Curriculum

Asana

• Historical context

• Specific Poses

• Complete sequencing  with asana, pranayama and meditation

• Anatomical and alignment principles plus contraindications

Pranayama & Subtle Body

• Historical context

• Effects of pranayama on anatomy and subtle body

• Complete sequencing of pranayama safely, including alternatives and adaptations; Dirgha, Ujjayi, Nadi Shodhana, Kapalabhati, among others

• Koshas, Kleshas, Chakras and Nadis

Meditation

• Meditation methods and key terms

• Chanting, mantras, and mudras

Anatomy

• The skeletal system, including: major bones, types of joints, major muscles involved in asana and types of muscle contractions

Physiology

• Nervous system, including: ‘fight, flight, freeze’ stress response, vagal theory and overall mind-body connection

• Cardiovascular/circulatory, endocrine, digestive systems as they relate to yoga practice

• Respiratory system, incl. muscles that affect breathing, involuntary vs voluntary breath, how air enters and leaves body

Biomechanics

• Joint stabilization

• Types of joint movements

• Safe movement as it pertains to balancing, stretching, awareness, and physical limitations

• Contraindications, misalignments, adaptations

History

• The term Yoga from a Tantric perspective

• Lineage, style, and methodology

• Dates and key ideas such as the Vedas, Vedanta, Hatha, Colonial, Modern 

Philosophy

• Definition of Yoga and key terms

• Complex relationship between asana, pranayama, meditation

• Yogic texts, the Ramayana, Yoga Sutras, Bhagavad Gita

• How philosophy relates to practice

Ethics

• Yoga Sutras

• Patanjali's 8 Limb Path

• The Yamas and Niyamas

• Equity in yoga

Teaching Methodology

• Safe and effective sequencing

• Class management and pace

• Environment Cueing (verbal,visual, physical) and different learning styles

Professional Development

• Yoga-related professional organizations, including the Yoga Alliance credentialing process

• Ethical Commitment, including Scope of Practice, Code of Conduct and Equity Position Statement

• Opportunities for lifelong learning and continuing education

• Marketing and promoting a yoga business

• Other professional considerations such as liability insurance, waivers, invoicing

Practicum (Practice Teaching)

• Knowledge, skills, experience across 12 key competencies

• Mentorship and feedback