Uplifted vs Ithaca Farm: Which YTT Is Right For You?

Uplifted vs yoga farm ithaca

So, you’re considering doing a 200-hour yoga teacher training?

Can we first just pause, let that sink in, and say…

HOLY COW! That’s amazing!

I mean it’s kind of a big deal, right? To make space in your busy life, follow your passion, and become a student and beginner again? I say heck yeah it’s a big deal because those things aren’t so easy once we start full-time #adulting. So, first and foremost, I hope you see yourself for the bada$$ that you are for making this life-bettering decision! If you want some tips on just how to prepare yourself for this incredible adventure you can head here.

Okay, so you’ve decided you want to do a training—check!

Now to figure out which school deserves your bada$$ness (actual word!)…and that’s what I want to help you with here.

This post will cover online yoga teacher trainings specifically and we’ll start by looking at some of the reasons why they can totally rock.

Then we’ll take a look at two top-rated online yoga teacher trainings based on their available content and Yoga Alliance verified student reviews. I’ll share a side-by-side comparison of some of the important program elements to consider, an overview of the schools, and the pros and cons of each.

Up for review this time are Yoga Farm Ithaca and Uplifted Yoga Academy.

Yoga Farm Ithaca is a non-profit on a mission to share skills, tools, and healing techniques that help students feel more connected and fulfilled.

Uplifted Yoga Academy offers a high-touch training focused on helping you embody yoga philosophy and earn a real living teaching yoga.

Alright, onto the rest!

Why Choose Online Yoga Teacher Training?

Preparing to do a yoga teacher training brings up a lot of questions!

I’m gonna use my best psychic skills and say that some of them are:

Are online trainings legit? Can you really get as good of an education online as with an in-person training?

The short answer:

Yes!

And, as a yoga teacher who believes in walking my talk and practicing satya or truthfulness—I offer online trainings so I’m clearly biased!

Now, I’m biased AND I’m all about you choosing what’s best for YOU!

That being said, as you consider what’s important for you in a teacher training program, here are a few of the things that are amazing about online trainings:

Honor your needs. Do you prefer to spring out of bed early and start getting things done? Or would you rather study late into the night? An online YTT lets you do either…or both! (But take care of yourself please LOL.) Whether you need full quiet, like to learn at the coffee shop, or need to watch content while cooking dinner for your kids, online trainings allow you to choose the best way to get things done for you.
Forget about FOMO. With virtual courses, all the material is easy to revisit as its all recorded so you’ll never miss a moment of valuable teaching!
Save some skrilla. Online trainings save you some of the expenses that come with in-person courses like taking time off work, childcare, parking, flights, transportation, meals, and accommodation, so no matter the price of your online certification, you’ll get to save these added costs.
Integrate IRL. It can be wonderful to fully remove ourselves from our routines and do an immersive training somewhere. And sometimes the return-to-real-life-transition is tough and fresh graduates struggle to integrate what they’ve learned as they get back to daily life. Doing a training from home allows you to immediately apply what you learn so you can integrate yoga into your daily life…which is kinda one of the main points of training, right? Online trainings help you do this seamlessly.

The Stack Up: Uplifted Yoga vs. Yoga Farm Ithaca 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training

	Uplifted	Yoga Farm
Lifetime Access to Course Materials	Yes	Yes
Curriculum Includes Business Training	Yes	Yes
Graduation Rate	96%	Not available
Study Model	Hybrid format combining self-paced video modules with weekly cohort-based live calls for accountability, mentorship, and community connection.	Cohort start for orientation followed by fully self-paced study, with optional participation in 20+ live Q&A calls each week.
Payment Plans Available	Yes	Yes
Refund Policy	Non-refundable	Prior to training start (with a fee)
Completion Deadline	18 months	12 months
Lead Teacher(s) and Credentials	Brett Larkin E-RYT 500, RPYT, YACEP; Katrina Flahive, 500 E-RYT, Trauma Informed, Kids Yoga	Christopher Grant RYT 500; Daniela Hess RYT 500; Jeannie O’Neill E-RYT 500
Print Manual Included	Yes	No
Synchronous Completion with Other Students	Yes	No
Max Call Size	45 for live calls; 6-10 for study groups	None
Individualized Posture Feedback	Built-in	On request
Tuition Includes All Reading Materials	No (3 books to purchase)	No (3-4 books required to purchase)
Year Established	2015	2018
Price	$2850	$1099

Curriculum Comparison: Yoga Farm vs Uplifted

Both Uplifted Yoga Academy and Yoga Farm Ithaca are comprehensive, Yoga Alliance–approved teacher trainings, but they serve slightly different goals.

Uplifted Yoga Academy focuses on personal transformation and professional readiness. The curriculum includes yoga anatomy, sequencing, trauma-informed teaching, fascia studies, and over 10 hours of yoga business training. Students also complete live teaching practicums with feedback, helping them graduate ready to lead classes and launch a sustainable career.
Yoga Farm Ithaca’s Radiant Warrior™ training emphasizes mindfulness, emotional awareness, and personal healing. The curriculum weaves together Hatha, Vinyasa, and meditation, with added focus on trauma-informed teaching and self-reflection. Students can attend live calls for guidance but work primarily at their own pace.

If you’re seeking a business-savvy, high-touch model, Uplifted leads the way. If your focus is healing, inner work, and emotional growth, Yoga Farm Ithaca might be your match.

Yoga Alliance Accreditation

Both Uplifted Yoga Academy and Yoga Farm Ithaca are Registered Yoga Schools (RYS 200) with Yoga Alliance, meaning their graduates are eligible to register as RYT-200 certified teachers.

Uplifted has been a Registered Yoga School since 2016 (ID #197303) and offers additional accreditations through:

ACE (20 Continuing Education Credits)
AFAA (1.5 Continuing Education Units)
NASM (1.9 Continuing Education Units)

Unlike many online programs, Uplifted’s certifications are recognized not only within the yoga world but also in the broader fitness and wellness industries. Hundreds of doctors, nurses, and health professionals have completed the program to deepen their understanding of yoga as a healing modality.

Uplifted Yoga Academy: An Overview

Uplifted online yoga teacher training

Developed by an online-yoga-business maven, Uplifted Yoga Academy has been offering virtual yoga teacher trainings since 2015. The students who come to Uplifted want structure and support towards graduation, lots of interaction with the lead trainer, and the ability to build a sustainable career teaching yoga. Uplifted tends to be less for the casual yogi who just wants to learn a bit more about yoga, and more for the student who wants to invest in a comprehensive curriculum that covers everything from embodying yogic philosophy to yoga business so that they can confidently share yoga with the world. Students love the organized and accessible content and the personability and generosity of the inspiring lead trainer.

3 Key Features of Uplifted Yoga 200-Hour YTT

The Uplifted training is known for their one-of-a-kind format that combines the best aspects of virtual and in-person trainings: being both self-paced while having structured and regular live interaction with a consistent group. Upon registration, students immediately get access to all the material primarily in the form of digestible, less-than-30-minute videos. Then the multiple live weekly “Mastery & Implementation” calls cover specific topics as opposed to being Q&A sessions for students who are all at different points in the curriculum as is the case with most online courses.

Other things that set the Uplifted program apart include:

Limited group size. The Uplifted school caps their enrollment so that live calls are maxed at 45 students and study groups are 6-10 so that you get more one-on-one time with trainers and peers.
Synchronous completion with other students. The Uplifted YTT features a cohort start, which means you’re not alone on your journey but get to sharpen your yoga skills along with a consistent group—just like a live training! And the bonus is that if you do end up needing more time (AKA “life happens”), then you have 18 months to complete the course.
High graduation rate. Uplifted Yoga Academy has a 96% graduation rate! Most schools don’t seem to track this statistic, but with Uplifted’s years of experience and time spent honing their best practices, they wanted the data to see how they’re doing and it’s the highest percentage you’ll find for a fully online training. Their cohort and hybrid live/pre-recorded model, plus the lead trainer’s personal promise to help you get to graduation mean, when you sign up for the Uplifted program, you WILL become a certified yoga teacher—woot!

Fall in love with my 200-Hour teacher training or …

Pros and Cons of Uplifted Yoga 200-Hour YTT

Pros

More one-to-one support
Connection with your cohort
Paved path to graduation

Cons

You can’t hide in small group calls
Limited start dates
Might not be for those who aren’t ready to get certified

Uplifted Yoga 200-Hour YTT Pricing

As you probably noticed, the Uplifted certification course is not cheap and is one of the higher cost online trainings out there. What you’re paying for with this certification is the “high-touch” format that walks you through the curriculum and gives you personalized feedback, unparalleled yoga business education, and ample access to the lead and other trainers that have extensive expertise in the business and practice of yoga as well as with leading online trainings.

Example payment plan: $712.50 up front then $712.50/month for 3 months

Overview of Yoga Farm Ithaca

yoga farm

Yoga Farm Ithaca is a non-profit yoga school and mindfulness center based in upstate New York. Known for its Radiant Warrior™ approach, the school integrates Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa, and mindfulness into a trauma-informed curriculum. Their mission is to reduce modern stress and disconnection through yoga education that empowers students to live happier, more fulfilling lives.

Their 200-hour online program blends community connection, trauma-sensitive teaching principles, and emotional awareness. With a mix of pre-recorded lessons and 20+ weekly live calls, Yoga Farm Ithaca provides flexibility while keeping a strong sense of community support.

3 Key Features of Yoga Farm Ithaca’s 200-Hour YTT

A stand-out quality of the Yoga Farm Ithaca school is their passion for helping students live better through yoga. They support trainees in using yoga to navigate personal challenges, gain clarity, improve their relationships, and lead more purposeful, joyful lives.

Three more distinctive elements of Yoga Farm Ithaca’s Radiant Warrior™ 200-hour program are:

Low cost. Yoga Farm Ithaca makes yoga teacher training accessible and inclusive by offering an early bird discount, a “join with a friend” discount, and a “community” discount for educators and those from marginalized populations or receiving financial assistance so more people have the ability to deepen their practice.
Fully self-paced. With the Yoga Farm Ithaca training you start with a cohort group and from there you get to go at your own pace! When you attend any of the 20+ live weekly calls, you can get questions answered for where you are in the curriculum.
Refundable before training start. The option to get a full refund minus a small admin fee before the training starts lets you relax knowing that if something comes up that prevents you from participating in the program, the financial loss is small.

Pros and Cons of Yoga Farm Ithaca’s 200-Hour YTT

Pros

Lower price point
Go at your own pace
Limited refund

Cons

Less incentive to graduate
No structure in live calls
Refund only prior to training start

Yoga Farm Ithaca’s 200-Hour YTT Pricing

The Yoga Farm Ithaca online 200-hour training falls in the middle of the yoga teacher certification cost spectrum. Behind this price is that it is a sort of “medium-touch” course where the cohort model and high number of live call options provide more support than you’ll typically find with low cost trainings (<$500).

Example payment plan: $219/month for 6 months

Who Each Program Is For

Both programs help you deepen your practice, but they’re designed for different kinds of students:

Uplifted Yoga Academy is ideal for those seeking:
- A career shift into yoga or wellness.
- Structured accountability and live teaching practice.
- A trauma-informed, modern, and comprehensive education.
- One-on-one feedback, a printed manual, and business mentoring to help turn passion into profession.
Yoga Farm Ithaca is best for students who:
- Are drawn to personal healing and emotional resilience.
- Value flexibility and affordability.
- Want a trauma-informed, mindfulness-centered learning environment.
- Prefer a self-paced model with optional live classes.

If you dream of becoming a yoga professional or coach, Uplifted’s structure ensures you’ll graduate ready to teach. If your goal is self-growth, inner calm, and connection, Yoga Farm Ithaca may be the gentler fit.

Key Differences at a Glance

Format: Uplifted = hybrid (self-paced videos + live weekly cohort calls); Yoga Farm Ithaca = cohort start followed by self-paced study
Live Support: Uplifted = structured “Mastery & Implementation” calls; Yoga Farm = 20+ flexible live Q&A sessions weekly
Graduation Momentum: Uplifted’s 96% graduation rate driven by accountability and structure; Yoga Farm = flexible pacing, less graduation tracking
Business Training: Uplifted = 10+ hours of in-depth career and marketing education; Yoga Farm = light business overview
Practice Teaching: Uplifted = live practice-teaching with trainer feedback; Yoga Farm = optional teaching practice through self-study
Printed Materials: Uplifted = printed manual included; Yoga Farm = digital access only
Price Positioning: Uplifted = premium, high-touch model ($2,850); Yoga Farm = mid-range, accessible option ($1,099)
Program Focus: Uplifted = professional certification, trauma-informed, and business-ready; Yoga Farm = mindfulness, personal healing, and emotional growth
Support Level: Uplifted = small cohort groups + high-touch mentorship; Yoga Farm = medium-touch community with open live support

So Which Is Better: Uplifted or Yoga Farm Ithaca?

If you’re looking for a mid-range training in terms of both price and interactivity with an emphasis on personal growth, then the Yoga Farm Ithaca online 200-hour Radiant Warrior™ training could suit you well.

If you’re seeking a highly interactive program with a comprehensive curriculum and lots of business training, Uplifted Yoga Academy might be the school for you.

I hope that was helpful, and until next time, keep practicing!

My Honest Take (Brett’s Perspective)

If your heart pulls you toward teaching yoga professionally, I truly believe you deserve a structured and supportive environment that sets you up for success. That’s why I created Uplifted Yoga Academy—to merge the wisdom of yoga with modern mentorship and business education so your passion can become your livelihood.

That said, I have deep respect for Yoga Farm Ithaca’s mission. Their trauma-informed focus and emphasis on mindfulness are deeply valuable, especially if your goal is self-healing and personal transformation.

No matter which school you choose, the most important thing is that you’ve said yes to your evolution. That’s the real beginning of your yoga journey.

FAQs About Yoga Farm Ithaca vs Uplifted

Are both Uplifted and Yoga Farm Ithaca Yoga Alliance-approved?

Yes! Both schools are Registered Yoga Schools (RYS 200) with Yoga Alliance, so graduates can register as RYT-200 teachers.

Which program is better for beginners?

Both are beginner-friendly. Yoga Farm Ithaca focuses on mindfulness and emotional well-being, while Uplifted Yoga Academy provides structured support and career readiness for new teachers.

What if I’m not sure I want to teach yoga yet?

Choose the program that aligns with your intention. If your goal is personal growth, Yoga Farm’s trauma-informed model is ideal. If you want to keep the option open to teach professionally, Uplifted Yoga Academy will prepare you for certification and teaching confidence.

Does Uplifted include business or marketing training?

Yes. Uplifted Yoga Academy offers 10 + hours of yoga business education covering branding, social media, marketing, and building a sustainable teaching career.

Does Yoga Farm Ithaca offer mentorship?

Yes, mentorship is available upon request, and students can attend over 20 live weekly calls for support and connection.

What are the main differences between Uplifted and Yoga Farm Ithaca?

Uplifted Yoga Academy provides a hybrid, high-touch structure with live teaching practice, printed manuals, and personalized feedback. Yoga Farm Ithaca offers greater flexibility and a more affordable, mindfulness-oriented approach.

How long do I have to complete each program?

Uplifted students have up to 18 months to complete the training, while Yoga Farm Ithaca students must finish by January 31, 2024 (or within their designated time window).

Is Uplifted recognized outside Yoga Alliance?

Yes. Uplifted Yoga Academy is also accredited by ACE, AFAA, and NASM, making it one of the few programs recognized across broader wellness and fitness organizations.

About the Author | Brett Larkin

Brett Larkin was the first person to bring yoga teacher training online in 2015. Since then, she’s certified over 4,000 teachers and leads one of the most comprehensive yoga education platforms on the internet. Brett and her team regularly take and review other online YTTs to stay up to date on industry best practices—so their own trainings remain the gold standard. She has over a half a million subscribers on Youtube and is also the author of Yoga Life and host of the Uplifted Yoga Podcast.

Next Steps

Check out my YouTube channel and find some yoga classes that you can try out for yourself!
Explore my knowledge hub for How to Become a Yoga Teacher
Attend a 200 YTT info session to see what else you’ll learn in my online teacher training.

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