200hr Vinsaya Yoga Training

Each morning will begin with a fascinating dharma discussion based on your reflections towards Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. Afterwards, you will flow through a dynamic 2 hour Vinyasa Yoga practice led by Erica to engage your body and mind.

Following your practice and lunch break, you will then move through a functional approach to anatomy as it relates to yoga to instill your understanding of movement, intelligent cues and inventive sequencing. The anatomy lessons will be presented in segments to support both movement and breath principles with a sense of relevance to yoga asana and fluid integration. 

You will be encouraged along the way and empowered to develop both as an individual and as a teacher. The aim of this training is to cultivate the qualities of skill, passion, and intelligence to be able to teach authentically no matter what challenges your students may have. Trainees who complete the course will feel confident in their ability to teach safely and effectively in their own unique voice. 

Asana Teaching Techniques - Setting the Foundation (85 hours)

•   Asanas: Standing & balancing poses, backbends, core, arm balances, inversions, hip openers, twists, forward bends, reclined and seated

•   Learn how to use props effectively

•   Physical and energetic benefits of asanas

•   Modifications & variations

•   Direct and meaningful adjustments (both verbal and manual) + enhancements

•   Posture Labs: observe and understand different bodies

•   Injury prevention

•   Cultivate clear and conscious communication skills

Teaching Methodology (20 hours)

•  Qualities of a Yoga Teacher

•  Observation skills

•  Alignment principles

•  Safe and effective teaching

•  The Seat of the Teacher

•  The Art of Demonstration - how to demonstrate a pose most effectively

The Art of Sequencing - Cultivating Creativity (20 hours)

•   The Arch Progression Model - going with the flow

•   Learn how to create an integrative vinyasa flow class

•   Exploration of the use of music, poetry and other thematic tools

•   Explore the dynamics of sequencing Power, Vinyasa and Hatha classes

•   Creating meaningful themes

•   Creative sequencing for speciality classes: Beginners class, Restorative, Prenatal)

•   The craft of creating an all-levels class
  
  

Anatomy and Physiology (20 hours)

• The deconstruction of asana into basic movement principles for clarity of alignment and sequencing

• Physiological and energetic effects of asana, pranayama, meditation & relaxation

•   Benefits & contraindications of asana

•   A clear understanding of basic anatomy + physiology of the nervous system

•   Effects of structural alignment on overall health

•   Avoiding common injuries in yogic practices

•   Using props and variations to individualize practices

•   Investigation of subtle anatomy - chakras, koshas, bhandas, vayus

Pranayama (5 hours)

• The role of breath in Vinyasa

• The anatomy & art of the breath

• Learn basic pranayama techniques to refine attention and shift energy

• Mind-body connection

Meditation (5 hours)

• Meditation exercises to focus the mind for contemplation 

• Svadhyaya - reflection through meditation and journalling

•  Japa Meditation

•   Mantra - chanting

•   Body-mind connection

The Psychology of Teaching (5 hours)

•   Student-teacher relationship

•   Transference, countertransference

•   Cultivate confidence: getting grounded

History & Philosophy (10 hours)

•   Introduction to Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras (integration into class theming or life)

•   The Roots of Yoga: the path of modern day yoga from east to west

•   Major lineages and approaches to the practice

•   An exploration of how this program is rooted into the history of yoga

•   Basic Sanskrit pronunciation for key concepts & asanas

Living your Yoga (10 hours)

•   Ayurveda fundamentals & your constitution

•   Taking your practice off the mat and into your life with the Yamas & Niyamas

Professional Principles: Where to go from here? (5 hours)

• Code of Ethics

• Who are you, the yoga teacher? (Building a resume/CV, bio)

  •   Networking and being in community

• Continued learning

•   Craft your mission statement

•   Discover your niche and how it specifically translates to the growth of your business

•   Working with Private Clients (overview, evaluation, policies)

•   The essentials of marketing, branding, publicity and business development –positioning yourself in your community.

Practicum (10 hours)

•  Practice teaching in small groups - verbal and manual adjustments

•  Giving & Receiving: self-evaluations & personalized feedback on your teaching in a safe, supportive environment

•  Create 60 min, 75 min and 90 min hatha & vinyasa classes

•  Student practicum assessment & exam