Foundation Training
200 to 500-hour Yoga Alliance Professionals pathways with supervised teaching practice. The main route into becoming a yoga teacher with us.
Knowledge guide
Yoga teacher training
A practical guide to what yoga teacher training is, how it works, and what to look for when you choose a programme.
What
What is yoga teacher training?
Yoga teacher training is a structured course that turns a committed personal practice into teaching skill. You learn how to plan a class, cue safely, adjust for different bodies, hold the room, and understand the ethics of teaching.
Most people searching for yoga teacher training are deciding whether to begin a professional pathway. A typical first step is a 200-hour foundation programme. Advanced routes and specialist modules come later, once you already teach or know the niche you want to grow into.
Training is more than learning postures. Strong programmes cover anatomy, sequencing, teaching methodology, observation, feedback and supervised practice. You need the certificate, and you also need to feel ready to stand at the front of a class.
Why
Why people train, and what to look for
People start yoga teacher training for different reasons: a career change, deeper study, or a wish to share practice with care. Whatever your reason, look for three things before you enrol.
- Accredited standards. Choose a pathway designed for recognised professional registration, not a weekend certificate with unclear outcomes.
- Real teaching practice. Observation and assisted class leading under guidance tell you more than theory alone.
- Teachers who still teach. Faculty who run studios know what students, schedules, injuries and commercial reality look like week to week.
If a school cannot show you how you will practise teaching with feedback, ask why. The paper alone is not enough if you have never led a class with support.
Why train with us
Studio owners train you inside real studio life
Thames Wellness Academy is co-founded by studio owners working in the UK and in Europe: Katia Major at Yoga Reading, and Raili Maripuu at Goyoga Tallinn.
That changes the training. You still work toward a certificate, and you also observe, assist and practise leading classes with lead-teacher guidance. You see pacing, voice, safety, group energy and the everyday decisions teachers make in the room.
Many schools cannot offer that. Our founders still run studios, so training sits next to that daily work.
What you get
Certificate plus class-lead experience
- Yoga Alliance Professionals-oriented pathways
- Teacher-led, on-site delivery in Berkshire
- Guided observation and assisted class leading
- Feedback from people who teach every week
How
How to choose your next step
Match the page you need to where you are now. Start with Foundation Training if you are new to teaching. Use CPD and workshops if you already hold a qualification.
CPD
Evidence-informed modules for teachers who want to deepen skills in pregnancy yoga, Yoga Nidra, sound, anatomy and related themes.
Workshops
Shorter sessions on specialist teaching themes when you need practical craft without a full pathway commitment.
All courses
Compare programmes, open days and pathways in one place, then apply when you are ready.
Quick answers
Common questions about yoga teacher training
Do I need to be an advanced practitioner before I start?
You need a steady personal practice and readiness to study. You do not need to be the strongest person in the room. Good training develops teaching skill, observation and safety alongside your own practice.
Is online-only training enough?
Online study can support learning, but teaching is a live skill. We deliver teacher-led programmes on site in Berkshire so feedback, adjustments and class-leading practice happen in the room.
What if I am not sure which course is right?
Start with an Open Day, browse the courses hub, or send an enquiry. Tell us your experience and goals and we will point you to Foundation Training, CPD or workshops.
Where can I learn more about the Academy?
Visit the homepage, read About, or see where we train across Berkshire and the Thames Valley.
Next step
Ready to look at a real pathway?
If yoga teacher training is your goal, Foundation Training is the place to begin. If you already teach, CPD and workshops will fit better. Either way, we will keep the next step simple.