In this guide, we've curated a list of the top 5 private yoga teachers in Washington DC. Each instructor has been selected based on their expertise, qualifications, and commitment to providing personalized yoga instruction. Whether you're looking to deepen your practice, manage stress, or simply find a moment of peace in your day, these instructors offer something for everyone.
I am passionate about yoga and have been practicing for over 20 years. However, due to chronic back pain that started in my childhood, I often found myself struggling during group yoga classes. Even though I knew to "go at your own pace," I would unconsciously push myself to match the teacher’s speed or keep up with others, which often worsened my back issues. A few years ago, I discovered private yoga through an online teacher, and the experience was transformative—my back pain significantly improved. Since then, I have become a firm believer in the benefits of private yoga.
Private yoga allows for personalized attention and adjustments, which can greatly enhance the overall practice, especially for those dealing with physical limitations or looking for a more tailored experience. However, I noticed that the number of teachers offering private sessions is limited, and there’s a lack of comprehensive information on how to choose the right private yoga teacher.
This article aims to provide a useful guide for individuals seeking a private yoga teacher who suits their unique needs. I hope this resource helps you find the perfect teacher and experience the many benefits of private yoga.
To ensure that you're getting the best private yoga instruction in Washington DC, we've used the following criteria to select these top 5 instructors:
Personal Website: Each instructor maintains a personal website, allowing easy access to information and booking.
Private Class Availability: All instructors offer private yoga sessions as part of their services. In addition,
we've scored each instructor on a variety of factors:
| Criterion | Points | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Teaching Experience | 15 points |
3 pt: Not mentioned or less than 4 years 5 pt: 5–9 years 10 pt: 10–14 years 15 pt: 15 or more years |
| Qualifications | 20 points |
5 pt: Not mentioned 10 pt: RYT 200 only 15 pt: E-RYT 200, RYT 500, or other qualifications 20 pt: E-RYT 500, Ashtanga Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, or Sivananda Yoga |
| Social Media Followers | 10 points |
3 pt: Not mentioned or fewer than 500 followers 5 pt: 500–999 followers 7 pt: 1,000–4,999 followers 10 pt: 5,000 or more followers |
| Comprehensive Private Yoga Offering & Focus | 15 points |
5 pt: Not mentioned 10 pt: Briefly mentioned 15 pt: Extensively mentioned |
| Availability | 15 points |
3 pt: No mention 5 pt: Mentions home visits or studio appointments 10 pt: Calendar with available time slots shown 15 pt: Calendar displayed with abundant time slots available |
| Price (60 min) | 25 points |
3 pt: No mention of pricing 5 pt: $150 or more 10 pt: $125–$149 15 pt: $100–$124 20 pt: $75–$99 25 pt: Less than $75 |
※Please note that these scores are subjective and meant to serve as a guide. Different individuals may prioritize different aspects when choosing an instructor.
Alicia is a seasoned yoga instructor, functional fitness coach, and bodywork specialist with over 20 years of personal practice and 2,500 hours of movement, anatomy, and bodywork training. Since 2007, she has been guiding students through yoga, meditation, breathwork, and health coaching. Alicia’s teaching style emphasizes curiosity, personal alignment, and self-trust, allowing students to explore movement with attention and intention. With her background as a research librarian and her transition to the healing arts in 2012, Alicia brings a unique perspective to her work. She inspires students to embrace lifelong learning and neuroplasticity, believing it’s never too late to try something new. Her private sessions are tailored to individual needs, whether it's for recovery, skill enhancement, or personal growth.
Alicia’s private yoga and movement classes are ideal for individuals recovering from injuries, returning to practice after a hiatus, or seeking to advance their personal fitness journey. Her expertise in functional movement and meditation makes her sessions highly effective for building self-awareness and optimizing body mechanics. Alicia is also a great choice for special group events like birthdays or corporate wellness programs, offering a blend of creativity and personalized attention. Whether you're new to yoga or an experienced practitioner, Alicia’s supportive and transformative approach can guide you toward greater health, alignment, and ease.
Visit Alicia Moyer
Elina Rangelova is a dedicated wellness advocate and the creator of Anandita Wellness. As an E-RYT 200 yoga teacher with eight years of experience, an ACE Certified Personal Trainer, and a Behavioral Change Specialist, Elina blends her diverse expertise to help individuals achieve balance and joy in their lives. Known for her clear instruction and thoughtful approach, she tailors her sessions to meet students where they are while challenging them to grow. Elina’s passion for yoga extends beyond the studio—she organizes memorable local and international yoga retreats that foster connection, relaxation, and rejuvenation. With a background in education, Elina also teaches kids yoga and movement classes, delighting families with her ability to inspire growth and joy in children. Her teaching style emphasizes form, mindfulness, and the meditative flow of synchronized movement and breath.
Elina’s private sessions and group classes are ideal for individuals of all ages looking to enhance their physical fitness, flexibility, and overall well-being. Beginners will appreciate her supportive guidance, while seasoned practitioners will enjoy her active and meditative flows. Families with children can benefit from her engaging kids yoga classes, designed to foster creativity and movement. Those seeking a transformative getaway can join one of her yoga retreats to reconnect with nature and rejuvenate. Whether you aim to improve balance, flexibility, or simply find more joy in movement, Elina’s personalized, caring approach ensures you’ll feel empowered and inspired.
Visit Elina Rangelova
Mimi Rieger, E-RYT® 500, is a highly accomplished yoga teacher and wellness coach with over 25 years of experience in practicing and teaching yoga. As the founder of MIMI RIEGER YOGA | STUDIO, the Power of Teaching yoga teacher training program, and PureFitnessDC, Mimi brings a multidisciplinary approach to yoga that blends Ashtanga, Rocket Vinyasa, Progressive Ashtanga, Budokon, Vinyasa, Yin, and Forrest Yoga. Known for her intelligent and intentional movement practices, Mimi fosters a compassionate, curiosity-driven learning environment for her students. Her extensive experience includes teaching private clients, professional sports teams, corporate wellness programs, and even First Lady Michelle Obama. Mimi’s offerings range from private sessions to international retreats, with a strong focus on cultivating balance, joy, and awareness in body, mind, and spirit.
Mimi’s private yoga sessions are ideal for individuals seeking tailored instruction to enhance their practice, improve posture alignment, and explore functional movement. Her expertise in combining yoga with mindfulness, meditation, and breathwork makes her an excellent choice for students managing stress, striving for greater body awareness, or aiming to build a sustainable wellness routine. Mimi’s approach is particularly valuable for professionals looking for corporate wellness programs, certified teachers seeking continuing education, and yoga enthusiasts interested in teacher training or retreats. Whether you’re new to yoga or an experienced practitioner, Mimi provides the tools and guidance to achieve a cohesive and balanced lifestyle.
Visit Mimi Rieger
Michelle Cohen is a seasoned prenatal and postnatal yoga teacher and certified birth and postpartum doula with over a decade of experience supporting parents through pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum recovery. Her personalized approach combines alignment-based vinyasa, restorative yoga, yoga nidra, and breathwork, tailored to the unique needs of each individual. With a foundation in holistic and Western wisdom, Michelle creates a nurturing environment where mothers can reconnect with their bodies, find relief from physical discomforts, and cultivate mindfulness. Her dedication to empowering birthing parents stems from her own transformative experiences with motherhood, making her a compassionate and knowledgeable guide.
Michelle’s private yoga sessions are ideal for expectant and new mothers seeking personalized support to alleviate pregnancy-related discomforts, regain postpartum strength, or prepare their bodies and minds for labor. Her expertise is particularly beneficial for those experiencing challenges such as back pain, pelvic floor discomfort, or fatigue. Michelle’s integrative approach also supports emotional and mental well-being, making her an excellent choice for parents navigating the transitions of parenthood. Whether virtually or in-person, her sessions provide a safe space to practice self-care and develop the skills needed for labor, recovery, and beyond.
Visit Michelle
Debra is the visionary founder and Creative Director of Flow Yoga Center, a vibrant yoga studio known for its community-focused ethos and world-class instruction. Since 2004, Debra has nurtured Flow into a cornerstone of Washington, DC's wellness scene, offering a welcoming sanctuary for yoga, fitness, and mindfulness. A Senior Yoga Teacher, Mindfulness Coach, and Reiki Practitioner, Debra integrates her passion for yoga, environmental sustainability, and social justice into every aspect of her work. Recognized by the Washington City Paper and Washington Post as the “Best Yoga Studio” in DC, Flow serves over 2,000 weekly guests both online and in-person. Debra is also the founder of workFlow Wellness, a corporate well-being initiative, and a leader in community events like the annual Yoga on the Mall. Her dedication extends beyond yoga to raising funds for local causes, making Flow not just a business but a force for positive change.
Debra’s offerings are ideal for individuals seeking a holistic approach to wellness in a supportive and inspiring environment. Her private sessions are perfect for those wanting personalized guidance in yoga, mindfulness, or Reiki, whether to alleviate stress, improve flexibility, or deepen their practice. Flow Yoga Center caters to both beginners and seasoned yogis, offering diverse classes from restorative yoga to hot power flows. Debra’s workFlow Wellness programs are particularly beneficial for corporate teams looking to integrate mindfulness and balance into their work culture. Whether attending classes in Flow’s serene studios, at outdoor locations, or virtually, students will find a joyful, community-driven space to reconnect with themselves and others.
Visit Debra Mishalove
How did you find the list? I hope you've discovered the perfect yoga teacher to meet your needs. However, if you didn’t find a nearby teacher that suits you or if none of these options feel quite right, I encourage you to consider the next section on online private yoga as an alternative. While it may not fully replicate the experience of in-person sessions in-person experience, online private yoga offers the convenience of practicing from home anytime, along with the potential for cost savings. It's a great option worth considering.
One standout option for online private yoga is ONE OM ONE, an accessible platform offering affordable and high-quality personalized classes. For just $108 per month, you can access up to 30 personalized sessions—a fantastic deal for anyone looking to integrate yoga into their daily routine without breaking the bank. Supported by the largest yoga teacher training school in Japan and Malaysia, this platform guarantees top-notch instruction and reliable quality control.
Headquarters: Tokyo, San Diego
Number of Instructors: 20
Pricing: $58/month for weekly sessions
$98/month for twice-weekly sessions
Class Duration: 45 minutes
Best For: Those who prioritize having a wide range of instructor choices and prefer to customize their learning experience.
Visit ONE OM ONE
Private yoga offers a deeply personalized approach to enhancing your practice, whether you're working to alleviate physical discomfort, manage stress, or simply enjoy a more focused yoga experience. The teachers we've highlighted in this guide each bring a unique blend of expertise, passion, and flexibility to their teaching, making them excellent choices for students in San Diego who want to elevate their yoga journey. If you didn’t find the right teacher nearby or if your schedule demands greater flexibility, online private yoga options—like ONE OM ONE—are an excellent alternative. With personalized sessions from the comfort of your own home, you can still reap the benefits of one-on-one instruction without geographical or scheduling limitations. In any case, whether in-person or online, finding the right private yoga teacher can be a transformative experience. We hope this guide has helped you get one step closer to choosing the teacher that best suits your needs and goals. Start your journey today, and embrace the many rewards that personalized yoga can offer.
If you didn’t find the right teacher nearby or if your schedule demands greater flexibility, online private yoga options—like ONE OM ONE—are an excellent alternative. With personalized sessions from the comfort of your own home, you can still reap the benefits of one-on-one instruction without geographical or scheduling limitations.
In any case, whether in-person or online, finding the right private yoga teacher can be a transformative experience. We hope this guide has helped you get one step closer to choosing the teacher that best suits your needs and goals. Start your journey today, and embrace the many rewards that personalized yoga can offer.
Author: Hajime "Jimmy" Ito