Why Brain Cradle Supports Hybrid Yoga Trainings—Not Fully Online Programs

Mary Ma
6 days ago
2 min read

As more yoga schools explore online formats, Brain Cradle often gets asked: “Do you support fully online 200-hour or 300-hour yoga teacher trainings?”

Our answer is clear: No—Brain Cradle does not endorse fully online yoga teacher trainings.

While virtual learning offers accessibility and convenience, yoga is ultimately a relational and embodied practice. We believe the best trainings are those that preserve the heart of yoga: connection, presence, and community.

Why We Don’t Support Fully Online Yoga Trainings

Yoga means “to yoke” or “to join.” At its core, it’s about relationships—between self and other, breath and body, teacher and student.

When a yoga teacher training is delivered entirely online, we lose the opportunity for:

In-person mentorship and real-time feedback
Community building and shared practice experiences
Somatic learning through hands-on adjustments, partner work, and group facilitation
Accountability and depth that comes from being seen and supported in a shared space

While digital tools can support education, they cannot replace the value of showing up—together.

Why We Recommend a Hybrid Yoga Training Model

Brain Cradle supports a hybrid model for 200-, 300-, and 500-hour trainings, where:

Some educational components (like anatomy, philosophy, and lecture-based content) are delivered online
The majority of contact hours—especially asana labs, cueing practice, and practice teaching—are completed in-person

This model:

Honors Yoga Alliance’s evolving standards
Makes training more accessible and flexible for working adults and caregivers
Preserves the transformational power of learning in community

If you’re applying to become a Yoga Alliance RYS (Registered Yoga School), Brain Cradle will guide you in designing a hybrid training that complies with YA guidelines while offering a deeply connected student experience.

⚠️ Risks of Fully Online Yoga Trainings

Here’s why fully online trainings fall short:

❌ Lack of Relational Depth

Trainees may feel isolated, disconnected, or unsure of their skills without peer interaction or live support.

❌ Inadequate Practice Teaching

Real-time teaching, receiving feedback, and learning to hold space are difficult to simulate in a fully virtual environment.

❌ Reduced Confidence and Retention

Without in-person immersion, trainees may struggle to embody what they’ve learned or feel prepared to teach.

❌ Ethical Concerns

Some fully online programs are designed for profit—not impact. Brain Cradle encourages trainers to prioritize student growth over scalability.

Training Is a Relationship, Not a Transaction

At Brain Cradle, we believe yoga education is not a plug-and-play curriculum. It’s a dynamic process rooted in relationship, trust, and shared growth.

We partner with trainers who:

Want to stay connected to their students
Believe in the power of community-based learning
Are willing to innovate—but not isolate

Ready to Launch a Hybrid Yoga Teacher Training?

Whether you’re designing a 200-hour foundational training or a 300-hour advanced program, Brain Cradle offers:

Editable, semi-workbook training manuals
RYS application support for hybrid formats
Print-on-demand manuals with inclusive illustrations
Strategic consultation to help you design a meaningful, Yoga Alliance-compliant training

Yoga is about joining—not avoiding. Let’s build something that brings people together.

Explore hybrid training solutions with Brain Cradle at👉 braincradleyoga.com