200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training with Alex

Ong Namu Guru Dev

I honor the divine teacher which resides within all of us.

“Ong Namo” means to call on our highest consciousness to receive. “Guru” means teacher, literally one who brings us from darkness into light. “Dev” means subtle or divine.

Together, “Guru Dev Namo” calls on the divine teacher within to guide us.

Alex is so excited to be in discussion with the Yoga Alliance over her application to run a 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training in the summer of 2020! It looks like it will go ahead, just slightly later than planned!

Dates: July 25th - August 20th, 2020

Saturday - Thursday (Fridays off)

Times: 8:00am-4:00pm GST *plus 36 additional non-contact hours*

Cost: $1,999 -Early bird - if you sign up before Saturday, July 18th -

$2, 499 - Regular Price

8:00am-9:00am Group Asana Practice

9:15am-10:30am Humanities

10:30am-10:45am Break

10:45am-12:00pm Anatomy

12:00-12:30pm Lunch

12:30-2:00pm Professional Essentials

2:00-2:15pm Break

2:15-3:30pm Posture workshop & practice teaching

3:30-4:00pm Meditation & Closing

Are you interested? Read more below!

Earlybird (up until July 18) : $1999 USD

Regular: $2,499 USD

Nothing to book right now. Check back soon.

Humanities (30 Hours)

History

Philosophy

Our history module will cover a definition of the term yoga, a look into Sanskrit and an exploration of the following texts: The Vedas, The Upanishads, The Yoga Sutra, The Bhagavad Gita and The Hatha Yoga Pradipika. We will examine the primary focus and underlying principles of Bhakti, Jnana, Raja, Tantra and Hatha Yoga. By the end of the course, students will be able to identify how Hatha Yoga is distinguished from other branches and how Hatha Yoga, Tantra, and Raja Yoga are related. We will explain the causal forces that sparked the rise of Tantra and the primary philosophical underpinning of the philosophy.

We will define yoga as working all the eight limbs: yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana and samadhi. In our philosophy we view Asana, Pranayama and Meditation as all complimentary practices. They are integrated into every one of our classes, though a main chunk of our classes are physical asana practices. We will teach the philosophy upon which Patanjali's Yoga Sutras are based, and the way in which this philosophy is "dualistic." We will contrast Samkhya philosophy with Advaita Vedanta and Tantra and describe the conclusion of the latter philosophies regarding consciousness. We will define tantra and the purpose of tantric practices. We will familiarize participants with The Bhavad Gita.

Ethics and Equity

In our ethics and equity module, we will learn about navigating teacher-student relationships and abuse. We will understand the factors that impact equity and diversity in yoga, and become familiar with specific ways to mindfully and proactively address these factors. We will become competent in choosing words that inspire an inclusive and accepting environment. We will be aware of what cultural appropriation looks like, the historical context that explains the significance while honoring the roots of yoga and how to mindfully and ethically do so. We will learn about body positivity & larger bodies and be aware of perspectives and actions that can help support students in having a body positive experience.

Anatomy, Physiology and Biomechanics (30 Hours)

Anatomy

Physiology

In our anatomy module we will be introduced to the major bones of the skeletal system. We will learn about the anatomy of the spine, including each of the five regions, the spinal curves and the vertebrae. We will learn about the superficial, intermediate and deep back muscles, and discover what they do. We will learn the six spinal movements relevant to asana practice. We will cover postural issues related to the spine. We will cover the foundational anatomy of the core, including the function of the individual muscles and the core as a whole, and using abs as stabilizers. We will cover concentric, eccentric and isometric contraction of muscles. We will look at muscle pairs in agonist/antagonist movement. We will cover the range of motion in each joint. We will cover the planes of motion and the movements in each plane.

We will understand how the nervous system regulates certain body processes such as blood pressure and breathing rate and connects the brain and spinal cord with muscles and sensory receptors. We will look at the peripheral, somatic and autonomic systems and the various roles they play. We will explore how yoga reduces chronic stress, helping to reduce diseases. We will learn about aspects of the fight or flight response and explore how yoga counters the fight or flight response with the activation of the relaxation response. We will learn about the lungs as a main muscle of breathing and the diaphragm as a supporting muscle. Students will learn about how yoga benefits several systems of the body.

Biomechanics

In our biomechanics portion of the course, we will cover the joint movements, what range of motion is safe and why alignment is important in postures. We will discuss how the musculoskeletal tissue stabilizes joints and how a torn or overstretched ligament can lead to joint instability. We will discuss the main factors of injuries in yoga and the most common injuries and issues. We will discuss when it’s important to refer out to professionals if you don’t have the answers. We will name six signs that could indicate overstretching and explain stretching practices that do not improve flexibility. We will learn how muscles are not elastic, and why this is important. We will name two safe and effective ways to improve flexibility and explain how mindfulness and visualization contribute to effective stretching.

Teaching, Training and Practice (75 Hours

Teaching

Training

In this portion of the training, we will teach the four skills of strong teachers, the commitments we must make as educators, and the sequencing methods of our styles of teaching in vinyasa, yin and restorative yoga. We provide a segmented template for designing classes and teach general alignment principles. We will learn how to be trauma-informed teachers and our roles as facilitators of the sessions.

We will complete daily asana practices and meditations together as a teacher training group.

Practice

Additionally, students are required to participate in 36 hours of practice outside of the yoga teacher training, doing other MLPC classes.

Professional Essentials (50 Hours)

Professional Development

Practicum

We have a professional development module which includes reaching your teaching potential: foundations, fundamentals, strategies and tactics, building your business and revenue streams and marketing. We in-depth study the ethics of yoga teaching in our ethics module, in this module we will take a look at our code of conduct for teachers and in depth discuss why it is relevant. We will recommend several provider links for insurance and go over why it is important to have teaching insurance. We will provide our teachers with a sample liability waiver to share with their students. We will teach fundamental skills of sequencing, pacing, and planning yoga classes, integrating all the tools at hand.

We believe that the only way to learn how to teach is to teach! After learning each category of yoga poses in depth, we will have a practicum teaching opportunity.

Standing Poses

Surya Namaskar

Balancing

Backbending

Core Strengthening

Twisting

At the end of the training, students will have a week of practice teaching in the styles of vinyasa, yin and restorative. They will receive feedback from their peers and Lead Trainers.

After completing the 200 Hour Training, successful candidates will be invited to participate in an 8 week teaching internship with the MLPC. Once they have completed the internship and on mutual agreement from the Lead Trainer that they are ready, there will be teaching positions available with the MLPC.

Assessment

You will be assessed in a variety of ways, including written essays, one written examination, and practicum evaluations. The course will not be completed until you have submitted all assessments.

sober yoga girl

alexandra mcrobert