doyogawithme 200-hour online yoga teacher training review

DoYogaWithMe is known for being one of the largest resources for online yoga classes and educational content. Did you know that the DYWM also offers a comprehensive online yoga teacher training?

The course is led by experienced and knowledgeable faculty, including DYWM founder David Procyshyn, professional yoga educator Rachel Scott, and RYT-500 trainers Fiji McAlpine and Tracey Noseworthy.

Taking on this online YTT was an excellent opportunity for me to refresh my knowledge, get expert feedback on my existing teaching skills, and compare contemporary online training techniques with the in-person course I completed in 2016.

Course Details

• 200-hour online YTT, broken down into three levels. Level 1 and Level 2 are self-paced (160 hours total), Level 3 takes place live over Zoom (40 hours total).
  
  
• Levels 1 and 2 are delivered via an interactive online system accessible in-browser on a personal computer or phone. Requires attendance of cohort meetings and live yoga classes via Zoom.
  
  
• Optional 50-hour retreat is offered in person on completion for further education.
  
  
• Accredited with Yoga Alliance.
  
  
• Teaching styles: Hatha and Vinyasa Flow.
  
  
• Price: $2,400 (or 6 monthly payments of $440), option to take a la carte courses. Increase to $2,750 in 2025.
  
  
• Includes a 12-month Premium subscription to DoYogaWithMe recorded classes, guided meditations, and challenges.
  
  
• Unlimited access to online tuition materials, with no expiration.
  
  
• Price may vary due to location-based VAT taxes on the Thinkific app.

Hands-On Learning Experience

Course Content and Structure

According to the DYWM faculty, their online yoga teacher training course was carefully crafted to include all the necessary information in an accessible way.

The OYTT is broken down into multiple courses covering individual topics. Each course includes an interactive PDF handout with space to complete activities and journal.

Tuition is mainly delivered in video form, with the most pertinent information noted in the handout copy.

Each course includes a quiz at the end to ensure that the information is properly retained and understood.

The courses include:

• Yoga anatomy
• Yoga history and philosophy
• Pranayama techniques
• Guided meditation techniques
• Asana practice and breakdown
• Sequencing and cueing (language)
• Injury and pregnancy yoga
• Subtle body (Ayurveda, Chakras, Mudras, Vayus, and more)

Detailed Breakdown of Asanas

DoYogaWithMe training materials include a 190-page detailed asana guide. Additionally, the course covers various “families” of yoga poses and their purpose.

Part of the learning process is the personal practice. Trainees are required to complete 3-5 recorded practices that correspond with each topic to learn more about asana breakdown.

Certification Overview

Recognized Expertise

DoYogaWithMe online teacher training has the Yoga Alliance accreditation. This means that trainees receive a YA certification on completion, and the ability to register with Yoga Alliance.

The faculty consists of four renowned yoga teachers and trainers:

• David Procyshyn is the founder and CEO of DoYogaWithMe, an expert in guided meditation, and a yoga teacher with over 20 years of experience.
  
  
• Rachel Scott is a teacher, educator, author, and the YTT program director. As a self-proclaimed nerd, Rachel covers many of the anatomy courses in this training.
  
  
• Fiji McAlpine is an E-RYT500 instructor and trainer with over 15 years of experience and diverse personal practice. Fiji covers a variety of topics, including subtle body and teaching methodology.
  
  
• Tracey Noseworthy is an E-RYT500 instructor and ACE personal trainer who brings 25+ years of experience in the fitness and wellness industry.

Support

To encourage communication and a sense of community, the course includes cohort meetings with the faculty and live yoga classes.

Faculty can be accessed directly via email, should questions arise about specific modules or the training overall. Each topic also includes a forum for the trainees to share their experiences and ask questions.

I was very impressed with the great level of communication and multiple avenues to connect with the faculty and fellow training participants.

Technical Overview

Intuitive Design

The training has very few technical requirements or expenses outside of the course itself. The course is accessible in-browser on the phone, tablet, or personal computer. Personally, I found the interface more convenient to use on my laptop.

The interface is simple, easy to navigate, and track your progress. The videos included in the course have accessible features like subtitles and speed adjustment. As someone with ADHD, I found both incredibly useful.

Live classes, Level 3 training, and cohort meetings are all conducted via Zoom, which requires free access to the app.

Level 1 and Level 2 assessments are submitted in video form, which requires a camera (such as a phone camera). The assessment details include thorough instruction on how to record and upload the video assessments.

Interactive Learning

Interactive digital course materials do not require a printer (but can be printed if desired). This empowers students to absorb and reflect on topics on their own timeline.

Each topic also includes an interactive quiz to ensure retention and understanding of course materials. Part of Level 1 and Level 2 assessments is a broader quiz covering multiple topics.

Dynamic Course Materials

Engagement and Interactions

Self-study is supported by live yoga classes and cohort meetings, where students have a chance to ask questions, as well as connect with each other and the trainers.

Furthermore, it was very easy to get in contact with the faculty. In fact, the trainers’ email details are included at the start of each topic, encouraging the student teachers to get in touch to provide feedback or ask questions.

Community and Peer Support 

Even though this online YTT is largely self-paced, it is recommended that you join a cohort. A training cohort is similar to a study group.

Cohort members meet via Zoom approximately once a month to discuss their progress and dive more deeply into one of the topics included in the course. These cohort meetings are optional for Level 1, whereas Level 2 requires participants to have attended at least three meetings.

Some of the cohort meetings include peer learning, very similar to in-person training. Zoom allows participants to split off into pairs or groups to work on specific teaching assignments and provide feedback to each other.

Feedback

Additionally, the activities and communication channels had to be adapted to the online format to enable students to get personalized feedback and connect with their peers.

In Rachel’s own words, “We wanted to create a balance between the flexibility of self-paced learning with the personalized feedback necessary for growth and learning and were very intentional about creating peer-peer as well as faculty-peer interaction to enhance community engagement and provide the personalized feedback necessary for growth.“

Hours that Matter

Course Hours and Participation

The entire course, including lectures, personal practice, cohort meetings, and live classes adds up to 200 hours, which is the industry standard for yoga teacher training. This figure also includes the live learning sessions (Level 3), homework activities such as journaling, and assessments.

200-hour courses are designed to build a solid foundation for future yoga teachers, allowing them to teach in a safe and productive way. I’m happy to say that this online YTT ticks all of the boxes.

There is an option to expand your training with 50 more hours of yoga education at an in-person retreat.

Impact on Teaching Practice

The highlight for me was the anatomy training. It was exceptional and included brilliant courses on the nervous and respiratory systems that weren’t part of my first YTT.

There is also a strong emphasis on energetic systems and the subtle body, which empowered me to start incorporating more etherial components of yoga in my teaching.

Lastly, this training course felt like a gift from the heavens because it truly reignited my passion for teaching. It can be so easy to fall into familiar patterns, and this training helped me shake things up and step out of my comfort zone.

Pros and Cons

Platform & Design Choices

To provide insight into the course design, I was able to ask Rachel about intentional choices in regards to the content, structure, and changes that happened along the way.

Platform

“Part of what makes creating a quality pre-recorded program so challenging is that it needs to be mapped out thoroughly in advance; there is no room to refilm everything or make small tweaks as you can in an in-person program. As a result, we did an enormous amount of planning for this program and have had to shift very little” -Rachel shared.

Frankly, it shows. Each topic is approached thoroughly and mindfully, delivered in a way that’s comprehensive but not overwhelming.

One major change was adapting the final 40 hours of training (Level 3). Originally, it was supposed to be completed in person, but with the travel restrictions due to the COVID pandemic, it had to be conducted over Zoom.

In the long run, this change made this training more accessible for someone like me, who lives on another continent. I have met other trainees from Europe, the US, or even another province of Canada, who all benefited from this change.

Some small changes were integrated as a result of student feedback. Rachel writes, “We have had really positive feedback about the program and the platform, which has been great! We have made some small adjustments where we see an opportunity to level up.“

Online Versus In-Person Benefits

According to Rachel, the online DYWM teacher training is structured in a way that results in identical learning outcomes compared to the in-person YTT programs.

Part of the process was organizing information in digestible chunks to make it accessible for self-study, as well as integrating ways for trainees to self-evaluate their progress.

Technology and User Experience

Of course, user experience and technological requirements were a major focus when designing an online program.

“However,” Rachel notes, “technology doesn’t make for great education; great education makes for great education.”

My platform experience was a positive one. The visual design is simple and effective, and the video format works great. I especially appreciated accessibility features like subtitles and speed settings.

According to Rachel, most students find the platform intuitive, and the most complex technological task is probably recording and uploading video for faculty review. However, the assessment instructions are very thorough and tech-friendly.

Additional Resources

In addition to the coursework materials, this training includes a Premium subscription to DoYogaWithMe, which enables every student to complete the required personal practice, as well as take advantage of this resource outside of mandatory classes.

This YTT comes with a list of required and recommended reading, which includes fundamental yogic texts such as Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras and Bhagavadgita.

Conclusion

I cannot overstate how greatly impressed I have been by this YTT. The technical aspects (content, ease of access, structure) are unmatched, further fueled by the amazingly knowledgeable and passionate educators.

I had my concerns in regards to studying online, but it was just as comprehensive and effective as the first YTT I completed in 2016. In fact, in some regards this training was better, downright transformative.

The most surprising outcome of this training was how much I learned about myself. I was able to keep up with the course through self-discipline and find humility.

If you’re on the lookout for an incredible online yoga teacher training, I could not recommend DoYogaWithMe program enough. A product of decades of combined experience and extensive knowledge of the faculty, it was simply priceless.

Curious to find out more? Rachel and David recently hosted an online YTT Info Session, and you can watch the recording here.

FAQs

Can I enroll in the course if I’m located outside of Canada?

Yes, the online nature of the program allows students from all over the world to enroll. Live sessions are often scheduled to accommodate various time zones, and if time differences are significant, sessions may be recorded for later viewing.

What language is the course taught in?

The course is taught entirely in English. Proficiency in English is necessary to fully engage with the course materials and participate in discussions.

Do I need to complete Levels 1 and 2 before starting Level 3?

Yes, Levels 1 and 2 must be completed before you can begin Level 3. This ensures you have the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for the live, interactive components of the training.

What happens if I can’t attend a live Zoom session?

While attendance is highly encouraged to get the most out of the interactive experience, sessions are often recorded and can be watched later. However, specific attendance requirements may apply, especially for Level 3, so it’s best to check with the instructors.

Are scholarships or financial aid options available?

DoYogaWithMe occasionally offers scholarships or sliding scale options to make the training more accessible. It’s recommended to contact their support team directly to inquire about any available financial assistance.

Can I teach yoga professionally after completing this course?

Yes, upon successful completion and registration with Yoga Alliance, you will be qualified to teach yoga classes professionally as a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200).

How does the course handle different learning styles?

The program is designed to cater to various learning styles by incorporating:

• Video Lectures
• Written Materials
• Interactive Quizzes
• Live Discussions
• Practical Teaching Assignments

What kind of support is available if I encounter technical issues?

Technical support is available through the DoYogaWithMe support team. They can assist with platform navigation, video playback issues, and other technical concerns.

Is there a deadline for completing the course?

You have unlimited time to complete all course materials and requirements. This open-ended timeline accommodates different schedules and allows you to pace your learning at your convenience

Do I need any special equipment or props for the yoga practice sessions?

Basic yoga equipment like a mat, blocks, straps, and blankets is recommended to fully participate in the practice sessions. However, modifications can be made if you don’t have access to all props.

How personalized is the feedback on assessments?

Instructors provide detailed, personalized feedback on your teaching demonstrations and assessments, helping you grow and refine your skills.

Can I access the course materials after completing the program?

You will have unlimited access to the course materials from your enrollment date. It’s still advisable to download any resources you wish to keep for offline use.

Does the program cover marketing or how to start a yoga business?

While the primary focus is on teaching skills and yoga philosophy, some programs may offer insights into the business aspects of teaching yoga. Check the curriculum or ask the instructors for specifics.

Are there opportunities for continuing education after the course?

Yes, DoYogaWithMe offers additional courses and workshops that can count toward continuing education requirements for yoga teachers.

How is the online community facilitated?

The program fosters community through:

• Cohort Groups
• Discussion Forums
• Social Media Platforms

These channels allow students to interact, share experiences, and support each other’s learning journey.

What if I have prior injuries or physical limitations?

The program emphasizes safety and offers modifications for various poses. It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new physical activity and communicate any concerns to the instructors.

Will I learn how to teach online yoga classes?

Yes, the program covers teaching methodologies applicable to both in-person and online settings, including how to effectively engage students through virtual platforms.

Is there a refund policy if I decide the course isn’t right for me?

Refund policies may vary, so it’s best to review the terms and conditions provided at the time of enrollment or contact customer support for detailed information.

How intensive is the time commitment per week?

The time commitment can vary based on your pacing. On average, students spend about 10-15 hours per week on coursework, practice, and assignments during active periods of study.

Can I customize the program to focus on areas of interest?

While the core curriculum is set to meet certification standards, there may be elective components or opportunities to delve deeper into topics of personal interest through additional resources or courses.