We Are a Trusted Name in Yoga Education: What Makes Prairie Yoga’s Training Stand Out


Our highly regarded Prairie Yoga Teacher Training is due to a blend of depth, integrity, and mentorship. Here are the key elements that set it apart:


1. Lineage-Based, Yet Contemporary

Prairie Yoga is rooted in the Hatha, Vinyasa and Iyengar traditions. Known for our detailed alignment focus, use of props, creative sequencing, and adaptation for a variety of students. Our programs integrate contemporary knowledge in anatomy, functional movement, and mindfulness. This blend honors tradition while remaining relevant to today’s practitioners.


2. Experienced, Highly-Trained Faculty

Prairie’s lead instructors are seasoned educators with thousands of hours of teaching experience—not just in studios but also in teacher training programs across the Midwest. All are certified at the 500-hour level or beyond, with specializations in anatomy, therapeutics, natural movement, philosophy, and meditation.


3. Emphasis on Teaching Skills

Prairie focuses strongly on how to teach clearly and effectively:

  • Sequencing for intention, safety and effectiveness
  • Verbal cueing and hands-on adjustments
  • The art of observation and reading bodies
  • Teaching beginners, advanced students and specialty populations
  • How to modify to support a variety of students

You leave not just as a better practitioner—but as a confident, prepared teacher.


4. Mentorship and Peer Feedback

Prairie Yoga fosters a supportive learning community. Trainees receive:

  • Mentoring from past graduates
  • Opportunities to co-teach, observe, and assist
  • Constructive feedback from peers and faculty

This gradual, scaffolded approach develops real-world teaching competence.


5. Depth of Philosophy and Self-Discovery

Prairie delves deep into the inner dimensions of yoga. Breathwork, meditation, philosophy, subtle body practices, and self-inquiry are woven throughout the curriculum as essential components of practice and teaching.


6. Reputation and Legacy

Founded by Lori Gaspar, Prairie Yoga has a strong reputation in the Midwest and beyond. Many graduates have gone on to lead their own studios or trainings, a testament to the program’s rigor and integrity. Read testimonials from our graduates here and below.


7. Community & Lifelong Learning

Graduates often stay connected through:

  • Advanced trainings
  • Workshops
  • A strong alumni network

This continuity supports your evolution long after graduation.


Ready to learn more? Click on our upcoming programs listed below.

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Wednesdays!

250 Hour Foundation Yoga Teacher Training

Balance Yoga + Pilates, Glen Ellyn, IL

Wednesdays, 11:10 am - 3:40 pm

September 2025 - April 2026

with Tricia Fiske and Nicole Shamo

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Weekends!

250 Hour Foundation Yoga Teacher Training

The Theosophical Society in America, Wheaton, IL

One weekend per month, Saturday-Sunday

September 2025 - May 2026

with Tricia Fiske and Kaitlyn Alhabshi

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Specialized Training!

250 Hour Yoga for Mental Health Teacher Training

Torus Center for Integrative Healing, Batavia, IL 

One weekend per month, Saturday-Sunday 

September 2025 - June 2026

with Tricia Fiske and April Waldrop

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Great Teachers Never Stop Learning!

300 Hour Advanced Yoga Teacher Training

Tribalance, Schaumburg, IL

Wednesdays, 10:00 - 3:00 pm

September 2025 - December 2026

with Joy Antipow 

workshops by Lori Gaspar, Jen Botka and more

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Alumni Reviews 


Depth of Expertise

"The depth of knowledge, expertise, caring and professionalism of all instructors at Prairie Yoga provided me with the knowledge to teach with confidence and the inspiration and insight to continue to grow my practice." - Jeff Brainbridge

 

Instructors Embody Yoga

"The Prairie Yoga 250 hour foundational yoga teacher training has given me a solid foundation to begin my teaching journey. The curriculum was comprehensive, with not only a focus on alignment and safety, but rich in the history and philosophy of this ancient discipline well beyond asana. The instructors are highly knowledgeable, caring, and truly embody yoga as a way of life. I would recommend this program to anyone looking to become a yoga teacher or deepen their knowledge of yoga, and I look forward to continuing my education with this program." - Danielle Dunn

 

Amazing Guidance and Support

"Prairie Yoga yoga teacher training provided an unparalleled educational experience. Training was authentic and delved deeply into philosophy, biomechanics and anatomy, advanced poses, usage of props, and adaptation of yoga for all bodies. I found the curriculum in Therapeutic Yoga techniques to be especially compelling and essential to my own ability to teach and adapt yoga in my classes as well as private yoga sessions. Moreover, the support that I received from my mentor, the teachers and owner, as well as my fellow students was invaluable. I would not have been able to receive and complete this amazing experience without their guidance and support. Prairie yoga teacher training has had an enormous impact on the way I teach yoga now and in the future." - Renee Mitchell

 

Dedicated and Knowledgeable

"Prairie Yoga's teacher training is by far outstanding. No where in the world have I experienced such dedicated and knowledgeable group of teachers that know how to teach teachers." - Heidi Liecker

 

They Care about You

"I needed an in-person training option and I sure am happy that I found the Prairie Yoga Teacher Training program, it was an amazing experience. The support and dedication of the teaching staff was consistent and unwavering. All members of the teaching staff were professional and knowledgeable. Beyond that, they TRULY cared about each of us and our own personal journey with yoga. I am certain I received the best training possible!" - Kateri Paeglow

 

Knowledgeable, Patient, and Kind

"Prairie Yoga offers an amazing teacher training program. It is a great mix of philosophy, teaching skills, and hands on practice/learning. The teachers are so knowledgeable, patient and kind. I would highly recommend this training program to anyone interested in becoming a teacher or just deepening their practice of yoga." - Sumiaya Caughey


Developed Deep Friendships

"I entered the teacher training program through Prairie Yoga because some of the teachers I admired had come from there as students and teacher trainers. My hope was to have the opportunity to share with others the same life changing benefits yoga had gifted me. I did end up having an amazing learning experience and much, much more. It opened up a deeper understanding of self and what I was capable of. I discovered strengths that I am using to move my life in new and sometimes challenging directions. And I have developed the deepest friendships of my life, which i contribute to finding like-minded people on the same path of discovery. They are exceptional teachers that encouraged and mirrored to us the possibilities of where this could take us and how to get there." - Keith Williams

Train with Lori!

Yoga for Strength and Stability® Weekend Workshop

Tribalance, Schaumburg, IL

Saturday-Sunday, November 15-16, 2025

with Lori Gaspar