200 hour yoga teacher training
now accepting registration for the 2026 cohort!
We are passionate about sharing the timeless teachings of yoga and applying them to daily life for personal and collective transformation.
Since 2011, Laughing River Yoga's 200 Hour Teacher Training Program has inspired leaders and teachers in our community through a journey of personal exploration and evolution. This robust program emphasizes the inner and outer yoga practices to support expansion, growth, and positive change within yourself and the world. You will learn the foundational skills and knowledge of teaching yoga, build community, and learn from experienced teachers that share with love, humility, and a deep respect for yogic wisdom. This program will also provide you with tools and practices to support a lifelong journey of self-discovery, compassion, and connection. We believe that the work we do as individuals is essential for healing the collective, and that yoga is a path for healing. This program is thoughtfully designed to explore this central theme of personal and collective liberation.
2026-2027 Program Dates
October 2-4, 2026
November 6-8
December 11-13
January 15-17, 2027
February 5-7
March 5-7
March 26-28
April 23-25
May 21-23
"I came in looking for community, and I’ve found so much more than I imagined."
-Valentina R.
Our 200 hour program is open to those wishing to someday teach yoga, as well as those that do not wish to teach but want to deepen their practice. That is why we offer two tracks:
Certification Track: become a certified yoga teacher
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Self Study Track: deepen your personal practice and yogic studies
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The only difference between the two tracks is that homework assignments and the final exam are optional for the Self Study Track.
directors
Emily Garrett
Christina Fornaciari
faculty
Malaika DosRemedios
Kim Jordan
Sofi Dillof
Lucy D'Aponte
The Teacher Training program is built upon Laughing River Yoga's tenets:
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Your essence is unconditional love.
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We believe in the power of yoga to heal.
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Yoga changes the world through transforming individual lives.
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No one is free until we are all free.
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The time is now.
TEACHING
METHODOLOGY:
ANATOMY:
YOGA PHILOSOPHY:
SELF STUDY:
BUSINESS OF YOGA:
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Analytical training in how to teach and practice asana, pranayama, and meditation
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How to skillfully instruct, observe, assist and demonstrate yoga asana
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Utilizing props
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How to support different body types and abilities
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How to create a welcoming and inclusive environment
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Embodying the qualities of a yoga teacher
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How to develop your authentic voice as a teacher
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Anatomy and physiology of the skeletal and muscular systems
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Breath mechanics
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Anatomy of the subtle energy body
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Body mechanics
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Awareness of common injuries and how to prevent them
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Applying anatomical principles to posture instruction
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Instructing proper alignment while supporting individual bodies
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The history of yoga
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Fundamentals of yoga philosophy, including Vedanta, Tantra and Classical Yoga
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Study of key yogic texts and how to apply them to your daily life
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Exploration of Sanskrit mantra and chanting practice
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Using a yogic lens to look at the root causes of oppression and inequity
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The different paths of yoga
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Cultivate a home practice
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Use your yoga practice as a tool for self-knowledge
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Improve and understand your unique physical alignment
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Use your voice as a tool for honest, heart felt communication
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Journaling and awareness exercises to understand your patterns, beliefs, and conditioning ​
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Getting into teaching
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Marketing yourself as a yoga teacher
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Authentically and respectfully embodying yoga
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Honing your personal mission as a yoga teacher
logistics + structure
Over 8 months, this program consists of nine 14-hour weekend sessions that take place in-person at the Chace Mill.
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The weekend session hours are:
Friday 6:30 - 8:30pm
Saturday 12 - 6pm
Sunday 10:30am - 4:30pm
The weekend sessions offer a varied learning environment including group yoga practices, lecture, discussion, dyad and group work, practice teaching, posture labs, experiential sessions, meditation, reading, journaling and reflection, and more. The mind, body and heart are all asked to participate. We ask that you bring a sense of curiosity and openness to your potential, as the curriculum will require you to look within and may challenge your comfort zone.
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In addition to the weekends, each participant in the training is required to take at least 35 hours of yoga classes (included in the price of the program) or a combination of classes and workshop intensives for a total of 35 hours.
DATES:
October 2026-May 2027
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Oct 2-4
Nov 6-8
Dec 11-13
Jan 8-10
Feb 5-7
March 5-7
March 26-28
April 23-25
May 21-23
responsibilities
​Teacher Certification Track:
Attendance at monthly sessions. Homework assignments, including journaling, reading, writing and once-monthly small group meetings. Minimum of 35 classes at Laughing River (included in tuition) or 35 hours of classes/workshops. Home yoga and meditation practice. Final exam and teaching practicum.
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Self Study Track:
Attendance at monthly sessions is required. Other aspects of the training are optional for those on the Self Study track. Of course you will get the most out of the program based on what you put in. For this reason, we strongly encourage all participants to embark on the Teacher Certification track even if at the moment you do not wish to teach. You can always switch from the Teacher Certification track to Self Study. Attending all sessions, completing the homework, creating a home practice, participating in the practice teaching and so on will provide you with a richer experience. And you very well might surprise yourself with a desire to share yoga with others as a teacher.
*If you miss one weekend (14 hrs), you are still eligible for certification. If you miss more than 14hrs, you will need to make up the hours in order to be eligible for either certification. If you miss more than two weekends, we cannot guarantee certification.*
prerequisites
This training is open to all students wishing to become yoga teachers as well as sincere practitioners who want to explore yoga's depth but might not wish to teach. Students should expect to be challenged and bring with them an openness to their own potential.
We recommend developing a home yoga practice and attending at least one group class a week for at least six months leading up to the training. This will set a strong foundation for the group, generate questions about practice, and inspire you to learn more.
to register
Tuition for the 200 hour program is $3,000 when paying in full or receiving a VSAC grant, or $3,050 for a payment plan (more details below). This tuition price includes: unlimited classes throughout the program and several free workshops (TBA).
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How payment works:
A deposit of $600 at any time will save your spot in the program. This deposit goes towards your tuition balance.
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To pay in full, the remaining balance of $2,400 is due by the start of the program.
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EARLY BIRD PAYMENT PLAN -
Receive the pay-in-full rate (save $50), benefit from lower monthly payments, and commit to your journey.
Pay your deposit before February 28, 2026. $240/m for 10 months (March - December, 2026). Email Christina to set up the payment plan: christina@laughingriveryoga.com
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See below for VSAC grants, financial aid, and scholarship information.
If you are seriously considering taking this program, we recommend you review our intake form and make sure it is the right fit for you. All registrants must complete the intake form.
required reading
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The Heart of Yoga by T.K.V Desikachar
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Yoga Anatomy by Leslie Kaminoff
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Yoga Teacher’s Toolbox by Joseph and Lillian Le Page
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Living Love: The Yoga of Yama and Niyamas by Maetreyii Ma Nolan
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Skill in Action by Michelle Cassandra Johnson
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*We encourage students to have their own books, however the studio also has several copies to lend out.*
"I am very grateful for this program. It has been one of the most significant joys and challenges of my life."
- Heather C.
"The 200 hr training is an approachable, yet thorough way to deepen your practice and prepare you to share the gift of yoga."
- Aaron D.
financial aid
VSAC offers an advancement grant for this training, which many students have used throughout the years. Please use $3,000 as the tuition price when applying for a VSAC grant.
*Very important*
Please note that if you receive a grant from VSAC, you will still need to register directly with us. Once you are approved for the grant, send us an email to let us know you would like to register for the training.
Laughing River also offers financial need-based scholarships for the teacher training program on a rolling basis. Those who identify as part of marginalized communities; BIPOC (black, indigenous, people of color), and LGBTQ are encouraged to apply. We also offer one scholarship for those in later stage recovery from opioid addiction.
If you are interested in applying for a scholarship through us, please fill out the form below.
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Questions about the training?
Reach out to program Co-Director Christina Fornaciari at christina@laughingriveryoga.com
cancellation policy
More than three months prior you receive your deposit minus a $75 processing fee. Three months prior you receive 50% of your deposit back. Two months prior you receive 25% of your deposit back. Less than one month prior there will be no return on your deposit. If you decide to withdraw from the training after it has begun your money will not be refunded.
"This program will change your life."
- Gabriel C.
for current YTT students: