YTT Details & CURRICULUM
why Ytt?
Our teacher training programs offer incredible experiences that will help you connect, grow, and transform.
1. Deepen Your Practice
Yoga teacher training provides an immersive experience that helps you explore the philosophy, history, and deeper aspects of yoga. You'll not only advance your understanding of poses (asanas) but also gain insights into:
Breathwork (Pranayama): How breath control can enhance both your practice and well-being.
Meditation: Techniques to still the mind, build focus, and enhance self-awareness.
Yoga Philosophy: Discovering the teachings of ancient texts like the Yoga Sutras and the Bhagavad Gita, which provide timeless wisdom on living a balanced, meaningful life.
Anatomy and Physiology: Understanding the body at a deeper level to practice yoga safely and effectively.
2. Personal Growth and Transformation
Teacher training is a time for self-reflection and personal development. You'll cultivate mindfulness, resilience, and a greater sense of purpose. This growth often extends far beyond the mat, helping you navigate life's challenges with more clarity and balance. The tools you'll acquire can spark a profound inner transformation, bringing you closer to your authentic self.
3. Community Connection
YTT creates a close-knit group of like-minded individuals who are on the same path of self-discovery. These connections can be lifelong friendships and a support system, both during training and beyond. The shared experience of vulnerability and growth helps build deep bonds, creating a sense of belonging and purpose within the yoga community.
4. Empowerment to Teach and Inspire
Becoming a certified yoga teacher empowers you to share the gift of yoga with others. Not only will you gain the skills to lead classes confidently, but you'll also have the opportunity to inspire and uplift your students. Teaching can be a fulfilling way to make a positive impact in your community by helping others find peace, balance, and well-being.
5. Career and Life Flexibility
Whether you plan to teach yoga part-time, full-time, or simply enhance your personal practice, YTT opens up new career and lifestyle opportunities. Many teachers enjoy the freedom to design their own schedules, work in diverse environments (from studios to retreats), and build businesses that align with their passions.
6. Self-Healing and Well-Being
YTT isn’t just about teaching others—it’s also a journey of self-healing. By dedicating time to your practice, you strengthen your body, calm your mind, and nourish your soul. It’s a holistic experience that enhances both physical and emotional well-being.
UPON COMPLETION, YOU WILL LEARN:
Personal Growth: Enhance your yoga practice and life.
Teaching Skills: Learn to teach a well-rounded sequence suitable for students and as a foundation for your practice.
Yoga Poses: Recognize, learn, and teach common yoga poses, understanding their intentions.
Adjustments: Understand limitations in yoga poses and learn how to adjust.
Breathing Practices: Learn and teach common breathing practices and their significance.
Yoga Philosophy: Dive deep into yoga philosophy and its relevance to modern life.
Sequencing: Safely sequence a class that everyone will love and want to take again. You will have the proficiency to lead both a complete vinyasa class and a restorative class.
The Business of Yoga: Learn how to set yourself apart and promote your classes.
THE CURRICULUM WILL INCLUDE:
Asana
Historical context
Poses specific to RYS's lineage—must include sukhasana and savasana
Complete sequencing (asana, pranayama, meditation) to achieve particular effect safely
Shared anatomical and alignment principles plus contraindications
Pranayama & Subtle Body
Historical context
Effects of pranayama on anatomy and subtle body
Complete sequencing of pranayama safely, including alternatives and adaptations Ujjayi, Nadi Shodhana, Kapalabhati, among others
Koshas, kleshas, chakras, nadis and prana vayus
Meditation
Key meditation terms
Meditation methods by lineage
Ability to practice school's chosen meditation practice
Chanting, mantras, and mudras
Anatomy
Skeletal system, incl.:
Major bones
Types of joints
Major muscles involved in asana
Types of muscle contraction
Physiology
Nervous system, incl.:fight, flight, freeze’ stress response, vagal theory, overall mind-body connection
Cardiovascular/circulatory, endocrine, digestive systems as they relate to yoga practice
Respiratory system, incl. muscles that affect breathing, involuntary vs voluntary breath, how air enters and leaves body
Biomechanics
Types of joint movements
Joint stabilization
Safe movement as it pertains to balancing, stretching, awareness, and physical limitations
Contraindications, misalignments, adaptations
History
Term ‘yoga’
School’s lineage, style, and methodology
Dates and key ideas such as the Vedas, Vedanta, Hatha, Colonial,
Modern
Philosophy
Definition of yoga and key terms
Relationship between asana, pranayama, meditation per school’s approach
Familiarity w/ major yogic texts (i.e., Yoga Sutras, Bhagavad Gita,
Upanishads, Hatha Yoga Pradipika)
Self-reflection on how philosophy relates to practice
Ethics
Awareness of Yoga Sutras or similar yogic ethical precepts
Relationship to Yoga Alliance Ethical Commitment including Scope of
Practice, Code of Conduct, and Equity Position Statement
Comprehension of and responsibility to increase equity in yoga
Accountability measures
Self-reflection on how yoga ethics relate to practice and teaching
Teaching Methodology
Sequencing
Pace
Environment Cueing(verbal,visual, physical)
Class management
Professional Development
Yoga-related professional organizations, including the Yoga Alliance credentialing process
Ethical Commitment, including Scope of Practice, Code of Conduct and
Equity Position Statement
Lifetime of learning and continuing education
General professionalism, including timeliness, consistency, cleanliness
Marketing and promotion
Liability insurance, waivers, invoicing
Practicum (Practice Teaching)
Knowledge,skills, experience across 12 key competencies
Mentorship component,incl. apprenticeship, feedback