Here are a few of the most popular questions we get about our 200-Hour Program.
What style of yoga will I learn to teach? This teacher training program is a modern version of Hatha Yoga influenced by Ashtanga, Vinyasa, and Iyengar lineages. The focus with the asana is on intentional, safe, mindful movement, mobility, and sustainability rather than aesthetics (the way a pose looks). The eight limbs of Patanjali and the subtle body are also explored in detail. Our goal is to prepare our graduates to teach yoga to the students in front of them. We want you to be versatile in some of the commonly found styles of yoga in our area. This provides you the opportunity to be more available to studios/gyms/corporate clients whether teaching a class on a permanent basis or subbing for someone else. Students will learn to safely sequence physical poses (asana) together with pranayama (breathing techniques), learning how to use props, offering variations, and finding your voice. You will learn to teach Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutations) and feel comfortable sequencing and teaching flow (vinyasa) and non-flow type classes. We will practice & discuss levels of Hatha/Vinyasa classes and what makes a class gentle, basic, intermediate, or advanced. We will also spend time practicing & discussing the following specialized styles so you will feel comfortable teaching: Yin Yoga, Restorative Yoga, and Chair Yoga. Some of the classes our 200-Hour graduates are currently teaching are called: Vinyasa, Yin, Vin-Yin, Restorative, Yoga Basics, Gentle Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Yoga for Beginners, Power Flow, Slow Flow, and Pranayama.
Are you a Yoga Alliance School? Yes - we are an RYS-200 in good standing with the Yoga Alliance. Upon graduation, you will be able to register with the Yoga Alliance.
What happens if I miss a weekend of training? To receive your certificate of completion you must attend 100% of the classes to comply with the Yoga Alliance requirements. There are no pre-arranged make-ups. However, we know life happens. In the case of contagious illness or other situations requiring absence at the last minute, arrangements will then be made to complete the missed amount of classroom time with additional cost to the student for time with the trainer(s) OR this classroom time can be made up in the next session of a GTY 200-hour program at no additional charge (which will postpone the receipt of the certificate). In addition to make-up classroom time, additional required homework to complete the course in the case of a last-minute absence may include: extra projects, papers, video reports, sequences, and/or extra studio classes. The certificate of graduation will not be presented until all make-up work and time is completed and submitted.
Are books and other materials included in the price of tuition? Your student manual is included in the price of your 200-hr training. Other required texts must be bought separately (you will receive a list upon application and acceptance into the program). You will also receive free classes at Giving Tree Yoga for the duration of your training. You should have your own good quality yoga mat for training, but other studio props can be used, or you can purchase and bring your own props (blocks, strap, blanket, bolster).
Are there tests? Yes! There are both written and oral tests to insure that you have a good understanding of the material presented and can apply this understanding. You will have plenty of notice of any tests. These will cover anatomy, yoga terms, and philosophy. Oral tests will be teaching others yoga poses and sequences.
How much time is required for homework and other outside activities? Expect to spend about 40-50 hours studying for tests and working on individual/group assignments. In addition, you are encouraged to develop a home yoga practice, pranayama, and meditation (30 minutes to an hour as many days per week as possible), and you will be required to take 15 classes in the studio (included in your tuition). Developing a home yoga practice is extremely important if you become a teacher. This training is a commitment.
Do I need to know anatomy? There is no advanced knowledge of anatomy required. We will delve deep into anatomy as it relates to yoga postures and to kinesiology (the study of human movement). You will amazed at how much you will learn over 5-6 months.
Will I be able to teach when I graduate? Yes! By successfully completing all of the requirements for this program, you will receive a certificate of completion at the 200-Hour Level. You may also register with the Yoga Alliance as a RYT-200, which is the minimum amount many studios, gyms, and others look for when hiring yoga teachers. Many of our yoga teacher training graduates are currently teaching yoga, more than half and all who have actively pursued teaching. Some started teaching within a few weeks of graduation. Our goal is for you to find your voice and to help you understand how to sequence yoga classes so that you will feel comfortable teaching right away. We will also share resources to become a lifelong student of teaching yoga. Continuing education is an extremely important part of teaching.
What if I don’t want to teach? Can I still take the training? Absolutely. One of our favorite quotes is, "When one teaches, two learn." So even if you don't want to teach yoga to others after graduation, you will teach during teacher training - it's the best way to learn a topic. This training is about learning to teach, but it's also about discovering who you are and going deeper into the eight limbs of yoga. It's about learning how you relate to yourself and to the world around you. "Finding your voice" is more than just teaching - it's about giving yourself permission to speak and be heard.
How proficient do I have to be in yoga to do the training? To benefit the most from our 200-hr Teacher Training Program we recommend a familiarity and foundation in basic yoga postures. Therefore, we suggest that applicants have at least six months of practice with an experienced, certified (E-RYT) yoga teacher. Reminder: an advanced yoga practitioner is not necessarily someone who can move deeply into advanced postures or stand on their hands. An advanced practitioner is someone who comes to their mat with a willingness to learn and a compassion for their own body.
If you have a question that is not answered above, please contact us at karina@givingtreeyogasmyrna.com