Frequently Asked Questions

This 200 Hour Power Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training will run from February 2026 - November 2026 at Aligned Movement in Lakeville, MA. Here are the most commonly asked questions, but if you need more info, don't hesitate to reach out to: lauren@evergreenyogawellness.com

FAQ Updated: 6/29/2025

Do I have to want to teach yoga to take this training?

Nope, but you will be required to practice teach from day one. Many students take YTT to deepen their practice, build confidence, or reconnect with themselves. The goal of this training is to create strong and confident yoga instructors with a deep understanding of the practice, so practice teaching consistently is a must.

What is the time commitment for this training?

200 hours is a lot of time, and most of it will be spent in our weekly and once monthly sessions. We spread this training out over a 9 month span to allow you time to digest the material, integrate the practices and teachings into your life, and build your skills over time. We’ll meet Tuesday evenings from 5:30pm - 8:30pm and one Saturday afternoon per month beginning in February 2026 and concluding in November 2026. You’ll receive a full calendar, including holidays and integration weeks, once enrolled. In addition to our group sessions, you will need to set aside time each week to complete homework, practice your ritual (meditation, journaling, etc.) and attend classes as a student. Your timeline will also include live class observations, mock classes with your peers, community classes, a final practicum, a group outing, and a graduation ceremony. Calendar will be subject to change and will be finalized prior to program kickoff.

How much time should I expect to commit each week?

We meet for 3 hours each Tuesday evening, plus one 6 hour Saturday session each month. In addition to classroom hours, dedicating 15-30 minutes per day to your ritual, homework, yoga class prep, etc. is reasonable, though there may be weeks where you need to set aside more time, such as when you are completing live class observations, preparing for a mock class, community class, or for your practicum.

What is this ritual you keep talking about?

Setting aside just a little time each day to pause and reflect is key. You will decide early on what your daily ritual will be, and it can evolve over time. For example, completing a brief meditation, journaling, and making yourself a cup of tea - simple and effective. Engaging in this daily will allow you to find clarity, tap into creativity, and deepen your practice as a student of yoga.

What if I have to miss a session?

Attendance is important, but life happens. You’re allowed to miss up to 3 Tuesday evening sessions and 1 Saturday afternoon session, with viewing of the recording and makeup assignments required. Your success in this program is contingent on your commitment to showing up and doing the work, and we will work with you to stay on track. Additional sessions missed may require an additional make-up fee at the discretion of the lead teacher and management team.

What’s the payment structure and refund policy?

We offer three pricing tiers based on your level of commitment and registration date. Payment plans are available for all pricing tiers. A $550 deposit holds your spot. Full payment and refund policies are outlined here. There is an additional pay in full discount of $150 off if payment is submitted via check or Venmo.

How many students will be in the training?

This training is intentionally capped at 20 participants to ensure a high-touch experience and strong group connection. You won’t get lost in the crowd. Once the program sells out to 20 participants, the waitlist will open for registration. Enrollment officially closes on January 31, 2026.

What materials or props do I need? What will be provided?

You will need your own yoga mat, a notebook for class notes, and a journal for your ritual. You may also want a special notebook or journal to use for your yoga class archive. There may be suggested reading that is optional and that reading list will be provided to you. You may purchase books at your discretion. There will not be any textbooks required for this training, as an in-depth training manual and guide will be provided to you and is included in the cost of tuition. All props for practice are available in studio (blocks, straps, bolsters, & blankets).

I’m nervous I’m not “ready” yet. What if I’m not experienced enough?

You’re not alone in feeling that way! This training is designed for students who are ready to grow. You don’t need the perfect yoga practice (it's not a thing anyway), but we recommend that you have a consistent practice when enrolling in this program. If you are willing to show up, learn, and give it your all, then you are "ready". While there may never be the perfect time to do anything, this won't be the only YTT we host - so if you really need more time, then take it!

Is this program Yoga Alliance Accredited?

Yes. This training will be fully accredited with Yoga Alliance before the program begins. Graduates will be eligible to register as RYT-200s upon successful completion.

What can I do to prepare in the meantime?

Continue to stay consistent with your personal practice. Attend various class styles to start to develop a deep understanding of what you love about yoga. If you'd like, you can begin to integrate meditation into your day, add journaling (look up morning pages - it will change your life), and read about yoga and yoga philosophy. The book "Yamas and Niyamas" by Deborah Adele is a fantastic place to start!

What is the difference between this YTT & online trainings?

There are pros + cons to consider with any yoga teacher training. While online trainings can be more financially accessible, they lack the community aspect and in-person experience that is so crucial for building the skills required to become a confident, impactful yoga instructor. The main advantage of an in-person training is that you will get real life teaching experience over and over again, as you will be teaching to your peers in our weekly sessions. The feedback you receive will help you build confidence and grow into your unique voice and teaching approach. Online trainings may also be more flexible from a timeline perspective - go at your own pace when your schedule allows. This in-person training is intentionally spread out over 9 months to ensure that you have adequate time to learn and digest everything you learn, and apply the teachings for your own practice on and off the mat. We chose Tuesday for our weekly sessions as studies show it is one of the best days of the week to learn. No one becomes a well-rounded yoga instructor overnight - we believe that this takes time and intention and we are excited to provide the support you need to evolve into the teacher you were always meant to be.

What is the lineage of this training?

Lauren was trained by Richard Lanza and Shawn Cornelison through Open Doors Power Yoga Studios in 2012, which at the time had a focus on Hot Power Yoga. Richard was trained in the Baptiste method, a style of yoga created by Walt Baptiste in the 1940's, and popularized by his son Baron Baptiste. Baptiste Yoga is rooted in Ashtanga, Iyengar, and Viniyoga. Lauren is also currently completing her 500 Hour Yoga Teacher Training with Shawn, which has a heavy emphasis on Yoga Philosophy and Pranayama. Both Richard and Shawn have been instrumental in Lauren's approach to teaching yoga, as well as training other yoga teachers.

Do I have to teach Power Yoga after this training?

No! You will learn everything you need to know to teach strong Power Vinyasa Yoga classes (heated or not) and those skills will translate to all levels yoga classes, most styles of vinyasa yoga, slow flow, and even restorative. Your favorite style of yoga as a student may be different than what you prefer to teach. We will help you discover what that is throughout the process, but you will have the foundation Power Vinyasa Yoga.

Am I too old/young to enroll in yoga teacher training?

No! Age is just a number - we welcome adults of all ages to enroll. What matters most is your willingness to learn, explore, and commit to the process, not your age. In fact, having a range of ages and life experiences in training enriches discussions and practice, and helps you discover your unique voice as a teacher. If you feel called to take this next step in your yoga journey, you are not too old or too young.

Do I need to be able to do advanced poses (inversions, arm balances) to become a yoga instructor?

No - in fact many yoga instructors either cannot or choose not to practice or demonstrate certain postures. You will learn to teach each pose verbally, kinesthetically, and visually (when possible). Learning how to teach using verbal cues and not relying heavily on visual demonstration is actually a very valuable skill to have as an instructor.

Can I make a living as a yoga instructor?

Yes, it is possible, but you need to be creative and dedicated if you are looking to make yoga a full time career. The Business of Yoga module will go into detail on all aspects of yoga as a career path, or as a side hustle, and Lauren will share with you with full transparency her experience with making yoga her full time gig.