Q & A

The most in-depth section of the course, here you will learn how to teach each of the over 75 basic yoga poses compassionately and methodically, including functional anatomy, alignment principles, energetic actions, risks, benefits, preparatory asanas, counterposes, variations, modifications, hands-on adjustments, and prop use. Sun Salutations, Standing Poses, Backbends, Forward Bends, Twists, Arm Balances, Inversions, Core Refinement, and Hip Openers are covered in this section of the course.

A practical survey of yoga history and philosophy that distills the most important insights for yoga teachers. We examine the ancient-to-modern threads of yoga and how they have evolved and intertwined through the ages, taking into account essential passages from the Vedas, Upanishads, Gita, and Yoga Sutras, as well as somatic theory and other 20th and 21st century sources that can inform how we practice and teach. We pay close attention to ethical issues in teaching, such as emotional transference and projection, as well as how to create an emotionally and physically safe environment for practicing and self-transformation.

A hands-on introduction to functional anatomy, biomechanics, and movement kinesiology as they apply to seeing students in practice and guiding them in a meaningful, safe, and effective manner. You will learn about the basic human skeletal structure, how different types of bones, joints, muscles, and connective tissues function optimally in postural practices, the fundamentals of human movement so you can better understand transitions into and out of asanas, and a close examination of the spine, hips, and shoulders as they relate to all seven families (and sub-families) of asanas.

The art and science of sequencing families of asanas and designing entire classes for different levels of students, intentions, seasons, styles, and other factors. Pacing, duration, tempo, and vibe are also discussed for various levels and class intentions.

Basic and intermediate pranayama techniques, including when, how, and to whom to teach basic yoga breathing (ujayi pranayama) and more advanced pranayama techniques (including kapalabhati, bastrika, viloma, kumbhaka, and nadi shodhana).

Awareness and activation of subtle energy, including bandha cultivation and the relationship between pranayama, bandhas, and yogic anatomy elements such as koshas, chakras, nadis, vayus, gunas, and doshas.

In demystifying meditation, we look at how to incorporate meditation into yoga classes and daily life in a way that is simple, accessible, and long-lasting. We look at various meditation techniques.

We learn to systematically observe, appreciate, and understand what is happening with different students in each of the 75 asanas, thereby developing the necessary skills for working individually with your students and giving appropriate verbal cues, hands-on adjustments, and prop use.

This section focuses on when, where, and how to most effectively demonstrate yoga poses while providing students with clear, understandable verbal and hands-on guidance. Voice qualities such as language, tone, and audibility are given special consideration.

We go over the entire range of hands-on adjustments, which is an essential skill for all yoga teachers. It starts with an in-depth look at the principles of tactile cues before moving on to specific techniques for guiding students in over 50 poses. Here, you will collaborate to learn, practice, and improve your ability to guide students.

Students arrive at class with a variety of conditions, including acute and chronic injuries, disease, and other conditions that must be taken into account when guiding their practice. We will look at several common conditions, including joint problems (ankles, knees, hips, sacro-iliac, spinal, shoulders, elbows, and wrists), scoliosis, osteoporosis, and students undergoing chemotherapy.

Why do you practice yoga? What are the guiding principles of your practice? How can you best be true to your values while also making room in your classes for others and their values? How can you best create space in class and guide students to make their yoga experience more meaningful in the context of their lives?

Observe experienced teachers leading live classes to further refine your insights into what different students are likely experiencing in their yoga practices, thereby expanding your own skills in leading classes.

From the start of this course, you will collaborate with other participants to teach classes, beginning with one-on-one sessions and gradually building the confidence and skill to lead larger and larger classes. Each session of practice teaching includes extensive feedback and discussion of teaching techniques and methods.

How we live our larger lives off the mat, including personal yoga practice, nutrition, sleep, relationships with family and friends, and being in community, are all important aspects of deepening our yoga and sharing it with dignity and integrity.

This section discusses the role of the teacher, how to establish yourself as a professional yoga teacher, and how to be successful in teaching yoga as a source of income.