To inquire about an upcoming Yoga Teacher Training, or for general Teacher Training questions, please email our head of Teacher Training, Margot Stokreef: [email protected]
Since opening our doors in 1997, our focus has been to inspire and encourage students toward a lifelong practice that is sustainable, enjoyable, and representative of a holistic yoga experience. Our inclusive 200-hour Fundamentals of Vinyasa Yoga allows you to deepen your practice and take the first steps in becoming a yoga instructor.
- Learn how to cultivate and sustain a holistic practice, which includes: meditation, philosophy, pranayama, anatomy, and asana.
- Understand the key components of asana, including the benefits and effects of the postures, anatomy and subtle anatomy, and how to find the poses in various bodies.
- Begin the process of reading bodies and the practical skills to teach a one-hour flow class.
- Study and discuss yogic philosophy and the ethical considerations of the practice.
- Study yoga history, philosophy, and tradition and understand how to apply them.
- Apply ethical practices to promote equity in yoga and access for all bodies.
- Develop an understanding of functional and gross anatomy and how it integrates with movement.
- Develop a basic understanding of restorative yoga and meditation.
- Practice teach to your group; give and receive constructive feedback.
Fundamentals of Vinyasa Yoga Program Components:
Techniques, Training and Practice
- Focus on classical yoga asanas and sun salutations to develop a relationship to both the form and the function of the poses.
- Experience alignment, effects, and common foundations of poses in your own body.
- Begin to teach, sequence and combine asanas to develop a well-balanced Vinyasa flow class.
- Practice providing asana variations for different bodies.
- Develop a discerning eye for injuries, benefits of poses, contraindications, and healthy movement patterns.
Anatomy and Physiology
- Develop a foundational understanding of physical anatomy and how it applies to movement.
- Understand the skeletal body, including bones, the types of joints, and the major muscles involved in asana.
- Explore subtle anatomy of the different energy systems in the body, such as cakras, nadis, koshas, etc.
- Understand the body’s mechanisms and how they relate to asanas
- Understand the nervous system, stress responses, and the overall mind-body connection.
Yoga Philosophy, Lifestyle and Ethics for Yoga Teachers
- Study the foundational philosophy texts: Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.
- Approach yoga as a lifestyle, incorporating Ayurveda and the principles of yama and niyama off the mat.
- Study chants & mantras and their place in a yoga practice.
- Understand yoga history and tradition, including key teachings and figures.
- Develop a framework for boundaries and implement trauma-sensitivity in teacher-student relationships.
- Apply ethical practices to promote equity in yoga.
- Study the various identities and social factors that can influence how a person experiences a movement practice.
- Learn how to create diversity and inclusion in wellness spaces and your personal practice or classes.
Professional Skills
- Understand the business of yoga, including: insurance, accreditation, fair pay rates, taxes and expenses, and self-advocacy.
- Understand community-building and self-promotion as a teacher.
- Develop a toolkit to teach online and in-person classes.
- Present and plan a workshop applying your knowledge and exploring your personal interests or niche (see Homework and Assignments).
Restorative Yoga, Meditation and Pranayama
- Develop an understanding of restorative yoga practice and how it relates to the parasympathetic nervous system.
- Learn to use props to ease practitioners into restful, restorative poses.
- Understand multiple breath techniques and their applications.
- Understand key meditation techniques and lineage.
- Integrate meditation, pranayama, and restorative practices into your daily life.
Practice Teaching
- Practice teaching with peers, in pairs and groups.
- Give & receive constructive feedback.
- Structure classes based on themes and benefits.
- Learn accessibility cues, sequencing, and pacing.
- Understand the purpose of props (blocks, straps, chairs, and blankets) in vinyasa flow classes and how to instruct their use.
- Learn to address the specific needs of individuals and special populations to the degree possible in a group setting.
Personal Practice + Observation
- Attend a minimum of 40 classes in order to receive certification.
- Observe and assist a minimum of 5 classes in order to receive certification.
- Receive support from faculty to build a sustainable life-long practice.
Homework + Assignments
- Prepare to teach a one-hour flow class to graduate.
- Complete a group project including a written report of an assigned philosophy topic.
- Develop a workshop and present the workshop idea to your peers.
- Complete online anatomy training to receive certification.
- Submit a six-week pranayama journal and observations.
- Complete mini exams with a passing mark.
- Complete the final take-home exam with a passing mark.
2023 Schedules
Our program is held three times a year: Spring, Summer, and Fall. See confirmed dates below.
Spring 2023
The weekend format consists of Friday evenings, Saturdays and Sundays.
Fridays: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Saturdays: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sundays: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- February 24-26, 2023
- March 3-5, 2023
- March 17-19, 2023
- March 24-26, 2023
- March 31- April 2, 2023
- April 14-16, 2023
- April 21-23, 2023
- April 28-30, 2023
Weeks off: March 10-12 (March Break) and April 7-9 (Easter Weekend), 2023
Summer 2023 Intensive
This format will take place Mondays to Fridays from 9 AM to 5 PM, with a one-hour lunch break. No classes on the weekend.
August 8 to August 31, 2023
- August 8-11
- August 14-18
- August 21-25
- August 28-31
Fall 2023
The weekend format consists of Friday evenings, Saturdays and Sundays. Exact hours & full schedule will be announced.
- Oct 13-15
- Oct 20-22
- Oct 27-29
- Nov 10-12
- Nov 17-19
- Nov 24-26
- Dec 8-10
- Dec 15-17
Weeks off: Nov 3-5 and Dec 1-3, 2023
Tuition + Payment Plans
Tuition for the 200-hour program is $3,500 + HST or $3,000 + HST if paid in full at least one month prior to the start of the program.
Tuition includes required textbooks for the training.
A non-refundable deposit of $450 + HST is required to reserve your spot into the program.
The balance payment of $3,050 + HST can be broken into 2 to 4 monthly payment plans.
Yoga Teacher Training Scholarships
Downward Dog Yoga Centre recognizes and acknowledges there are communities that have been historically oppressed in our society. As such, these communities are underrepresented and have limited access to various institutions including the yoga and wellness industry.
We offer a fixed number of scholarships to members of these marginalized groups. If you identify as Black, Indigenous, a person of colour, 2SLGBTQ+IA, a senior and/or differently-abled, you may qualify for a 50 to 100% discount on our upcoming programs.
Our scholarships strive to promote representation in the yoga industry through equitable access to yoga teacher training. If you do not identify with one of these marginalized communities but could benefit from compassionate pricing, please also reach out.
To apply for a scholarship, please fill out this form: