Yoga Teacher Training

To those who have not studied yoga, it may look like an exercise class in Western society. But yoga is far more than that: it's an entire philosophy and way of living.

In this lesson, we'll attempt to define yoga and explore the mind-body connection.

Some people may find yoga too religious or spiritual, especially when we start talking about enlightenment. As a scientist, I feel this way, too. In this lesson, we'll explore how we can reconcile the concept of enlightenment with modern-day science.

Yogic philosophy is composed of eight limbs. These are Yamas, Niyamas, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharma, Dhyana and Samadhi.

Key texts in studying yoga include the Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita (part of the Mahabharata) and the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.

Suggested reading list for getting started with the study of yoga.

In this lesson, we'll tackle some of the common myths about yoga.

Self-practice, typically daily practice, is at the heart of becoming a yoga teacher.

Yoga has many different schools including Iyengar, Ashtanga, Vinyasa Flow, Hot Yoga, Yin, Restorative and Chair Yoga.

Core anatomical terms are explained: supine and prone, flex and extend, lateral and medial, anterior and posterior, superior and inferior, proximal and distal, dorsiflex and plantar flex.

A brief introduction to how the body works including muscles, joints, circulatory system and nervous system.

A tour of the Visual Anatomy app.

Everyone has a unique body that varies in flexibility and trainability.

A body assessment can be used to access individual flexibility.

As teachers, we want to keep our students safe by helping them avoid injuries and ensuring they have a safe environment in which to practice.

Keeping students safe beings with checking the environment and ensuring proper first aid provision is in place.

Yoga is relatively safe but any physical activity comes with some level of risk of injury.

Poses are arranged into a sequence. Getting this sequence correct is a key to preventing injury.

In a world with an increasing understanding of trauma, yoga is moving away from hands-on adjustment and towards contact-free adjustments.

What additional safety needs should we consider when working digitally?

A risk assessment document helps us identify potential risks in advance of teaching a yoga class.

Asana is the physical postures in yoga.

Technique, how to cue and adjustments for sukhasana (easy pose).

Technique, how to cue and adjustments for virasana (hero pose).

Technique, how to cue and adjustments for dandasana (staff pose).

Technique, how to cue and adjustments for baddha konasana (bound angle pose).

Technique, how to cue and adjustments for marjaryasana and bitilasana (cat-cow poses).

Technique, how to cue and adjustments for down dog.

Technique, how to cue and adjustments for bhujangasana (cobra pose).

Technique, how to cue and adjustments for up dog.

Technique, how to cue and adjustments for phalakasana (plank pose).

Technique, how to cue and adjustments for chaturagana (four-limbed staff pose).

Technique, how to cue and adjustments for setu bandhasana (bridge pose).

Technique, how to cue and adjustments for tadasana (mountain pose).

Technique, how to cue and adjustments for uttanasana (forward bend pose).

Technique, how to cue and adjustments for half way lift.

Technique, how to cue and adjustments for anjaneyasana (crescent lunge pose).

Technique, how to cue and adjustments for virabhadrasana II (warrior II pose).

Technique, how to cue and adjustments for viparita virabhadrasana (reverse warrior pose).

Technique, how to cue and adjustments for trikonasana (triangle pose).

Technique, how to cue and adjustments for malasana (squat).

Technique, how to cue and adjustments for vrksasana (tree pose).

Technique, how to cue and adjustments for utkatasana (chair pose).

Technique, how to cue and adjustments for balasana (child's pose).

Technique, how to cue and adjustments for savasana (pronounced shavasana, corpse pose).

Pranayama is breathing techniques.

Abdominal breathing is a fundamental breath technique in yoga.

Dirgha, also known as yogic breathing, uses three phases to structure our breath.

Ujjayi is also known as ocean-sounding breath. how to do ocean breath.

How to do alternative nostril breathing.

How to do kumbahaka.

How to do kapaladbhati.

In this module, we will explore how to sequence a series of yoga poses into a class.

A peak pose is the most challenging pose in the class. We typically structure a yoga class sequence around working up to the peak pose.

Preparatory poses prepare the body for what is coming next. We use a series of preparatory poses to work out way up to our peak pose.

Counterposes balance the body out.

How to structure a yoga class into five sections and how to use progressions.

How to use personal practice to refine your class sequences.

Example class plans so you can see what a typical sequence might look like.

Can you use notes when teaching a yoga class?

How to use your authentic voice when teaching a yoga class.

How to use cues when teaching a yoga class.

What to think about when selecting words and phrases to use in a yoga class.

Different styles of teaching: demonstration, instruction, show-then-try.

Do you want to turn yoga teaching into a business or a full-time job? If so, this module is for you.

Different ways of becoming a professional yoga teacher including places to work, class formats and building your own brand.

Understand the difference between being an employee and self-employment.

Do I need insurance as a yoga teacher? What type of insurance do I need?

How to get a job teaching at a yoga studio.

How to teach yoga online.

How to adapt yoga when teaching children.

How to adapt yoga when teaching older adults.

How to adapt yoga when working with pregnant students.