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Become a Certified Yoga Teacher in Costa Rica 


Join a 200-Hour Yoga Alliance Program designed to be safe, therapeutic, and empowering for all bodies, all ages, all levels.

 

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🌱 December 1-18, 2025

🌱 January 5-22, 2026

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Over 590+ Reviews on Yoga Alliance ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 9.5/10 rating.

Yes, I am In!

December 1-18, 2025

All inclusive lodging, meals, & training.

 

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From Our Graduates Who Once Doubted Themselves

 "I was really nervous about signing up—not having a typical yoga body, and I didn’t know if I would fit in. But Soma Yoga Institute embraced me with compassion, alignment-based wisdom, and a belief that yoga truly is for everyone. I now teach with confidence and joy, knowing I have the skills to create inclusive spaces where all bodies feel welcome."— Erica Silver, 200 Hour Online Yoga Teacher Training Graduate

"At over 65, I was nervous about attending—but everything about this training just worked, and I felt completely at home. I dove into yoga philosophy, chakras, and the Sutras for the first time and felt lit up with curiosity and purpose. After years of practice, I finally did a handstand and headstand—with skilled instruction, compassionate support, and a sense of pride I’ll carry forever."— Nanette Turanski, Costa Rica Yoga Teacher Training Graduate

"Through this immersion, I found the inner peace I had been seeking. The program eased us in with care, building from foundational concepts to a deep understanding of how yoga supports everyday life. The alignment work helped me connect with my body in transformative ways—this was truly an experience of a lifetime."-Shezelle Weekes, Costa Rica Yoga Teacher Training Graduate

A Life-Changing 18 Days in Paradise

  • Imagine a time away where your only job is to practice, learn, and grow — surrounded by ocean breezes, nourishing meals, and a loving yoga community.

    This is more than just a certification.
    It’s a deeply therapeutic immersion designed to:

    • Build your confidence to teach safely and inclusively.

    • Help you heal old injuries, stress, and patterns through alignment-based practice.

    • Give you the space to reset, recharge, and remember who you are.

    By the end, you’ll not only be a 200-Hour Yoga Alliance Certified Teacher (RYT-200)
    you’ll also be renewed, empowered, and ready to share yoga with others.

     

What You'll Gain (Curriculum Snapshot) Line-UP: 

🗓️ Nov 7, 2025 | 9:00–10:30 AM PST → 12:00–1:30 PM New York | 5:00–6:30 PM London

Find Freedom in Your Flow: The Secret to a Yoga Practice That Feels Good — and Lasts a Lifetime

with Liz Heffernan, E-RYT 500, C-IAYT

Have you ever wondered if you’re really doing the poses ‘right’? Or noticed soreness in your knees, shoulders, wrists, or low back after practice? Discover simple, mindful alignment shifts that make every movement safe, supportive, and deeply satisfying — so your yoga becomes a source of healing and renewal for a lifetime.

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🗓️ Nov 7, 2025 | 11:00 -12:30 PM PST |→ 2:00-3:30 PM in New York | or 7:00-8:30 AM in London

Behind the Mat: The Story Behind Classes that Truly Inspire

 with Jess Trudeau, E-RYT 500

What’s the secret behind those magical yoga classes that leave you feeling grounded and transformed? Peek behind the curtain and discover how teachers craft sequences that flow seamlessly — and how this knowledge can deepen your practice or even spark a new calling.

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🗓️ Nov 7, 2025 | 4:00 -5;30 PM PST |→ 7:00-8:30 PM in New York | or 9:00-10:30 AM in Tokyo + 1 day

Pranayama Unveiled: The Ancient Practice that Transforms Your Yoga 

with Peggy Profant, E-RYT 500, C-IAYT

Your breath is the most powerful tool you have — yet most yogis never unlock its full potential. Learn simple, surprising techniques to calm anxiety, boost energy, and bring deeper focus to your practice on and off the mat.

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🗓️ Nov 8, 2025 | 9:00–10:30 AM PST → 12:00–1:30 PM New York | 5:00–6:30 PM London

The Healing Power of Yoga: Gentle, Trauma-Informed Practices to Calm the Nervous System and Build Resilience

With Alison Scola, E-RYT 500 & C-IAYT

Yoga can be a powerful pathway to healing — when it’s taught with care. Explore trauma-aware practices that calm the nervous system, release stored stress, and create safe, empowering spaces for growth and transformation.

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🗓️ Nov 8, 2025 | 11:00 -12:30 PM PST |  2:00-3:30 PM in New York | or 7:00-8:30 AM in London

The Energetic Dimension of Yoga: Chakras, Nadis & Prana 

with Peggy Profant, E-RYT 500, C-IAYT 

There’s more to yoga than muscles and bones. Journey into the body’s subtle energy systems and discover how these ancient teachings can bring balance, vitality, and deeper meaning to your practice.

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🗓️ Nov 8, 2025 | 4:00 -5;30 PM PST |  7:00-8:30 PM in New York | or 9:00-10:30 AM in Tokyo + 1 day

Yoga Wisdom for Modern Life: Finding Clarity On and Off the Mat

with Liz Heffernan, E-RYT 500, C-IAYT

Yoga is so much more than poses. Discover five powerful teachings from yoga philosophy that bring clarity, calm, and purpose to your practice — and your life.

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🗓️ Nov 9, 2025 | 9:00–10:30 AM PST → 12:00–1:30 PM New York | 5:00–6:30 PM London

Yoga for Young Hearts: An Empowering, Trauma-Aware Approach

With Christine McArdle, E-RYT 500

Imagine giving kids the tools to navigate life with calm, confidence, and joy. In this workshop, you’ll discover playful, trauma-aware ways to share yoga’s gifts with children — whether at home, in the classroom, or in your community.

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🗓️ Nov 9, 2025 | 11:00 -12:30 PM PST |  2:00-3:30 PM in New York | or 7:00-8:30 AM in London

Discover the Teacher Within: Real Stories, Real Transformation

with Liz Heffernan, E-RYT 500, C-IAYT, and Soma Yoga Institute Graduates

Every confident yoga teacher once felt unsure and unready. Hear inspiring stories from graduates who started exactly where you are — and see how teacher training can deepen your practice and open doors you never imagined.

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🗓️ Nov 9, 2025 | 4:00 -5;00 PM PST |  7:00-8:00 PM in New York | or 9:00-10:30 AM in Tokyo + 1 day

Teach Your First Sun Salutation: Step-by-Step, the Soma Way

With Liz Heffernan, E-RYT & C-IAYT

Picture yourself guiding others through their very first Sun Salutation — and discovering just how possible it is for you to lead with confidence and joy. This supportive, step-by-step session helps you move past self-doubt and step into your role as a teacher.

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🗓️ Nov 9, 2025 | 5:00-5:30 PM PST |→ 8:00-8:30 PM in New York | or 9:00-9:30 AM in Tokyo Japan + 1 day

Ask Me Anything — Your Path to Purposeful Teaching

With Liz Heffernan, E-RYT & C-IAYT

Still have questions about becoming a yoga teacher? This is your chance to get personalized guidance, clarity, and confidence — so you can take the next step on your yoga journey with ease and support.

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Our Faculty

With over 100 combined years of teaching and thousands of graduates worldwide, our faculty brings wisdom, inclusivity, and therapeutic expertise to every class and training.

Liz Heffernan, E-RYT 500 & C-IAYT Yoga Therapist

Founder, Soma Yoga Institute

Leads with decades of wisdom, alignment expertise, and a compassionate heart for transformation and growth.

Meet Liz →

Alison Scola, E-RYT 500 & C-IAYT Yoga Therapist 

Somatic & Trauma Specialist

Empowers students through somatic practices that nurture resilience, inner strength, and a deep sense of balance and well-being.

Meet Alison →

Peggy Profant, E-RYT 500 & C-IAYT Yoga Therapist 

Senior Teacher & Mentor

Guides students through subtle body teachings, weaving decades of experience with heartfelt mentorship and transformative wisdom.

Meet Peggy →

Christine McArdle, E-RYT 500 

Kids Yoga Pioneer & Mentor

Trains teachers worldwide to share trauma-informed yoga that heals, empowers, and inspires the next generation. 

Meet Christine →

Jessica Trudeau, E-RYT 500

Teacher Trainer & Sequencing Expert

Inspires students and teachers with creative sequencing and mindful alignment while empowering others to find their authentic voice.

Meet Jess →

How Yoga Teacher Training Transforms - Graduates Speak

 "This YTT training transformed my life and reconnected me to my most authentic self. I now see life through a brighter and more vibrant lens, with clarity, confidence, and purpose. I’m walking away prepared to teach—and forever grateful to have found myself again through this experience."- Brooke Langston, Costa Rica Yoga Teacher Training Graduate

"For years I struggled to understand my body and its pain patterns—this training gave me more insight in two weeks than years of searching ever did. The anatomy sessions completely transformed how I relate to movement, habits, and injury. I now see yoga through a whole new lens and would return to this program in a heartbeat."-Jalil Bouab, Greece Yoga Teacher Training Graduate

"I feel like a kid in a candy store—this program offers a yoga class for every mood, every body, and every occasion. The curriculum is incredibly holistic, thoughtfully designed, and endlessly inspiring. With lifetime access to the videos and generous mentoring, I know I’ll be learning from Soma Yoga Institute for years to come."-Inessa Magdalena Love, 200 Hour Online Yoga Teacher Training Graduate

 What You'll Experience

Each 1.5-hour session provides a judgment-free space to explore different aspects of yoga teaching. No flexibility requirements, no Sanskrit knowledge needed, no perfect poses expected – just open minds and hearts welcome.

 

Complete all 10 Sessions & Get These Free Gift

 

🌿 The Yogi’s Asana Companion – A beautifully designed PDF visual guide to key yoga poses, joint actions, and Sanskrit terms across multiple styles.
🎶 Three Curated Yoga Playlists – Move, flow, and unwind with soundtracks for every mood. 1. Deep Relaxation & Bliss, 2. Yoga Flow for Energy, 3. Gently Sweet for Mellow Days

🌀 Free Chakra Yoga Series – Activate or soften each energy center with your choice of a gentle or active yoga class—one for every chakra. That's 14 free yoga classes!

🌙 Guided Yoga Nidra Practice – Experience deep restoration and nervous system reset through this powerful, meditative rest technique.

📜 Certificate of Completion – Celebrate your dedication to yoga studentship. While this isn’t a teaching credential, it’s a meaningful step forward on your path.

 

Register Now - No Experience Necessary, Just Curiosity

Is This For Me? Yes, Especially If You're Unsure

This free series is specifically designed for:

  • The curious practitioner who loves yoga but isn't sure about teaching
  • The secret aspirer who dreams of teaching but thinks "I'm not ___ enough"
  • The hesitant yogi who worries about not being able to do advanced poses
  • The knowledge-seeker who wants to deepen their practice regardless of teaching
  • The uncertain explorer who wants to "try before they buy" a full training

 

Not All Teacher Trainings Are the Same — Here’s Why Ours Stands Out

 

Most yoga teacher trainings focus on fast-paced memorization and performance.
We take a different approach: therapeutic, inclusive, and deeply embodied.

Here’s what you’ll experience:

  • Therapeutic & Alignment-Based: Learn to teach yoga that heals, prevents injury, and empowers every body type.

  • Inclusive & Compassionate: You’ll be celebrated just as you are — whether you’re 18 or 70+.

  • Expert Faculty: Led by Liz Heffernan, C-IAYT, E-RYT 500, and a team with 25+ years of experience.

  • Hands-On Learning: Daily practice teaching with personalized feedback so you graduate ready to lead.

  • Global Reputation: 4.89/5 Yoga Alliance rating with over 587 five-star reviews.

This is your chance to learn yoga in a way that is safe, sustainable, and transformational.

The Magic of Costa Rica’s Blue Zone

Our training takes place at Salvatierra Eco-Resort, tucked into Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula — one of the world’s 5 “Blue Zones,” where people live the longest and happiest lives.

Here’s what makes it extraordinary:

  • 🌴 Nature Everywhere – Pristine beaches, ocean sunsets, jungle trails.

  • 🧘 Two Stunning Yoga Studios – Practice overlooking the sea or surrounded by trees.

  • 🍴 Nourishing Meals – Organic, locally sourced food prepared with love.

  • 🌊 Adventure & Renewal – Surfing, kayaking, waterfalls, or simply resting by the pool.

Every detail is designed to support your growth and healing, from free laundry service to afternoon smoothies.

Students often describe this setting as “heaven on earth.”

 

What You’ll Gain (Curriculum Snapshot)

Soma Yoga Institute specializes in making yoga teacher training accessible to everyone. Recently named "Best Yoga Teacher Training in the United States of 2025" by Best of Best Review, we're known for our therapeutic, alignment-based approach that honors all bodies and backgrounds.

Our exceptional faculty includes teachers who came to yoga through their own healing journeys, career transitions, and personal challenges. They understand the doubts and questions you have because they once had them too.

With over 550 five-star reviews on Yoga Alliance (4.89/5 average rating and 9.5/10 NPS), our graduates consistently share how our supportive, non-competitive environment helped them find confidence they never knew they had.

What Makes this Training Different

Our community is spectacular.

Body-Inclusive Teaching for All

Our award-winning training embraces all bodies, abilities, and backgrounds. You don’t need to be the most flexible, strongest, or youngest person in the room to become an exceptional teacher.

Awareness Over Achievement

We emphasize mindful movement, safe alignment, and embodied presence over chasing ideal shapes. Your ability to teach from awareness matters far more than physical feats. Yo

Begin Exactly Where You Are

Whether you’re brand new to yoga or have been practicing for years, you are welcome here. We honor the wisdom of beginner’s mind—showing up with curiosity, humility, and an open heart. 

Graduates Speak!

 "This training gave me tools not just as a yogi, but as a human being. I discovered self-kindness, intuitive listening, and inner peace. It’s an experience of empowerment that will stay with me forever."— Sierra Martin, Costa Rica Yoga Teacher Training Graduate

"As a Medical Doctor, I deeply appreciated the alignment and anatomy education. The pose analysis supported safe teaching and practice. I highly recommend this program for its depth, dedication, and transformative impact."— Robert Silber, Hawaii  Yoga Teacher Training Graduate

"Before this training, I was too focused on making my poses look a certain way and constantly judged myself for not measuring up. This course with its emphasis on yoga for everyone transformed my personal practice by teaching me self-acceptance." —Hira Piracha Online Yoga Teacher Training Graduate

Sign Up Today

Discover Your Inner Teacher: Free 15-Hour Yoga Training Series

Join us live on zoom or watch on recordings! It's free.  We can't wait to meet you.

Upcoming Teacher Training Programs

 
200 Hour Online Yoga Teacher Training
October 15, 2025
February 1, 2026
March 15, 2026
LEARN MORE
200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training - Costa Rica
December 1 - 18, 2025
January 5 - 22, 2026
 
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200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training - California
May 18 - June 4, 2026
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200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training - Greece
August 9 - 23, 2026
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300-Hour Advanced Yoga Teacher Training - California
June 9 - June 29, 2026
LEARN MORE

FAQ

Sign Up Today

Discover Your Inner Teacher: Free 15-Hour Yoga Training Series

Join us live on zoom or watch on recordings! It's free.  We can't wait to meet you.

200 Hour Online Yoga Teacher Training
300 Hour Online Yoga Teacher Training
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