studio emphasizes community, creativity, and personal transformation.
Programs:
- 200-Hour Teacher Training: Comprehensive training with a focus on alignment, anatomy, and teaching techniques.
- Specialized Workshops: Cover topics such as restorative yoga, meditation, and advanced asana practice.
Specialties:
- Creative and community-oriented approach.
- Emphasis on personal transformation and holistic health.
Why Choose Yoga Kula: Yoga Kula offers a dynamic and inspiring environment for yoga training. Its emphasis on creativity and community makes it a unique and enriching experience.
Website: Yoga Kula
13. Yoga Shanti (San Francisco)
Overview: Yoga Shanti is a popular yoga studio in San Francisco offering a variety of classes and teacher training programs. The studio is known for its friendly atmosphere and experienced instructors.
Programs:
- 200-Hour Teacher Training: Comprehensive training covering asana, anatomy, philosophy, and teaching methodology.
- Advanced Workshops: Focus on specific styles, therapeutic yoga, and advanced techniques.
Specialties:
- Friendly and welcoming community.
- Emphasis on personal growth and holistic health.
Why Choose Yoga Shanti: Yoga Shanti offers a supportive and friendly environment for yoga training. Its emphasis on holistic health and personal growth ensures a well-rounded education.
Website: Yoga Shanti
14. The Center for Yoga (Los Angeles)
Overview: The Center for Yoga is one of the oldest yoga studios in Los Angeles, offering a variety of classes and teacher training programs. The studio is known for its experienced instructors and comprehensive training programs.
Programs:
- 200-Hour Teacher Training: Comprehensive training covering asana, anatomy, philosophy, and teaching methodology.
- Advanced Workshops: Focus on specific styles, therapeutic yoga, and advanced techniques.
Specialties:
- Long-standing reputation and experienced instructors.
- Emphasis on personal growth and holistic health.
Why Choose The Center for Yoga: The Center for Yoga offers a supportive and friendly environment for yoga training. Its emphasis on holistic health and personal growth ensures a well-rounded education.
Website: The Center for Yoga
15. San Francisco Integral Yoga Institute (San Francisco)
Overview: The San Francisco Integral Yoga Institute offers traditional yoga teacher training programs based on the teachings of Swami Satchidananda. The institute provides a comprehensive and holistic approach to yoga.
Programs:
- 200-Hour Teacher Training: Focuses on the fundamentals of Integral Yoga, including asanas, pranayama, meditation, and philosophy.
- Advanced Training Programs: Specialized courses for deepening practice and knowledge.
Specialties:
- Traditional Integral Yoga with a strong emphasis on philosophy and spirituality.
- Holistic approach integrating physical, mental, and spiritual practices.
Why Choose San Francisco Integral Yoga Institute: The San Francisco Integral Yoga Institute offers a traditional, spiritually enriching yoga training experience. It’s ideal for those seeking a deep immersion in classical yoga teachings and holistic health.
Website: San Francisco Integral Yoga Institute
California’s diverse and dynamic yoga scene offers a wealth of opportunities for aspiring yoga teachers and dedicated practitioners alike. Whether you are looking for a traditional ashram experience, a community-oriented studio, or a fitness-focused approach, California’s yoga schools provide comprehensive training programs that cater to all needs and preferences. Each of these 20 schools brings its unique flavor and philosophy to the practice, ensuring that you can find the perfect environment to deepen your practice and become a skilled yoga teacher.
