Yoga Alliance Teacher Training

Tuesday: Yoga Philosophy - Introduction to Patanjali's 8 Limbs

• Lecture (2 hours): Introduction to Patanjali’s 8 Limbs (Yama & Niyama)
• Practice (2 hours): Sun Salutation A & B with a focus on foundational alignment and breathwork
• Homework (1 hour): Reading assignment on Yamas and Niyamas + journaling reflection

Thursday: Anatomy & Basic Alignment

• Lecture (2 hours): Introduction to Yoga Anatomy (Body Planes, Parts, and Muscle Actions)
• Practice (2 hours): Basic postures focusing on safe alignment (Mountain Pose, Forward Fold, Downward Dog, Warrior 1, Warrior 2)
• Homework (1 hour): Review and label major muscles used in key postures

Saturday: Teaching Foundations

• Lecture (2 hours): Basic Teaching Cues and Assisting Techniques
• Practice (2 hours): Practice teaching and adjusting partners in foundational poses
• Homework (1 hour): Prepare a short sequence using the poses learned

Tuesday: Pranayama - Introduction to Breathwork

• Lecture (2 hours): Overview of Pranayama & Techniques (Part Breath with Double Exhale, Square Breathing)
• Practice (2 hours): Sun Salutations incorporating breath cues and Pranayama techniques
• Homework (1 hour): Practice Pranayama techniques and journal about the experience

Thursday: Yoga Anatomy - Stretching and Strengthening

• Lecture (2 hours): Anatomy of Stretching & Strengthening (Types of Stretching, Golgi Tendon Response)
• Practice (2 hours): Practice stretches and strengthening poses (Lunges, Plank, Bridge) with anatomical focus
• Homework (1 hour): Create a sequence that balances stretching and strengthening

Saturday: Teaching Techniques - Cueing and Adjustments

• Lecture (2 hours): Verbal Cues and Adjustments for Sun Salutations and standing postures
• Practice (2 hours): Hands-on adjusting and cueing practice in small groups
• Homework (1 hour): Write teaching cues for a basic Sun Salutation sequence

Tuesday: Philosophy - Asana & Pranayama in Patanjali’s 8 Limbs

• Lecture (2 hours): Patanjali’s 8 Limbs continued (Asana & Pranayama)
• Practice (2 hours): Asana practice focusing on balance (Tree Pose, Half Moon) combined with breathwork
• Homework (1 hour): Reflect on how Pranayama influences your asana practice

Thursday: Yoga Anatomy - The Core and Balance

• Lecture (2 hours): Anatomy of the Core and Balance in Poses
• Practice (2 hours): Core-strengthening poses (Boat Pose, Chair Pose) and balancing postures (Half Moon, Tree)
• Homework (1 hour): Research how the core influences balance in yoga postures

Saturday: Teaching Techniques - Leading Balancing Poses

• Lecture (2 hours): Cueing and Adjusting for Balance Postures
• Practice (2 hours): Practice leading and adjusting balancing postures with partners
• Homework (1 hour): Create a short sequence focusing on balance

Tuesday: Philosophy - Introduction to Chakras

• Lecture (2 hours): Overview of the Chakra System
• Practice (2 hours): Asana practice aligned with balancing the chakras (Warrior, Crescent Lunge, Bridge)
• Homework (1 hour): Research and journal about the chakra associated with your favorite pose

Thursday: Anatomy - Backbends & Opening the Heart

• Lecture (2 hours): Anatomy of Backbends and Chest Openers
• Practice (2 hours): Practice safe backbends and heart-opening poses (Camel Pose, Cobra, Upward Dog)
• Homework (1 hour): Write a reflection on how chest openers affect your energy and breath

Saturday: Teaching Techniques - Adjusting Backbends

• Lecture (2 hours): Verbal Cues and Adjustments for Backbends
• Practice (2 hours): Partner practice adjusting and cueing backbends
• Homework (1 hour): Create a backbend sequence with teaching cues

Tuesday: Pranayama - Deepening the Breath

• Lecture (2 hours): Review and deepen Pranayama techniques (Dirga, Kapalabhati)
• Practice (2 hours): Asana flow incorporating advanced Pranayama techniques
• Homework (1 hour): Practice Dirga and Kapalabhati, and reflect on their effects

Thursday: Yoga Anatomy - Twists & Spinal Mobility

• Lecture (2 hours): Anatomy of Twists and Spinal Mobility
• Practice (2 hours): Twisting poses (Revolved Triangle, Revolved Crescent Lunge) focusing on spine alignment
• Homework (1 hour): Journal about the sensations in the spine during twisting poses

Saturday: Teaching Techniques - Leading Twists

• Lecture (2 hours): Cueing and Adjusting Twisting Poses
• Practice (2 hours): Practice teaching and adjusting twists with partners
• Homework (1 hour): Create a sequence focusing on twists with verbal cues

Tuesday: Philosophy - Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi

• Lecture (2 hours): Patanjali’s final limbs (Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi)
• Practice (2 hours): Asana flow designed to promote concentration and meditation (Seated Poses, Forward Folds, Twists)
• Homework (1 hour): Reflect on the connection between asana, concentration, and meditation

Thursday: Yoga Anatomy - Hips & Pelvic Alignment

• Lecture (2 hours): Anatomy of the Hips and Pelvic Alignment in Yoga
• Practice (2 hours): Hip-opening poses (Pigeon Pose, Garland Pose, Crescent Lunge)
• Homework (1 hour): Create a sequence focusing on hip mobility and stability

Saturday: Teaching Techniques - Leading Advanced Asanas

• Lecture (2 hours): Cueing and Adjusting for Advanced Asanas (Half Moon, Camel, Crow)
• Practice (2 hours): Practice leading and adjusting advanced asanas in partners
• Homework (1 hour): Prepare a teaching plan for an advanced class

Each week from here would deepen knowledge and practice:

• Refining pranayama, meditation, and asana sequences
• Practice teaching and adjusting in progressively more complex sequences
• Special focus on teaching all class elements seamlessly
• Final practicum preparation and feedback

Tuesday: Final Philosophy Review & Asana Practice

• Lecture (2 hours): Review of Patanjali’s 8 Limbs
• Practice (2 hours): Full Asana Practice with emphasis on flow and sequencing
• Homework (1 hour): Prepare for final practicum

Thursday: Practicum & Feedback

• Lecture (2 hours): Final Anatomy & Pranayama Review
• Practice (2 hours): Student Practicum: Lead full class with feedback
• Homework (1 hour): Final reflections and preparations for teaching career

Saturday: Graduation

• Lecture (2 hours): Professional Development as a Yoga Teacher
• Practice (2 hours): Closing Asana Practice & Reflection
• Graduation Ceremony (1 hour)