200-Hour Standards

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1. Techniques, Training and Practice: 100 Hours

Topics in this category could include, but are not limited to: asanas, pranayamas,  mantra, meditation and other traditional yoga techniques. 1) analytical training in how to teach and practice the techniques, and 2) guided practice of the techniques themselves. 

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     2. Teaching Methodology: 25 Hours

Topics in this category could include, but are not limited to:

• Communication skills such as group dynamics, time management, and the establishment of priorities and boundaries

• How to address the specific needs of individuals and special populations, to the degree possible in a group setting

• Principles of demonstration, observation, assisting and correcting

• Teaching styles

• Qualities of a teacher

• The student learning process 

• Business aspects of teaching yoga* (including marketing and legal)

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Example Techniques, Training,Practice and Methodology Topics

The Five Categories of Asana: The trainee will practice and learn the key poses in each category of asana (standing poses, forward bends, backbends, twists, and inversions) and will begin to develop a relationship to both the form and the function of these different categories.

Maps of Alignment: Trainees will achieve comprehension of the alignment maps for each of the five categories of asanas through observation and experience of how the poses in each category share a common foundation, and how to build upon this foundation.

Principles of Demonstrating Asanas: Discuss how effective demonstrations in class can help emphasize an alignment or other focus for the specific pose or sequence of poses.

Learning Modalities: identifying your dominant style, and learning how to teach based on others’ learning styles

Use of Language and Voice: Lecture and discussion on active vs. passive language and the effective use of each; positive and conscious communication, and habitual speech and communication patterns

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    3. Anatomy and Physiology: 20 Hours

Topics in this category could include, but are not limited to: human physical anatomy and physiology (bodily systems, organs, etc.) and may also include energy anatomy and physiology (chakras,etc.). Includes both the study of anatomy and physiology along with its application to yoga practice (benefits, contraindications, healthy movement patterns, etc.).

 

    4. Yoga Philosophy, Lifestyle and Ethics for Yoga Teachers: 30 hours

Topics in this category could include, but are not limited to:

• The study of yoga philosophies and traditional texts (yoga Sutras)

• Yoga lifestyle, such as the precept of non-violence (ahimsa), and the concepts of dharma and karma

• Ethics for yoga teachers, such as those involving teacher – student relationships and community

• Understanding the value of teaching yoga as a service and being of service to others (seva)

 

      5. Practicum: 10 Hours

Topics in this category include:

• Practice teaching as the lead instructor (does not include assisting, observing or giving feedback)*

• Receiving and giving feedback

• Observing others teaching**

• Assisting students while someone else is teaching

    6. Organic Hours: 15 Hours

Topics in this category include:

• these hours are distributed between the 5 categories as needed by individual training.

• building strength in areas of concern and or learning more! 

Total Hours: 200 Hours