There comes a time when your practice naturally evolves into a desire to study more deeply and serve others.
This training is for practitioners who feel ready to move beyond simply doing yoga and begin truly studying it. Whether you hope to teach or simply want to live the practice more fully, you’ll join a small cohort devoted to meaningful study, embodied practice, thoughtful conversation, and lasting transformation.
meet sommer
For nearly three decades, Sommer has guided thousands of students and mentored hundreds of yoga teachers. In this short video, she shares the philosophy behind the training, what you’ll experience over five months together, and why this program is about far more than earning a certificate.
More Than a Teacher Training
Whether your intention is to teach or simply deepen your own practice, this training offers a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in meaningful study, embodied practice, and the transformative philosophy of non-dual Tantra.
Our unique hybrid format blends self-paced online learning with eight immersive in-person weekends. Complete lectures, readings, philosophy, and foundational coursework on your own schedule, then come together for the hands-on learning, discussion, and mentorship that simply can’t happen through a screen.
Enrollment is intentionally limited to create an exceptional learning environment where you’ll receive individualized guidance as you practice teaching, refine alignment and hands-on assists, explore meditation and breathwork, and engage in thoughtful discussion within a close community of fellow practitioners.
Every weekend invites you to learn through experience. You’ll move, observe, teach, ask questions, receive personalized feedback, and deepen your understanding through direct mentorship. The emphasis is not on memorizing information, but on cultivating the discernment, confidence, and practical skills that support a lifetime of practice and teaching.
Whether your path leads to teaching or simply living yoga more deeply, you’ll leave with greater clarity, a stronger personal practice, and the ability to carry the wisdom of yoga into every part of your life.
What Our Weekends Feel Like
Our weekends are active, collaborative, and deeply experiential. You’ll spend your time practicing, teaching, experimenting, asking questions, and receiving individualized feedback in real time.
Working alongside a small cohort of dedicated practitioners, you’ll explore alignment, hands-on assists, meditation, sequencing, philosophy, and the art of teaching through discussion, partner work, and direct experience.
Every trainee teaches. Every trainee receives personalized feedback. You’ll leave each weekend with greater confidence, clearer direction, and practical tools you can immediately bring into your own practice and teaching.
Inside the Training
Our curriculum weaves together practice, anatomy, philosophy, therapeutics, and the art of teaching into one integrated path of study. Every topic is taught through the lens of intelligent alignment, embodied experience, and yoga as a lifelong practice.
Practice
Asana & Intelligent Alignment
Build healthy, sustainable movement.
Functional Anatomy & Therapeutics
Understand the biomechanics of the body.
Pranayama & Meditation
Explore the breath. Cultivate presence.
Philosophy
Non-Dual Tantra & Yoga Philosophy
Yogic wisdom applied to modern life.
Mythology & Archetype
Explore the stories that illuminate the yoga tradition.
The Subtle Body
Explore prana, chakras, and the energetic dimensions of practice.
Teaching
Intelligent Sequencing
Create balanced, effective classes.
Hands-On Assists
Safe, skillful, consent-based assisting.
Practice Teaching & Finding Your Voice
Teach with clarity, confidence, and authenticity.
Integrative Studies
Ayurveda
Live in greater harmony with nature’s rhythms.
Yoga Nidra
The science of deep rest and nervous system restoration.
Prenatal/Postnatal Yoga
Support students through pregnancy and beyond.
your teachers
The training is led primarily by Sommer, ensuring a cohesive learning experience rooted in her teaching philosophy and nearly three decades of experience. A carefully selected team of guest faculty offers specialized instruction in Ayurveda, Subtle Body Anatomy, Yoga Nidra, and Prenatal Yoga.
Sommer Sobin
Lead Teacher & Program Director
Sommer Sobin is the co-founder of Thousand Petals Yoga in Chapel Hill, NC. For nearly three decades, she has led international retreats, teacher trainings, immersion programs, and continuing education, while mentoring generations of yoga teachers and dedicated practitioners. She has also served on respected yoga certification and leadership committees, helping to uphold professional teaching standards while mentoring and evaluating teachers within the broader yoga community.
Her teaching integrates intelligent biomechanics, therapeutic application, meditation, and the non-dual Tantric tradition into a practice that is precise, accessible, and deeply transformative. Known for translating complex teachings into clear, embodied understanding, Sommer emphasizes skillful alignment, thoughtful sequencing, and helping students discover their authentic voice as teachers.
A lifelong student of yoga, Sommer’s ongoing studies are rooted in the classical yoga texts, non-dual Tantra, Sanskrit, yogic mythology, and contemplative practice. She believes yoga is not simply something we practice on the mat, but a way of meeting everyday life with greater awareness, compassion, and skill.
Throughout the training, Sommer serves as your primary teacher and mentor, offering individualized guidance, honest feedback, and the continuity that comes from studying closely with one teacher over five months.
guest faculty
Ivy is an Ayurveda practitioner, advanced yoga teacher, and Vedic chant teacher with more than 20 years of experience. She trained with Dr. Vasant Lad and has spent extensive time studying in India. She will guide our exploration of Ayurveda and women’s health, offering practical tools for bringing greater balance and vitality to both your personal practice and your teaching.
Lauren is an E-RYT 500, PRYT and co-founder of Whole Mama Yoga. A dedicated educator with years of experience supporting families, she will guide our prenatal and postnatal yoga training, offering practical tools, thoughtful sequencing, and compassionate approaches for teaching students through every stage of pregnancy and postpartum.
Melissa Russell, C-IAYT, E-RYT 500, YACEP, is a certified yoga therapist, certified iRest® meditation teacher, and owner of Evolve Yoga Therapy Studio in Chapel Hill, NC. A graduate of Thousand Petals Yoga’s 200-hour Teacher Training, she returns as a guest teacher, sharing her expertise in Yoga Nidra and meditation with warmth, clarity, and compassion.
Olynda is an E-RYT 500 with more than 20 years of teaching experience. Her work is rooted in the study of yoga alignment, the divine feminine, and the subtle body. She will guide our exploration of the chakra system and energetic anatomy, helping you integrate these timeless teachings into both your personal practice and your teaching.
Dates, Tuition & Format
Training Weekends
Jan 9–10 • Jan 23–24
Feb 13–14 • Feb 20–21
Mar 20–21 • Apr 3–4
May 1–2 • May 15–16
Program Includes
• Self-paced online study lectures with lifetime access
• Eight in-person training weekends
• TPY Training Manual
• 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Certificate
• Saturdays & Sundays, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location
Sfeer Studio, 200 Britton Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
Early Bird Tuition
$3,050 through November 15, 2026
Regular Tuition
$3,300
Deposit
A $500 non-refundable deposit holds your place.
Payment Plans
Flexible monthly payment plans available.
What You'll graduate With
- 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Certificate and eligibility to register as a Yoga Alliance RYT-200.
- Yoga Alliance Continuing Education (YACEP) hours for currently registered RYTs.
- The confidence to teach clear, thoughtful, and skillful classes.
- A sustainable personal practice rooted in intelligent alignment, meditation, and self-inquiry.
- A deep understanding of non-dual Tantra, yoga philosophy, mythology, Ayurveda, and subtle body anatomy.
- Practical experience in sequencing, hands-on assists, and teaching real students.
- A lifelong community of fellow practitioners, mentors, and friends.
Whether your path leads to teaching or simply living yoga more deeply, you’ll leave with the knowledge, experience, and confidence to continue growing for years to come.
Voices From Our Graduates
“I studied with Sommer for nearly a decade before joining her teacher training. The program beautifully weaves philosophy, anatomy, alignment, and teaching methodology into a rich, well-organized experience. I still return to my manual and notes regularly—they’ve become lifelong resources for both my teaching and personal practice.”
— Jameela D.
“Sommer is an incredible teacher of teachers. Her commitment to the heart of yoga is inspiring, and she offers an exceptional balance of philosophy, anatomy, meditation, pranayama, and practical teaching skills. I left feeling deeply prepared to teach with confidence and authenticity.”
— Grayson L.
“The Thousand Petals Yoga teacher training was both challenging and exceptionally well structured. It provided a strong foundation in philosophy, anatomy, alignment, and the art of teaching. Whether you want to teach or simply deepen your own practice, I couldn’t recommend it more highly.”
— Betsy T.
“Training with Sommer gave me the knowledge, practical skills, and confidence to teach yoga with clarity and purpose. The experience was thoughtful, supportive, and incredibly comprehensive. I left feeling ready to guide students with confidence and care.”
— Holly B.
common questions
Who is this training for?
This training is designed for both aspiring yoga teachers and dedicated practitioners who want to deepen their understanding of yoga. Whether your goal is to teach or simply to enrich your own practice, you’ll gain a strong foundation in alignment, philosophy, anatomy, sequencing, meditation, and the art of skillful teaching.
Do I need to be an advanced practitioner?
No. You do not need to practice advanced postures or have previous teaching experience. We ask that applicants have at least one year of consistent yoga practice and a genuine curiosity, willingness to learn, and commitment to showing up fully.
What makes this training different?
With more than 25 years of teaching experience, Sommer offers a highly personalized training that blends precise alignment, functional anatomy, meditation, breathwork, mythology, and the wisdom of non-dual Tantra. The small group format allows for meaningful mentorship, individualized feedback, and hands-on teaching experience throughout the program.
How much time should I expect outside of the weekends?
In addition to the eight in-person weekends, you’ll complete approximately 25-30 hours of self-paced online learning, along with personal practice, reading, journaling, observation assignments, and practice teaching. Most trainees find the workload very manageable alongside work and family commitments.
Can I work full-time while completing the training?
Yes. The hybrid format was intentionally designed for people with busy lives. The self-paced online curriculum gives you flexibility, while the scheduled weekends provide immersive, hands-on learning and community.
Will I be certified to teach yoga?
Yes. Upon successful completion of all program requirements and tuition, you’ll receive your 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Certificate from Thousand Petals Yoga. This qualifies you to register with Yoga Alliance as an RYT-200. We’ll explain the registration process, professional considerations, and next steps throughout the training so you feel confident moving into teaching.
Are payment plans available?
Yes. Flexible monthly payment plans are available. A $500 deposit reserves your space, with the remaining balance paid over time.
What happens after I apply?
Every application is reviewed personally by Sommer. If it feels like a good fit, you’ll receive an acceptance email. Once accepted, a $500 deposit secures your place in the training.
What if I need to miss a weekend?
Attendance at all in-person weekends is strongly encouraged, as each session builds on the previous one and includes hands-on learning, teaching practice, and group discussion that cannot be fully replicated outside the classroom.
If you know you’ll need to miss a weekend, please discuss it with Sommer as early as possible so a plan can be made. At the beginning of the program, each trainee is paired with a training partner for practice teaching, collaboration, and support throughout the training. You and your training partner will be responsible for ensuring all missed material is reviewed through shared notes, practice, and any assigned make-up work. When available, recordings may supplement your learning, but they are not guaranteed for every session and are not a substitute for the in-person experience.
All homework and make-up assignments must be completed by the start of the following training weekend.
What's the refund policy?
Your $500 deposit is non-refundable and secures your place in the training.
If you withdraw more than 30 days before the program begins, any tuition paid beyond your deposit will be refunded in full.
Because enrollment is intentionally limited and spaces are reserved well in advance, no refunds will be issued within 30 days of the training start date. If your space can be filled from the waitlist, exceptions may be considered at Sommer’s discretion.
I'm interested, but I'm not sure I'm ready.
That’s completely normal. Many of our graduates began with uncertainty about whether they were “ready.” If you feel drawn to deepen your practice and immerse yourself in the study of yoga, we encourage you to apply. The application process is simply the beginning of a conversation.
What is required to graduate?
To receive your 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Certificate, you’ll complete:
• Attendance at all in-person training weekends, or approved make-up work if arranged in advance with Sommer
• Completion of all self-paced online coursework
• Practice teaching assignments
• Observation hours
• A filmed teaching project
• Final assessments
• A collaborative capstone project designed to help launch your first workshop
• Payment of all tuition and fees in full
I hold a high standard for graduation while also honoring the humanity of the learning process. If unexpected life circumstances arise, I’ll work with you to create a thoughtful plan for completing any outstanding requirements while maintaining the integrity of the training.
Ready to Begin?
If you feel called to deepen your practice, expand your understanding of yoga, and develop the skills to teach with clarity and confidence, we invite you to apply. Every application is reviewed personally by Sommer.
1. Submit your application.
Tell us about your practice, experience, and what draws you to this training.
2. Acceptance Notification
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. If accepted, you’ll receive a welcome email with next steps and information about securing your place.
3. Reserve your place.
Upon acceptance, a $500 deposit is due within two weeks to hold your space.
Applicants should have at least one year of consistent yoga practice, ideally practicing two to three times per week. You do not need to be advanced or certain that you want to teach, but you should be ready to participate fully, study deeply, and engage wholeheartedly with the training.
about sommer and paul
Thousand Petals Yoga is co-founded by Sommer and Paul Sobin. For the past 25+ years we have dedicated ourselves to the study of yoga, meditation, and spiritual practice. We are playful, lighthearted, and serious about waking up to the fullness of life. We are passionate about family, movement, playing music, creating community, healthy eating, and being of service. We have taught hundreds of teachers through our teacher training programs and thousands of students in our public classes, workshops and retreats. Our mission at Thousand Petals Yoga is simple: teach serious yoga classes with a playful spirit, deepen community bonds, and inspire all to awaken to the fullness of life—right here, right now.