flow with the breath
During our yoga teacher training, practical lessons are delivered in Vinyasa Flow in the morning and Gentle Yin in the afternoon. The breath guides the movement, the movement guides the breath, and everything else falls into place in between your inhalations and exhalations. We flow through sequences of asana offering strength, stamina and flexibility free of pushing or forcing.
No Forcing
The Yogagati motto is: 'Don’t fight your poses'. The aim of any yoga practice is not the end result but the process you go through to get there. It’s the journey not the destination that is most revealing. We invite you to look, listen, feel and be present in that process. We want you to progress and experience growth within your skeletal structure, suppleness, and muscular strength and, of course, experience the pure joy of being present in your practice.
Find good health
No matter how physical or meditative a pose can get, we are looking for the same result at the end of each class: a strong body, relaxed mind, balanced nervous and endocrine system and massaged internal organs, all of which helps release tensions and toxins and promotes longevity and overall good health.
Discover your True Self
When the internal and external bodies are in a state of balance and unity, relaxation, happiness and spiritual awakening becomes attainable. Your body and mind are detached from tension and your soul is set free. And that’s where the magic happens. How far you take it is up to you.
teachings and practice
Asana
During Asana Clinic, we will examine 80 poses (Vinyasa and Yin style postures) from our study manual.
Asanas will be explored through their alignment points. We will consider commonly made errors and the variations to simplify or intensify the pose. Adjustments, modifications, as well as the use of props will be covered in this module.
Pranayama
The art of breathing. You will learn, practice and teach different types of breaths, their techniques and functions. To name a few, you will explore Kapalabhati (cleansing breath), Nadi shodana (alternate nostril breathing), Bhramari (humming bee), Ujjayi (victorious breath), Shitali and Sitkari (cooling breath).
Discussion of the benefits and contraindications of each breath and how to use these techniques as a separate practice as well as their place within asana practice.
Exploration of different types of Vayus (Prana flow), how to engage and use 3 main yogic locks – Bandhas.
Meditation
Various meditation techniques will be taught and practiced, in both walking and sitting settings.
Exploration of the concept and understanding of Samadhi and mindfulness, as well as mantras, chanting, and the tradition and meaning of mudras.
Teaching Methodology
We believe that the best way to teach methodology is through instruction. We will take a hands-on approach rather than a lecture style class. We will cover primarily but not exclusively:
Communication
The ability to effectively communicate and connect with class participants is one of the key aspects of a successful teacher. We will help you discover your unique teaching style and investigate different aspects of language such as the passive and active voice, speed and selection of vocabulary. We will teach you how to create, through your communication, a trusting and safe environment in which to practice.
Planning and Sequencing
As a yoga instructor, it is vital you are able to plan and sequence your classes according to different needs, be it age, physical limitation or injury. The Yogagati yoga teacher training will prepare you to teach a wide spectrum of people. We will also work with you to determine how to teach in your preferred style and show you the principles of demonstration and observation, how to safely adjust asanas and how to use modifications and corrections so that you can offer your classes to a broad audience and allow participants to practice safely.
Practicum
To become a teacher and to excel in the yoga teacher training course you must physically practice the art of teaching. In this unit, you will learn how to teach by:
Observing experienced teachers and fellow trainees, receiving and giving feedback.
Teaching individual poses, mini sequences, sun salutation and full themed yoga classes.
Practising teaching for all levels by using the art of modifications and smart sequencing.
Anatomy and Physiology
We will primarily focus on understanding the body’s mechanisms taking a holistic approach. This unit will involve:
A look at the basic mechanisms of our skeletal, muscular, endocrine, respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems, without bypassing the importance of joints and connective tissue within the body. We will cover most common postural problems and misalignments.
A study of subtle energy bodies including chakras, meridians, koshas and how they relate and interact with the physical body.
Philosophy and Ethics
These concepts will be looked at in a discussion style format, where we will explore:
Traditional yogic texts: Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and Bhagavad Gita.
The traditional yogic notions of Dharma-Karma and Yamas-Niyamas will be analyzed as to how they fit into our fast-paced modern world.
The concept of teaching yoga as a service and being of service to others.
The ethics and lifestyle of a yoga teacher and practitioner, the importance of nutrition, on-going process of self-awareness and the evolution of self.
What next?
Our yoga teacher training is, without a doubt, transformational and will leave you motivated to take the next step. We will cover the business part of yoga, including how to launch your teaching or yoga-related career and how to market your business – helping to prepare you for the next phase of your journey.