Yoga Teacher Training

We will begin with the history and philosophy of yoga. We will discover where yoga comes from and what it can teach us about our true identity, or personal atman. We will also explore the eight limbs of Ashtanga yoga, the five levels of being, and the energetic body.

In this first module, you will learn:

• What “yoga” truly is, and what it means for each of us;
• The relationship between the personal atman and the universal brahman;
• The ancient texts and Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras that contributed to the philosophy of yoga;
• What samadhi is, or the ultimate union with the divine;
• The meaning of the nadis, or subtle channels that carry energy through the body;
• The seven main chakras, which can contribute to imbalances in our lives.

We will then talk about different styles and types of yoga, exploring the most widespread ones around the world, such as Bhakti, Hatha, Jivamukti, and also the style that will most influence this course: Vinyasa yoga.

In this module, you will discover:

• Bhakti Yoga, a path of love and devotion;
• Hatha Yoga or “yoga of effort,” the most widely practiced type of yoga in the modern world;
• Iyengar Yoga, a method that emphasizes body alignment;
• Jivamukti Yoga, a true challenge both physically and mentally;
• Jnana Yoga, a personal and direct path toward awakening;
• Karma Yoga, a progressive detachment from the ego;
• Mantra Yoga, the repetition of syllables or short phrases to focus the mind;
• Raja Yoga, or “Royal Yoga,” another name for Ashtanga Yoga;
• Tantra Yoga, or the use of the subtle body to awaken kundalini;
• Vinyasa Yoga, the synchronization of physical movement with the breath;
• Yin Yoga, a passive practice that works on the body’s connective tissues;
• Ashtanga Yoga, defined by the sage Patanjali, but also referring to a series of postures developed by Sri Pattabhi Jois.

Yoga explores the synergy that exists between the body and the mind. In this third module, we will focus on the sensations of calm it can bring. We will also discover breath control, or pranayama, which allows the circulation of prana, or vital energy, throughout our body.

This section will cover:

• The beneficial effects of meditation on health and well-being;
• Different meditation techniques and exercises;
• The use of meditation in a yoga session;
• The most common obstacles to meditation, and how to overcome them;
• The importance of breathing and pranayama;
• Practical breathing exercises.

In this module, we will study the bones, muscles, joints, and other essential parts of the human body used in the modern practice of yoga. Some basic definitions, as well as fundamental movements, will be described.

Here is what you will discover:

• Tips to strengthen and stretch the body;
• Key definitions to better understand anatomy;
• An in-depth study of human body movements;
• A description of the main parts of the body, such as the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, the spine, rib cage, hips, abdominals, etc.

Here, we will establish the foundations of a yoga class. We will discover numerous postures and break down, one movement at a time, the Sun Salutation. We will also learn where to direct the gaze during a posture and the main bandhas, these subtle “locks” that help circulate vital energy through the energetic body.

This fifth module will cover:

• The four sections of a typical yoga class: warm-up and Sun Salutations, standing postures, seated postures, and the closing sequence;
• The two versions of the Sun Salutation;
• A detailed exploration of the 40 main asanas, or primary physical postures;
• Seven themed mini-sequences using these 40 asanas, focusing on flexibility, balance, hip opening, back relaxation, and overall relaxation.

For those who one day wish to teach yoga, or simply deepen their personal practice, in this sixth module we will focus on the two main ways of adjusting a student: verbal adjustments and physical adjustments.

In this section, you will learn:

• The importance of adjustments;
• The language to use during a verbal adjustment, words to avoid, and how to rephrase certain instructions;
• Tips for performing physical adjustments correctly;
• The usefulness of demonstrations during a class.

In this module, we will deepen the teaching of yoga. We will address the practical aspects of a yoga class, answering various questions such as: how to balance standing and seated postures? How long should the closing sequence last? What teaching style should be adopted?

Here is what you will learn in this section:

• What to say and do during savasana, the final resting posture;
• How to plan posture sequences according to students’ levels;
• How to organize a class around specific themes, with physical, emotional, and philosophical examples;
• Three complete 60-minute class examples, ready to be taught;
• Seven examples of group exercises you can try and then incorporate into your classes.

Yoga is different for everyone. The question of your personal practice is therefore essential. We will explore ways of living fully and healthily while embracing the concepts of yoga.

Here is what you will discover:

• An example of a week in the life of a yogi, to be adapted to your personal lifestyle;
• How to organize your personal yoga practice;
• Guidelines for optimal health, including healthy nutrition and physical activities other than yoga.

In this final module, we will address practical concepts and explore different ways of teaching yoga, including where to give classes, how to build a reputation, and other similar considerations. This will give you a clearer idea of your next steps as a yogi!

In this section, we will cover:

• Key considerations when starting a yoga business;
• Administrative aspects: insurance, certification, marketing;
• How to create a yoga résumé;
• How to build visibility on social media;
• How to set your pricing;
• The different places where you can teach yoga.