200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training
Learn How to Teach Yoga Safely
The practice of yoga most popular in the West primarily focuses on the postures or poses (asanas) of yoga. Many students and teachers of yoga believe that the physical practice is an ancient one; while it has been influenced by ancient, classical yoga philosophy, most of the physical poses that make up Western Yoga today were created by fitness enthusiasts in the early 19th century. Additionally, because yoga is packaged in a spiritual philosophy, many also believe the practice is entirely safe and beneficial simply because East Indian yogis created and practiced them.
Research both in India and the West over the past 40 years is now revealing that certain ways of practicing have long-term negative effects on the body and that a handful of poses should not be practiced at all because of their undeniable links with chronic back pain, nerve and vascular compression and, in some cases, critical injuries. This does not mean we should “throw the baby out with the bath water”; however, it does tell us we need to re-evaluate this ‘time-honoured’ tradition, celebrate what works and transform what doesn’t.
The training program is comprised of 12 full weekends of study and practice. This allows the student teacher time to integrate yoga as a lifestyle while learning how to teach this time-honoured practice. The program covers both the classic and modern texts of yogic philosophy, an in-depth study of asana, pranayama, meditation, teaching methodology, and anatomy/physiology.
The program is comprised of both 'virtual/online' learning as well as 'in-studio/onsite'.
Over the course of the program, participants will be assigned home study packages/assignments designed to deepen their knowledge of the practices and complement their studies. The packages will include both practical and written components.
Making a decision to take this program will change your relationship with yoga. Teaching requires a deeper awareness of the practice, and greater responsibility and clarity. You will need a strong commitment to your own practice, not only for yourself, but also as a means of clearing yourself to be present for and attentive to others. Your own practice will also help you to cope with the emotional impact and energy required for this course, so it is essential that you develop a regular and consistent home practice. Students will also be expected to attend weekly yoga classes taught by a certified yoga teacher at the studio(s) of their choice. You will be required to maintain a record of all classes attended, copies of which will be submitted periodically to the Program Director with your assignments.
There is no written examination at the end of the program. Rather, students will practice teach throughout the course, culminating in teaching a full yoga class that they have designed. The program facilitators will regularly assess the students through interaction with and observation of participants and review of their assignments.
Summary of Program Categories
Below is a brief description of each of the categories that make up the program offerings.
Asana
The most popular component of yoga in the West, the asanas (or postures) are what typically inspire people to explore this ancient practice and lifestyle. In this program, you will learn how to teach postures in safe and supportive ways. You will learn the principles of alignment, the precautions, contra-indications and benefits of each asana as well as how to offer safe and appropriate assists and modifications to help safely deepen your students' experience of yoga. Throughout the program, you will have an opportunity to try out your new teaching skills on your program peers. As a complement to your learning, you will also be required to attend weekly yoga classes (at the studio of your choice) taught by individuals with a minimum of 200 Hours Yoga Teacher certification.
Pranayama
No practice of yoga is complete without attention to the breath. In this component of the program, you will learn how to teach a variety of breathing practices, as well as develop a solid understanding of their benefits, associated precautions/contra-indications and modifications. You will work with other 'teachers-to-be' as you explore ways to lead students through this essential part of the practice.
Meditation
Some say that the physical practice of yoga is essentially about preparing the body and the mind for the more rigourous practice of meditation. To be sure, the journey inward is not for the 'faint of heart'. In this component of the program, you will be led through a variety of meditation techniques so that you can have your own experiences to draw from as you lead your future students through this life-altering practice.
Anatomy
An understanding of body mechanics is essential to keeping your students safe as they learn new poses and breathing techniques. In this component of the program, you will learn about how muscles and connective tissues are impacted by the physical practice of yoga and pranayama, how the skeletal system supports those muscles and connective tissues and how yoga can become an effective way to promote physical, emotional and mental well-being. Unique to this training is a focus on 'preserving the curves' of your spine as a pathway to practicing and teaching safely. As such, you will learn about what postures promote well-being and what ones to avoid.
Philosophy
As yoga is a body/mind exploration, the philosophy of yoga is integral to providing a complete experience for your students. In this component of the program, you will be invited to read and discuss various spiritual yoga texts and learn how the principles of the various philosophies support the practice of yoga overall. From the Classical traditions of Vedanta and Tantrism to current day interpretations, you will explore the world of yoga through a variety of philosophical filters and, ideally, find the one that resonates most closely with you.
Teaching Methodology
Teaching yoga is a privilege and working with people in this practice offers many opportunities for self-growth and discovery. There is so much more to teaching than simply knowing the asanas and breathing practices. In this component of the program, you will develop your capacity to make connections with your students and foster healthy relationships as you explore topics such as Ethics and Boundaries, Creating Sacred Space, The Ethics of Touch, Creating Class Themes, Sequencing Classes...to name a few.
Practice Teaching
Throughout the program, you will be given opportunities to teach what you are learning to your peers and engage in compassionate and supportive feedback to help each other develop. At the end of the program, you will be asked to design and teach a complete class that includes asana, pranayama and meditation.
Take-home Assignments
Your own personal practice and continued self-reflection will always support you. The assignments are designed to give you a format in which you can explore the various program components in a method of self-study that encourages you to delve more deeply into your experience of yoga. What you discover in this journey will have a lasting effect on you as a person and a teacher.
Required Texts
"YogaBody: Anatomy, Kinesiology and Asana" by Judith Hanson Lasater
"Yogalign:Pain-free Yoga From Your Inner Core" by Michaelle Edwards
"The Bhagavad Gita", Penguin Classics: Edited by Betty Radice; translated by Juan Mascaro
"The Secret Power of Yoga" by Nischala Joy Devi
"Falling Awake" by Jon Kabat-Zinn
Application Pre-requisites and Process
Only applicants who have been studying yoga for a minimum of 100 hours under teachers who have a minimum of a 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Certification will be considered for the program. This ensures that all eligible participants have developed a solid foundation in their own practice and have been exposed to the various aspects of yoga; thereby, adequately preparing them for the next level - learning how to teach what they have experienced.
To obtain an application package, email michelebar1965@gmail.com The Program Director will review the application to determine the readiness of the applicant to participate in the program. All applicants will be contacted personally to advise of the outcome of their application.
Program Fees:
Deposit
A non-refundable Application Deposit of $100 is required at the time of your application. If approved, the deposit will be applied towards your total program fees. Application Deposits can be e-transferred to info@bendersyoga.com or paid by cash, Debit or Credit at Benders Yoga during studio operating hours. See Benders Schedule of classes here. Studio staff will be onsite 15 minutes prior to and after scheduled classes to assist you. You can also make arrangements with the Program Director by emailing michele@michelebarnes.com
Payment Options
OPTION #1 (Full Payment)
• $2500 + tax (includes Teacher Manual and 20% discount on yoga classes taken with Michele): All fees due once you are notified of application approval
• $100 non-refundable program deposit due at time of application (will be applied to total cost of program)
• Required textbooks are an additional expense.
OPTION #2 (Payment Plan)
• $2895 + tax (includes Teacher Manual and 20% discount on yoga classes taken with Michele)
• A non-refundable program deposit of $100 due at time of application (will be applied to total cost of program)
• 50% of remaining fees due by two months prior to program start date
• Final portion of remaining fees due one week prior to program start date
• Required textbooks are an additional expense.
Certification Requirements
2023 Program Dates: TBD
Participants will meet with faculty for 12 weekends as follows:
Saturdays (9am - 7pm) and Sundays (9am - 6pm)
Weekend #1:
Weekend #2:
Weekend #3:
Weekend #4:
Weekend #5:
Weekend #6:
Weekend #7:
Weekend #8:
Weekend #9:
Weekend #10:
Weekend #11:
Weekend #12:
Cancellation Policy
Location
TBD
The practice of yoga most popular in the West primarily focuses on the postures or poses (asanas) of yoga. Many students and teachers of yoga believe that the physical practice is an ancient one; while it has been influenced by ancient, classical yoga philosophy, most of the physical poses that make up Western Yoga today were created by fitness enthusiasts in the early 19th century. Additionally, because yoga is packaged in a spiritual philosophy, many also believe the practice is entirely safe and beneficial simply because East Indian yogis created and practiced them.
Research both in India and the West over the past 40 years is now revealing that certain ways of practicing have long-term negative effects on the body and that a handful of poses should not be practiced at all because of their undeniable links with chronic back pain, nerve and vascular compression and, in some cases, critical injuries. This does not mean we should “throw the baby out with the bath water”; however, it does tell us we need to re-evaluate this ‘time-honoured’ tradition, celebrate what works and transform what doesn’t.
The training program is comprised of 12 full weekends of study and practice. This allows the student teacher time to integrate yoga as a lifestyle while learning how to teach this time-honoured practice. The program covers both the classic and modern texts of yogic philosophy, an in-depth study of asana, pranayama, meditation, teaching methodology, and anatomy/physiology.
The program is comprised of both 'virtual/online' learning as well as 'in-studio/onsite'.
Over the course of the program, participants will be assigned home study packages/assignments designed to deepen their knowledge of the practices and complement their studies. The packages will include both practical and written components.
Making a decision to take this program will change your relationship with yoga. Teaching requires a deeper awareness of the practice, and greater responsibility and clarity. You will need a strong commitment to your own practice, not only for yourself, but also as a means of clearing yourself to be present for and attentive to others. Your own practice will also help you to cope with the emotional impact and energy required for this course, so it is essential that you develop a regular and consistent home practice. Students will also be expected to attend weekly yoga classes taught by a certified yoga teacher at the studio(s) of their choice. You will be required to maintain a record of all classes attended, copies of which will be submitted periodically to the Program Director with your assignments.
There is no written examination at the end of the program. Rather, students will practice teach throughout the course, culminating in teaching a full yoga class that they have designed. The program facilitators will regularly assess the students through interaction with and observation of participants and review of their assignments.
Summary of Program Categories
Below is a brief description of each of the categories that make up the program offerings.
Asana
The most popular component of yoga in the West, the asanas (or postures) are what typically inspire people to explore this ancient practice and lifestyle. In this program, you will learn how to teach postures in safe and supportive ways. You will learn the principles of alignment, the precautions, contra-indications and benefits of each asana as well as how to offer safe and appropriate assists and modifications to help safely deepen your students' experience of yoga. Throughout the program, you will have an opportunity to try out your new teaching skills on your program peers. As a complement to your learning, you will also be required to attend weekly yoga classes (at the studio of your choice) taught by individuals with a minimum of 200 Hours Yoga Teacher certification.
Pranayama
No practice of yoga is complete without attention to the breath. In this component of the program, you will learn how to teach a variety of breathing practices, as well as develop a solid understanding of their benefits, associated precautions/contra-indications and modifications. You will work with other 'teachers-to-be' as you explore ways to lead students through this essential part of the practice.
Meditation
Some say that the physical practice of yoga is essentially about preparing the body and the mind for the more rigourous practice of meditation. To be sure, the journey inward is not for the 'faint of heart'. In this component of the program, you will be led through a variety of meditation techniques so that you can have your own experiences to draw from as you lead your future students through this life-altering practice.
Anatomy
An understanding of body mechanics is essential to keeping your students safe as they learn new poses and breathing techniques. In this component of the program, you will learn about how muscles and connective tissues are impacted by the physical practice of yoga and pranayama, how the skeletal system supports those muscles and connective tissues and how yoga can become an effective way to promote physical, emotional and mental well-being. Unique to this training is a focus on 'preserving the curves' of your spine as a pathway to practicing and teaching safely. As such, you will learn about what postures promote well-being and what ones to avoid.
Philosophy
As yoga is a body/mind exploration, the philosophy of yoga is integral to providing a complete experience for your students. In this component of the program, you will be invited to read and discuss various spiritual yoga texts and learn how the principles of the various philosophies support the practice of yoga overall. From the Classical traditions of Vedanta and Tantrism to current day interpretations, you will explore the world of yoga through a variety of philosophical filters and, ideally, find the one that resonates most closely with you.
Teaching Methodology
Teaching yoga is a privilege and working with people in this practice offers many opportunities for self-growth and discovery. There is so much more to teaching than simply knowing the asanas and breathing practices. In this component of the program, you will develop your capacity to make connections with your students and foster healthy relationships as you explore topics such as Ethics and Boundaries, Creating Sacred Space, The Ethics of Touch, Creating Class Themes, Sequencing Classes...to name a few.
Practice Teaching
Throughout the program, you will be given opportunities to teach what you are learning to your peers and engage in compassionate and supportive feedback to help each other develop. At the end of the program, you will be asked to design and teach a complete class that includes asana, pranayama and meditation.
Take-home Assignments
Your own personal practice and continued self-reflection will always support you. The assignments are designed to give you a format in which you can explore the various program components in a method of self-study that encourages you to delve more deeply into your experience of yoga. What you discover in this journey will have a lasting effect on you as a person and a teacher.
Required Texts
"YogaBody: Anatomy, Kinesiology and Asana" by Judith Hanson Lasater
"Yogalign:Pain-free Yoga From Your Inner Core" by Michaelle Edwards
"The Bhagavad Gita", Penguin Classics: Edited by Betty Radice; translated by Juan Mascaro
"The Secret Power of Yoga" by Nischala Joy Devi
"Falling Awake" by Jon Kabat-Zinn
Application Pre-requisites and Process
Only applicants who have been studying yoga for a minimum of 100 hours under teachers who have a minimum of a 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Certification will be considered for the program. This ensures that all eligible participants have developed a solid foundation in their own practice and have been exposed to the various aspects of yoga; thereby, adequately preparing them for the next level - learning how to teach what they have experienced.
To obtain an application package, email michelebar1965@gmail.com The Program Director will review the application to determine the readiness of the applicant to participate in the program. All applicants will be contacted personally to advise of the outcome of their application.
Program Fees:
Deposit
A non-refundable Application Deposit of $100 is required at the time of your application. If approved, the deposit will be applied towards your total program fees. Application Deposits can be e-transferred to info@bendersyoga.com or paid by cash, Debit or Credit at Benders Yoga during studio operating hours. See Benders Schedule of classes here. Studio staff will be onsite 15 minutes prior to and after scheduled classes to assist you. You can also make arrangements with the Program Director by emailing michele@michelebarnes.com
Payment Options
OPTION #1 (Full Payment)
• $2500 + tax (includes Teacher Manual and 20% discount on yoga classes taken with Michele): All fees due once you are notified of application approval
• $100 non-refundable program deposit due at time of application (will be applied to total cost of program)
• Required textbooks are an additional expense.
OPTION #2 (Payment Plan)
• $2895 + tax (includes Teacher Manual and 20% discount on yoga classes taken with Michele)
• A non-refundable program deposit of $100 due at time of application (will be applied to total cost of program)
• 50% of remaining fees due by two months prior to program start date
• Final portion of remaining fees due one week prior to program start date
• Required textbooks are an additional expense.
Certification Requirements
- Attendance at all 12 weekend workshops AND completion of all home study assignments*
- Commitment to regular home practice: asana, pranayama, meditation, and sadhana journal
- Regular attendance at weekly yoga classes taught by teachers with a minimum certification of 200 HRs (minimum 24 classes throughout the YTT program)
- Arrangement and completion of mentorship components:
- Attendance, as an observer, at two yoga classes taught by a certified yoga teacher
- Attendance, as an assistant, at one yoga class taught by a certified yoga teacher
- Attendance, as a student teacher, at one yoga class taught by a certified yoga teacher
- Demonstrated ability to design and teach a yoga class to peers within the program
2023 Program Dates: TBD
Participants will meet with faculty for 12 weekends as follows:
Saturdays (9am - 7pm) and Sundays (9am - 6pm)
Weekend #1:
Weekend #2:
Weekend #3:
Weekend #4:
Weekend #5:
Weekend #6:
Weekend #7:
Weekend #8:
Weekend #9:
Weekend #10:
Weekend #11:
Weekend #12:
Cancellation Policy
- Participants who cancel their registration greater than 14 days before program starts will receive a refund of all fees paid to date (excluding Application Deposit) MINUS a $50 administration fee.
- Participants who cancel their registration less than 14 days prior to program start date will receive a 50% refund of fees paid to date (excluding Application Deposit).
- NO REFUNDS are offered after the program has started.
Location
TBD