We offer renowned faculty with the highest Yoga Alliance Certifications, a warm and welcoming community, thoughtful and comprehensive curriculum, in a tranquil setting unlike anything in the area with opportunities for immersions in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
YOga Teacher Training Informational video
What to expect
As the longest-running Yoga Teacher Training in Tampa, The Lotus Pond has been graduating yoga teachers for 14 years. Expert teachers bring their compassion, wisdom, & dedication to support you in your journey.
Our mission is to provide the most nourishing, educational, and heartfelt training that upholds the integrity of this ancient wisdom tradition of yoga. Through our rich 200hr program, you will learn the many dimensions of yoga, including:
Our comprehensive program will deepen your yoga practice & prepare you to share these gifts with others. We help you draw upon your unique qualities to develop your teaching skills, find your authentic voice, and encourage your passion.
The Lotus Pond is located on 4.5 beautiful acres in North Tampa - the perfect sanctuary to dive into this extraordinary journey.
Our mission is to provide the most nourishing, educational, and heartfelt training that upholds the integrity of this ancient wisdom tradition of yoga. Through our rich 200hr program, you will learn the many dimensions of yoga, including:
- Yoga Philosophy, particularly The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali & The Bhagavad Gita
- Alignment in Postures and Anatomy
- Pranayama (control of life-force energy via breath-work)
- The Chakras & The Subtle Body
- The Art of Teaching & The Business of Yoga
- The Art of Meditation
Our comprehensive program will deepen your yoga practice & prepare you to share these gifts with others. We help you draw upon your unique qualities to develop your teaching skills, find your authentic voice, and encourage your passion.
The Lotus Pond is located on 4.5 beautiful acres in North Tampa - the perfect sanctuary to dive into this extraordinary journey.
- Deepen your practice of yoga
- Connect to the soulful roots of the yoga practice.
- Uncover the teacher within yourself.
- Enjoy a community of like-minded friends.
- Welcome positive change into your life!
200 HR Refresh + Retake
A Chance To Retake Your 200 Hr Teacher Training!
Receive 50% OFF Your Tuition With Proof Of Prior Certification.
It's true, you can get your 200 HR Certification at nearly any yoga studio....
But not every studio offers 16 years of training experience, nationally recognized Master Teachers, and a deeply thoughtful program to help you discover the teacher within.
** QUALIFIED TEACHERS MUST BE REGISTERED THROUGH YOGA ALLIANCE OR HAVE A PRIOR CERTIFICATE TO SHOW CERTIFICATION**
Receive 50% OFF Your Tuition With Proof Of Prior Certification.
It's true, you can get your 200 HR Certification at nearly any yoga studio....
But not every studio offers 16 years of training experience, nationally recognized Master Teachers, and a deeply thoughtful program to help you discover the teacher within.
** QUALIFIED TEACHERS MUST BE REGISTERED THROUGH YOGA ALLIANCE OR HAVE A PRIOR CERTIFICATE TO SHOW CERTIFICATION**
Jan 2021 Schedule
Upcoming Sessions
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Winter 2021 • Tampa, FL + Boone, NC • Jan 15 – Aug 1
(MOUNTAIN RETREAT PORTION OF TRAINING IS TEMPORARILY ON HOLD UNTIL RETREAT CENTER REOPENS)
$2,900 + Costs for room and board at the Art of Living Center Easy Tuition Payment Plans Available! Price includes all required books & materials. |
Currently in session
But don't take our word for it! Here's what our students are saying:
"The Lotus Pond Teacher Training experience was truly life-changing. I came into my YTT wanting to deepen my practice, explore yoga philosophy, learn how to teach, and connect with my inner guidance and the wisdom of my body. It was a journey of deep inner transformation that touched on all of these intentions and reached into every aspect of my life. Val and the lead teachers truly live their yoga, and this program is built on a strong foundation of the Eight Limbs, truly honoring yoga's roots. Our study included philosophy, asana, meditation, Ayurveda, pranayama, the koshas, the chakras, the language of yoga, anatomy, alignment, inclusivity + liberation, the sutras, the Bhagavad Gita, creating a class, and strong cueing. It was such a warm space and safe, connected community, especially in the time of the pandemic. The Pond prioritized our safety during in-person gatherings and expertly adapted to the times by creating high-quality online content when we couldn't meet in person. Each of our teachers had unique expertise and beautiful energy, and I am so grateful to have learned from such high caliber teachers who are truly radiant souls. I would highly recommend this YTT to anyone who is wanting to take the next step on their yoga journey." - Jenn Gaudreau c/o 2020
"The Lotus Pond has been a great experience for my 200hr YTT. I would definitely recommend them to anyone who is searching for a company that gives a thorough training and makes everyone feel like they are truly getting what they paid for. Even with the challenges of COVID-19 and having to do the majority of my training online, I never felt like I was missing out or that the training was lacking." - Nicole Singleton c/o 2020
"The Lotus Pond Teacher Training Program exceeded my expectations during a national pandemic. I have the confidence to teach others the wonderful gift of yoga. I gained mind and body wellness strategies which continue to improve my quality of life and I look forward to sharing these with the students I am blessed to teach." - Amy Waterman c/o 2020
"I highly recommend the Lotus Pond for any YTT! They are professional, organized, engaging, and creative with their teaching. The pandemic hit halfway through our training and they worked extra hard to make sure each and every one of us felt confident in the material we were learning and teaching back. They are a great example of figuring out creative ways to work through unforseen hurdles. They also continue to support us, even after graduation. I cannot praise them enough as a school and community. Again, I highly recommend!" - Flora Uragallo c/o 2020
"I couldn't have made a better choice for my 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training. Val Spies has created a beautiful and sacred space that feels inclusive to all. She has designed a comprehensive training program that includes the philosophy, the history and anatomy of yoga. I gained so much more than what I thought I signed up for! Each of the teachers brings a wealth of knowledge and experience and teaches in a supportive way. Additionally, hours of practice teach-backs are gently woven throughout the training, giving students the opportunity to build their skills and find their teaching voice, so by the end of the program I felt confident to teach my own yoga class!" - Antonia Gravink c/o 2020
The teacher training program at the Lotus Pond far exceeded my expectations. It was a journey of self discovery as I learned the 8 limbs of yoga, asanas, philosophy, pranayama, and so much more. Through this process I gained confidence, self love, understanding, and balance, feeling completely prepared to hold space for others and teach yoga. I will always be grateful for my beautiful teachers and beings of light at the Lotus Pond and for the extraordinary experience.
- Tara Drucker, c/o 2020
"The Lotus Pond is forever close to my heart. There is no where else I could imagine completing my training program. I had the opportunity to study with world class master teachers while genuinely learning the true foundations and principles of yoga.It was an honor to study under such knowledgeable teachers, Valerie, Melissa and Ryan are remarkable. Their program really takes you deep into what it means to take the path of a yogi."
- Kylee R. LP YTT Alumni c/o 2019
"I knew completing a YTT200 program would have a positive impact on my life, but I never anticipated it would be the life-changing experience it was. The level of preparedness, professionalism, experience, and commitment of each teacher at The Lotus Pond is exceptional! And I have to mention the venue... the studio & wellness center sits on a beautiful property so just by driving up you begin to reconnect to your truer self. I will always be grateful to Val Spies for making this opportunity available for me and to all who are ready. "
- Tracey Uddin, c/o 2018
"The Lotus Pond is a sanctuary for practicing the yogic arts in all its capacities. Physically, philosophically, and spiritually. I cannot recommend this studio highly enough. The quality of the staff and instructors is rare in the yoga community."
- Kyle Culpepper, c/o 2018
"Valerie Spies dedicates countless hours to the RYT 200 hr program, every class was fruitfully thought out and I personally left every class with much to process and to continue pondering over. I appreciate all the attention and dedication to all the students who look towards the Lotus teachers for guidance on becoming the teachers of peace."
- Camila Ortega, c/o 2017
"To study yoga at the Lotus Pond was truly a gift and a privilege. As I continue to teach, I notice my teacher's teachings shining through. In addition to having knowledgeable teachers, my yoga teacher training felt so complete with the space and community that The Lotus Pond provides. I made timeless connections, experienced valuable insights, and, ultimately, I grew as a student, teacher, and as a human being. I would recommend The Lotus Pond's teacher training to any student looking to deepen their practice and/or begin teaching."
- Lauren Chidel c/o 2017
"The Lotus Pond Teacher Training program transformed my life!" Their program and staff provided a very safe, friendly, and loving atmosphere for growth, for"peeling away the layers", forming special friendships... amazing program and beautiful setting! I'm very grateful and honored to have graduated from The Lotus Pond and highly recommend!"
- Christi Grove, c/o 2013
"As a student of the Lotus Pond, I couldn't be happier with the thorough and thoughtful program. As a Yoga Studio owner, I prefer to hire YTT students from the Lotus Pond over other trainings. From past experience, the students coming from the Lotus Pond are well rounded and prepared to step out and teach upon their 200 YTT graduation. It's a beautiful and welcoming place to learn and grow, with an excellent depth of knowledgeable, high-level teachers. I recommend anyone seeking to deepen their practice and teachings check out the Pond!"
- Janel Norton c/o 2010
- Lauren Chidel c/o 2017
"The Lotus Pond Teacher Training program transformed my life!" Their program and staff provided a very safe, friendly, and loving atmosphere for growth, for"peeling away the layers", forming special friendships... amazing program and beautiful setting! I'm very grateful and honored to have graduated from The Lotus Pond and highly recommend!"
- Christi Grove, c/o 2013
"As a student of the Lotus Pond, I couldn't be happier with the thorough and thoughtful program. As a Yoga Studio owner, I prefer to hire YTT students from the Lotus Pond over other trainings. From past experience, the students coming from the Lotus Pond are well rounded and prepared to step out and teach upon their 200 YTT graduation. It's a beautiful and welcoming place to learn and grow, with an excellent depth of knowledgeable, high-level teachers. I recommend anyone seeking to deepen their practice and teachings check out the Pond!"
- Janel Norton c/o 2010
