The School’s curriculum follows the Yoga Alliance guidelines and is a Registered Yoga School (RYS) with Yoga Alliance.  Upon completion of the program students will receive a Certificate of Completion and can apply for registration with Yoga Alliance as a Registered Yoga Teacher at the 200-hour level (RYT 200). While the school’s program is designed for aspiring yoga teachers, it also extremely beneficial for individuals wanting to deepen their personal spiritual practice.

The Inspirit Yoga Teacher Training program includes five program disciplines. This consists of 200 hours, 192 hours are considered “contact“ hours and 8 hours are considered “non-contact” hours. As defined by Yoga Alliance, a contact hour is a classroom hour in the physical presence of a staff member. Non-contact hours are reading and homework assignments.

Yoga Philosophy/Lifestyle and Ethics for Yoga Teachers (PLE): This includes the reading and discussion of ancient yoga texts. Text commentaries are discussed in a group setting to explore the core philosophies of Yoga and how they can be applied to everyday life (“yoga off the mat”). Students are encouraged to explore their own personal connection to the teaching and examine the integration of yogic philosophy into their classes.

Topics include:

  • History of Yoga & Introduction to Yoga Philosophy
  • The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
  • Intro to Sanskrit/Chanting
  • Lifestyle of a Yogi
  • Nutrition/Ayurveda
  • Ethics for Yoga Teachers
  • Seva – Serving Others
  • Dharma & Samskaras

 

Anatomy and Physiology (A&P): Consists of human physical anatomy and physiology (bodily systems, organs, etc.) and Yogic energy anatomy and physiology (chakras, nadis, etc.) It includes both the study of the subject and application of its principles to yoga practice (benefits, contraindications, healthy movement patterns, etc).

Topics include:

  • Basic Anatomy for Understanding Yoga Poses (Muscles)
  • Basic Anatomy for Understanding Yoga Poses (Bones)
  • Basic Anatomy of the Spine
  • Spinal abnormalities such as Scoliosis, Lordosis and Kyphosis and how to modify poses
  • Systems/Organs of the Body
  • Fascia & Connective Tissue
  • Common Injuries/Ailments & Contraindications
  • Anatomy of the Breath
  • The Energetic Body – The Seven Chakras
  • Subtle Energy – Prana, Nadis, Bandhas, Gunas, Doshas, The Five Koshas
  • Observing the Difference in Students Bodies

 

Teaching Methodology (TM): Consists of the principles of demonstration, observation, assisting, correcting, instruction, teaching styles, qualities of a teacher, the student’s process of learning, and business aspects of teaching yoga.

Topics include:

  • How to Structure a Yoga Class & The Art of Sequencing
  • How to Use Touch Appropriately
  • Hands On Adjustments
  • Using Voice & Verbal Cues to Assist Students
  • How to Create Class Themes
  • How to Start Teaching – Business Basics
  • How to Handle Yourself in the Classroom
  • How to Give Effective Demonstrations
  • Teaching Beginner, Intermediate, & Advanced Students

 

Techniques, Training, & Practice (TTP): Consists of learning how to teach and practice traditional yoga techniques including asana, pranayama, kriya, mantra, meditation, bandha, and mudra.

Topics include:

  • Styles of Yoga
  • 70 Key Yoga Poses
  • Keys to Proper Alignment of Poses
  • The Use of Props
  • Mudras for Health & Healing
  • Vinyasa/Flow Yoga
  • Pranayama
  • Meditation Techniques and How to Incorporate Meditation Into Your Life and Your Classes (including a 1 Full Day Vipassana)
  • Classroom Etiquette & Creating a Sacred Space
  • Therapeutic Focus – Common Injuries/Ailments
  • Therapeutic Focus – Depression, Anxiety & Stress
  • Teaching Standing, Core, Backbends, Forward Folds, Hip Openers, Inversions, Seated Poses
  • Teaching Savasana

 

Practicum (PR): Consists of practice teaching, receiving feedback, observing others teaching and hearing/giving feedback.

Topics include:

  • Practice teaching with lead instructor & teacher trainees
  • Observe & assist lead instructor & other Inspirit instructors
  • Practice teaching as lead instructor
  • One-on-one mentoring with lead instructor
  • Teaching your own class in your community (Seva Yoga)