Yoga Teacher Trainings

Syllabus Outline

By the end of this training, participants will have accomplished the following:

• Techniques, Training and Practice
  • Asanas
    • A fundamental understanding of the elements of Sun Salutations- including poses, alignment, benefits and breath work
    • Knowledge of the alignment forms, actions/engagement, modifications, progressions and benefits of the various categories of poses including:
      • Standing Poses
      • Seated Poses
      • Arm Balances and Inversions
      • Forward Bends
      • Back Bends
      • Supine Poses
      • Restorative/Pre-savasana
  • An understanding of the use of props for modifying poses
  • Develop an understanding of performing hands on physical adjustments in a safe and professional way within a wide range of poses
  • Sequencing
    • A basic understanding of how each pose works with one another in Vinyasa Sequencing
    • Understanding of how to sequence for a “climactic” pose
  • Meditation Practices
    • Learn the basic techniques and benefits of meditation
    • Develop a Home practice
    • Practice Guided Meditation
  • Mantra Practices
    • Be introduced to meaning and differences between English Mantras and Sanskrit Mantras
    • Develop and understanding and benefits of using mantras in a yoga practice
  • Breathing Techniques (Pranayama)
    • An understanding through practice of various breathing techniques along with their benefits
    • An awareness of how to connect the breath with movement through the postures in a flow sequence
• Teaching Methodology
  • Communication
    • Learn to communicate effectively with others using yoga language and terminology including proper pronunciation of common sanskrit words.
    • Be able to explain the benefits of yoga postures in the context of a class.
    • Be able to discern the needs of the student and give the verbal adjustments needed.
    • Be able to perform correct hands on assists in a group or in a class
  • Learn how to lead a group
    • Learn how to create and lead a Centering/Opening Meditation
    • Be able to lead savasana
    • Be able to explain a mantra and lead a mantra with a group
  • Knowledge of how to create and sequence a vinyasa flow class
  • Finding Your Inner Teacher
    • Explore a variety of teaching styles and find one that fits you.
    • Learn to use your voice and be creative and authentic to yourself in your teaching while still being clear, confident and professional.
  • Qualities of a Yoga teacher
• Anatomy and Physiology (20 hours)
  • Anatomy of muscles
  • Anatomy of bones
  • Anatomy of joints
  • Understanding body movement
  • Understanding yoga alignment
    • Alignment form
    • Alignment action
  • Chakras
  • Understand Planes of Movement
• Yoga Philosophy (30 hours)
  • 8 Limbs
  • Bhakti
  • Yoga Sutras
  • Hindu Mythology
  • Meditation
  • Mantra
  • Being in Service
  • Ethics of a yoga teacher
  • The evolution of yoga: Modern Yoga versus Traditional yoga
• Reading & Discussion to go with Non-contact hours
  • “The Journey Home”
  • “Be Love Now”
  • “Awakening Shakti” (Hindu Mythology and Meditation)d
  • “The Wisdom of Yoga: A Seeker’s Guide to Extraordinary Living” by Stephen Cope
  • “The Eight Limbs of Yoga: A Handbook for Living Yoga Philosophy” by Stuart Sarbacker
  • Writing Assignments on: take-aways from classes, meditation. Mantra,
• Practicum (10 hours)
  • Teaching a community class – Design and lead a 60-90 minute vinyasa flow sequence in presence of LYT
  • Teach Sun Salutations A & B in presence of LYT
  • Observing other teachers and give feedback
  • Assists- perform assists in the context of a class in the presence of LYT
  • Take a written comprehensive final exam
• Enduring Understanding and Overall Learning Objectives:
  • Feel comfortable taking the seat of a teacher
  • Have a basic understanding of the 8 limbs of yoga
  • Understand and apply practices of Bhakti yoga
    • Poetry in class
    • Music in class
    • Dharma talks
    • Heart connection
  • Learn in-depth the yoga poses and their benefits
  • Learn how to modify poses for different abilities and body types
  • Learn the basics of yogic breathing and the benefits
  • Learn the basics of meditation and its benefits
    • Develop a daily meditation practice
    • Be able to lead a centering meditation and savasana
  • Develop an at-home yoga and meditation practice
  • Learn the language of yoga
  • Understand and apply the fundamentals of vinyasa sequencing
  • Learn to use your voice and be creative and authentic to yourself while still being clear, confident and professional
  • Learn the importance of props and how to use them
  • Understand modern and traditional yoga philosophies and how they apply to life practices
  • Be able to confidently teach a beginners yoga class