Teacher Training FAQ
Do you have questions about Yahweh Yoga’s Christ-centered teacher training? We have compiled the most frequently asked questions in this document. If you have other questions, please contact Courtney.
Why would someone want to practice Christ-centered yoga instead of “secular” yoga?
Most Americans and many others worldwide, were raised in Christ-centered homes. As such, some of the more new-age practices, such as chanting, encountered in many of today’s yoga classes and teacher trainings may not be as comfortable for people with a Christian heritage and heart.
We choose to practice yoga in a Christ-centered environment because we believe that this allows us to center with Christ while strengthening our minds and bodies, with which He has blessed us.
Yoga Alliance, the recognized accrediting body worldwide for yoga professionals, embraces diverse viewpoints in the yoga world. Their mission statement is “Integrity, Diversity, Community”. We are proud to provide a place for people to learn about the benefits of teaching yoga in an environment that glorifies our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Is yoga a form of religion? As a Christian, I am uncomfortable with the idea of new-age practices.
Yoga is not a religion. It is a methodology for health, not a theology. Yoga can be practiced by people of all religions and those who are non-religions as well.
For more information on spiritual issues, please read our Spiritual Director Jenni Zach’s blog. In it, she answers many commonly asked questions about Christian spirituality and yoga.
Do you have to be really experienced at yoga? I’m a beginner but interested in teacher training.
The answer is you can take our teacher training with no yoga experience (and many have) because by the time you complete this 250-hour course, you will likely have more yoga mastery than you ever thought possible.
The beauty of yoga as a health practice is that regardless of your age, ability level, or fitness level, there is a class appropriate for you to teach, whether it be Rest and Restore, Gentle Journey, Flow, or Power Yoga.
What credentials will I have upon graduation?
Upon graduation, you will be able to register as a Registered Yoga Teacher [RYT] with Yoga Alliance, the accrediting body for yoga professionals. The RYT certification is the defining designation worldwide that a yoga teacher is a well-trained professional. You will also gain a Certificate for the Christian component to our training that identifies you as a specialized Christian Yoga teacher.
Why does the Yahweh Yoga program consist of 250 hours of training? I read on the Yoga Alliance Website that you can receive an RYT with only 200 hours.
We insist on 250 hours of training because we believe that you need this much training to be truly proficient in teaching Christian yoga.When you complete the Yahweh Yoga program, we believe you will have received the gold standard in yoga education. You will have training in all aspects of teaching yoga from learning the basic postures, to verbal cueing, alignment, modifying poses for those with limitations, nourishing your bodies with healthy thoughts and food to seldom taught topics like how to center your class around a specific scriptural and musical theme. Your success as a teacher is our complete focus and goal.
What is the time commitment for the 250 hour course?
We understand that like most people, you have a busy life with multiple demands on your time. To serve your needs, we structured this course so that you can undertake premium yoga teacher training and still meet your current obligations:
Online Portion
The first part of the Yahweh Yoga teacher training program is the online class work. This segment of the course lasts 70 days and requires approximately one hour of study per day.
Our online coursework is asynchronous. This means that you are free to logon each day/week whenever you like. There are 8 Modules to the online portion, your only requirements are to complete each module by the given deadline, which are spaced roughly 10 to 12 days apart.
Face-to-Face Portion
Our accrediting body, Yoga Alliance, requires that you have 180-contact hours with qualified teachers in order earn the RYT designation.To minimize the amount of time you need to spend away from home, we have designed an intensive 15-day program. Yes, this means 12-hour days. (7 am to 7 pm)-but don’t worry. We have carefully structured your hands-on classroom experience to be both challenging and do-able. For example, we follow active yoga instruction with non-physical academics such as healthy living, anatomy, and Christian philosophy.
Yoga practice
During the online portion of your course, you are required to practice yoga four times per week with Yahweh Yoga DVDs (in addition to your class work). When you come here for the face-to-face classes, you will be practicing yoga every day.To graduate you also are required to take 10 observation yoga classes with different teachers. These classes may be live or from selected DVDs and taught by CYT, E-RYTs or RYTs. These may be scheduled any time during the 70 day online class segment.We will provide a suggested list of DVDs some of which may be available at your local library or online for download.
What is it like to take an online class? I’m not very computer-oriented.
Relax - our online learning can be mastered by anyone, even someone with minimal computer experience. When we developed our curriculum, we hired Educational Technology PhD candidates from Arizona State University to make sure that our online classroom environment was inviting and accessible by people of all levels of technological expertise. You do need high-speed Internet access.
Before you ever begin your coursework, you will take part in an online environment orientation. During this time, you will get to experience the features of the online classroom as well as meet your fellow classmates and teachers. We have found that the fellowship that begins with the online portion creates real and enduring friendships that are deepened while in Arizona and last for a lifetime.
How rigorous is the testing process? I get nervous taking tests.
We want to create quality Christian yoga teachers so we made sure that our testing process assesses your progress and provides feedback on where you may need more work. You can take our tests as many times as you need to master the concepts. Our goal is to help you learn and become the best yoga teacher you can be.
What material is covered in the curriculum?
Yahweh Yoga teacher training is designed to be the gold standard of yoga training that develops yoga teaching expertise while enhancing your spiritual, emotional, and physical health.
Our online curriculum is divided into eight sequential modules. Our face-to-face training covers advanced topics in these learning areas.
Online Curriculum
Orientation
- Become acquainted with the online learning environment
- Meet the other members of this learning community
- Set up your profile
Christian yoga philosophy
- Ethics
- Spiritual Basics
- World Views
- What is Christian Yoga?
- Pranayama & Meditation
Eating and healthy living
- Spiritual health
- Emotional health
- Physical health
Marketing Christian yoga
- Ministering with Christian yoga
- Financial considerations
- Spiritual and financial goal setting
- LLC business structure
- Developing your brand
Yoga industry
- Yoga Alliance overview
- Yamas and niyamas and their relationship to Scripture
- Chakras
- Yoga master teachers
- Types of yoga
Anatomy and physiology
- Medial, Distal, Posterior, Flexion, and Skeletal system functions
- Coronal, Sagittal, and Transverse movement plane functions
- Femur, Humerus, Fibula, and Tibia skeletal attachment structures
- Knee, Hip, Shoulder, and Spine/lumbar joint structures
- Rotator cuff muscle postures, movement, and location
- Ligament functions
- Cervical, Thorasic, Lumbar, and Sacral spinal structures
- Psoas, Quadriceps, and Hamstring muscular and adjacent bone and joint structures
- Scoliosis, Arch problems in the feet, and Sciatica characteristics
Alignment and postures
- Posture benefits
- Posture misalignments
- Posture contraindications
- Yoga therapy resources
- Anusara alignment: principles, actions, and focal points
Teaching methodology
- Class planning
- Lesson plan creation
- Musical cueing
- Using your voice
Face-to-Face Curriculum
When you come to Arizona for your live classroom experience, you will receive 180 contact hours of training as specified by Yoga alliance standards:
- Techniques Training/Practice
- Analytical training in how to teach and practice the techniques
- Guided practice of techniques themselves
- Teaching methodology
- Demonstration
- Observation
- Assisting/correcting
- Instruction
- Teaching styles
- Qualities of a teacher
- The student’s process of learning
- Business aspects of teaching yoga
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Physical anatomy and physiology
- Energy anatomy and physiology
- Application of principles to yoga practice
- Yoga Philosophy/ Lifestyle and ethics for Yoga teachers
- Yoga philosophies
- Yoga lifestyle, and ethics for yoga teachers
- Practicum
- Teaching
- Receiving feedback
- Observing others teaching and hearing/giving feedback
- Assisting students while someone else is teaching
What does the program cost?
The Yahweh Yoga RYT program costs $3,200. Lunch and dinner every day of your training are included in this price. If you choose to stay at the Hawthorn Suites, breakfast will be included in your room fee.Your tuition does NOT include travel or hotel accommodations.
Do you have payment plans for tuition?
Yes we do! Our standard payment plan is ½ down at registration with the balance due prior to the beginning of the Arizona 180-Hour Hands on Portion. Other financing terms are available. Please contact Courtney at (480) 753-HOLY (4659) to discuss your individual circumstances. We work with each person individually.
Where will I eat?
Worldwide, yoga is a health-oriented lifestyle. So that you can experience this healthy way of eating for yourself, every class day features a fully catered healthy lunch and dinner from Whole Foods, with plenty of vegetarian options if you so choose. You will be nourished physically, mentally, and spiritually throughout the course. If you plan to stay at the Hawthorn Suites, you will receive a free breakfast each day.
Where will I stay?
We recommend the Hawthorn Suites:
5858 W Chandler Blvd, Chandler, AZ 85226
(480) 705-8881
The Hawthorn Suites are located within walking distance of the studio and stores and feature a complementary breakfast buffet.
Room rates are $89.00 per night for single suite with kitchen and living room. OR share a room with a roommate for $69.00 each. You will both have a bedroom and bath of your own and share the kitchen and living room.
You should be able to find a roommate by the second or third week of the online class module By this time, you will know your classmates well and will have a good idea with whom you would enjoy sharing a room. At reservation, please inform the reservation desk if you have a roommate.
Amenities: Handicapped Rooms/Facilities, AM/FM Alarm Clock, Pool, Jacuzzi, Television (in each bedroom and living room) with Cable, 24 Hour Front Desk, Laundry/Valet Services, Coffee Maker in Room, Modem Lines in Room, Fitness Center or Spa, City Center, Meeting/Banquet Facilities, Free Parking, Fitness Room, Free Newspaper.
Please see the hotel website for more details.
Do I need to rent a car?
You will not need a car if you stay at the Hawthorn Suites (5858 W Chandler Blvd. in Chandler, AZ 85226; (480) 705-8881). This hotel is walking distance from the Yahweh Yoga studio and from convenient shopping areas.
To obtain transportation to and from the airport, you may use SuperShuttle for about $25.
or
You may take a taxi. That runs approximately $35.00 and they will wait outside of the baggage area waiting for you. We recommend 1-800 Taxicab (1-800-829-4222)
What should I wear?
When you come to Arizona for your 180 contact hours, you will practically live in yoga clothes! Make sure you bring modest yoga garments that fully cover you when you bend over. No shorts or bra tops are allowed.
We carry several fashionable and comfortable styles of modest yoga clothing if you wish to purchase garments from us. Please contact Courtney for details.
Are there support services for me after I graduate?
Yes! The relationships you form during your teacher training will form the beginnings of your professional network as a yoga teacher. To enhance this community, we are developing an alumni network forum where Yahweh Yoga teacher training graduates can share ideas and fellowship. We are also designing a line of marketing and class planning materials to help you start and grow your new career.
