FREE SPIRIT YOGA 200 HOUR YOGA TEACHER TRAINING & DEEPENING YOUR PRACTICE CERTIFICATIONS

To those of you who are interested in taking our Yoga Teacher Training, I want to let you know that this is one of my favorite things to do. I developed this Teacher Training Program using everything that I have learned over my almost 30 years of practicing yoga and my 21 years of teaching yoga. I use a practical, well-rounded and inclusive approach which emphasizes your growth as a person as it relates to becoming a good, solid Yoga Teacher. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have at steph@freespirityogahershey.com.

Sincerely, Stephanie

There are two possible Certification TRACKS:

TRACK 1 - 200-hour Yoga Alliance Accredited Yoga Teacher Training Certification Program - Consists of eleven Modules as well as assignments that can be done from home. It is structured so that each of the eleven Modules will be completed over the course of a weekend (Saturday/Sunday). There are two Modules that are good entry points for the training: Yoga History and Philosophy 1 and Beyond the Posture 1. Once you have started the training, you may choose to do all eleven Modules within one year or you can take them at your leisure. All Modules and home assignments must be completed within three years of the start of your program in order to be certified.

 TRACK 2 –160-hour Deepening Your Practice Certification - For people who want to increase their knowledge of the history, philosophy and practices of yoga for their own personal growth, but do not necessarily want to teach yoga.  It consists of the same eleven Yoga Teacher Training Modules and occurs in conjunction with the Yoga Teacher Training. You can begin at any time. Once you have started the training, you may choose to do all eleven Modules within one year or you can take them at your leisure. If you find that you become interested in doing the full Teacher Training as you go through the Modules, you and Stephanie can develop a plan for you to simply transfer into the full Teacher Training Program.

Our Training will provide you with a rich, in-depth, yet practical study of yoga as a practice, a science and a philosophy. In addition, those of you who are taking the full Teacher Training will learn to develop your own style of teaching yoga as well as how to teach your students from a whole person perspective. Each Module includes plenty of built-in time for practice.  Whether you are doing this to become a Yoga Teacher or to further your own personal growth, you will find the opportunity to dive more deeply into the practices and teachings of yoga as well as into yourself!

TESTIMONIALS

"I originally intended to take this program to deepen my own yoga practice." I am amazed at how profoundly transformative this program was for me! Stephanie has extensive experience and and insight, and I am honored to have been one of her students. This program far exceeded my expectations!

"Life changing program.  So much more than just yoga!"

"This Yoga Teacher Training was a transformative experience that improved my life both on my mat and off.  Stephanie is a thorough, detailed, flexible, fun and inspiring teacher.  I would highly recommend this Teacher Training for anyone who is either interested in teaching yoga or who simply wants to improve their  own personal wellness..or both!"

 "Free Spirit Yoga's Teacher Training was above and beyond the expectation. Outstanding program that should be a model for others to follow." 

MODULE DESCRIPTIONS

 

1. YOGA HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY 1  

In this Module we will build a timeline which covers the History and Philosophy of Yoga from ~5000BC to 0 AD. We will also complete an in-depth study of The Bhagavad Gita and you will learn how to start and end a yoga class.  

2. YOGA HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY 2  

In this Module we will continue and complete our timeline of the History and Philosophy of Yoga from ~ 0AD to present day. We will review Patanjali’s 8 limbs and complete an in-depth study of the Yamas and Niyamas. We will also begin our study of yoga postures.

3. BEYOND THE POSTURE 1  

In this Module you will learn the anatomy and physiology of the body as it relates to yoga.  You will also learn certain groups of postures and will be provided with a specific and in-depth breakdown of these postures. With each posture breakdown are the cues needed to teach the posture, the benefits and contraindications, modifications and adjustments and plenty of practice time.  

4. BEYOND THE POSTURE 2  

In this Module you will continue to learn the anatomy and physiology of the body as well as finish your specific and in-depth breakdown of the remaining groups of postures.  With each posture breakdown are the cues needed to teach the posture, the benefits and contraindications, as well as modifications and adjustments.  More time will be devoted to practicing teaching the postures and to putting postures together in a sequence.  

5. TEACHING METHODOLOGY  

In this Module we will cover what it means to be a yoga teacher, all the "how's of teaching a yoga class, teaching your students from a “whole person” perspective, group dynamics, time management and boundaries, developing your own teaching style, effective communication/voice/language, adjustments, sequencing and ethics. A lot of time will be spent in practice teaching.

6. PRINCIPLES OF PRANAYAMA  

In this Module you will learn the anatomy and physiology of respiration and complete an in-depth study of diaphragmatic breathing. You will learn about prana and the underlying intention of practicing pranayama.  You will receive training in how to practice and teach specific forms of pranayama and will learn the benefits and contraindications of each.  Practice teaching will continue.

7. THE SCIENCE OF MEDITATION  

In this Module you will receive in-depth training on the structure of the Mind, on what meditation is and the intention of practicing meditation. You will learn the roles that breathing and progressive relaxation play in meditation and you will create your own meditation practice.  In addition, there will be more time to practice your teaching skills. 

8. TEACHING METHODOLOGY 2

In this Module you will incorporate all the principles of teaching yoga. There will be lots of practice time as well as a focus on how, when and why to use props. There will also be a focus on specific types of yoga like Restorative and Yoga Nidra.

9. SUBTLE BODY ANATOMY 1

In this Module you will be provided with an in-depth study of prana, nadis, chakras, koshas, vayus and their application to the practice and teaching of yoga. Specific study of Chakras 1 – 3 including anatomy and physiology of the body that correspond to each chakra; physical, mental and emotional aspects of each chakra; postures and practices associated with each chakra. 

10. SUBTLE BODY ANATOMY 2

In this Module we will review prana, nadis, chakras, koshas, vayus and their application to the practice and teaching of yoga. There will be a specific study of Chakras 4 - 7 including anatomy and physiology of the body that correspond to each chakra; physical, mental and emotional aspects of each chakra: postures and practices associate with each chakra; Bandhas; and energy hygiene.  In addition, we will talk about how to keep the subtle body in mind when teaching as well as how to demonstrate, observe and assist from a deeper, subtle body standpoint. There will be an opportunity for you to practice this.

11. GETTING READY TO FLY!

In this final Module you will take your Yoga Teacher Exam. In addition you will learn about yoga and the nervous system. Specifically how the two are related and how yoga can facilitate balance in the nervous system. The weekend will end with Graduation!

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

200 HOUR TEACHER TRAINING CERTIFICATION

Each Module is $245 which includes the training weekend, all at-home assignments as well as full access mentoring from Stephanie for a total cost of $2695 for the training. If you pay for the training in full by the first day of class, you may you may deduct the cost of 1 Module ($245) for a total cost of $2450. 

DEEPENING YOUR PRACTICE CERTIFICATION

Each Deepening Your Practice Module is $200 which includes the training weekend and all at-home assignments as well as full access mentoring from Stephanie for a total cost of $2200 for the training.  If you pay for the training in full by the first day of class, you may deduct the cost of 1 Module ($200) for a total cost of $2000. 

MODULE DATES 2024 - 2025

**Friday, May 17 from 6:00 – 8:00pm – Meet and Greet

May 18 & 19 – Yoga Philosophy 1

June 29 & 30 – Yoga Philosophy 2

July 27 & 28 – Beyond the Posture 1

August 24 & 25 – Beyond the Posture 2

September 21 & 22 – Teaching Methodology 1

October 26 & 27 - Pranayama

November 23 & 24 – The Science of Meditation

December 7 & 8 – Teaching Methodology 2

January 25 & 26 – Subtle Body 1

February 22 & 23 – Subtle Body 2

March 29 & 30 – Getting Ready to Fly

Contact Stephanie at 717-576-9757 or steph@freespirityogahershey.com for more information or to register.