School Profile Reviews | Yoga Alliance

A. Soma Yoga Institute ONLINE & In Person in California

4.89

Based on 545 reviews

What is a School Review?


NPS Score 9.5/10


3 more Locations

Connect with Us

101 H Street

Arcata, CA, USA

Types of Yoga Taught

Flow Yoga

Alignment-Oriented Yoga

Spiritually-Oriented Yoga

Gentle Yoga

Specialty Yoga

Trainings Formats

Full-time
usually intensive/immersion

Part-time
spread out over time

Weekends only

Modules
several, shorter immersions

Residential
trainees stay on-site

Non-residential
trainees commute to the program

Destination / retreat

Languages

English

Other Locations

Soma Yoga Institute - Costa Rica
Playa Coyote, Provincia de Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Soma Yoga Institute Greece
Okreblue Yoga Center
Naousa Paros, Greece

Soma Yoga Institute Peru
Samadhi Sacred Valley, Huayllabamba, Peru

About Soma Yoga Institute

Dedicated to a Therapeutic Approach, High Quality Content, and Accessible Practices Rooted in Tradition Backed by Science Soma Yoga Institute has a world-class faculty team steeped in the traditions of Yoga. Their excellence has been cultivated through decades of enduring...

Dedicated to a Therapeutic Approach, High Quality Content, and Accessible Practices Rooted in Tradition Backed by Science

Soma Yoga Institute has a world-class faculty team steeped in the traditions of Yoga. Their excellence has been cultivated through decades of enduring dedication to their own practice and in-depth study, often in a variety of lineages. We are comprised of master-level Yoga teachers, Certified C-IAYT Yoga Therapists, and those who have been teaching for over 25 years.


We are now enrolling for both LIVE IN-PERSON IMMERSIONS AND ONLINE 200 Hour AND 300 Hour Yoga Teacher Trainings.

Next 200 Hour Immersion Dates

February 15-March 4, 2025 Costa Rica
May 18-June 4, 2025 California
June 25-July 12, 2025 Greece
August 1-18, 2025 Costa Rica
December 1-18, 2025 Costa Rica
January 5-22, 2026 Costa Rica
https://somayogainstitute.com/

Next 300 HOUR Immersion Dates
Greece 2026 TBA
https://somayogainstitute.com/300-greece

Next ONLINE 200 Hour Program Start Dates:

February 1, 2025 
March 15, 2025
June 15, 2025

**Complete in 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks or up to 8 months. Register as an RYT-200 upon graduation.
https://somayogainstitute.com/course-200

Next 300 HOUR ONLINE Dates
Starting in January 2025
https://www.somayogainstitute.online/300hrOnlineYTT


ONLINE INFORMATION

Offering the 200 Hour ONLINE Yoga Teacher Training. Deepen your practice and/ or Become an RYT 200 certified to teach yoga.

Program includes Online Live Zoom Group Calls + One to One Faculty Mentoring + Pre-recorded Content + Lifetime Access 

Learn more about our 200 Hour Online YTT program and meet the teachers.  Sign Up For the Free Webinar Here

You may also get in touch with us by visiting our website here, calling us at 808-333-9591, emailing us at somayogainstitute@gmail.com or setting up a meeting via phone, zoom or facetime here.

Upon successful completion, you will be eligible to register with Yoga Alliance as a RYT-200. Please email us at somayogainstitute@gmail.com for more information). Our program has personalized one-to-one teacher mentoring and live zoom calls as well as prerecorded content.  

Please visit our website: https://somayogainstitute.com/course-200

Soma Yoga Institute offers 200 hour and 300 hour Yoga Teacher Training Programs. 

The 200 Hour Therapeutic Yoga Teacher Training includes vinyasa flow, bio-mechanically sound alignment principles and the path of Yoga as a framework for Holistic Health. This program offers students in-depth skills to explore Yoga as a vehicle for vibrant health, self-transformation, and personal empowerment. Our curriculum includes a unique blend of alignment based vinyasa flow, a solid foundation in Hatha Yoga and 200 hours of instruction offered within a holistic wellness framework. The instruction will cover a wide range of yoga techniques including yoga postures, anatomy, relaxation, breath awareness, pranayama, meditations to calm the mind, contemplations to transform limiting tendencies into life affirming thought patterns, and the application of clear principles of alignment to create safety, balance and freedom in yoga poses. Students explore concepts from Ayurveda, the Upanishads, Patanjali and the Chakra System as frameworks for the application of yoga as a journey towards radiant health and wellbeing. The asana emphasis includes both level one/two alignment based vinyasa flow sequencing as well as gentler and restorative variations. Rather than offer standard sequencing or rigid methodologies, students are exposed to frameworks that inspire each trainee to adapt the practices, awaken their creativity and find their own authentic voice as a teacher. Graduates of this program feel empowered to teach a variety of yoga class types, including: all levels vinyasa yoga, alignment-based classes, yoga foundations, senior, gentle, and restorative.

The 300 hour Advanced Yoga Teacher Training course is designed specifically for those who are ready to deepen their knowledge base, teach with more authenticity, expand their repertoire and increase their efficacy in offering yoga as a vehicle for positive personal and planetary transformation and change. The program is open to yoga teachers from all disciplines with six months or more teaching experience (or by permission).

First Registered May 2014

Reviews

As part of the Yoga Alliance Social Credentialing system, teachers that register with Yoga Alliance must submit a review of the RYS training program they completed.

Feedback from trainees provides Registered Yoga Schools with the opportunity to understand their trainees’ experiences in order to continually improve their trainings.

By choosing to display comments, schools enable trainees to provide insight into a school’s culture and training which helps potential trainees choose the right teacher training for their individual path with yoga.

select
select
RadDatePicker
Open the calendar popup.
RadDatePicker
Open the calendar popup.
  • 5 out of 5
    By: Katie Turner Jan 07, 2025
    Training Program held on Nov 14, 2024—Dec 02, 2024

    Peru, a spiritual Mecca, provided the perfect backdrop for our training. Peggy and Christine were phenomenal teachers and the group setting fostered a sisterhood I deeply needed. Learning to sequence classes and being encouraged to teach from day one was invaluable. The focus on anatomy and physiology was crucial. I highly recommend this training!

    • General Comments

      Peru, a spiritual Mecca, provided the perfect backdrop for our training. Peggy and Christine were phenomenal teachers and the group setting fostered a sisterhood I deeply needed. Learning to sequence classes and being encouraged to teach from day one was invaluable. The focus on anatomy and physiology was crucial. I highly recommend this training!
  • 5 out of 5
    By: Joni L McAtee Jan 06, 2025
    Training Program held on Apr 23, 2024—May 10, 2024

    It was serendipitous that I found the Soma Yoga Institute. I feel incredibly blessed to have such an amazing resource and be able to learn from teachers who go above and beyond in sharing their knowledge of the history and practice of Yoga. In retrospect, I realize that my training is comprehensive, thoughtful, and has had a profound impact on my life. I would recommend Soma Yoga Institute to anyone whether they wish to teach or just wish to enrich their lives with understanding this way of life. I plan to continue taking courses from the instructors at the school and will forever be a student of Yoga.

    • General Comments

      It was serendipitous that I found the Soma Yoga Institute. I feel incredibly blessed to have such an amazing resource and be able to learn from teachers who go above and beyond in sharing their knowledge of the history and practice of Yoga. In retrospect, I realize that my training is comprehensive, thoughtful, and has had a profound impact on my life. I would recommend Soma Yoga Institute to anyone whether they wish to teach or just wish to enrich their lives with understanding this way of life. I plan to continue taking courses from the instructors at the school and will forever be a student of Yoga.
  • 5 out of 5
    By: Christine Mielnik Jan 05, 2025
    Training Program held on Mar 15, 2024—Jun 15, 2024

    All of the instructors were/are extremely knowledgeable and so passionate about sharing themselves and their knowledge with students aspiring to become yoga teachers. The program included a vast array of pertinent, important and interesting topics to make for a very well rounded foundation of knowledge. There was a nice mix of activities to be used as learning tools throughout the program, making the curriculum engaging and consistently thought provoking with just the right level of challenge needed for growth: weekly calls, written journal prompts, practice teaching, sequencing, video lectures, video yoga practice, daily meditation, learning the Sanskrit names for poses and preparing for the final recorded practicum. One of my favorite parts of the curriculum was learning about Ball Rolling. I had never been exposed to it prior to this program and I found it immensely fun and therapeutic. I definitely intend to incorporate it into my yoga classes as a future instructor. I also particularly enjoyed all the information presented about trauma informed yoga and Somatics as one of the main goals I have as a future instructor is to provide a safe space for those who have experienced challenges which would be eased by these types of yoga. Finally, the time allowed to complete the program and the flexibility of being able to work parts of the program online was an absolute blessing to me. It made the program very doable and hence very enjoyable for me. Many thanks to Liz and the whole team for putting together such a life-affirming, informative, well-rounded, flexible, thought provoking, challenging body of work with which to transform yoga students into yoga instructors. It has been an all around wonderful experience.

    • General Comments

      All of the instructors were/are extremely knowledgeable and so passionate about sharing themselves and their knowledge with students aspiring to become yoga teachers. The program included a vast array of pertinent, important and interesting topics to make for a very well rounded foundation of knowledge. There was a nice mix of activities to be used as learning tools throughout the program, making the curriculum engaging and consistently thought provoking with just the right level of challenge needed for growth: weekly calls, written journal prompts, practice teaching, sequencing, video lectures, video yoga practice, daily meditation, learning the Sanskrit names for poses and preparing for the final recorded practicum. One of my favorite parts of the curriculum was learning about Ball Rolling. I had never been exposed to it prior to this program and I found it immensely fun and therapeutic. I definitely intend to incorporate it into my yoga classes as a future instructor. I also particularly enjoyed all the information presented about trauma informed yoga and Somatics as one of the main goals I have as a future instructor is to provide a safe space for those who have experienced challenges which would be eased by these types of yoga. Finally, the time allowed to complete the program and the flexibility of being able to work parts of the program online was an absolute blessing to me. It made the program very doable and hence very enjoyable for me. Many thanks to Liz and the whole team for putting together such a life-affirming, informative, well-rounded, flexible, thought provoking, challenging body of work with which to transform yoga students into yoga instructors. It has been an all around wonderful experience.
  • 5 out of 5
    By: Hannah Ams Jan 05, 2025
    Training Program held on Dec 01, 2024—Dec 18, 2024

    Before this training I missed proper alignment and foundation, even after years of practicing yoga. Priceless experience, amazing teachers with in depth knowledge and wisdom about Yoga, philosophy and anatomy. All this you get in a stunning place with one of the most beautiful beaches I've seen, and we were a truly lovely group. Go for it!

    • General Comments

      Before this training I missed proper alignment and foundation, even after years of practicing yoga. Priceless experience, amazing teachers with in depth knowledge and wisdom about Yoga, philosophy and anatomy. All this you get in a stunning place with one of the most beautiful beaches I've seen, and we were a truly lovely group. Go for it!
  • 5 out of 5
    By: Jeanine McCain Jan 01, 2025
    Training Program held on Oct 16, 2021—Jun 19, 2022

    Soma Yoga Institute provides quality instruction from experienced and kind instructors. I appreciated the flexible options for study and personalized mentorship. Highly recommend!

    • General Comments

      Soma Yoga Institute provides quality instruction from experienced and kind instructors. I appreciated the flexible options for study and personalized mentorship. Highly recommend!
  • 5 out of 5
    By: Andrea Orth Dec 31, 2024
    Training Program held on Dec 01, 2024—Dec 18, 2024

    I learned so much more than I thought was possible in this 200-hour Costa Rica Yoga Teacher Training. From proper pose alignment to anatomy, yoga history, and chakras, it was a very well-rounded training. This training has given me the knowledge to mentally and physically go out and teach, showcasing how important daily practices are. It helped me return to my life more relaxed, mindful, confident, and grateful. I loved learning how to sequence; I had no idea it would be so hard. The alignment cues, which I took for granted in my practice, now hold great importance in teaching my classes. Liz and Jess complemented each other incredibly well, balancing each other out and providing everything we needed. Both have an amazing teaching style and knowledge base. - Andrea

    • General Comments

      I learned so much more than I thought was possible in this 200-hour Costa Rica Yoga Teacher Training. From proper pose alignment to anatomy, yoga history, and chakras, it was a very well-rounded training. This training has given me the knowledge to mentally and physically go out and teach, showcasing how important daily practices are. It helped me return to my life more relaxed, mindful, confident, and grateful. I loved learning how to sequence; I had no idea it would be so hard. The alignment cues, which I took for granted in my practice, now hold great importance in teaching my classes. Liz and Jess complemented each other incredibly well, balancing each other out and providing everything we needed. Both have an amazing teaching style and knowledge base. - Andrea
  • 5 out of 5
    By: Rachel Gunder Dec 23, 2024
    Training Program held on Dec 01, 2024—Dec 18, 2024

    Instructors Liz and Jess at Soma were incredibly knowledgeable and accepting. They taught a fun, comprehensive, and inspiring therapeutic approach to YTT. Plus, being immersed in yoga for 2.5 weeks in rural Costa Rica was a beautiful start to my teacher journey.

    • General Comments

      Instructors Liz and Jess at Soma were incredibly knowledgeable and accepting. They taught a fun, comprehensive, and inspiring therapeutic approach to YTT. Plus, being immersed in yoga for 2.5 weeks in rural Costa Rica was a beautiful start to my teacher journey.
  • 4.5 out of 5
    By: Luz Johnson Dec 22, 2024
    Training Program held on Sep 01, 2024—Nov 30, 2024

  • 5 out of 5
    By: Janine Alpert Randol Dec 20, 2024
    Training Program held on Dec 01, 2024—Dec 18, 2024

    Absolutely fantastic. I savored every moment of my training. Wonderful teaching methods and outstanding instructors. I am so happy I chose this program.

    • General Comments

      Absolutely fantastic. I savored every moment of my training. Wonderful teaching methods and outstanding instructors. I am so happy I chose this program.
  • 3 out of 5
    By: Sarah Monticue Dec 18, 2024

First Registered May 2014

School Reviews

Total Reviews: 545

By Katie Turner RYT® 200

Jan 07, 2025

Peru, a spiritual Mecca, provided the perfect backdrop for our training. Peggy and Christine were phenomenal teachers and the group setting fostered a sisterhood I deeply needed. Learning to sequence classes and being encouraged to teach from day one was invaluable. The focus on anatomy and physiology was crucial. I highly recommend this training! Full Review

By Joni L McAtee RYT® 200

Jan 06, 2025

It was serendipitous that I found the Soma Yoga Institute. I feel incredibly blessed to have such an amazing resource and be able to learn from teachers who go above and beyond in sharing their knowledge of the history and practice of Yoga. In retrospect, I realize that my training is comprehensive, thoughtful, and has had a profound impact on my life. I would recommend Soma Yoga Institute to anyone whether they wish to teach or just wish to enrich their lives with understanding this way of life. I plan to continue taking courses from the instructors at the school and will forever be a student of Yoga. Full Review

All Reviews (545)

Teaching Staff

Samantha Akers

E-RYT® 500, YACEP®

Liz Heffernan

E-RYT® 500, YACEP®

Molly Masaoka

E-RYT® 500, YACEP®

Peggy Profant

E-RYT® 500, YACEP®

Alison Scola C-IAYT

E-RYT® 500, YACEP®

All Teaching Staff (5)