You can find out from the instructors themselves, or you can inquire about the qualifications preferred by the studio where you practice. Often studios will list this information in their biographical information online, or in their studio flyers or pamphlets.

RYT: The Yoga Alliance “Registered Yoga Teacher”

When an instructor has the letters “RYT” following his or her name, this stands for any one of various levels of certification through the Yoga Alliance. The internationally recognized entity standardizes and regulates the basic education and training that Yoga instructors must obtain in order to be certified. Yoga Alliance also requires instructors to maintain a certain amount of continuing education and regular practice in order to stay certified.

The Yoga Alliance also offers a free, searchable database online, if you would like to check your yoga instructor’s qualifications, or if you would like to search for a yoga instructor of a particular style or type of yoga in your area.

“Certified Yoga Instructor”

There are any number of reputable schools and organizations that will train and certify group fitness instructors. You may need to research other kinds of certifications to determine whether or not your instructor is truly qualified to meet …