Areas of Study in Hatha Yoga Teacher Training

• Yoga Fundamentals
  
• Yoga Lifestyle & Philosophy
  
• Western Anatomy & Physiology
  
• Introduction To Hatha
  
• Foundations of Hatha
  
• Techniques of Hatha
  
• Teaching Methods
  
• Teaching Practica
  
• Classroom Practice
  
• Special Topics
  

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Yoga Fundamentals
This module covers the purpose of the physical practice of yoga asana, the basics of pranayama, the practice of the bandhas, the power of word and sound in yogic mantra practice, the use of hand and body positions to direct the flow of energy through directed use of mudras, the nature and purpose of meditation, and the effects and practice of relaxation techniques. This comprehensive introduction to fundamental yoga techniques gives students tools and concepts essential for a thriving personal practice.

Classes and objectives in this area of study are:

Introduction to Asana (3 hours)

• Understand the philosophical context of asana practice within Patanjali's 8 limbs of classical yoga.
• Understand the function of yogasana practice.
• Comprehend the basic components and benefits of yogasana practice.

The Bandhas (2 hours)

• Become familiar, theoretically and practically, with safe preparation and practice of the bandhas.
• Understand the purpose and effects of bandha practice.

Introduction to Mudra (2 hours)

• Learn the purpose and function of mudras in yoga practice.
• Learn all the mudras discussed in class and become familiar with their effects.

Pranayama: Structures, Functions and Patterns of Breath (4 hours)

• Become familiar with the basic structure and function of breath in a pranayama practice
• Understand various natural breath patterns and breath thresholds
• Determine one's own breath pattern and breath threshold

Introduction to Mantra (2 hours)

• Understand the purpose, use, and application of Mantras.
• Understand how and why Mantras are effective in yoga practice.
• Mindfully and skillfully incorporate mantra into yoga practice.

Introduction to Meditation (3 hours)

• Understand the basic form and function of meditation within the yogic context.
• Understand various stages of concentration and meditation as outlined in Patanjali's 8-limbed path.
• Become familiar with and experience various methods of meditation.

Relaxation Techniques

• Understand how relaxation works and why relaxation is important.
• Experience and understand several methods of relaxation.
• Understand relaxation in the context of yoga practice.
  

  
  

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Yoga Lifestyle and Philosophy
This module teaches the psychology, philosophy and history of yoga, its literary and cultural heritage, and the basic conceptual underpinnings of all yoga practices. From this basis, students learn how to practically and effectively integrate the teachings of yoga into interpersonal relationships, personal health and daily diet.

Classes and objectives in this area of study are:

Yogic Diet and Nutrition (3 hours)

• Understand the components and effects of yogic diet.

Basic Concepts of Yogic Philosophy (3 hours)

• Undestand the basic concepts of yogic philosophy.
• Gain exposure to the rich philosophical heritage of yoga practice.
• Interweave and apply the concepts of yogic philosophy into personal practice.

Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (3 hours)

• Become familiar with the source text of yogic study.
• Learn Sutras experientially, rather than solely through intellectual means.
• Incorporate Sutras into practice.

Overview of Yogic Literature (3 hours)

• Become familiar with several of the main classics in yogic literature.
• Approach yogic literature not just academically, but also experientially.
• Learn to extrapolate the core wisdom of various texts, and then apply that wisdom mindfully into life.

Introduction to Yogic Anatomy (6 hours)

• Understand the anatomy of the subtle body, including the chakras, nadis, pranas and vayus, the five koshas and their relationship with the physical body.
• Learn how to mindfully apply the concepts of yogic anatomy in the practice and teaching of yoga.
• Recognize and identify the movement of energy in the subtle body through the energy channels and centers.
  

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Western Anatomy and Physiology
In this module students gain an understanding of how the respiratory, nervous, immune, musculo-skeletal, circulatory, endocrine, and digestive systems function, as well as their reaction and relation to yoga practice. Students learn to integrate knowledge and understanding of the structure and function of the body with asana practice to promote well-being and safety.

Classes and objectives in this area of study are:

Musculo-skeletal System (3 hours)

• Acquire a working understanding of the skeletal and muscular systems.
• Become familiar with basic anatomical terms and methods.
• Apply knowledge of the skeletal and muscular systems to practice and teach yoga safely.

Nervous System (3 hours)

• Acquire a working understanding of the nervous system.
• Apply knowledge of the nervous system to practice and teach yoga safely.

Sensory and Organic Systems (3 hours)

• Acquire a working understanding of the special senses, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, and urinary systems.
• Apply knowledge of these systems to practice and teach yoga safely.

Glandular Systems (3 hours)

• Acquire a working understanding of the lymphatic, immune, endocrine, and repoductive systems.
• Apply knowledge of thse systems to practice and teach yoga safely.

Anatomy of Movement (6 hours)

• Study the anatomy, physiology and mechanics of movement.
• Learn practical considerations in teaching asanas form the perspective of Western Anatomy.
• Prerequisite: Musculo-skeletal System, Nervous System, Sensory and Organic Systems, Glandular Systems (12 hours)

Please note: Students with sufficient prior training in Anatomy & Physiology (i.e. completion of Massage School, Nursing School, college courses, etc.) will be given equivalent credit and the student will not be required to take Western Anatomy Systems classes. Anatomy of Movement and Applied Applications of Anatomy of Movement are required for all Hatha students, regardless of academic background. Students who have already completed Anatomy and Physiology elsewhere are required to pay for and complete 200 hours of training to receive a Certificate of Completion from Yoga Yoga Teacher Training. Students should instead take an additional 12 hours of Special Topics classes.

 

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Introduction to Hatha Yoga
This module provides deeper exploration of practice and theory of asana, how and why to practice basic asanas, as well as a philosophical introduction ot Hatha Yoga. Students will learn about the practice, history, tradition, and some of the major teachers and lineages of Hatha Yoga.

The classes and objectives in this area of study are:

History and Principles of Hatha Yoga (3 hours)

• Contextualize historically and culturally the practice of yoga.
• Learn key concepts of yoga and understand the interwoven nature of these key concepts.
• Experience and apply the principles of Hatha Yoga.
• Understand the place of asana in the eight-limbed path.

Introduction to Asana: Foundation and Alignment (3 hours)

• Clearly understand and apply the concepts of foundation and yielding in asana practice.
• Understand the importance of alignment and apply concepts of alignment in asana practice.

Breath and Movement (3 hours)

• Understand and apply principles correlating Asana and Pranayama.

Pranayama: Preparation, Ratio, and Thresholds of Breath (3 hours)

• Understand and apply more specific and focused ways of practicing pranayama.
• Undestand ratio and threshold of breath.

Hatha Asana Techniques: Motion and Action (6 hours)

• Understand, apply and integrate the concept of foundations, anchoring, yielding and extending.
• Understand and apply motion, action and symmetry in asana.
• Learn, understand, and apply the benefits and contraindications of various asanas in asana practice.
  



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Foundations of Hatha Yoga
This modules explores the practice of asana and pranayama in greater detail. Students will deeply examine alignment and action in asana practice, as well as learn how to safely modify asanas to meet specific student needs. Students also experience a variety of pranayama techniques and learn how to enrich yogic practice and awareness.

The classes and objectives in this area of study are:

Pranayama: Techniques and Refinements of Breath (3 hours)

• Understand and practice several different pranayama techniques.
• Refine practice of sensing breath and prana moving throughout the body.
• Integrate pranayama practice with a daily yoga practice.

Surya Namaskar: Hatha Sun Salutations (3 hours)

• Learn and practice several variations of Surya Namaskar.
• Learn to safely transtion between poses in Surya Namaskar.
• Learn historical context of Surya Namaskar practice.

Hatha Asana Modifications (6 hours)

• Understand why modification is important in asana practice.
• Consider how and when to modify asanas to meet different needs of students.
• Learn to safely modify asana practice for students with various specific physical challenges.

Refinements in Hatha Asana

• Refine asana alignment and actions.
• Integrate intent and concentration with asana practice.
  



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Techniques in Hatha Yoga
This module develops the skills and techniques to become a skilled practitioner and teacher of Hatha Yoga. Students learn how to mindfully and effectively structure a class, develop flow and balance in asana practice and understand the practical applications of anatomy of movement.

The classes and objectives are:

Flow and Balance in Hatha Yoga (6 hours)

• Understand and capably apply the concepts of flowing from one asana to the next in asana practice.
• Transition from one pose in a flow series to another without injury, strain, or undue exertion.
• Understand and incorporate Dhyana in yoga practice.

Class Structure and Development (6 hours)

• Understand the foundation of an ehtical student-teacher relationship.
• Distill the essence and actions of each pose.
• Thoroughly understand and begin to skillfully employ the concepts of teaching.

Practical Applications of Anatomy of Movement (6 hours)

• Understand the practical applications of anatomy of movement in relation to asana practice.
• Experience and discern proper alignment in asanas.
  



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Teaching Methods of Hatha Yoga
The classes and objectives in this area of study are:

Language of Teaching (3 hours)

• Understand and utilize the power of language as a teaching tool.
• Learn and apply concepts of mindful langage in teaching.
• Recognize and skillfully hold the space for students to have their own experience.

Student Oriented Teaching (3 hours)

• Understand that teaching yoga is not about the teacher; it is about transmitting the yogic teaching and traditions to the student.
• Learn to skillfully practice and teach in a way that supports and reflects the unique circumstances of students in class.

Ethics for Yoga Teacher (3 hours)

• Integrate the Yamas as moral obligations forming the foundation of yoga practice.
• Examine the various codes of ethics from other settings. Compare and contrast the different codes.

Teaching Hatha Yoga to Beginners (3 hours)

• Understand the complexity of teaching beginning students.
• Become capable of handling the complexity of beginners with skill and ease.
• Learn to safely and confidently teach beginners.

Practical Applications of Teaching Methods (3 hours)

• Understand and implement practical methods of teaching yoga.
  



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Teaching Practica in Hatha Yoga

This module provides students with practical experience in instructing a yoga class. Students teach in small groups under the observation and supervision of a YYTT Faculty member. Teachers-in-training are given the oppportunity to practice teaching skills with fellow students in study groups, as well as teach public yoga classes of their own. This modules also includes a review study guide and a comprehensive three-hour exam.

The classes and objectives in this area of study are:

Hatha Yoga Group Teaching Practica (9 hours)

• Clearly integrate and apply asana practice techniques and philosophy to teaching asana.

Independent Teaching (6 hours)

• Teach public yoga classes independently while receiving guidance from YYTT faculty.

Exam (3 hours)




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Classroom Practice in Hatha Yoga
Please read this letter about this module. This module develops an appreciation and understanding of yoga skills from a teacher's perspective. Teachers-in-training observe public yoga classes with a Registered Yoga Teacher and record observations and experiences as teaching skills develop. Teachers-in-training may also apprentice and assist teachers in the classroom after an approved period of practice and observation.

Classes in this module are:

• Observing Hatha Classes (3 hours)
• Observing Hatha Beginners Series (3 hours)
• Assisting Hatha Classes (12 hours) (must have teacher's approval)

Special Topics
This module allows students to direct 20 hours of their training according to their specific interests. Each semester a variety of subjects are covered by various expert instructors. Topics and class length vary each semester. Several examples are listed below. Please check the Class Schedule to determine which topics are currently being offered.

• Basics of Prenatal and Postnatal Yoga
  The stages of pregnancy from conception to postpartum have unique traits and needs. Learn basic techniques to keep both mom and baby safe in yoga practice! Learn specific contraindications and modifications of asana and pranayama practice for each stage.
  
• The Business Side of Yoga: Models and Paradigms
  Learn to juggle the broad range of business considerations involved in teaching yoga. Understand basic business concepts and integrate them with your approach to teaching yoga. A variety of yoga business paradigms and business practicalities will be discussed.
  
• Business of Yoga: Teaching Practicalities
  Learn the practicalities of teaching yoga as a small business, including the nuts and bolts of how to market your teaching, how to keep track of your students, and how to collect your information for taxes.
  
• Care of the Hips and Sacroiliac Joint
  Learn the basic anatomy, physiology and mechanism of injuries to the hips and SI joints. Ways to self-rehabilitate using yoga and yoga practice as a way to prevent injury are also covered.
  
• Cleansing Practices: The Shatkarmas
  Learn the 6 traditional and historical basic cleansing practices that are considered to be a precursor to asana practice. The Shatkarmas bake the clay of the body in the fire of yoga (Gheranda-Samhita).
  
• Core Strengthening in Yoga
  Learn the basic anatomy of core centers. Experience how to activate and strengthen these centers with yoga asana. The increased inner awareness and quality of movement learned in this class will carry over into personal yoga practice and daily activities.
  
• Deepening in Breath & Movement
  The link between how the body moves and how we breathe is fundamental. Cultivate and deepen your awareness of how breath is linked to and affects our motion and stability.
  
• Experiencing Restorative Yoga
  Restorative yoga adapts classical asana practice to de-emphasize physical work and emphasize release of tension and gentle re-alignment. Through relaxation, this calming practice increases circulation to organs and glands, improving function and restoring balance. Experience the profound and subtle benefits of Restorative Yoga.
  
• Healthy Knees in Asana
  The knees are much more delicate than we often imagine. Learn how to keep the knee joint safe throughout your asana practice with proper alignment, adaptations, and prop usage.
  
• Heart Centered Practice
  Yoga is not just about the shapes we make with our bodies in asana practice, but also about cultivating the qualities of openness, compassion, self-acceptance, and self-confidence. Learn to integrate a heart-centered approach into your practice.
  
• How to Teach Restoratives
  Restorative Yoga offers calming and renewing benefits for its practitioners. Be introduced the basic skills to guide students through a restorative sequence.
  
• Injury Prevention in Yoga
  Students learn the mechanism of common injuries, how to avoid them, and what to do if injuries occur.
  
• Listening To The Body
  There are vast physical differences among individuals. This class addresses the variations in individual physical structures and how to create a practice adapted to the uniqueness of each student.
  
• Meditation Techniques: Going Deeper
  This class discusses the nature and purpose of meditation in a yoga practice; body and breath awareness; meditative postures; techniques of breath meditation, sound meditation, silent meditation and visualization.
  
• Moon Salutations
  We all are familiar with Sun Salutations. Learn the philosophical underpinnings, as well as the sequence and technique of the Moon Salutations. The Moon Salutation offers a subtly balancing, strengthening, and cooling practice.
  
• Reading the Body
  Deep, concise observation and inner listening reveal droves about the state of the body and the mind. Learn to read the body, and think more critically about when and why to modify practice.
  
• Science of Flexibility
  What happens when you stretch? Learn the science behind stretching, factors limiting and enhancing your flexibility and safe ways to increase your flexibility. Experience a variety of different types of stretching, including the stretching secrets of the Russian Gymnasts.
  
• Teaching Advanced Backbends
  This class covers how to safely teach advanced backbends in step-by-step detail making backbends accessible to intermediate students.
  
• Teaching Inversions
  This class covers how to safely teach advanced inversions in step-by-step detail making inversions accessible to many students.
  
• Using Props in Your Practice
  Block, straps, bolsters, and chairs can help us reap deeper benefits from our asana practice. Delve into the art and science of prop usage to align, educate, and assist the body in yoga.
  
• Yoga for Menopause
  Yoga can assist with many transitions and changes in life. Learn what asanas, pranayama practices, and meditations help smooth the transition into a wise woman.
  
• Yoga for Women
  Learn to adjust and apply the tools of yoga to sustain women’s healthy vitality, particularly through times of special needs and transitions. This class to addresses the special needs and considerations in teaching yoga to women. Includes an introduction to prenatal conditions, the menstrual cycle, menopause and specific asanas and meditation for women.