MerryBody Yoga Teacher Training Reviews
The MerryBody 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training is an online, self-paced program created by Emma and Carla Papas — the sisters behind the MerryBody yoga and pilates membership. Designed for aspiring yoga teachers and dedicated students who want to deepen their practice, this Yoga Alliance accredited training covers yoga philosophy, anatomy and physiology, sequencing, cueing, pranayama, Ayurveda, meditation, and the business of teaching. Unlike traditional in-person intensives, the MerryBody Teacher Training is completed entirely online with flexible pacing, weekly live calls, and a supportive community of fellow trainees. Graduates consistently describe the experience as life-changing — reporting greater self-confidence, reduced anxiety, deeper self-acceptance, and real-world teaching skills they use every day. With an average satisfaction rating of 9.9 out of 10 across multiple cohorts, here is what past trainees have to say about their journey through the MerryBody Yoga Teacher Training.
From Lost and Stressed to a Brand New Career
Before discovering the MerryBody Yoga Teacher Training, Nadine was navigating years of high stress and had lost her spark. She felt very lost and carried what she describes as a sad spirit.
“I now have a new career. I have a new life ahead of me that had only ever been a dream.”
She signed up because she loved yoga and deeply resonated with how Carla taught on the MerryBody app. What she found was far beyond what she expected.
“I was very lost and after a few years of high stress I had a sad spirit too. Through this training I’ve found my joy, the spark that lights me up.”
Through the training, Nadine didn't just learn to teach yoga — she found a completely new career and a new life ahead of her. Her self-confidence and self-awareness skyrocketed, and she rediscovered the joy and spark that lights her up.
“My self-confidence and self-awareness has risen and I feel alive again.”
Today, Nadine says she feels alive again and has found that being of service to others brings incredible value to her life. She describes the training as having no pressure, only encouragement and support — especially from Carla and Emma, whose insights, banter, and the space they hold for everyone made every live call a joy.
Overcoming Anxiety and Proving the Inner Critic Wrong
Lenore had struggled with anxiety for eight years before joining the MerryBody Yoga Teacher Training. The voices in her head told her she was too old to take on something like this.
“It impacted everything! From self-awareness to self-acceptance, to how amazing my body is, to proving the voices in my head wrong that I was too old to do this.”
She chose the training because it was the only YTT that felt truly aligned with who she was, and she wanted to deepen her practice. What surprised her most was that the anxiety she expected to feel during the training simply didn't show up — it was replaced by excitement, determination, and a hunger for more.
“I have struggled a lot with anxiety, especially in the last 8 years, and it was replaced by excitement and determination and a hunger for more.”
The training was life-changing on every level: from self-awareness to self-acceptance, to appreciating how amazing her body is, to finally letting go and surrendering. Lenore describes the safe container that Carla and Emma provided as truly something special — she felt held, supported, and part of a beautiful community.
“The bomb of Yoga Teacher Trainings!”
She now tells people the MerryBody Teacher Training is "the bomb of Yoga Teacher Trainings" and was blown away by its professionalism and depth.
Completely Transformed — Overcoming Anxiety and Depression
Kirsty came to the MerryBody Yoga Teacher Training looking to deepen her understanding of yoga and build a solid foundation for her practice.
“It has completely transformed my life for the better. It has given me a solid foundation and understanding of myself and others.”
What she didn't expect was a complete transformation.
“How honest and real you were. I felt instantly connected with you from day one because you took the time to contact me and that made me feel special.”
Through the training's meditation and breathwork practices, Kirsty was able to overcome anxiety and depression that had been weighing on her.
“It helped me to overcome some anxiety and depression through meditation and breathwork.”
The ability to watch and practice classes over and over gave her the repetition she needed to build real confidence — by the time she was ready to teach, the cues came naturally because she'd heard them so many times. What she loved most was how honest and real Carla and Emma were from day one, making her feel instantly connected. Kirsty describes the experience as one that completely transformed her life for the better, giving her a solid foundation and a new understanding of herself and others.
Finding Confidence and Connection — Even Through Pregnancy
Lilly joined the MerryBody Yoga Teacher Training to improve her own practice and eventually teach at her mum's studio. She was nervous going in — her mum had shared stories of intense teacher trainings that left Lilly feeling scared about what to expect.
“MerryBody Teacher Training taught me so much about not only yoga but also myself. It helped me really connect to my soul.”
What she found was the complete opposite. The training taught her so much about yoga and about herself, helping her connect to her soul and build real confidence.
“Life changing and the best thing you’ll ever do!”
The flexible online format meant she could complete it throughout her pregnancy and the early months of her baby's life. Lilly was shocked by how kind, encouraging, and supportive Carla and Emma were — it wasn't scary or intense at all.
“I was shocked how kind you both were — it made me want to finish the course!”
The constant affirmation made her want to finish the course and pushed her confidence to new heights. She now describes the experience simply as "life changing and the best thing you'll ever do."
From Personal Trainer to Yoga Teacher — Completing the Training During Life's Toughest Moments
Amanda fell in love with yoga when she first joined MerryBody as a member.
“It is the most beautiful space to learn more about yoga, and all the magic it can bring to your life. It’ll make you believe in yourself in ways you’ve never experienced before.”
The way it made her feel — so forgiving and accessible no matter her mood — inspired her to study deeper and bring yoga into her personal training business.
“I’ve got a greater understanding of yoga beyond the asana. It’s given me more self-belief.”
When MerryBody announced their teacher training, she knew it was time and exactly where she was meant to be.
“I wouldn’t have been able to do my 200hr TT without the online format.”
The training gave her a far greater understanding of yoga beyond the physical poses, especially the philosophy of the yamas and niyamas. Perhaps most remarkably, Amanda completed the entire training during one of the most personally challenging periods of her life, and it gave her more self-belief than ever. She credits the flexible online format and the constant inspiration from Emma and Carla's genuine love for what they do. Amanda describes the training as the most beautiful space to learn about yoga — one that will make you believe in yourself in ways you've never experienced before.
Started as a Student, Left Dreaming of Teaching
Bec signed up purely to learn about yoga in depth — teaching wasn't even on her radar. The training blew her expectations wide open.
“WHEN I tell my friends, I describe MBTT as a course run by 2 beautiful sisters who have the most beautiful philosophy on life.”
From the history and philosophies that amazed her, to the anatomy that felt familiar, to the Ayurveda content that became her biggest aha moment, every module brought something new. But what truly set the experience apart was the community.
“My life is better because of MBTT.”
Despite never meeting anyone in real life, the online bond with fellow trainees was exceptional — like-minded, beautiful people supporting each other. Bec found the training provided life skills she uses every single day, something she'd never experienced in any other form of learning.
“I started the course not dreaming of actually ever teaching and now I can imagine that.”
By the end, something remarkable had shifted: she went from never dreaming of teaching to being able to imagine herself standing at the front of a class. She describes Carla and Emma as having the most beautiful philosophy on life, creating a safe, kind, and supportive environment for everyone.
Trusting the Process and Discovering "I Am Amazing, Just As I Am"
Jo joined the MerryBody Yoga Teacher Training to deepen her personal practice and work on self-acceptance. She wanted to truly dive into the world of yoga and discover what lay beneath the surface.
“I am amazing, just as I am. If you trust the process, you will learn and grow.”
The training delivered beyond anything she could have imagined. From Ayurveda to sequencing and cueing, from chakra discussions to the invaluable live calls — Jo found every part of the course incredible.
“100000% — I wouldn’t have considered a YTT if it wasn’t you two doing it!”
Her biggest takeaway became a personal mantra: "I am amazing, just as I am." She learned that if you trust the process, you will learn and grow, and that following your passion and bliss is one of the most incredible things you can do.
“Following your passion and bliss is so incredible.”
Jo says she wouldn't have even considered a yoga teacher training if it wasn't Carla and Emma leading it — and that's what makes this training so special. She recommends it "100000%" without hesitation.
A Dream Fulfilled — Better Mental Health, Stronger Practice, and a New Routine
Hannah had been a MerryBody member since the very beginning and always dreamed of doing the teacher training. She wanted to connect with like-minded people, serve her local community, and deepen a practice she'd loved for years.
“I’m a better person. I have carved out a regular weekly routine of sequencing a class, practising the class and then teaching the class.”
The training exceeded all expectations. It gave Hannah a regular weekly routine of sequencing, practicing, and teaching that has been invaluable for her mental health, nervous system, and physical wellbeing.
“This has been invaluable for my mental health, nervous system health and physical health.”
She now uses pranayama as a daily tool when she feels stressed at work. What impressed her most was the methodical structure — the way foundational knowledge was introduced first and then built upon week by week.
“I use pranayama as a daily tool when I feel stressed at work.”
She even looked forward to submitting assessments because the feedback was always so positive and practically helpful. Hannah says the training has made her a better person and ignited a curiosity to keep learning about yoga for the rest of her life.
Deeply Transformed — Tools for Life Beyond the Mat
Silje came to the MerryBody Yoga Teacher Training wanting to gain knowledge that would help her better support herself and her clients on their health and healing journeys. She specifically chose MerryBody because of its focus on self-acceptance, inclusivity, and Emma and Carla's authenticity.
“I feel deeply transformed. I understand myself more deeply and have the tools to support myself and navigate life with more steadiness.”
By the end, she felt deeply transformed. The training gave her tools to understand herself more deeply and navigate life with more steadiness — far more than just teaching techniques.
“MBTT is so much more than just a teacher training. Emma and Carla share their wisdom and experience so generously.”
What really surprised her was how thorough and in-depth the experience was. Every module felt thoughtfully designed, with layers of learning that kept unfolding.
“There was no sense of competition or comparison, which felt incredibly rare and refreshing.”
She was genuinely amazed by the level of detail, care, and depth. Silje describes the training as so much more than just a teacher training — it's a space filled with genuine support where there was no sense of competition or comparison, just encouragement and celebration.
From Intimidated to Inspired — Learning It's OK Not to Be Perfect
Michelle had always wanted to do a yoga teacher training but felt fairly intimidated about taking the leap. She decided to go for it with Carla and Emma because it felt like the right fit, even though nerves were high.
“It’s OK to try things and not have to be perfect.”
The training changed everything. From the asana workshops and pranayama to yoga history and the personal stories Carla and Emma shared — including the funny moments and mishaps from their own teaching journeys — Michelle felt her fears dissolve.
“Every response was always so positive and kind and supportive. It made a very safe space to learn and grow.”
These real, relatable stories made teaching feel less intimidating. Her biggest takeaway?
“It has inspired me to continue to learn for fun and just try things without expectations.”
It's OK to try things and not have to be perfect. The training inspired her to continue learning for fun, without expectations, and to commit to a lifelong personal practice. What she loved most was how encouraging, positive, kind, and supportive Carla and Emma were throughout the entire journey — creating a truly safe space to learn and grow.
A Handbook of Life's Little Wisdoms
Kirsten had loved yoga for a long time and wanted to embrace not just one aspect but all aspects of this ancient practice.
“It’s like there’s a handbook of life’s little wisdoms now in my head — as life unfolds each day, something pops up to remind me or guide me.”
The MerryBody Yoga Teacher Training gave her exactly that — and so much more.
“I was constantly blown away by Emma and Carla’s approach and teaching methodologies.”
The discussions on the Yamas and Niyamas captivated her so much she says she could have listened to Carla talk about them all day.
“It always felt like a fun, personal and friendly environment to be a part of.”
But the real magic has been in how the teachings show up in her everyday life. Kirsten describes it as having a handbook of life's little wisdoms in her head now — as life unfolds each day, something from those pages pops up to remind or guide her to a better way of seeing things or taking action. She was constantly blown away by how genuinely compassionate and real Carla and Emma are, and considers the quality of the course structure, layout, and lectures to be truly outstanding.
A New Sense of Confidence — Understanding Yoga Isn't About Perfection
Danielle joined the MerryBody Yoga Teacher Training with the hope of one day teaching. What she gained went far deeper than technique.
“I have a new sense of confidence. I now understand yoga isn’t about perfection.”
The training gave her a completely new sense of confidence and taught her that yoga isn't about perfection — it's about getting out of your comfort zone and trying your absolute best. She found the ability to rewatch teaching videos transformational, saying everything made so much more sense the second time through.
“Everything made way more sense the second viewing. I couldn’t imagine doing an in-person training where they only say something once.”
She couldn't imagine doing an in-person training where things are only said once. What surprised Danielle most was realising just how smart, knowledgeable, and experienced Emma and Carla truly are.
“Welcoming and challenging — a perfect mixture.”
She describes the training as "welcoming and challenging — a perfect mixture" and says it's clear how many years of practice and learning they've poured into building something this thoughtful.
More Self-Confidence and Awareness Than She Ever Expected
Natasha loved practicing yoga and had thought about learning to teach, choosing MerryBody specifically because of their philosophy of self-acceptance.
“More self-confidence and awareness than I expected. It’s let me take my own life to a place where I feel good.”
What she found through the training was so much more than she bargained for.
“An amazing space where you learn outside of your own expectations and still feel safe, confident, and supported.”
The philosophy lessons helped transform her entire approach to yoga, and every single lesson taught her something new.
“I can’t imagine how it could have been better.”
The training brought more self-confidence and self-awareness than she ever expected, letting her take her own life to a place where she finally feels good. She particularly loved watching Carla and Emma interact and provide different perspectives on each topic, making everything feel relatable and real. Natasha describes the MerryBody Teacher Training as an amazing space where you learn outside of your own expectations and still feel safe, confident, and supported — and she simply can't imagine how it could have been better.
From Primary School Teacher to Yoga Teacher — Proving You’re Never Too Old
Rana had been a MerryBody member since day one and always felt the powerful impact yoga had on her mind, body, and spirit. In her early 50s, she had a burning desire to dive deeper into the practice and eventually transition from her full-time career as a primary school teacher to teaching yoga and pilates.
“I know I am in my early 50’s however I am absolutely not ready to slow down in the slightest! I love learning new things especially in the health and wellness field.”
What once felt like a distant dream became reality in just over a year. Rana became certified in both yoga and pilates and is already teaching classes at her local gym. She credits the MerryBody training for giving her the knowledge, confidence, and self-belief to make it happen.
“It’s hard to believe that I have finally reached the end of my Yoga Teacher training. If someone had said to me a year and a half ago that I would be a qualified Yoga teacher, I would have never believed them.”
For Rana, every class she teaches brings pure joy. She describes it not as work, but as a joyful experience where she gets to move her body and share the practice with like-minded people.
“Every time I teach a class, I think to myself, it’s not like a job, it’s a joyful and fun experience where I get to move my body and share a practice with like-minded people!”
Rana’s story is proof that you’re never too old to start something new, and that following your passion can lead to an entirely new chapter in life.
Discovering Self-Confidence — From Self-Doubt to Teaching Corporate Yoga
When Bridget first joined the MerryBody Yoga Teacher Training, her intention wasn’t to teach — it was to build self-confidence. She wanted to become comfortable with the uncomfortable, embrace challenges, and learn to be kinder to herself.
“Throughout the MBTT, I really want to build my self confidence; learn to become comfortable with the uncomfortable and embracing the challenges throughout the course.”
Through the 16-week program, Bridget blossomed. She gave presentations on the Paths of Yoga, taught her first Sun Salutation, led a guided meditation, and delivered a full-length class. Each step built the confidence she had set out to find.
“I definitely achieved this. I taught 5 classes, gave presentations on so many different topics and contributed positively within the community. I feel so proud.”
By the end, Bridget had not only achieved her intention — she exceeded it. She became a fully certified yoga teacher and is now teaching corporate yoga at her workplace.
“This experience has taught me to be more present, curious and explore conversations. I feel excited that I can take this enthusiasm into any future endeavour I choose to do.”
Bridget describes the experience as one that taught her to be more present, curious, and open. She can’t wait to go back to week one and discover even more along the way.
From Trainee to Retreat Teacher — Stepping Into Her Feminine Power
Lozzy’s intention for the MerryBody Yoga Teacher Training was deeply personal — she wanted to connect with her mind and body, step into her feminine energy, and share the magic of yoga with the world as part of her business.
“My intention with this Yoga Teacher Training is connection with my mind and body and stepping into my feminine. I am so excited to dive into the mechanics of yoga, breathwork and meditation.”
The program delivered far more than she expected. From the live calls to the supportive community of like-minded women, Lozzy found herself growing in ways she hadn’t anticipated. She loved the self-paced format that let her learn at her own speed and rewatch lessons whenever she needed.
“Self paced, works way better for me, I love being able to learn at my own pace and to rewatch things = gold!”
Her biggest takeaway came from looking back at how far she’d come. The philosophy teachings, particularly the concept of Santosha (acceptance), became a daily tool for managing pressure and overwhelm.
“I use the phrase ‘it is what it is’ on the daily now, as a reminder to myself that I can’t control everything. Santosha, acceptance.”
Since graduating, Lozzy has already taught yoga at retreats and online, and is now creating her own program designed to help yoga beginners build the confidence to step onto the mat.
Finding Her Own Identity — And Now Sharing Yoga With Her Whole Community
Before the MerryBody Yoga Teacher Training, Min had always been known in connection to somebody else — the bank manager’s daughter, her husband’s wife, her children’s mother. She felt the fear of stepping into something new but did it anyway.
“In the Yoga process I have found ME. I will teach Yoga as ME in my own identity. Yoga is a place for me just to be me and feel that all is right in the world.”
Through the training, something profound shifted. Min didn’t just learn to teach yoga — she found herself. The program gave her a space to reconnect with who she truly was, beyond the roles she played in life.
“Not knowing if I will be good enough, not knowing if I can actually do it — but I felt the fear and did it anyway.”
The bonds formed with fellow trainees and the weekly live calls became highlights that Min describes as deeply uplifting. She watched herself and her cohort grow together in ways that felt even more connected than in-person learning.
“This Teacher Training has brought a very special bond between teacher and students. It has formed bonds for us all and ones that will stay with us for all time.”
Since graduating, Min has been awarded a community grant to run yoga classes locally. What started as fear of the unknown has become a thriving teaching practice — proof that stepping outside your comfort zone can change everything.
Welcoming Fearlessness — From Self-Doubt to Certified Yoga Teacher
Preeti started her MerryBody Yoga Teacher Training journey wanting to strengthen her physical practice, but from the very first week she knew there was something much deeper to discover. Her intention was bold: to welcome fearlessness and rid herself of self-doubt.
“My intention for MBTT is to welcome fearlessness. To NOT be in fear of what might happen, or what others might say.”
Through the program, Preeti’s confidence grew with every challenge — from her first two-minute presentation on yogic philosophy, to teaching her first Sun Salutation, to leading a full-length class. Each step outside her comfort zone built the inner strength she was looking for.
“How will I ever remember how to teach all the poses and speak for an entire hour?! Trust the process — and it all came together.”
The practice of letting go and surrendering became a powerful tool for reducing the stress and anxiety she’d carried around expectations for herself and her life.
“I embarked on the MBTT and finished with epiphanies and tools to help with daily life.”
By the end of the training, Preeti had not only become a certified yoga teacher — she had gained epiphanies and daily tools that transformed how she lives. She walked in one version of herself and emerged as another.
Living With Inner Peace — And Now Teaching Corporate Yoga in Brisbane
Sue’s intention for the MerryBody Yoga Teacher Training wasn’t initially about becoming a teacher — it was about finding internal peace. She wanted to let go of judgement, release comparison, and learn to live more presently. That simply happened as Sue journeyed through the course.
“My intention was to live with internal peace. To let go of judgement — of others and of myself. To release myself from comparison. I believe I am well on the way.”
What she discovered went far beyond what she expected. Sue found herself falling in love with the diverse teachings — from Andrew’s creative lessons on yogic philosophy, to James’s anatomy explanations, to Chara’s introduction to Ayurveda that left her with a thirst to know more.
“I have learned to love myself more, be myself, and to be authentic. This has been so much more than I expected, and will continue to resonate through me.”
The training transformed how Sue lives her daily life. She now catches herself drifting to the past or future and gently guides herself back to the present. She uses breathing practices to move through anxiety, difficult conversations, and burnout.
“I have used my new breathing practices to move through anxiety, difficult conversations and burnout.”
Just one month after becoming certified, Sue was already teaching corporate yoga classes in Brisbane — and has her sights set on teaching over-60s how to move mindfully. Her life, as she says, is so much better for what and who she now knows.
Ready to Transform Your Life Through Yoga?
Join the next cohort of the MerryBody 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training. Whether you want to teach or simply deepen your practice, this training will change everything.
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