200-HOUR
TEACHER TRAINING
Transform your practice. Build the foundation for a lifetime of teaching yoga with clarity and confidence.
WITH MARK STEPHENS
For aspiring and experienced practitioners alike, this training offers a comprehensive, supportive, and deeply informed path into the art and science of teaching yoga.
Next Cohort starts January 9, 2026
Program Overview
Whether you’re beginning your teaching journey or deepening a long-time practice, this 200-hour training blends ancient wisdom with modern science to help you teach with clarity, compassion, and confidence. You’ll build a rock-solid foundation in asana, pranayama, meditation, anatomy, philosophy, and teaching methodology—supported by direct mentorship and a global community.
Yoga Alliance approved • Graduates are eligible to register as RYT-200
Why Study with Me
Trusted by new teachers and seasoned professionals worldwide.
With over three decades of teaching and authoring widely used yoga textbooks, I bring a blend of depth, clarity, and practical insight to every training. My goal is not just to meet standards—but to exceed them, giving you the skills and perspective to grow as a teacher and a lifelong student of yoga.
What sets this training apart
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Proven expertise: Learn with a teacher whose books and methods are studied worldwide. New teachers gain a rock-solid foundation; experienced practitioners find depth and refinement.
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Integrated approach: Rooted in tradition, enriched by modern science, and grounded in real yoga class experience—so what you learn is relevant and usable.
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Personal mentorship: Direct guidance, feedback, and support tailored to your experience level.
Becky Duncan, Chanting Stork Yoga, UK
"Mark, thank you for making me a confident, independent and organized teacher. You have been available and accessible through the whole journey and that felt invaluable. What’s even better is that I was able to learn from my home in the UK. Studying with you would have otherwise been inaccessible for me, so I feel truly lucky. I’ve met and made friends with other incredible teachers who I will be in touch with forever more. I’m now off to share, flow and radiate into the world." - Becky
🧭 Training Format Options
Choose the format that fits your life and learning style.
All three options offer the same rich curriculum and exceptional mentorship.
🔗 Live Online Immersion (Hybrid Option One)
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Next program starts January 9, 2026
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Premier videos covering the entire curriculum
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Presented in self-paced modules released every 6 weeks
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Bi-weekly 4-hour live Zoom sessions
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Includes small group practices and personalized feedback
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Ideal for those seeking structure and community in a flexible online format
🌊 Santa Cruz Immersion Add-On (Hybrid Option Two)
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Next program starts January 9, 2026
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Includes everything in the Live Online Immersion
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Adds monthly in-person 6-hour immersion sessions in Santa Cruz, California
- 2026 Immersions: Saturdays from 1pm to 7pm on Jan 10, Feb 2, Mar 7, Apr 4, May 2, Jun 6, Jul 11, Aug 8, Sep 5
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Adds free classes with Mark at Santa Cruz Yoga every Saturday morning
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Offers deeper practice, direct connection, and embodied integration
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Ideal for Northern and Central California students or those able to travel monthly
🌱 Self-Paced Journey
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Begin anytime from anywhere
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Progress entirely at your own pace
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Learn through pre-recorded video modules
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Extensive library of live monthly Q&A and practice sessions
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Ideal for self-directed learners
What You'll Learn
Asana & Alignment
Teach 75+ core poses with intelligent progressions, modifications, variations, risks/benefits, and safe use of props.
Pranayama & Meditation
Ten foundational breathing practices and accessible meditation methods you can integrate into classes and everyday life.
Anatomy & Physiology (Practical)
Functional anatomy, biomechanics, and movement principles as they apply to real human bodies in real classes.
Yoga Philosophy & Psychology
Vedas, Upaniṣads, Bhagavad Gītā, Yoga Sūtra, Hatha traditions, and contemporary perspectives—paired with ethics and inclusive teaching.
Teaching Methodology
Sequencing, cueing (verbal/visual/tactile), demonstration, observation, practice teaching, and adapting for diverse bodies and conditions.
Program Structure
This training unfolds in five modules—like a funnel from foundations to comprehensive integration and application—so you learn progressively and retain what you learn. The modules open every six weeks, and you can move at your pace – in the modules and in the entire training.
Each module includes:
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15–25 hours of video learning with Mark
- Practice teaching with direct feedback and guidance from Mark
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Three 4-hour live group sessions (interactive discussions, Q&A, group work; replays available)
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Guided practice (asana, pranayama, meditation)
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Supplemental activities (reading, journaling, quizzes)
- Optional in-person sessions in Santa Cruz
Pacing & Integration
Designed to complete in 9-12 months, supporting genuine integration, reducing burnout, and fitting your larger life and commitments.
Curriculum at a Glance
The comprehensive curriculum fully covers the fundamentals of yoga philosophy, teaching methods, techniques for working with a diverse array of students in all aspects of postural, breathing, and meditation practices, and myriad small matters that come into play in the art and science of teaching yoga.
Module 1 — Foundations of Practice & Teaching
What is Yoga? • Essential elements of practice • Taking the seat of the teacher • Practical human anatomy (terms, joints/bones/muscles, applying anatomy to teaching) • Standing asanas (27 beginner–advanced; alignment, props, demonstrating, cueing) • Sound (Music, AUM, Gayatri)
Module 2 — Cultivating Stability & Ease
Guiding the practice • Subtle energy & yogic anatomy • Yoga Sūtra essentials • Abdominal/core support • Hand/arm-support asanas (16 poses + wrist/shoulder best practices) • Pranayama (origins, science, prep, key techniques, how to teach) • Mantra (Om Namaḥ Śivāya, Om Namo Bhagavate, Gopāla) • Guided chakra meditation
Module 3 — Cultivating Clarity & Inner Power
Insights from the Gītā • Backbends (16 poses; extension vs. flexion approaches; traction/leveraged work) • Twists (9 poses; where/how to initiate rotation; best practices) • Tantra: weaving the whole
Module 4 — The Heart of Things
Seated & supine forward folds and hip openers (21 poses; restorative ↔ vigorous; cultivating true hip mobility) • Inversions (8 poses + variations; myths & contraindications) • Surya Namaskara (classical forms, A & B, creative remixes) • Language, diversity, inclusiveness
Module 5 — For the Love of It All
Teaching pre/post-natal (maternal anatomy & adaptations by trimester, contraindications, emotional support, postpartum reintegration) • Sequencing (principles/methods, arc of a class, interrelations of asanas, applying anatomy/energy/psychology) • The Profession & Business of Teaching (ethics; continuing ed; studios/gyms; online/private; workshops/retreats; sustainability & livelihood)
MODULE 1: Foundations of Practice & Teaching
- What is Yoga?
- Essential Elements of Asana Practice
- Taking the Seat of the Teacher
- Practical Human Anatomy for Yoga
- Introduction to Anatomy
- Anatomy Terms
- Muscles, Bones, and Joints in Yoga
- How to Apply Basic Anatomy to Understanding and Teaching Your Students
- Standing Asanas
- 27 Beginning to Advanced Standing Poses
- Alignment, Modifications, Use of Props, How to Demonstrate, Verbal and Tactile Cues and more
- Sounds: Music, Aum, Gayatri
MODULE 2: Cultivating Stability & Ease
- Guiding the Practice
- Subtle Energy & Yogic Anatomy
- Philosophy: The Yoga Sutras
- Abdominal Core Practices
- Hand/Arm Support Asanas
- 16 Beginning to Advanced Poses
- Best practices for Hands, Wrists & Shoulders)
- Pranayama
- Origins and Ideas
- The Science of Breathing
- Preparatory Practices
- Pranayama Techniques
- Teaching Pranayama
- Mantra: Om Nama Shivaya, Om Namo Bhagavate, Gopala
- Guided Chakra Meditation
MODULE 3: Cultivating Clarity & Inner Power
- Insights from the Gita
- Back Bends
- 16 Beginning to Advanced Poses
- Arm Extension versus Arm Flexion Back Bends
- Contraction, Traction, and Leveraged Approaches
- Twists
- 9 asanas
- How and Where to Initiate Spinal Rotation
- More Best Practices for Twisting
- Tantra: Weaving in the Whole of It All
MODULE 4: The Heart of Things
- Seated & Supine Forward Folds & Hip Openers
- 21 Beginning to Advanced Asanas
- Folds Folds and Hip Openers in Restorative versus Vigorous Classes
- Cultivating True Hip Mobilization
- Inversions
- 8 Asanas + Multiple Variations
- Myths & Contraindications
- Surya Namaskara (Sun Salutations)
- Traditional Forms of Classical
- Traditional Forms of "A" & "B"
- Surya Namaskara Remixes
- More on Language, Diversity, and Inclusiveness
MODULE 5: For the Love of It All
- Teaching Pregnant Students
- Basics of Pre-Natal Yoga
- Post-partum Integration Practices
- Sequencing
- Planning & Designing Classes
- Sequencing Principles and Methods
- The Arc Structure of Classes
- Interrelations of Asanas
- Applying Anatomy, Subtle Energy, and Psychology to Sequencing
- The Profession & Business of Teaching Yoga
- Ethics
- Continuing Education
- Teaching in Yoga Studios and Gyms
- Teaching Online
- Teaching Private Classes
- Designing and Teaching Workshops & Retreats
- Sustainability and Livelihood
Completion & Certification
- Class Observations (6)
- Class Sequences (3)
- 15-minute Teaching Videos (3)
- Certification Exam (1)
- Graduation!
- Staying Connected
- Ongoing Mentoring with Mark Stephens
Selected Highlights
The Art of Seeing & Relating
Systematically observe and understand diverse students in each asana; select the right verbal cues, tactile guidance, and props.
Cueing & Demonstration
When/where/how to demonstrate; voice qualities; precise, inclusive language; hands-on guidance principles across 50+ poses.
Subtle Energy & Yogic Anatomy
Bandhas, pranayama relationships, koshas, chakras, nāḍīs, vāyus, guṇas, doṣas—taught in a grounded, practical way.
Working with Injuries & Special Conditions
Joint issues (ankles, knees, hips, SI, spine, shoulders, elbows, wrists), scoliosis, osteoporosis, students in chemotherapy, and more.
Lifestyle, Ethics & Meaning
Live yoga off the mat—practice, sleep, nutrition, relationships, community—and create safe, meaningful spaces for transformation.
WHO THIS TRAINING IS FOR
This teacher training is designed for anyone who is interested in gaining a deeper understanding of yoga and for anyone interested in teaching yoga in the most skilled, informed and inspiring ways.
If you feel inspired to develop your knowledge and skills and you appreciate that there is always more to learn, this training is for you!
“Mark made the training fun yet deeply engaging. He's is an extremely seasoned teacher with very deep understanding of yoga as a practice and invaluable experience with both students and teachers. He made some difficult topics such as anatomy and philosophy accessible and interesting. I am very pleased and honored to have chosen him and his school and will definitely continue studying with him in the future.”
—Monica Ruiz, Barcelona, Spain, RYT 200
This online training attracts a wide range of participants from a variety of backgrounds with diverse interests in life and yoga. Many are relatively new to yoga while some are already teachers, some still trying to find their path in the yoga world while others own studios or run retreat centers.
Exploring deeply at your pace, if you have the desire to keep learning and to develop into the most highly competent and confident teacher that you can be, this training is for you.
"I loved every minute of the training, learned so much and feel much more confident from the depth and breadth of the conceptual and physical understanding I gained regarding yoga. I feel confident to start teaching yoga in studios and gyms. I definitely developed the skills to delve deeper into my own practice and teaching in ways that will continue to allow me to grow and deepen my understanding. And I made some new friends in our group!"
—Rachael Williams, Santa Cruz, CA, RYT-200
BENEFITS OF ONLINE LEARNING
Both in-person and online training formats have strengths and weaknesses. My online training offers the same substantive content as my in-person offerings and include some additional benefits, including self-pacing and the option to repeat recorded content whenever you wish. In pursuing your further development as a yoga teacher, this design and flexibility will help to best ensure your unique learning needs are fully satisfied.
FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE
+ BALANCE
Not everyone can take time off work (or from other responsibilities) to advance their learning and deepen their studies. If you're juggling multiple commitments and responsibilities, the flexibility of online learning offers you an opportunity to study when it works best for your unique schedule. In lieu of taking time off work or missing family dinners, you can log-in and learn when it’s convenient for you, making it easier to balance all that you do and love in life.
PLAYBACK CONTROL
+ SELF-PACED LEARNING
Unlike in-person trainings, online learning allows you to pause, rewind, re-watch and even slow the speed of video lectures and classes. This playback control helps to ensure you don’t miss any critical information being presented when you need to pause to take notes, do additional research or contemplate an idea. Those who don’t speak English as their native language especially find value in slowing down the video speed to help with translation. Plus, you can re-watch the videos repeatedly to make sure you fully understand the material before moving onto the next topic. This added control allows you to work through the material at your own pace and get the most out of your learning experience.
STUDY FROM ANYWHERE
+ GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE
Traveling for in-person trainings can present many challenges, including an added cost and time commitment, that prevent teachers from being able to study with Mark. Online learning means you can train with Mark from anywhere in the world, without the need to travel and from the convenience of your own home. Plus, online learning attracts a wide range from participants from all over the world which lends itself to a deeper, global perspective that enhances the learning experience during live group sessions on Zoom.
MORE ACCESS
+ TIME FOR INTEGRATION
For most people, learning requires repetition, but in-person trainings are live which means you can’t “rewatch” the material or access it again. With online learning, you can watch the video lectures and classes as many times as you like during your time of access (one full year). Not only does this improve your ability to learn the material, it also provides ample time for integration of the information; you have time to go out and apply the teachings, methods and theories in your classes and then revisit the material or ideas that didn’t make sense during application or that you didn’t fully grasp.
FREE SNEAK PEEK
Want a glimpse into the training?
To give you deeper sense of how Mark teaches and what online learning is like in this training, here are two example videos directly from the training. The first video is a philosophical lecture on the Gita that leads to more on how to make our classes highly engaging and deeply meaningful. The second video is a presentation on practicing and teaching Warrior II (alignment, modifications, adjustments, risks, etc.). Enjoy!
Materials & Requirements
Provided (PDF): Training syllabus • Module checklists • 67-page Anatomy Workbook • 100-page Asana Workbook
Provided (PDF): Training syllabus • Module checklists • 67-page Anatomy Workbook • 100-page Asana Workbook • 38-page Sequencing Workbook
Required books (self-acquired):
T. Desikachar, The Heart of Yoga • Jo-Ann Staugaard-Jones, The Concise Anatomy of Yoga • Mark Stephens, Teaching Yoga, Yoga Adjustments, Yoga Sequencing
Certification requirements:
Watch all video content • Attend live sessions or replays • Complete quizzes & supplemental activities • Independent Study Project • Final Certification Exam
Tech: Reliable internet connection (videos stream from the platform; not downloadable) • We Provide Customer Tech and Program Support
Tuition & Registration
Live Immersion Format: $3000
Santa Cruz Immersion: Add $500 ($3500)
Self-Study Format: $1,900 (Pay-in-Full only)
There are two ways pay your tuition: Pay-in-Full & Pay-per Module
Pay-in-full gives you a $500 discount
OR
Pay $600 USD per module (every 6 weeks).
FAQs
Is this training approved by the Yoga Alliance even though it's online?
Will there be "homework" or additional hours of study?
What is the breakdown of hours for this training?
How long do I have to complete the training?
How soon can I complete the training and receive a certifcate?
Will my certificate say that this training was online?
I read your books. Is this what you teach in the training?
What kind of yoga will this training prepare me to teach?
Are there required materials not included in the training price?
Can I watch the videos from any device?
What form of payment do you accept?
What is your refund policy?
Do you offer a payment plan for tuition?
I still have questions. Can I talk to Mark directly and to someone in Customer Support?
Start Your Teaching Journey
You’re invited to a training that’s rigorous, supportive, and genuinely life-enhancing. Come to deepen your practice; leave ready to teach well—with clarity, compassion, and confidence.
Next cohort begins January 9, 2026.
Register Now!
CONNECT
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JOIN AN UPCOMING EVENT
• 25 Forward Bends & Hip Openers
• Classes in Santa Cruz, California
• November in Cologne, Germany
• December Hamburg, Germany
• Winter Solstice Retreat, Mexico
• Yoga Teacher Training – January 2026
LATEST PUBLICATIONS
Breathing: The Art & Science of Pranayama (2026)
Yoga Sequencing Audiobook (2026)
Teaching Yoga Audiobook (2025)
Yoga for Better Sleep Audiobook (2024)
