200 HR YOGA TEACHER TRAINING
FOR THOSE READY TO:
Deepen your practice
Experience and learn authentic yoga practices found in ancient, traditional yoga texts
Engage in thought-provoking discussions about modern applicability of yoga philosophies
Understand both Eastern and Western approaches to the body and mind
Realize your strengths and limitations at the physical, emotional, and mental levels of being
Course begins JANuary 16, 2026
This comprehensive, foundation-level training is designed to deepen your practice and equip you with the skills to teach yoga confidently, guided by Heartland Yoga’s heart-centered, inclusive philosophy.
Who is this training for?
Whether you’re aspiring to teach, craving deeper understanding, or enriching your well-being, Heartland Yoga’s YTT welcomes everyone—no matter your body type, background, or level of experience.
What makes this training unique?
There are many yoga trainings available, but what sets this one apart is the foundational precept that yoga is a practice for the mind. A common misconception of modern yoga practice is that it is all about the body – stretching, exercising, strengthening, and improving the body. But if you dig deeper into the core yoga texts, it is clear that we engage in all the various practices of yoga to still the fluctuations of the mind.
In today’s modern world where mental health issues are at an all time high affecting close to ¼ of all Americans, and where we are constantly bombarded by information causing distraction and overwhelm, it is fair to say that most of us need solid practices to calm and steady our minds.
This hatha training, co-taught by 3 experienced teachers, will prepare you to not only teach yoga but will introduce you to scientific research in psychology, neuroscience, and mindfulness to offer trauma informed practices to support mental health and healing.
meet your teachers
Betsy Brandl, PHD (she/her)
Betsy began an intensive study of the mind and body 30 years ago when she embarked upon a regular meditation practice and the study of psychology. This path led her to pursue her doctorate in psychology where she focused on the mind-body connection, and the relationship of spirituality to health and wellness. When she discovered yoga, she was amazed at how the ancient wisdom of yoga mirrored her western psychology training.
Her yoga training is in the Anusara style, which she was initially attracted to due to its life affirming philosophy. She has studied with many teachers from various lineages, including Angela Farmer, John Friend, Desiree Rumbaugh, Rod Stryker, Bo Forbes, Gary Kraftsow, Judith Blackstone (realization method) and Sally Kempton. She studied meditation and ayurveda with Dr. Deepak Chopra and is certified in primordial sound meditation. Her teaching style combines her background in psychology and spiritual study with the ancient tenents of yoga.
She is the owner of Heartland Yoga, with the intention to serve the community by providing a spiritual space in which to learn, grow, stretch, and connect. She maintains a private psychology practice at Heartland Yoga, is co-host of the popular podcast Tend Her Wild, is co-author of Chakra Healing: Renew Your Life Force with the Chakra’s Seven Energy Centers, and teaches retreats and trainings around the world on the integration of psychology and yoga.
Uma Subramaniam, ERYT 500 (she/her)
Uma’s early experiences with yoga started at the age of 10 with her father, and strictly adhered to traditional yogic principles that included practicing before sunrise on an empty stomach. An Arts graduate with a specialization in English Literature, she later went on to pursue an associate degree in International Business. She worked as an Internal Auditor for one of the top banks in the US and lived in the US for over a decade. When she moved back to India in 2008, she turned back to yoga for personal practice and soon decided to teach. She has a Master’s Degree in Yogic Sciences, a Master’s degree in Vedanta (philosophy) and is a Yoga Alliance Registered ERYT500 Teacher, RCYT(Children’s Yoga) and RPYT(Prenatal Yoga) certified teacher from the Yoga Academy.
Uma designs her classes to work slowly into classical practices beginning with awareness to spine, breath and the mind space. “I like my students to experience transformation with even a simple 30 minute practice”. She considers herself still a student, a teacher and therapist, a believer in yoga, naturopathy, ayurveda and natural, holistic and wholesome treatment of the human body and mind. Her happiness and satisfaction lies in her students improving steadily and in having strengthened their interest and belief in yoga, and holistic treatment of their body and mind. She is happiest when she is also able to encourage them to inculcate this new-found way of living among their family and friends.
With experiential knowledge of different schools of yoga (Sivananda, Satyananda, Iyengar, Ashtanga, Yin and hot yoga), and having watched the yoga industry bloom around the world and particularly in Bangalore, Uma helps lead your way to the many options and offerings yoga has for the discerning seeker.
Kimberly Jaeger-Arjes, RYT, death doula (she/her)
Kimberly was certified in 2016, taught by Heartland Yoga owner Betsy Rippentrop and Fusion Yoga owner Marsha Nieland. She continues to study with and learn from teachers/facilitators: Fannie Hungerford (Para Yoga), Chanti Tacoronte-Perez (Creative Expressionist), ShawnT Stone (Movement Therapy), Tracee Stanley (Yoga Nidra), Michelle C. Johnson (Social Justice & Yoga), Tricia Hersey (Radical Rest) and Jivana Heyman (Accessible Yoga).
Kimberly guides an intuitive and organic based movement flow focusing on alignment, space, and breath. She continues to grow as an ambassador with the Accessible Yoga community to carry equitability and create spaces for the practice to unfold. Kimberly supports restorative justice by teaching at the state penitentiary and the Juvenile Detention Center.
Kimberly learns most from her children, students, and nature. She praises the vulnerability and transparency that yoga attributes and she believes that blessings come in the form of people while we building this conscious community. She recently became a death doula, supporting folks in end of life care and spiritual counsel. Kimberly hopes to always be of service and to grow in love while continuing to stay playful.
Here’s what you’ll learn
- Proficiency in asana, precise alignment, and inspired sequencing
- Pranayama & meditation techniques
- Essential anatomy, rich yoga philosophy, and ethical foundations
- Teaching methodology & skillful class structure
- The art of creating inclusive and healing spaces—the heart-centered touchstones of Heartland’s philosophy
You’ll also benefit from mentorship and the chance to co-teach within a community-centric model.
Style & Approach
The primary style you will learn is Hatha Yoga, characterized by asana, conscious breath regulation, and meditative awareness. Our teaching emphasizes:
- Safe, stable alignment in postures
- Breath-led movement and pranayama techniques
- Subtle energy awareness (chakras, nadis, bandhas)
- Emphasis on internal focus and mental clarity
- Adaptation and accessibility for different body types and needs
We approach Hatha Yoga as a balanced practice, designed to harmonize body, breath, and mind through discipline (tapas), self-study (svadhyaya), and surrender (Ishvarapranidhana).
Credentials you can trust
This course is a registered American Yoga Council school, based on competencies, not hours. AYC accreditation acknowledges that yoga is rich with diverse lineages and teaching traditions, and recognizes that no single path or style is universal. AYC credentialing is based on the belief that excellence in yoga teaching comes from one’s depth of knowledge, cultivated skill, and embodied experience. At the conclusion of YTT you will be able to register for both Yoga Alliance as a RYT-200 as well as register with American Yoga Council as CYT-Level 1.
Welcome to the sanctuary that is Heartland Yoga
Set in the luminous, intentionally-designed studio atop Plaza Towers in downtown Iowa City, bathed in natural light from expansive east- and south-facing windows, adorned with inspiring artwork, healing crystals, and wrapped in a soothing ambiance, the space itself invites healing and reflection.
THE JOURNEY
Dates
Training takes place from January-May 2026. Classes meet:
- Every Monday evening from 2-5 pm
- One weekend each month (Fridays from 5-9 pm, and Saturday & Sundays from 9-5 pm)
- 2 hours self-paced study per week
Weekend Dates:
- Jan 16-18
- Feb 20-22
- Mar 27-29
- April 10-12
- May 22-24
All classes meet in person at Heartland Yoga, 221 E. College St. Iowa City, IA
What’s included?
- Full 200 hours of training
- Teaching materials, manuals, and resources
- Access to community classes, workshops, and mentorship
- Certificate of completion, enabling RYT‑200 registration and CYT-Level 1 registration.
What is the cost, and are there discounts or payment plans?
$3300 early bird tuition prior to October 15th.
$3500 tuition after October 15th.
Payment plans are available: $500 deposit the time of the first class or 5 monthly payments of $700.
What if I miss a session?
This training will suggest a “buddy system” to empower you and to help with accountability by recording and/or taking notes for anyone who misses a class. We strongly encourage all participants to attend all classes.
Do I have to teach afterward?
Absolutely not. Many join to deepen personal practice, heal, or explore embodiment. Teaching is available if you choose—but never required.
Why choose Heartland Yoga’s YTT?
- A studio rooted in healing, inclusivity, and community for nearly two decades
- Expert teachers who blend mindfulness, psychology, philosophy, and embodiment
Curious to learn more?
Join us for a free information session with Betsy, Uma, and Kimberly! We would love to connect with you.
Free Information Sessions
Sunday, Sept 28 – 1:00 pm
Still have questions?
Reach out to us at info@heartlandyoga.com. We’re happy to chat and help you decide if this journey is right for you.