The 300-HR Advanced Yoga Teacher Training of the Space Yoga Institute of Health and Wellness is a dynamic yoga training specifically designed for experienced yoga teachers who wish to expand upon their existing knowledge base. It is ideal for anyone looking to increase their professional credentials in order to participate in the delivery of Teacher Training, Student Immersion programs, or other Continuing Education Workshops or similar instructional modalities. It is also ideal for those with plans to own and/or operate a yoga studio in the future. This training is presented in a Modular Format, with a required thirteen Modules necessary to receive certification, some of which are presented in an online format. A maximum of three modules may be completed virtually, giving a total of ten to twelve months for completion of the program.
FOUNDATION MODULES - REQUIREDThe first nine Foundation Modules are all required for certification. The purpose of these nine Foundation Modules is to give each student a greater knowledge base surrounding the most foundational aspects of the yoga practice. These modules expand greatly on information presented in a typical 200-HR Yoga Teacher Training, and allow the students to increase the depth of what they know in each area. Modules may include a Teaching Practicum in the specific areas of training.
Foundation Module 1: Ethics in the Business of YogaDiving deeper into the ethical guidelines of the Yamas and Niyamas, this module will focus on the ethical challenges that are specific to the business world of yoga. Using lecture, group discussions and hands-on work, and active demonstrations, we will explore the nuances of business within the yoga world from the perspective of the guidelines outlined in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.
Relevant Readings: Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, your choice of translation; The Yamas and Niyamas, Deborah Adele. Any additional training materials will be provided.
Foundation Module 2: The Power of PranayamaFocusing primarily on experiential practice of the wide variety of breathing techniques available to practitioners, this module explores the function and use of pranayama in a general yoga class as well as in our everyday lives. Through lecture, multimedia explorations, and group discussion and practice, this module will lead you deeper into an examination of what pranayama really is and how it can be incorporated into a powerful and meaningful yoga practice.
Relevant Readings: The Yoga of Breath, Richard Rosen. Any additional training materials will be provided.
Foundation Module 3: Facilitating a Process of Self-InquiryONLINE MODULEHow do we provide safety for our students? How do we lean into the discomfort of holding safe space for the experiences of our students to unfold? In this module, we will explore the meaning and purpose of having and holding safe space in a yoga class. Using experiential practices, self-directed inquiry, and lecture, we will examine the best ways in which we can facilitate a process of self-inquiry for our students, both on and off of the mat. We will deconstruct the platitudes that are so prevalent in the yoga world and get to the heart of what it means to be authentic, safe, and intentional in our instruction.
Relevant Readings: Siddhartha, Herman Hesse. Journals will be provided.
Foundation Module 4: Safe and Effective AssistsIn a typical yoga class, it is often difficult to figure out when an assist is appropriate. Using group discussion and hands-on participation, this module focuses on the safe and effective use of assists in a general or specific yoga class. We will explore the various styles of assisting and examine when and how to apply each style in our instruction. We will discuss the challenges of a variety of populations and things that may contraindicate assists or physical adjustments.
Any additional training materials will be provided.
Foundation Module 5: Trauma-Informed InstructionONLINE MODULEThe ways in which past traumas show up on our mat are varied and not always immediately obvious. This module is focused on the different ways in which we can protect our students and hold safe space for them while on the mat. We we will explore the various ways in which we can unknowingly trigger our students without intending to, and we will learn tools for keeping ourselves and our students safe throughout a yoga class. Included in this module is a discussion surrounding the neuroscience of trauma and the best practices for teaching with an awareness of what may come up for our students during their practice.
Required Readings: Overcoming Trauma through Yoga: Reclaiming Your Body, David Emerson and Elizabeth Hopper, PhD. Training manuals will be provided.
Foundation Module 6: Ayurveda: The Sister ScienceAyurveda is a centuries-old "science of life", focused on creating radiant health and well-being. While the practices and philosophies of Ayurveda may be ancient, they still hold many practical applications in the modern world. In this module, we will explore the science of Ayurveda - often called the Sister Science of yoga - and how we can integrate all of its lessons into our instruction and how we relate to our students, as well as into our daily yoga practice. We will explore the doshas, the gunas, and the five elements in Ayurveda and work with applying this knowledge into the work we do as instructors.
Relevant Readings: Yoga and Ayurveda, David Frawley. Any additional training materials will be provided.
Foundation Module 7: Deeper Anatomy of YogaIs it possible to know too much anatomy? Absolutely NOT! This module focuses on yoga-specific anatomy that students may not have had the time to explore in their basic 200-hr level training. We will discuss and explore key muscle groups involved in asana and pranayama as well as the practical applications of anatomy both on and off of the mat. Discussion, active practice, and hands-on group work will be focused on Functional Anatomy and how we can use our knowledge of anatomy - both Physical and Subtle - to improve the way we lead yoga practices.
Relevant Reading: Functional Anatomy of Yoga, David Keil; The Key Poses of Yoga, Dr. Ray Long; Visible Body app is also recommended.
Foundation Module 8: Practical Applications of MeditationMeditation can often be the most ethereal element of a yoga practice as well as the most challenging one to use in a group setting. This module will focus on how to take the tradition, practices, and various styles of meditation and apply it in a practical way to our daily lives as well as to the work we do as yoga instructors. Using discussion, active practice, and journaling, this module will guide us towards a more practice use of meditation in the yoga classroom. Relevant Reading: Light on Life, BKS Iyengar.
Foundation Module 9: Yoga for Physical Fitness
Focused
primarily on the popular "fitness-style" of yoga taught in gyms,
fitness studios, and more, this module is focused on the greater aspects
and the wider message of yoga for fitness, often referred to as Power
Yoga. We will explore the ways in which we can intensify and deepen a
traditional studio practice to make it more physically dynamic and
challenging for those who are looking for a primarily postural practice.
We will discuss the history and meaning of Power Yoga as well as
general cueing issues, pacing of the classes, and modifications and
assists that can be used appropriately and safely in a Power Yoga class.
We will also explore the addition of traditional fitness elements and
weight training into the flow of a regular yoga class. Relevant Reading:
Journey Into Power, Baron Baptiste.
EXPANSION MODULES - ELECTIVESThe Expansion Modules are meant to offer each student the ability to hone their instruction and to dig deeper into the elements of the yoga practice that most speak to them as individuals. There are seven total modules to choose from, with a minimum of five needed in order to receive certification.
Modules must be selected and included in course plan immediately upon program registration.
Expansion Module 1: Yoga for Addiction RecoveryUsing lecture, group discussion, demonstration and experiential practice, this module will focus on the the specific practices of yoga used as a tool for relapse prevention. This module will cover the science of addiction and how this presents in students, including an exploration of the specific challenges that may arise in yoga presented to those in addiction recovery. This module will also focus on the meaning of holding safe space, and how we can best prepare ourselves to facilitate a safe and effective yoga class for those in addiction recovery. We will examine various postures that are optimal for this population of people and also a variety of breathing techniques and mudras that can be used as tools for those in addiction recovery.
Relevant Reading: Yoga and the 12-Step Path, Kyczy Hawk. Any additional training materials will be provided.
Expansion Module 2: Yoga for CancerDesigned to give students a well-rounded view of yoga in the specific population of those dealing with Cancer, this module will examine what Cancer is from both an eastern and a western perspective, as well as discussing several different modalities used for those struggling with or surviving from Cancer. We will explore the meaning of creating safe space for this population as well as physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual side effects of Cancer for those actively dealing with it and also for survivors, family members, and caretakers. We will discuss appropriate yogic techniques such as asana, mudra, relaxation techniques, pranayama, and guided meditation and how to tailor these practices towards the specific population.
Relevant Reading: Yoga for Cancer: A Guide to Managing Side Effects, Boosting Immunity, and Improving Recovery for Cancer Survivors, Tara Prinster. Any additional training materials will be provided.
Expansion Module 3: Applied Yogic Techniques
Taking
our yogic knowledge outside of the box, this module is primarily
focused on the various ways and settings in which we can apply what we
know in yoga. We will focus on the different aspects of the yoga
practice and the ways in which we can tailor and modify them in order to
make them work for a variety of populations. We will explore ways in
which we can apply this information outside of the general yoga class,
including an examination of the creative ways in which we can offer yoga
in new and exciting contexts. We will focus on the yogic techniques as a
set of tools that can be adapted for anyone and for any setting so that
they can enrich our everyday lives. Any additional training materials will be provided.
Expansion Module 4: Aerial Yoga
While
designed to be fun and exciting, this elective module is focused on
safely and effectively leading students through an Aerial Yoga practice.
We will discuss the benefits, contraindications, and proper
rigging/usage of aerial yoga equipment, as well as safe alignment and
proper movement in aerial yoga asanas. We will explore the use of the
aerial yoga hammock as a prop and the ways in which we can use the
aerial yoga hammock to help our students find better grounding, balance,
strength, and flexibility in their ground postures. We will identify
alignment and cuing for stable, safe movement through all of the aerial
yoga asanas as well as do sequencing work to help students learn how to
design and deliver safe and effective aerial yoga classes. This module
will include individual and group work on class design, practice
teaching, peer feedback, and a required Practicum. Training manuals
(with photographs of asanas) will be provided.
Expansion Module 5: Yoga for Children
Using fun and exciting experiential practices and more, this module is focused on the specific challenges of teaching yoga to children. We will explore the different learning styles that apply to yoga for children as well as the ways in which we can tailor and modify the yoga practice to make it fun and exciting for children. We will explore a variety of games, music, themes, and partner yoga as they work within a class of yoga for children. We will also discuss sequencing, "lesson planning", and the variety of yogic techniques that are appropriate for children, including asanas with modifications, pranayama, mudra, chanting, relaxation techniques, and guided meditation. We will also discuss behavior management in a loving and caring environment as well as the evidence-based methods for applying yoga in a standard school environment.
Relevant Reading: Little Flower Yoga for Kids, Jennifer Cohen Harper; Yoga Therapy for Children with Autism and Special Needs, Louise Goldberg. Any additional training materials will be provided.
Expansion Module 6: Prenatal / Postnatal YogaUsing lecture, group discussion, and active demonstration, this module is focused on the specific use of yoga for prenatal and postnatal women. In this module, we will identify the correct postures to offer to prenatal and postnatal women and the postures which should be avoided. We will also explore the dynamic anatomy of pregnancy and the changing body structure of prenatal and postnatal women, with the intention of incorporating that information into the design and delivery of safe and effective yoga classes. We will discuss breathing techniques and pranayama that can be incorporated into a yoga class or the daily lives of prenatal or postnatal women to help them with pains associated with the prenatal/postnatal/delivery stages of pregnancy. This module will also discuss appropriate cueing and relaxation techniques for prenatal/postnatal yoga classes, and will include individual and group work on class design, practice teaching, peer feedback, and a required Practicum.
Relevant Reading: Yoga for Pregnancy, Wendy Teasdill. Any additional training materials will be provided.
Expansion Module 7: Yoga for SeniorsContinuing our examination of yoga throughout the lifespan, this module will focus on the use of yoga specifically for the aging population. Lecture and discussion will focus on the dynamics of the aging process and how yoga can be applied to the aging population. We will explore the variety of physical, mental, and cognitive challenges that this population may deal with and how that can affect the style of yoga we offer to seniors. We will discuss the variety of yogic techniques that can be safely used with this population - including asana, pranayama, mudra, guided meditations, and relaxation techniques - and also those that are contraindicated due to typical issues common in the aging population. We will focus on the use of Chair Yoga with this population but will also explore various modifications that can be made to traditional asanas that can be beneficial for the senior population.
Any additional training materials will be provided.
**In order to receive certification, students will be required to complete 13 modules and all required Teaching Practicums. Opportunities for teaching or observation of Yoga Therapy in action may be available through Space Yoga Studios or its nonprofit arm, Project Create Space. There is no guarantee of opportunities for teaching through Space Yoga Studio upon completion of this training program.
***Full program cost is $3900 if paid in full, ($375/Module if taking one module at a time) or paid as 12 monthly payments of $320 each with a non-refundable deposit of $375 to reserve a spot. Program participants may receive credit for Modules already taken with the Space Yoga Institute of Health and Wellness in the past. For example, participants who have received their Aerial Yoga credentials may count that certification as one Module, and reduce the total program cost by $375.
